Can’t Sleep Camping? Here Are 6 Tips to Help You Sleep Better in the Great Outdoors

Camping offers a serene escape into nature, but achieving a good night’s sleep under the stars can sometimes be challenging. From rustling leaves to unexpected noises, nightfall in the great outdoors can disrupt our sleep patterns. If you can’t sleep camping, you’re not alone—insomnia interferes with many of us when we’re trying to get some rest on an adventurous camping trip.

Fortunately, with a few simple tips, you can optimize your camping experience and ensure a restful night’s sleep. Here are six practical tips that I use myself when I am camping and backpacking that will help you sleep better while camping. Give it a try—you might awaken a new love for camping when you’re able to get better rest!

Even with the best gear and scenic surroundings, you can still struggle with insomnia while you’re camping. I’m sharing tips below, and you may see affiliate links in the post for products I wholeheartedly back and recommend. I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through them. 

6 Tips to Help When You Can’t Sleep Camping

1. Stake Down Your Tent Securely. When setting up your tent, don’t overlook the importance of securing it properly. Utilize the extra strings on your rain fly to tie it tightly to rocks, trees, or additional stakes. A well-staked rain fly reduces the impact of wind and weather-related noises, helping you drift into a deeper sleep without interruptions. This is especially important in windy environments like deserts or the high mountains.

2. Hydration Management. While staying hydrated is crucial, avoid over-hydrating before bedtime to minimize midnight bathroom trips. Limit your water intake before turning in for the night and make a final bathroom visit before crawling into your sleeping bag, even if that means staying up a little later. Additionally, refrain from consuming alcohol, as it can disrupt your body’s temperature regulation and hinder your ability to stay warm and comfortable through the night.

3. Optimize Your Sleep System. Ensure that your sleep system is tailored to the temperature conditions. Invest in a sleeping pad with the appropriate R-value, choose a sleeping bag or quilt rated for the expected temperature range, and don’t forget about a comfortable pillow and liner. Experiment with your gear at home to find the perfect combination that guarantees a cozy and restorative sleep outdoors. Here are a few of my favorite camping items to help me sleep. While camping comfort is rather subjective the system that works best for me is an inflatable mattress, a sleeping bag liner; my favorite is this one from Sea to Summit and a top quilt as opposed to a sleeping bag which allows for a little bit more movement in my lower body.

4. Embrace Earplugs. Combat disruptive noises like rustling leaves or nocturnal critters with a pair of earplugs. Most earplugs won’t eliminate all sound but reduce the decibel level of ambient sounds. Earplugs create a quieter environment conducive to falling and staying asleep, allowing you to fully unwind and recharge for the adventures ahead.

So much of what keeps us awake at night is anxiety from small noises like wind, leaves or mice. Reducing the loudness of these small noises will allow you to rest easier and fall into a deeper sleep. If you are worried about animals, then it is important to be more proactive about creating a scent and food free camp. Leaving scented items and food in a seperate area away from where you sleep and not cooking near your tent will reduce the likeliness of any wildlife, especially mice and small critters.

5. Consider an Eye Mask. For light sleepers or those who enjoy sleeping in past sunrise, an eye mask can be a game-changer. Blocking out light ensures that your sleep remains undisturbed, regardless of the time of day or early morning sunbeams filtering through the trees and in through the walls of your tent. 

6. Establish a Relaxing Pre-Sleep Routine. Before settling into your sleeping bag, take some time to unwind and relax your mind and body. Engage in calming activities such as gentle stretching, deep breathing exercises, or journaling about the day’s adventures. Avoid stimulating activities like scrolling through your phone or engaging in intense conversations. By establishing a soothing pre-sleep routine, you signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility that can facilitate a more restful night’s sleep in the wilderness.

Sleep Well in the Outdoors

If you can’t sleep camping, making a few small tweaks to your routine should solve the problem. A good night’s sleep is essential for enjoying the full beauty and excitement of camping. By implementing these six tips—securing your tent, managing hydration, optimizing your sleep system, using earplugs, considering an eye mask, and establishing a good pre-sleep routine—you can enhance your camping experience and wake up refreshed, ready to embrace the wonders of the wilderness. With proper preparation and a few adjustments, you’ll be well on your way to sweet dreams under the stars. Happy camping!