Can’t sleep while camping? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! While snoozing under the stars sounds romantic, it’s not always that easy for everyone. Sometimes the silence of the wild can be unsettling. Or, the sounds of a busy campground can be annoying! Not to mention trying to get comfortable on an uneven surface, in a hot and stuffy tent.
Don’t let the fear of a poor night’s sleep keep you from doing the things you love, like camping! We’ll teach you all the best ways to create the perfect sleeping environment. From the right tent to a bedtime routine, and extra tips and tricks.
Restful Camping Sleep Tips
Getting good sleep at camp isn’t one size fits all. You’ll need to identify exactly what’s bothering you or keeping you from getting your R.E.M. Is it uneven surfaces? Or noisy campgrounds? We’ll help you learn how to select a campsite, make a perfect sleeping setup, and everything in between. Before you know it, you’ll be drifting off to dreamland!
Find the Perfect Camping Spot
If sleeping while camping is a challenge for you, then be strategic during the planning process. Choose a campsite that’s a little more secluded and quiet. You don’t want to have a street lamp shining through your tent when you’re trying to sleep, or noisy neighbors next door!
Once you’ve selected your campsite, orient your tent on the flattest area possible. Nothing is worse than realizing too late that you’re sleeping on a slant. Ensure the area is flat and even. If necessary, brush away loose debris to help create a flatter spot.
If privacy is of concern, orient your tent so that the door is facing away from other neighbors. That way, you’re a little more comfortable getting in and out of your tent at night and first thing in the morning.
Ambiance: Creating a Cozy Vibe
Set the sleepy tone in your camping tent. With some warm-toned lights, lanterns, and string lights. Around sunset, start dimming your lights! Allow your eyes to gradually adjust to the darkness. Even light a few citronella candles!
Heat up a pot of water on your tent stove and make a cup of tea to help you unwind. Let the warmth from the stove fill the tent and prep the space for a cozy night. If you bring a speaker, play some chill, relaxing music. Set the ambiance! When you come in from the campfire, you’re ready to get cozy and snuggle up for the night.
Winding Down: Screens Off, Relaxation Techniques, and More
In the outdoors, it’s likely that you’ve already unplugged. Maybe you already have a no-phones rule when camping. But we can all be tempted by those little glowing screens we bring everywhere! Even with poor cell service, it can be tempting to scroll through your camera roll after a day of exploring. Or, if you’re a remote worker, it can be tempting to use that personal hotspot and get a little extra work in before bed.
But the real key these days to getting deep rest is turning off and staying off the screens. Blue light is very stimulating. So interact with your phone for the last time at least an hour before you plan to go to bed. This will take the strain off your eyes and your mind.
Step Up Your Sleeping Setup
Let’s start with the essentials. Building your sleep setup is the foundation for ultimate rest. Let’s figure out what kind of tent and platform you need. From there, we’ll discuss sleeping bags, pillows, accessories, and more. These are the key ingredients to hitting those R.E.M cycles and recharging for adventures.
Choosing the Right Tent
Your camping tent should be dark, warm, and breathable at night. A canvas wall tent is perfect for all of the above! Canvas is a naturally insulating, yet breathable material. It traps the heat, keeping you warm and cozy all night. But it’s still able to filter air through. You won’t need to worry about feeling stuffy as you fall asleep and wake up. With heavy-duty window covers, your tent will remain dark and peaceful. Privacy mesh on all the windows is definitely something to look for as well. With it, campers can crack a window at night for fresh air, while still keeping privacy and darkness.
A spacious wall tent allows lots of room to get set up just right. With ample headroom, sleepy campers can stretch to their heart’s content. Floor space means there are endless options for sleeping arrangements. You can really customize your space! A technically enhanced canvas wall tent is seriously the perfect sleeping environment.
Don’t Forget a Sleeping Pad
We all wish it were as easy as just throwing down your sleeping bag, crawling in, and passing out! But the reality is that a little cushioning goes a long way. A sleeping platform or pad is crucial to getting a decent night’s sleep. You’re allowed to be picky when it comes to your sleep!
Sleeping pad options on the market include inflatable, memory foam, cots, and more. Even if you have to play “Goldilocks” a bit to find the right fit for you, it’s very worthwhile to have a good sleeping pad. Think of it as your mattress. It really makes or breaks the quality of your sleep and recovery from outdoor recreation.
Having an extra layer between you and the ground also helps keep you warm. No one wants to spend a night on the cold, hard floor. So build the right foundation for a decent night of sleep, stay warm, and recover well.
The Star of the Show: Sleeping Bag
This is one of those essentials you just can’t camp without! Think of your sleeping bag like your best friend. After all, it’s your most reliable piece of gear for comfort and protection. It should be significantly insulating and water-resistant on the outside.
Decide what types of weather you’ll be in. How low will the temperature drop? Can you get away with a lighter, synthetic bag? Or are you going to need a heavy, down, mummy-type sleeping bag? Investing in the right sleeping bag makes all the difference.
Pillows Matter, Too!
Your pillow and pillowcase should be intentional, too. Small, packable pillows are popular for camping. Though convenient, these can sometimes be lumpy and not very comfortable. Splurge on your packing a little and bring a pillow you love and trust. Keep your head and neck comfortable. It’s essential not just for good sleep, but for your back and overall health. Especially when you’re spending your days hiking, swimming, and trail running. You need a pillow with good support. As for a pillowcase, go for something breathable and lightweight. It will help keep you nice and cool while asleep.
Camp-Friendly Sleep Accessories
You can’t exactly pack up your entire bedroom to go camping. But you can definitely bring a handful of camping-friendly sleep accessories. Elevate your bedtime routine with these items, and drift away to dreamland in no time.
Sleep Mask
Hardly taking up any space in your bag, a sleep mask can be the key to deep rest. It blocks out the light without pressing too hard on your eyes. Use a cotton sleep mask with a soft strap. A natural, breathable material will prevent sweat and breakouts on the skin. This is a great way to trick your brain, too, if lights from other campers are shining through your tent.
Portable Noise Machine
Sometimes the silence of the wild is unsettling. Conversely, noisy campgrounds can keep you annoyed all night! Bring a small, portable noise machine to help block it out. Especially if you already use one regularly, this can help you feel more at home.
Sweet Dreams
Experience the ultimate rest and recovery from all your outdoor adventuring. A good night’s sleep is imperative to your physical health and mental well-being, too. Camping shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice something as important as rest. That kind of defeats the whole purpose!
Use our tips and tricks to feel like your best self when camping. Start with the perfect camping spot that’s even and flat. From there, build up! A quality canvas tent, a perfect sleeping pad, and a bag are your foundational pieces. Put a personal touch on the ambiance to really feel at home. Turning off screens and lighting some candles can really go a long way.
Ensuring good sleep doesn’t make you any less “adventurous”. In fact, quite the opposite! Taking care to get good sleep means you care about your energy and ability to enjoy the outdoors for as long as you can! Don’t stress about sleeping at camp. With the right equipment and a positive mindset, realize that a night under the stars may be just what you need! Happy camping!
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