Camping is a great way to spend time with our family. Roasting marshmallows and explaining the basics of roughing it to our children creates unforgettable memories. However, this may sometimes be inconvenient, as it means sleeping in a tent, on the ground, in a sleeping bag. For some people its second nature and part of the fun, for others it’s pure torture. If you are the latter, we have some easy tips to make your camping trip a bit more comfortable and get a great night’s sleep.
There are numerous ways to get a better night’s sleep in a tent. They’re also simple to use. Follow these nine suggestions for getting the best night’s sleep while camping in a tent.
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Tent Camping Sleeping Tips
We’ve all been there, trying to get comfortable in a sleeping bag on the ground. It seems like no matter how we twist and turn, we can’t find that sweet spot for a good night’s sleep.
Here are 9 camping sleeping tips to make your next camping trip more comfortable.
Be Strategic About Choosing the Right Camping Spot
Even if you’re sleeping on an air mattress, setting up your tent on a pile of rocks will be noticeable and not in a good way.The best place to set up your tent is one where there are no rocks or roots sticking up out of the ground and there are no large tree branches overhead that may cause damage to your tent.
Sharp sticks can also tear the bottom of your tent. It’s easy to take a few minutes before you pitch your tent to clear the space of anything that might poke through the tent and make your sleep less comfortable.
If there is too much or there are tree roots sticking out that you can’t remove then it’s not the right spot for your tent. Pick a new spot.
Camping Tip: A tarp, placed under your tent, can help protect your tent from becoming wet if it rains, and it can also help keep the ground beneath the tent dry.
When setting up your tent, you also want to ensure that your head will be facing away from the sun. Face west when sleeping and, this way, you can avoid being woken up too early by the bright morning light.
Note: We use and recommend Campspot to find and reserve private campgrounds when we go camping and RVing.
Use the Right Sleep Pad
What we sleep on has a major impact on the quality of our sleep. When you consider what to sleep on while camping, we have lots of options. This isn’t a one size fits all solution. Some people require a thin Thermarest pad while others require a thick inflatable mattress or air bed. As a result, you may need to test various options at home in order to determine which is the best suited for you. Consider your situation and select the most appropriate solution for your needs. They’ve never said they were too comfy.
Why Do I Need a Camping Pad Under My Sleeping Bag?
It’s important to have a good amount of insulation between ourselves and the ground. The ground has a habit of sucking your body heat right out of you, even in the summer. People often forget that the ground can be much colder than the air temperature. This is particularly true if camping in the mountains where the air temperature can drop quickly at night.
A good camping pad or air mattress will also provide some cushioning so you are not lying on the ground which can be hard and uncomfortable. Take a look at all the options here at REI.
Camping Cots
The most comfortable way to sleep in a tent is on camping cots. They are elevated so you are not on the ground and they provide support for your back. The only issue with camping cots is that they take up more space in the tent, are a bit heavier to carry, and are more expensive than other options.
Read more about the Disc-O-Bed Bunk Set for kids shown in the image above. Nicky takes them camping, road trips, and using for overnight quests at home.
Inflatable Mattresses
The most affordable option, in my opinion, is an inflatable mattress. The nice thing is that a lot of these options are very affordable. If you are on a family camping trip I would personally go straight for thicker air mattresses. Nothing ruins a family weekend faster than a bunch of cranky irritable children, or parents.
Air mattresses have come a long way and there are some great options on the market now. The big advantage of camping with an air mattress is that they are very lightweight and easy to carry. If you are camping by yourself this can be a big advantage. If you choose this option don’t forget the air pump or the batteries if it is battery operated.
Camping Pad
A third option, and the lightest weight option, is to use a camping pad. Camping sleeping pads come in different thicknesses so you can find one that is right for you. They are typically pretty inexpensive and easy to carry around.
Pads vary greatly from thick foam rolls to thin self inflating pads. The advantage of camping pads is that they are very lightweight. The downside to camping pads is that they don’t provide as much insulation as an air mattress or cot and they can be a bit uncomfortable if you don’t have the right one.
Sleeping Pillow
Whatever sleeping surface you choose, make sure to bring a pillow. A camping pillow or your favorite one from home will support your head and neck so that you don’t wake up stiff and achy. Camping pillows are much smaller than a regular pillow but it will save your neck. I like to use a small camping pillow or even just a rolled up towel.
Use the Right Sleeping Bag
Like what we sleep on, what we sleep in may be just as, if not more important. Not all sleeping bags are created equal. Using a bag that is rated for -25 celsius in the middle of summer will be too hot, as is using a summer bag in the middle of winter.
Understand a Sleeping Bag’s Rating Number
Most sleeping bags have their temperature rating on the carrying bag or tag on the bag itself. A good rule of thumb is to assume you will be comfortable at 10 degrees warmer than its coldest rating. For example if a bag is rated for -10 then assume you will be comfortable at 0.
When camping in colder weather, I like to add a fleece liner to my sleeping bag just to be sure. If you get too warm you can always unzip and open up the bag.
When camping in the summer, a sleeping bag liner may be enough to keep you warm at night. Sleeping bag liners also act as an extra layer of protection from bugs or other things that can crawl into your sleeping bag with you.
Camping tip: During warm summer months, you can use sheets and a light blanket when using an air mattress.
Sleeping Bags for Kids
If you are camping with toddlers or infants, consider a mummy shaped sleep bag/sack designed for camping. This version from Morrison Outdoors is great for camping with kids. It has a water resistant, durable shell and is super easy to clean – perfect for camping with little ones.
For older children, a rectangular sleeping bag may be more comfortable. This version from REI is great for camping with kids above 40˚F. It’s lightweight and can be used as a standalone sleeping bag or as a liner for an adult bag.
Dress Appropriately
What you wear camping can make a big difference in how well you sleep at night. If you select the properly rated sleeping bag for the season, you should wear the same types of clothes you sleep in at home. For me that’s shorts and a tee or thin pajamas. It all depends on your preference.
If it’s chilly outside while you’re camping, be aware that you’ll be tempted to wear more clothes than necessary to avoid the sensation of your feet hitting a cold sleeping bag. This will likely cause you to overheat while you sleep, which will influence how comfortable you will be. When you’re underdressed, you’ll feel chilly and will need to add layers. Even though your sleeping bag appears to be chilly at first, it will warm up quickly.
What do you wear to sleep in a tent?
The important thing to remember is to dress appropriately for the season. In winter, you might want to wear multiple layers or a warm base layer and even a thicker sleeping bag. In summer, you can wear lightweight pajamas or just your underwear and a moisture wicking tee.
Overall, getting a good night’s sleep while camping comes down to having the right sleeping surface, being dressed appropriately for the season, and having the right camping gear. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy camping even more by getting the best sleep possible in a tent!
Related: Beat the Heat! Woman’s Guide to What to Wear Hiking
Choose the Right Tent
Are you sensing a pattern here? Getting the best sleep while camping often comes down to using the right equipment. Your tent is one of the main parts of the sleep equation. The right tent comes down to two things, size and ventilation.
When you’re camping with a partner and kids, you’ll want a tent that’s big enough for everyone to be comfortable. Those air mattresses, cots, or camp pads need to fit, as do our bags with clothes, entertainment, stuffed toys etc. A large tent is a good place to start. Everyone will have plenty of room and there shouldn’t be any fighting among the young ones about space.
Ventilation is the second consideration when deciding which is right. Tents with lots of ventilation and lightweight material won’t retain heat in colder weather. A cold weather tent will be too hot in the summer. Using the right tent at the right time of year is critical to being comfortable inside it.
Camping Tip: If you are buying a new tent for car camping, opt for one that has a larger diameter and higher height than your camping crew needs. This will make the tent feel more spacious when you are camping with kids or if only two of you camping together, so everyone can spread out.
Block Out Light and Noise
The night sounds of the forest can be soothing. Many people use recordings or white noise to help them fall asleep at home. The difference, though, is that in an actual forest these sounds can be quite loud. Add the unfortunate sounds of several people sleeping close to you and it can be pure cacophony. Using ear plugs can help dampen those otherwise soothing sounds.
When it comes to light, consider an eye mask. They are cheap and easy to pack. They help when we’re camping with the kids who might be a little afraid of the dark. You can leave a small light on and pull the mask down over your eyes. Another option is a multi room tent. This way the kids can have their night light without it bothering you. It’s also helpful when sunlight brightens the inside of the tent well before we’re ready to wake up.
Another way to block out noise and light is by camping with a tent that has built-in blackout capabilities. These blackout tents typically have multiple layers of fabric, keeping the light out even on the sunniest day. If you’re camping with kids, investing in one of these types of tents will make camping more enjoyable for everyone.
Camping Tip: Some people swear by camping with a white noise machine. Try bringing it along, even if you are camping in the middle of nowhere. It might be the difference between sleeping for 8 or 10 hours and getting enough rest to enjoy your camping trip!
Temperature Control
We don’t always have a lot of control over the temperature. This goes hand in hand with choosing the right tent for the time of year you’re camping in. However, not all are created equal. For summer camping you want ventilation and large windows that let the air flow. Choosing a site that has some shade from direct sun will also help.
On those chilly nights you can put hot water in your water bottle and slide it into your sleeping bag. This will create some extra warmth before you get in and will help keep you warm overnight. You can also bring extra blankets to spread over you as you sleep.
Camping Tip: For camping with kids, consider camping in the off-season. In spring and late fall it may be too cold for swimming, but the weather is milder than in peak summer camping season. This means you’ll sleep better at night when camping with kids who might be more sensitive to temperature changes.
Go To Bed Tired
You’re camping, stay up late and enjoy it. Let the kids stay up after their usual bedtime too. After you get them to bed, stay up and cuddle under a blanket with your loved one. Spend some quality time together by the fire. Chances are you’re going on adventures all day, hiking, kayaking, fishing etc. Extend that day until you’re struggling to keep your eyes open.
Falling asleep in an unfamiliar bed or in less than ideal conditions can be a struggle. Using all of your energy throughout the day will help you fall into a sound sleep when you crawl into your sleeping bag. If you’ve used all the other helpful tips on this list, being exhausted will be the last piece of the puzzle.
The kids should have no trouble going to bed tired, but for you it might be a different story. Allow yourself to relax and unwind. Isn’t it pointless to go away camping for the weekend, if you’re going to be anxious the whole time? Even with small children, this isn’t always simple.
Keep The Tent Clean And Dry
No one enjoys sleeping in water. Having a wet sleeping bag or sand everywhere is an easy way to be uncomfortable. Make sure you’ve put the rain fly on your tent and the windows are zipped closed enough to not allow rain to come in. Using a water proofing spray on your tent is a good idea even if the manufacturer says it’s waterproof. (Best to do this at home before your trip.) Keep your bags and mattresses away from the sides of the tent. The pressure on the material creates spaces between the fibers that allows moisture to come through.
Take your shoes off outside and leave them in the vestibule. If your tent doesn’t have a vestibule, bang them together to knock off any excess dirt and put them in a designated corner of the tent. Try not to eat inside the tent either. Food crumbs will inevitably lead to ants. Sometimes keeping things clean in the tent is easier said than done with young ones but it’s doable. It’s all part of passing on the traditions.
Final Thoughts
Though these tips are aimed at helping you sleep better in a tent they are also generally good rules to follow. The same steps to follow that will keep you safe, will also keep you comfortable. When camping with younger family members, especially for the first time, they will need our help. If we make it fun for them, they will come to enjoy getting out camping & sleeping in a tent. And if we get them to sleep comfortably then we’ll be able to get our best sleep too.
Author Bio
Paul is a software engineer with a passion for the outdoors. He loves sharing his tips and guides to help people enhance their outdoor experiences. He is the creator of cutecamper.com.
Great tips! I remember one camping trip where I pitched my tent near a tree with low-hanging branches. Every time the wind blew, it made a spooky creaking sound. Lesson learned! How do you think these tips would help a newbie camper?