Just because you’re going camping doesn’t mean you have to have a miserable nights rest. With the right sleeping products and a few tips and tricks, you can wake up feeling well rested. We are have collected our top camping sleep tips and products that will allow you to wake up ready to enjoy the world around you.

Do Your Research:

Those boy scouts really knew what they were talking about when they made their motto “Be Prepared”.  Doing your research when choosing a location to go camping will influence so many of the rest of your choices. It will help you choose what to wear, what sleeping bag to bring, what type of tent stakes you’ll need, will you need bug spray? Mosquito nets?

Doing your research will help you figure out what you will need to order to be prepared and have your camping trip go as smoothly and comfortably as possible. Which of course is vital for getting a great nights sleep. Having the wrong sleeping bag or getting eaten alive by bugs is going to make it very difficult to get a great nights sleep. So be sure to learn all you can, before you buy anything.

Bring an Eye Mask:

For those days you don’t feel like rising with the sun, a nice eye mask can help block out unwanted light so you can get as much rest as possible. This is also helpful if you’re camping with young children that still nap during the day.

Eye masks will help them to block out the light of day so that they can get their nap in. Keep in mind that some camping grounds have safety lights that stay on throughout the night.

Get The Right Sleeping Bag:

Sleeping bags are great for all different types of weather. However, there are many different types of sleeping bags out there and they are made to withstand different temperatures. Many stores that sell sleeping bags will even separate their sleeping bags in what climates those sleeping bags are best suited. This is going to be most important for anyone sleeping in colder climates.

If you’re camping in the heat, try using a cotton based fleece blanket or sleeping bag liner. Fleece is easy to clean and care for, it also does a wonderful job at wicking away moisture and feeling dry against the skin. Even after coming into contact with humidity or sweat. This will help you to cover up while remaining cool throughout the night.

Sleeping Pads:

Pads that go under sleeping bags for an added layer of cushioning can be a much needed addition for comfort. Sleeping on a hard ground can seriously throw out your back if you’re not used to it. Especially if the ground you are laying on has rocks, gravel, twigs, even uneven grass can cause uncomfortable lumps and bumps.

A sleeping pad can help even this out and add some pressure relief for your pressure points. Their are many different kinds that vary in pressure relief, compact-ability, temperature regulation, and of course price range. We will post one of our favorite picks later on in this post.

Camping Cots:

Cots are a great tool for enhancing your comfort while camping. Especially if you are working with ground that is uneven or rocky. Sleeping cots can also provide an extra defense against creepy crawlies. By being up off of the ground it can limit the amount of little creatures that can reach you.

One thing to keep in mind that being lifted off of the ground adds a lot of airflow underneath your body. This is great in the summer if you’re hoping to stay nice and cool. However, it may mean in colder climates that you will want extra layers underneath you in order to stay nice and warm.

Before you purchase your sleeping cot, be sure to check the size of your tent. Make sure that it is large enough to fit your cot with extra space to spare. If your cot stretches out your tent this can damage your tent or even just stretch it out enough to allow extra moisture or rain to come in. (Keep in mind that tents are domed when taking measurements.)

Pick a Great Camp Spot:

The specifics will vary for what makes a fantastic camping location. However, picking a safe comfortable spot will make a big difference for your overall comfort and quality of sleep throughout the night.

You want to choose a location that is as flat as possible, safe from animals, wind, and even the changing of tides. No one wants to set up camp only to have it flooded a few hours later. This is another example where doing your research will pay off in the long run.

If you are sleeping on a slanted location, it is suggested to have your head be higher than your feet. This helps with proper blood flow as well as general comfort. Although if you can choose a flat spot, this is obviously preferred.

Bring The Right Pajamas:

When you’re researching your camping location, check to see what the temperatures look like at night vs during the day. This might be drastically different than you may imagine.

While it may be warm and sunny during the day, it might significantly drop in temperature in the evenings. Be sure you bring appropriate pajamas and gear for this. If it gets particularly cold in the evenings you may want to bring hats gloves and socks that are comfortable to sleep in.

Know Your Tent:

This for all those who are new to camping, or just upgraded their tent. Try setting up your tent at least once before heading out. Not only will the help you to get acquainted with the ins and outs of your tent, it will also inform you if there is anything missing.

Perhaps the tent stakes were missing from the box, or something else vital is missing. It will make a huge difference making this discovery when you can fix it before you’re setting up to head off to sleep far away from any stores.

Protect Yourself From Bugs:

Bugs can be a much bigger pest than an itchy bite or two. Ticks and mosquitoes can carry very serious diseases. It is also very difficult to get a good nights rest when you’re being eaten alive by mosquitoes. Do a bit of research and see what type of bugs you need to be protecting yourself from. Mosquito nets and bug sprays are two common defense systems against pesky bugs.

You may also want to wear protective clothing if you are walking through tall grasses or forest areas. During the Summer bugs tend to be more active during the evening and early morning when it is cool out. This is not fun to fall asleep or wake up to. Another great way to stay away from creepy crawlies is to sleep in a cot, this gets you up off the ground and helps keep the bugs off of you.

Bring Your Own Pillow:

Trying to figure out what camping pillow to buy? Skip it! Bring your standard pillow from home. You may want to ensure you have something waterproof protecting your pillow underneath it. Pillows vary drastically in comfort and support, and changing your pillow can seriously throw off how comfortable you are when trying to fall asleep.

By bringing your pillow from home you will have that just right comfort that you are accustomed to as well as a bit of familiarity from home. Having that little bit of comfort from home can make it much easier to fall asleep.

Maintain Your Standard Sleep Schedule:

If at all possible, try to stick with your regular sleep schedule by going to bed around the same time and waking up at the same time. This will help your body and mind stay on track.

Allowing you to fall asleep and rise naturally, feeling better rested. If you are going somewhere far away and staying for an extended period of time, then you may want to create a new sleep schedule for this time frame in order to wake up and fall asleep with the sun easier during this time.

Need to fix your sleep schedule? Head over to our post How To Fix Sleep Schedule to learn how.

Go Camping In A RV:

Camping with an RV really boosts your comfort level. Especially if you’re able to use your ac or heat to control temperature and humidity. The purists may not love the idea of camping in an RV, but you will also sleep far more comfortably than they will. With an RV you also get the added benefit of a real mattress and bedding.

We just so happen to have reviewed some of our favorite RV mattresses. Keep reading below to see our top favorite RV compatible mattresses as well as other camping gear to enhance your sleep. Don’t have an RV? Rent one!

Our Top Camping Mattresses:

Top Mattresses for RVs and Campers:

Some RVs and Campers have specific places for mattresses that require unique sizing that does not line up with standard mattress sizes. Which means you need specialty mattresses in order to fit them into your RV. Which is why we selected a few of our top brands that make exactly that!

RV Mattresses by Brooklyn Bedding:

We have reviewed many of the Brooklyn Bedding mattresses, and believe they make stand up beds. Now this fabulous mattress brand is making RV Specific mattresses. The Wanderlust is made just for the RV Mattress line. While Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses like the Bowery and Aurora are being made in different sizes in order to work with RVs. Allowing you to bring the comforts of home on the road with you!

• Wanderlust All Foam RV Mattress
• Bowery Hybrid RV Mattress
• Aurora Hybrid RV Mattress
• Signature Hybrid RV Mattress

25% OFF Brooklyn Bedding RV Coupon!

Head over to our RV Mattresses by Brooklyn Bedding post to learn more!

Tochta Mattresses

The Tochta brand knows a lot about mattresses made for those who spend a lot of time traveling on the road. Not only do they make mattresses for the home and RVs. They also make mattresses specially for truckers. Tochta mattresses are all about comfort, affordable prices and customized comfort.

• Journey RV Mattress
• Utopia RV Mattress
• Divini RV Mattress

Head over to our Tochta Mattress post to learn more!

Mattress Insider

If you have looked all over for a specific mattress size without any luck, then you haven’t checked out Mattress Insider yet. They have just about every mattress size you can imagine. Especially if you are shopping for an RV, Truck, or Camper mattress. Mattress Insider also makes custom mattresses, so if you need something very specific this is a great place to look.

• Sedona Foam RV Mattress
• Elation Foam RV Mattress
• Luxury Gel Foam RV Mattress
• All Natural Latex RV Mattress
• Park Meadow Hybrid RV Mattress

Mattress Insider Mattress Coupon HERE!

Learn more about this line of custom and RV mattresses in our Mattress Insider Review. 

Best Air Beds For Camping:

Realtree EDGE Outdoor Air Mattress Bed 

Rightline Gear Air Mattress 

Get your camping air mattresses at Overstock.com

Our Top Camping Products For Better Sleep:

Sleeping Bag for Hot Climates:

Silk-weight Sleep Sack 

Wakeman Outdoors 2-Season Sleeping Bag (Cotton Lining)

Pendleton Yakima Camp High Ridge Blanket (Cotton & Wool) 

Shop these items at Overstock.com

Sleeping Bag for Colder Climates:

High Peak Outdoors Cascade -40 Sleeping Bag 

Go to Overstock.com to shop High Peak Outdoors Sleeping Bags.

Eye Mask:

Purple + Gravity Eye Mask

Sleeping Pads:

Goplus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad 

Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad

You can find these sleeping pads and many more at Overstock.com

Camping Cots:

Costway Foldable Camping Bed Portable Cot

Get your camping cot at Overstock.com

Camping Sleep Tips – Final Thoughts: 

Being prepared with the right tools and knowledge will help you tremendously. Getting a good night’s rest is easy when you’re sleeping at the right temperature and on a comfortable surface. We hope these tips and trick help you to get a better nights sleep whenever you’re on your next adventure.