Summer is here, and many of us are going camping with hopes of finding cooler temperatures. This summer is different, though. Temperatures are abnormally hot across the country, running up to 30 and 40 degrees above average in some cases. Western states are experiencing record high temperatures, and with July and August on the horizon, it’s only expected to get hotter.

Blazing temperatures can put a damper on our outdoor plans, so what is a camper to do? If you’re like us, you’ll take any opportunity to get outside, read on for a few tips to prepare for and beat the excessive summer heat.

Take Care of You and Yours

Before you head out, check weather predictions to determine expected temperatures for your travel route and destination. If excessive heat is expected, travel in the early hours of the morning or after dark to avoid overheating or breakdowns.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Try to find camping near a body of water – on the coast, beside a lake, or near a river. Don’t count on the usual places if you are heading to the drought-stricken West. Taking a plunge is the best way to stave off the heat. If you can’t get near the water, consider taking along an inflatable pool or other portable vessels that can be used for cooling plunges.

Park your RV or pitch your tent in the shade, making temperatures feel 10 to 15 degrees cooler. When setting up camp, observe the direction of the wind and position your tent or rig in the appropriate direction to take advantage of nature’s air conditioning.

Be sure to have plenty of potable water on hand and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Then, hydrate some more. A well-watered body will function in the heat much better than a dehydrated one.

Have you ever seen Olympic runners ice their necks or wrists? They do it because chilling pulse points is one of the quickest ways to cool down. Apply ice or cool compresses to your neck, backs of your knees, and the inside of your wrists to cool down fast.

Or try the bandana trick (we learned from an ultra-runner): tie a bandanna (or long tube sock) filled with ice cubes around your neck. It will drip icy water and can keep you cool in extreme temps.

Be careful not to over-exert. Even water sports can be seriously dehydrating and potentially dangerous in extreme temperatures. Being in the water makes it easy to forget about sun exposure and dehydration. Monitor yourself and others closely for signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion and take appropriate action.

Slather on sunscreen because nothing is worse than being dehydrated except for being charred. If it’s really hot, get naked and crawl under a wet sheet. Finally, pack a quality first aid kit so you are prepared for non-heat-related emergencies. MyMedic offers high-quality kits for just about every price range.

Play it Safe

Outdoor adventurists aren’t usually known for playing it completely safe, but this year’s conditions make it essential to exercise more caution than ever. Severe drought stokes wildfires and leaves lakebeds and reservoirs low or dry, leaving little to no water for firefighting or recreation. In addition, first responders are scarce because most are already fighting fires.

Use extreme caution and adhere to all fire restrictions with diligence (you don’t want to be the person who started that fire). Don’t park in dry grassy areas and use propane stoves and firepits if permitted. If you’re tempted to enjoy fireworks – fuh-get-about-it! Just don’t!

Don’t Forget About Your Pets!

Imagine standing in the blazing hot sunshine, and then imagine doing it in a fur coat. Of course, if you are hot, your pet is hotter. Pets are highly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and injuries, so educate yourself to recognize the signs of heat stress in your fuzzy friend. Then, cool them down with a plunge in the water, wetting their fur and providing lots of fresh drinking water.

Indulge your pet with some paw booties to wear on hot sand, trails, and pavement. If it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for their paws – burned pads can make your pet miserable, fester infections and create other problems.

Pets get tired in the heat, too, so keep your fuzzy friend water safe with a pet life jacket and never, ever, ever, leave your pet in the car – not for one minute!

A little bit of advanced planning can go a long way to ensure safety and comfort during exceptional summer camping conditions. Be educated and be aware, and most of all, be safe for the sake of yourself and others. Safe camping is fun camping, and it is possible with planning and preparation, even in sweltering temperatures.

Stay cool!