Texas summers are known for their brutal temperatures. It’s rare for it to stay below 90 degrees on a daily basis and rain is scarcely seen. If you’re thinking of hitting the trails for a camping trip this summer, you should definitely prepare yourself for the intense summer heat and unpredictable Texas weather. While it may be perfectly clear and sunny one day, the next day may bring storms and heavy rain. Even if you thoroughly check the weather every day, it is best to be ready for any type of climate.
Familiarize yourself with these useful tips to ensure a fun and safe camping trip:
- Make sure you have access to plenty of water—Although this may seem obvious, it is easy to misjudge the amount of water that is actually needed for a group of people over an extended period of time. The usual, recommended eight glasses a day may not be enough due to sweat-loss from outside activities and the scorching sun. It is extremely important to stay hydrated, especially in the heat. Before reaching your camping destination, make sure to be aware of the locations of several drinkable water supplies.
- Set up camp in the shade— If you’re going to be out and about adventuring all day long, it is imperative that you have a shady refuge to escape to at the end of the day. Setting your tent or RV up in a cool, shady place will provide you with a relaxing, downtime area and will keep your temporary home from getting overly hot and stuffy. If natural cover isn’t readily available, be sure to bring a tarp or blanket to block from the majority of the sun’s rays.
- Bring clothes for any type of weather—Texas weather is known to change abruptly and without warning. Even if the forecast says clear skies all week, you may want to bring your raincoats and other waterproof apparel just in case. A light jacket may also be wise for those cooler summer nights. During the day, sunscreen, sunglasses, and light, breathable fabric is the best option. You don’t want to wear heavy clothing, yet it is important to protect your skin from the sun.
- Get any campsite chores done early—If you’re going to be chopping your own wood, cooking your own food, and performing various other camping chores, it is best to get them done before the heat of the day is in full swing. Cooking over a hot fire while the sun is beating down can be extremely uncomfortable. The summer heat is the least intense between the hours of 4AM and 8AM. Although this is early, your chores will be made much easier when done in the cool, morning air rather than the stifling afternoon heat.
Camping is a fun and exciting pastime but it is important to always be prepared for dangerous situations such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and unexpected weather changes. As long as you are aware of how to handle or prevent these unfortunate occurrences, your summer camping trip is sure to be a great success!
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