Summer is the popular season for a reason — long days, warm nights, accessible high country. It's also the season when the most camping mistakes get made. Here's how to do summer camping well.
The crowd problem
Every popular trail and campground in America is busy June-August. Strategies:
- Book reservations 6 months in advance
- Go midweek instead of weekends
- Start hikes at sunrise (parking, solitude, beat the heat)
- Pick lesser-known parks (Capitol Reef, Great Basin, Lassen, North Cascades) over the icons
- Go to alpine country (above 9,000 ft) — fewer people, cooler temps
Heat management
Summer hiking is about pacing for heat. The trail-tested approach:
- Start at dawn (or pre-dawn for big mileage days)
- Take a 2-3 hour midday break in shade
- Resume hiking at 4pm; finish by sunset
- Drink ahead of thirst — 4-6 liters per day on hot days
- Add electrolytes (Nuun, LMNT)
Thunderstorm awareness
Most American mountain ranges develop afternoon thunderstorms in summer with great regularity. Plan around it. Summit by 11am; descend by 1pm. Read the thunderstorm playbook.
Bug season
June and early July is mosquito season at most lakes, especially in the Sierras and Boundary Waters. Pack:
- Permethrin-treated clothing (apply at home, lasts 6 weeks)
- DEET 30% spray for exposed skin
- Head net for the worst spots
- Bug-screen tent vestibules
Sleep system
Even in summer, alpine nights drop to 30-40°F. Bring a 20°F bag and a real pad. Hot summer day + freezing alpine night is the most common shock to first-time alpine campers.
Sun protection (more than you think)
- SPF 50 sunscreen, applied 3x/day at altitude
- Lip balm with SPF
- Brimmed hat (ditch the baseball cap — full brim)
- Sun hoodie (UPF 30+)
- Sunglasses with side coverage
Summer is the season every casual camper picks. The seasoned ones go in shoulder season. Find out why.