California continues to be a favorite among camping and outdoor enthusiasts, as you really have no shortage of camping spots to choose from all year round.
In the summer, however, families and groups of friends come in droves, trooping to the more popular campsites to get a taste of the great outdoors.
The hot and sticky weather in California does have its own share of hassles and hazards, however. So here are nine things to keep in mind for when you start planning your camping trip out here in the glorious Golden State.
Make sure you have the right trailer for your trip
Let’s get down to it: you’ll want a trailer that has an air-conditioner. You’ll at least want the peace of mind knowing you can break out the A/C when it gets too hot, rather than sweating it out the entire time just because you want to save a few extra bucks.
Aside from the A/C option, you want to make sure your trailer has a fridge at least to keep your drinks cool, and a ready shower so you can freshen up anytime you want.
Also: you want a trailer that has ample space for everyone on board. It’s gonna be hot enough out there; so no need to exacerbate things by packing everyone up (and all the gear and supplies) like sardines!
Choose a campsite that has enough water
As much as possible, opt for a campsite that provides drinking water so you don’t deplete your own storage right away.
Staying hydrated in the warm weather is a serious enough concern, so maybe this time around, just make sure you have enough water for when you really need it.
Choose a site with a river or lake close by
Of course you’d want to do some water activities! Kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and boating are all fun things to do in the summer but having a lake or a river nearby also allows you to take a quick refreshing dip every so often.
Plus, you can even cool your drinks using a well-placed net so you won’t have to be so dependent on your cooler or refrigerator the entire time.
Use summer-friendly tents
If you fancy setting up your own tents, make sure you pitch them up away from direct sunlight, or at least with some shade. Some tents even have reflective material that prevents unnecessary heat buildup within, keeping things relatively cooler for you.
You can even set up extra shade for your tents or your gear if you need to. (And maybe you should!)
Plan your activities well
Schedule your daily itinerary so you avoid the hottest of the hot summer sun, which is around 10 to 11 AM to around 3 PM to 4 PM.
At least avoid the heaviest of activities like running, or cross-country hiking, or mountaineering so you don’t run the increased risk of heat stroke or exhaustion due to profuse sweating or overexertion.
Maximize the use of your generator
Having a generator sure is handy, as it allows you to power up some of your much-needed creature comforts, like the A/C, for example, or lights.
So pick out a campsite that has full hookups (or at least electricity) so you don’t need to use up all your generator’s propane. This way, you can break out your generator for when you really need it or when there’s an emergency.
Also: remember that many campsites don’t allow you to use the generator after quiet time (which is around 9PM to 10PM). Running the generator at higher altitudes (7000 ft. above) is also not recommended,
Bring summer-friendly clothes
You’ll want a mix of short clothing for most of the time you’re out camping, but you also want some long-sleeved dri-fit shirts and longer pants, for example, when you’re out hiking or fishing.
Don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat and a decent pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Wear sunscreen
You know what’s not cool? Sunburns. Even worse? Skin cancer. So break out the sunscreen and apply generously when you know you’ll be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Reapply every two hours or so, or even more if you’re sweating a lot or mostly out in the water.
Pack a first aid kit
In the unlikely event of an accident or a heat-related emergency, you know you have the situation covered with a variety of ice packs, cooling pads, and even some Gatorade to help replenish electrolytes right away.
Don’t forget to anticipate other common summer ailments like insect bites, exhaustion, sunburn, falls, or even rashes from poisonous plants.
Conclusion
Adventure in Camping endeavors to make the summer camping experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Whether they’re outdoor enthusiasts, or families taking the kids out camping for the first time, it is our goal to make camping as worry-free and as pleasant as possible so everyone has a great time making fun summer memories together.
These are just some of the tips we’ve put together in our many years of experience providing quality camping trailers for visitors who want a taste of the great outdoors out here in the Sierras.
Come check out our available units on our website, and go through our trailer models for rates, floor plan details, photos, and more information.