5 Ways to Make Sleep Better at a Campsite

Truth be told that sleeping at a campsite is probably the hardest. Through the years of engaging in this activity, I still find myself counting sheep. That's the irony of it -- despite the calming silence the wilderness brings, its quietness can keep you up at night.

Well, the fact is, it's not surprising at all. We're used to sleeping in our king-sized mattress, with beddings as smooth as silk. We've lived through the sounds of sirenes, your neighbors' dog barking, smartphones, and a whole lot of distractions. And when everything turns into a sudden silence, our brains cope with the change that's impossible to come into terms in just a day.

Hence, in this article, we'll tackle a few tips that will help you get through discomfort, and eventually, get you that peaceful sleep.

#1 Upgrade your sleeping pads

A regular sleeping pad is fine is you're backpacking in the deep woods and keeping your pack's weight to a minimum. But, to give you enough cushion to hold your back away from inevitable tree roots and protruding rocks, air sleeping pads could make a massive difference. They're lightweight, incredibly compact, and easy to use; yet, still maintaining you're luggage's overall weight at a minimum.

However, if air sleeping pads might be a little expensive for you, there are inflatable air mattresses that you can also take advantage of. Similar to most air sleeping pads' design, current models of air mattresses are self-inflating and highly compact.

If hiking is not much the center of your itinerary, there are much comfier option like camping cots. First, they keep your backs off the ground. And second, they make your tent's more spacious since you can store your luggage and gears underneath it.

#2 Use camping pillows

A good camping pillow could offer plenty of relief while sleeping. It prevents neck cramps and grampy mornings while you're in the outdoors.

If you think that your regular household pillow will do, you're wrong. Household pillows could be quite bulky to transport and are not as comfortable to lay on at a campsite.

Inflatable pillows or compression pillows are the most suited for the job since they're easier to carry and provide the precise cushion you'll need. In choosing a camping pillow, go for a sufficient-sized pillow that could support sleep movements.

#3 Keep the mosquitoes away

The last thing that you want that will keep you up at night is the sound of high-pitched mosquitoes waiting for the opportunity to prey on your luscious skin. The anxiety that comes along with it -- knowing that at any moment these bloodsuckers would start biting -- could trigger a damper on a peaceful sleep.

Here are ways to keep mosquitoes away:

  • First, is to secure your tent all the time. Keep your flap zipped when going in and out.
  • Opt for tents that have vents with mesh panels for better air circulation and bug protection;
  • Or, use a mosquito net to prevent any bugs from entering inside your tent.
  • Have yourself a thorough bug spray misting before lying down. Pay attention to exposed areas like arms, neck, and ears since they are the most vulnerable to bug bites.
  • You can also make use of portable electronic mosquito repellers, if available.

#4 Dress comfortably

One of the best tricks to have a better sleep at a campsite is by dressing comfortably. Wearing comfortable clothes to sleep will not compromise our sleep mobility and allows our body to breathe as it slowly heats up throughout the night.

To have that best night's sleep, wear light, loose, and breathable clothes. For sure, you'll end up sleeping peacefully and feel well-rested once you wake up.

#5 Maintain your sleeping pattern

The thing about camping is we use it as an escape from the busy and stressful life that we have. And at that moment we find ourselves enjoying, we forgot that it's past our bedtime.

Maintaining your sleeping pattern is essential to getting a good sleep at a campsite. You see, our bodies follow a schedule, and when it's time to go to bed, you must adhere. Or else, if you stay up too late, you might find it hard to sleep, and you'll end up feeling crotchety and uninterested for the next day's activity.

There you have it!

There's nothing more fulfilling than waking up outdoors after a peaceful and sounding sleep. You'll get to enjoy nature with a clear head and the right attitude.

Joshua Keaton
Joshua Keaton

Joshua is our senior staff writer for Fishing.org and Shooting.org. He is an avid hunter, clay shooter and amateur photographer.