With the summer on the way in the northern hemisphere, it’s going to get pretty hot at many campgrounds across the world. If you’re not used to the heat you need to make sure you’re well prepared for it.
However, the temperatures are just one thing you need to consider as there are several more things you need to be aware of.
You’ll find most semi-tropical and tropical areas are quite hot. In America, this includes Southern Texas, Florida, the deep south, and the Gulf Coast regions in the summers.
The temperatures can often get to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and higher and some areas can still hit the 90’s at night time. And don’t forget, these are just the temperatures, things feel a lot warmer when you take the humidity into account.
When camping in hot areas, try to do all your physical activities and work early in the morning and/or after the sun goes down.
Try and relax during the day by swimming or doing non-strenuous activities. But whatever you decide to do, make sure you drink plenty of water to stay properly hydrated.
Drink water before, during, and after any physical activities you partake in.
Learn about heat stroke and what the symptoms of it are. In addition, make sure you protect your skin with a waterproof sunscreen and your eyes and head with sunglasses and a hat.
Everybody likes to get a sun tan, but too much exposure to the sun is dangerous and you can easily become burned. Remember, the sun’s rays can also burn through the clouds because of the strong ultraviolet rays.
You might also run into a different set of wildlife and insects when camping and hiking in hot climates. It’s possible that mosquitoes could carry the West Nile Virus, particularly in swampy and wooded areas.
You’ll also find that fire ants like the heat as do some types of snakes and spiders. It’s a good idea to do a bit of research on the area you’ll be camping in to see what creatures could be around.
Make sure you look for pests, such as snakes, before setting up your camp. Use insect repellents and repellent candles at your site and make sure your sleeping quarters are secure from unwanted guests.
You also need to take along food that won’t spoil in warmer climates. Make sure you have enough coolers for foods that need to be refrigerated. If you don’t, the food could spoil and you may end up with food poisoning.
Going into the water is a common activity for campers in hot climates. This is a fine idea, but make sure that you have the proper safety and flotation devices that are needed to enjoy these activities.
Also, when in the water, watch out for sudden electrical storms as they can come out of nowhere in semi-tropical and tropical areas. If a storm hits, get out of the water immediately and seek proper shelter, indoors if possible.
You can have a fantastic time while camping in hot climates, but it can also turn into a nightmare if you’re not careful and prepared. Make sure you cover all of the bases when going on a camping trip in hot areas and you shouldn’t have much of a problem.
If you do suffer from sunburns, food poisoning, or insect/animal bites, make sure you seek the proper medical attention when you get home. Also, if you forget anything on your camping trip, it’s often a good idea to stop off at a shop to load up on important supplies. It’s always better to be safer than sorry.
