5 Summer Camping Items You Can’t Live Without

Sandy beaches, rays of sunshine, floppy hats and fun times. It’s summer in Florida, ya’ll! While summer in Florida looks great on a postcard, it comes with some serious side effects. As natives, we’re going to let you in on the 5 things you’ll need to survive summer here like a local. Ready?

 

NUMBER ONE: SUNSCREEN

No one wants to leave Florida without a tan, but here’s the thing, Florida is really close to the equator, so the sun here is extra powerful. If you’re going to be outside for longer than 15-20 minutes, be sure to apply some sunscreen. You don’t have to go for SPF 100, but at least apply a little. Trust us, spending the rest of your vacation looking like a lobster isn’t just uncomfortable, it isn’t cute!

NUMBER TWO: H2O

Okay peeps, let’s talk water. Listen, we get it, you don’t want to drink water on the beach when there are fruity drinks with umbrellas. But here’s the deal: it’s super hot out and that means you’ll be miserable without water. You definitely don’t want to spend your day at the hospital because of dehydration or heat stroke (it’s a real thing). So, be sure to use the 1 for 1 rule at least, 1 water for every 1 drink you consume (whatever it is, beer, juice, soda).

NUMBER THREE: BUG SPRAY

If you’re going anywhere near standing water or the woods, be sure to bring some bug spray. There are so many options for bug spray, whether you choose to go completely natural or completely comercial. Whatever you choose, just make sure to bring it and use it! Those bites are annoying and itchy. If you’re hanging around your campsite consider burning sage or grabbing some citronella candles.

NUMBER FOUR: UMBRELLA

Ya’ll, we don’t want to rain on your parade, but Florida is really moody in the summer. See picture above for details. Here’s the thing: you cannot avoid getting wet. Make sure to bring an umbrella and some rain coats with you. Also, a change of clothes if you’re going out and don’t want to stay wet all day. Be a local and embrace the rain. EMBRACE THE RAIN!

NUMBER FIVE: YOUR CHILL
It’s so hot here so you can be chill. We have lots of fun things to do, and locals know how to survive the heat to take advantage of summer in Florida. There are less people, the sun is shining and the beaches are just waiting for you. Plus we have theme parks, water parks, tons of nature and lots of great places to visit. We can’t wait to see you bring your chill to Florida. Come soon ya’ll!!!


5 Tips for Camping in Florida During the Summer

Welcome to the Sunshine State in summer. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always a sunny paradise. Don’t get us wrong, we love Florida, but we have some tips for you not-so-seasoned Florida vacationers. Here are 10 tips for surviving the Florida summer.

1. HYDRATE
Get a water bottle and bring it everywhere. It’s really easy to forget to consume water when you’re enjoying all Florida’s great attractions like theme parks, beaches, and nature preserves. Keep lots of water on hand too so you’ll always have some nearby in case of emergencies.

2. PONCHO 
We don’t want to rain on your parade, but Florida might. In the summer, rain showers are a daily occurrence. If you’re not from around here you might think the whole day is ruined, but it’s not. The summer rain showers usually only last a few minutes, but if you’re out in nature a rain poncho can help you wait out the storm. Good news, all the other tourists will leave and you’ll have the place to yourselves. You’re welcome.

3. BUG REPELLENT 
Remember when we told you about the rain? Well, lots of rain means lots of bugs. Don’t worry though, they are easily warded off with spray and candles. In fact, tossing some sage in your campfire will help keep them away too. Grab travel sizes of bug spray to bring on trails and make sure it’s water repellent. You’ll have a much better time if you aren’t getting eaten alive by bugs. Pro tip from Floridians.

4. HATS, HATS, HATS

Laugh away, but these hats aren’t just for the fashion-backward Floridians, they actually have a purpose. They help keep the sun out of your face and off your neck. Trust us, a good hat with breathable material will save you if you’re spending a long time outside. We’re not saying you need this particular hat, maybe a baseball cap will do, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

5. SUNSCREEN

We’re pretty sure Florida is actually located on the sun. This is great for trying to get a summer tan and for cooking hot dogs without a grill. Anyway, you’ll remember the first time you try to brave the Florida sun without sunscreen. You won’t do it again, Florida is an awesome place to vacation, but you have to respect that sun. Make sure to apply and reapply, especially if you have young kids.