Getting a good night’s sleep while camping can be the difference between an amazing trip and a miserable one.
If you’ve ever tossed and turned all night in your tent, you’re not alone. Making yourself comfortable is hard when you’re essentially sleeping on the ground.
If you want to sleep comfortably when camping, you’ll need to have the right set-up.
This guide will go over some essential sleep gear and hopefully give you some useful tips for sleeping outdoors.
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Choose a Good Spot to Set up Camp
One of the main factors that affects your tent camping comfort is where you choose to set up your home away from home.
If you want a sleep-friendly campsite, look for:
- Flat level ground
- A clear spot away from rocks, roots, and other debris
- Somewhere quiet, away from traffic, other campers, or noisy water
Knowing the right place to pitch your tent will drastically improve how well you sleep outdoors.
Quality Sleeping Pad=Maximum Comfort
To sleep comfortably when tent camping, a quality sleeping pad is an essential.
A good sleeping pad will provide cozy cushioning and give you insulation from the ground when camping in the cold.
There are many types of sleeping pads, and ultimately which one you choose will depend on your budget and you desired style of camping (car camping, dispersed camping, backpacking).
Here are some sleeping options:
- Inflatable Sleeping Pad
- Inflated through a valve, compact and lightweight (great for backpacking), customizable firmness
- Closed-Cell Sleeping Pad
- Basic but rugged, virtually indestructible (resistant to punctures), lightweight and simple (just unroll and sleep)
- Air Mattress
- Great insulation, thick, big enough for multiple people
- Some downsides include price, weight, and they are really only for traditional camping where you drive up to the site
If you plan on cold weather camping, make sure to check the rating on your sleeping pad to ensure it is rated for colder temps.
Choose the Right Sleeping Bag
Using the wrong sleeping bag is one of the most common reasons for uncomfortable camping sleep.
I spent many cold nights in my tent before I finally got my 5 degree sleeping bag, and I can tell you I sleep much better when I’m not shivering.
Here are a few sleeping bag comfort tips:
- Bring a bag that is designed for at least 10-15 degrees colder than the lowest temp predicted for your trip
- Give your sleeping bag time to expand after taking it from its stuff sack. The expansion will help the insulation do it’s job before you climb in
- Sleeping bag liners can add extra warmth, softness, and insulation keeping you warm and comfy
It’s always better to have a sleeping bag that is too warm than one that is too cold.
If you’re too warm, you can always open the zipper to let cool air in, or you can unzip it completely and use it as a blanket instead.
Invest in a Comfortable Camp Pillow
Having a proper place to rest your head is critical for comfortable sleep while camping, especially if you’re someone who uses 2 or 3 pillows when sleeping at home, like me.
Pillow options for camping are normally either compressible or inflatable (my personal favorite), and they are often fairly reasonably priced.
I paid about $20 for my inflatable camping pillow and it is by far my favorite piece of gear.
It is lightweight, shrinks down to about the size of a Coke can, and can be adjusted by adding or releasing air to your desired preference.
If you don’t have a camping pillow available, you can always stuff clothing into your sleeping bag sack or use your backpack as a pillow. They will work but won’t be nearly as comfortable as an actual camping pillow.
Note: A good camp pillow will provide neck and head support while you sleep, preventing neck pain or restless sleep.
Wear the Right Clothes for Tent Camping
If you haven’t figured this out yet, the clothing you choose to wear will directly affect how comfortable you are when camping.
Here are the best clothing options for outdoor sleeping:
- Clean, dry clothing
- Multiple layers
- Breathable fabrics
If you are camping in the cold, make sure to bring gloves, a warm beanie, and multiple pairs of socks.
Your body loses most of its heat through your head, hands, and feet.
You can always shed layers later on if you need to.
For Better Sleep Outdoors, Reduce Excess Noise and Light
Nature can be loud sometimes, and traditional campgrounds are even worse.
If you’ve ever camped next a group of rowdy, drinking campers, you know it can be frustrating trying to get good sleep (especially when it’s 2 am and they are still playing music).
Sleep better by:
- Using headphones or ear plugs to block noise
- Turning your tent lights off (or to a lower sleep setting)
- Wearing a sleep mask
- Setting up your tent away from other campers
Most traditional campgrounds have rules about quiet hours, but don’t expect other campers to follow the rules.
You could also try dispersed camping, normally found in national forests, for more privacy away from others.
Additional Tent Sleeping Tips
A few of our tips don’t necessarily fit into the other categories, so here are a few additional outdoor sleeping tips to help you get a good night’s sleep:
- Cook a warm meal over the fire before bed. A full stomach and warm stomach will do wonders for your sleep
- Take a quick walk before climbing in your tent, that way you’ll bring adequate body heat into your sleeping bag with you
- Avoid bright screens right before you go to sleep (this tip works at home too)
- Go to bed at a reasonable time if you can, somewhere near the time you normally sleep—our bodies run on routine
- Mummy-style sleeping bags can help you retain your heat by trapping warm air inside, and typically hold temp better than traditional sleeping bags
- Stretch before you go to sleep. Tent camping is cramped and it’s hard to move around in a sleeping bag. Stretching helps you avoid cramps or aches through the night
Final Thoughts: Better Sleep Means More Enjoyable Camping
Knowing how to sleep comfortably when tent camping can completely change your outdoor experience.
If you ask me, your sleep system should be your number one priority because that is where you will spend a large portion of your time when camping or backpacking.
With proper gear, a good campsite, and a few comfort strategies, you’ll have a good chance of making it through the night without tossing and turning.
Better outdoor sleep will lead to better hikes, more energy for activities, and a more enjoyable trip overall.
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