Best camping sun shelters according to redditors

For campsite music I can't recommend this thing enough. The most powerful portable speaker I could find and runs on 8-D batteries. Was $350 last year, down to $230 now:

http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-KMC-Wireless-System-Bluetooth/dp/B00BAQJ94Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420310784&sr=8-1&keywords=klipsch+kmc+3

Coleman EZ-UP, I realize this one's is on the more expensive side but in my experience Coleman products are really great at being truly waterproof, no need for extra tarps and this one has LED lighting built in so no need for lanterns, etc:

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Instant-Canopy-Lighting-System/dp/B004E4CUBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420310839&sr=8-1&keywords=coleman+canopy

Sanuk shoes with yoga mat lining. Especially crucial on days 3 and 4:

http://www.amazon.com/Sanuk-Mens-Vagabond-Yogi-LoaferCharcoal10/dp/B0089YOAZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420310892&sr=8-1&keywords=sanuk+vagabond+yogi

Portable Battery for cell phone charging with tons of juice for several phone fill ups:

http://www.amazon.com/KMAX-810-20000mAh-Ultra-High-Multi-Output-BlackBerry/dp/B00FDER07E/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1420310945&sr=8-11&keywords=portable+battery+20000mah

Hangover assist/vitamins/electrolytes/hydration:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EISFBYA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's all I can think of for now, it really is great being fully prepared for this event :)

1. I personally haven't slept in the back of an SUV but my friends did and they had no complaints. They pumped up an air matress, put the seats down, and used this to give them some privacy
   
   
2. I have never had anything stolen. That being said, I would still lock up all of your really important stuff in your car or somewhere safe. Ive read the occasional story of a slashed tent on this subreddit but theyre few and far between
   
   
3. Im actually not sure but I would say no because its flammable and because of the fumes.
   
   
4. No glass and everything must be sealed. Yes ID will be needed. I know they changed the policy last year though and I believe that only one case of beer and one box of wine are allowed.
   
   
5. To make the trip more enjoyable? Personally ive never had a problem with it because the forest is 2 hours away from me but i would say snacks, cards aginst humanity if your riding with friends and a dope music playlist.
   
   Also the best piece of advice I can give you is don't be afraid to loose yourself in the forest! Someone on here said it best, Make a plan, get it super detailed, then once you get there throw it out the window. Its the best weekend out of the year and it goes by way too fast so dont stick too some plan, just have fun!
   
   Happy Forest

I highly recommend a sportbrella. You can use it as a standard beach umbrella or use it as a beach shelter. We live near the beach in Florida and it's easily the best shelter/tent/umbrella we've bought. It's good for camping and sporting events also.

If your grandmother can't take the sun, I'd bring something just in case. It gives you the freedom to not have to worry about sticking to rentals. You can go set up wherever you want.

Its not a full tent. There's no "4th wall". Really just a piece of cloth resting on a bent tent pole instead of an umbrella on a center pole.

https://www.amazon.com/FMH-POP-UP-Beach-Tent-Water-Resistant/dp/B07RXG8N3J

I would bring a mix of swimmers and regular diapers if you plan on actually swimming. No idea how little your baby is, but pack snacks and milk if needed. Three bottles is good, that way if they work up an appetite you’ll have at least one for the ride home. Apply apply apply sunscreen. I’d bring a portable changing mat. two towels for little one in case you want to go swimming then sand castle building afterwards.

Depending on how long you want to stay, you can bring lunch for the grownups. We bring a cooler with subway, chips, cut veggies and watermelon. Easy picnic food. My family doesn’t do chairs because that’s one more thing to pack, but we do have a neat blanket that sand slips through.

For a teeny one I’d grab one of these So jealous I wish I had this like five years ago I’m sure you can find one locally, too.

After that, grab whatever life vest you’d use Here’s the USCG recommendation list

Also a bucket and shovel or two, because sandcastles are required.

Oh oh! Keep a bottle of dollar store baby powder in the car for after you’re done. Dry sandy feet no more. Sparingly sprinkle on feet and sand comes right off! But feet have to be dry. Otherwise you make sand paste.

I think that’s everything.

We went to florida in December when our daughter was about 15 months. My MIL bought us this

Pacific Breeze EasyUp Beach Tent
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RQQRTSM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ktW0xbN1JJ8AB

It helped so much because she played in it in the shade as a break from the sun. Very easy to set up and take down. We threw all of our stuff in there every day as soon as we set up. Also, she took naps in there, out of the sun but catching the breeze while my husband and I got to soak up some sun.

After living in new mexico for one summer, the best thing is just to stop the sun from directly hitting your tent. Whether thats via a tarp or a sun shelter, similar to: sun shelter

We have one of these and it works great: Pacific Breeze Easy Up Beach Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RQQRTSM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CXDXCbZNJRXHS

The anti-beach umbrella is what I'll bring because..... ew, who wants to touch the dirty sand! And the germs in the air.... and... oh, my, god... what if the water gets too close!!!

Instead of breaking out into mass hysteria, this nifty little invention will be my shelter and ensure the nature cannot get in the way :)

Great contest! I would love to visit Oregon, it's not too hard for me to get up there (figure enjoy the scenic amtrak route) so it would be a little adventure.

Sure you're going to be getting a bunch of crazy enteries soon.... good luck keeping up!

xo

For anyone curious, it's these items:

Tent: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NA6NXB3/

Canopy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZKYSCOM/

Pale-ass ginger here. Every time I manage to get burned I avoid using aloe gel for as long as I can stand, because I just HATE the sticky feeling on my skin... but, it does help. :( Find one with lidocaine, even better. I'm going to the beach soon and I'm prepared with gallon-sized Ziploc full of various types of sunscreen, and this awesome beach tent to give me some shade to hide in when I'm not in the water. And also aloe gel for when all my precautions inevitably don't work and I turn into a rock lobster anyway.

Hope you feel better!!

I think it’s more about keeping them out of direct sunlight. For the beach we loved this pop up.

iCorer Automatic Pop Up Instant Portable Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent Sun Shelter, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014G8K6YG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sZjxCbB7M1A4A

Bring: a baby bathtub or pool (you can put water in it, or line it with towels and make it into a little lounge/sleep area), I've seen folks bringing a rock-n-play before also, Baby powder (it makes the sand fall off you, sprinkle lots on your feet/legs and watch the sand fall off! Also helps a sweaty, sticky baby), buy a little portable battery powered fan to blow on her while she sleeps. I can't think of much else that isn't standard beach stuff. We have a sport brella and to date it's the best beach item we have purchased and it's been used many times (we live in FL)

Awesome! Who do I pay or how does that all work? Do they do nightly walks and checks or something?

And could't I just stay in the morning and have a beach day using something like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DRK72SK/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_2ALUBbE2Y8SEW

We use this alps canopy during TW '15 because it was light weight. Do not recommend for groups larger than 3.

Canopy

Edit: buy longer stakes, it doesnt like the wind very much.

Pacific Breeze Tent
Really spacious and lightweight, easy to set up. Really holds up well when the infamous OBX winds kick up sand while you're chillin on the beach.

It’s a $150 item from Coleman, a seller of inexpensive and inexpensively-made products. You really do get what you pay for.

Let’s say someone took it camping, two nights per weekend trip. That would have lasted 30 campouts - a couple years. I’d say you got your money’s worth.

Take a deep breath and spend more from a better company next time.

Also, the reason the canopy top is so expensive on Amazon is that it’s a replacement part from third-party sellers. Buy the entire thing again for $150: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033990N8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jJETCbBDD8B9A

My set up -

ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters - Sub7 Hammock, Lichen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQZH9Q8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4sihzbF49WS5X

Snugpak Hammock Cocoon with Travelsoft Filling, Olive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0167IYNLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Zrihzb6T8TFYN

Pro Force All Weather Shelter, Olive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LZ9EEG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zsihzb89Y1Y40

Add some paracord, couple figure 9 carabiners and some climbing o-rings and your set. Relatively lightweight and affordable for what you're getting. Highly recommend this set up if you want to get into hammock camping.

I used this canopy at Lightning In A Bottle and it was amazing. It comes with a built-in LED lighting system that was so useful for finding home base at night, and generally hanging out without having to resort to a dim lantern. I haven't used it under harsh weather conditions but it seems really sturdy and well-made. If you stake it down properly it should be just fine.

I second the minivan recommendation. Back in the late 90's my dog and I did something similar to your plan with a '92 all wheel drive Grand Caravan. Loved both those beasts.

things I would add now, knowing what I know:

1.) A fantastic fan vent or at the very least a sunroof to allow low/ high venting. 2.) a tailgate awning like this [Hasika] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZKYSCOM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1K4BUUXKK1XS5&coliid=IEQT3ZRZQIFSK)

Also, try this sun shelter out. I love mine. I spent a week on the beach last summer and didn't get cancer! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CLQ1NA?keywords=sun%20shelter&qid=1452192768&ref_=sr_1_5&sr=8-5

Canopy 13x13

The best baby carrier. I tried so many. I love the Bjorn Miracle. It comes with so much back support. If I’m really having a bad day, I’ll wear an additional back brace under my clothes. My kids always NEED TO BE HELD! NOW! This carrier made that a bit easier!

Also, diaper backpacks are a lot easier for me then crossbody bags.

A small footstool to get baby out of crib when they get bigger. Leaning over the crib was hard for me.

A stadium chair like the one below. I can sit on the floor with my kids with the back support this gives. Love it!
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000020281-Stadium-Seat/dp/B003399128/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Stadium+chair&qid=1562965712&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I love this sun shelter for the outdoors. Keeps me from overheating
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014G8K6YG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And this clip on fan is awesome. The charge lasts forever. I try to make myself as comfortable as possible when we leave the house for an adventure!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F3B6X3J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Have a question about any other items? Ask away!

We used this Sunwall attachment which worked pretty well. Add it to the side thats going to block the sunrise.

I purchased THIS I had the exact same one last year but didn't stake it down well enough and it was lost to coachella. The best thing about it is that it's super light and packs down to the size of a tiny duffel bag so it doesn't take up much room.

I have something very similar. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001ASJDWW?pc_redir=1395127504&robot_redir=1

It doesn't offer too much of a breeze and can get very hot if the sun is beaming down on it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RQQRTSM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just bought this... my body IS ready

This is easier to setup then a tent imo.


https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B002CLQ1NA/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I use it when I go to shows where I have to educate the public outside with animals. I put the beach umbrella in the pen for the animals to chill under so they don't overheat. I'm pale as a ghost (father is a ginger..thanks dad lol) and I've sat in a lawn chair under it. In a wind storm expo tents were blowing over, but not this umbrella. The pegs are very strong and it has a lot of areas to peg it down.

My son loves playing in this tent we got for our beach trip this summer. A blanket on the ground is great if you have shady areas. You can also use a pack n play if you want to make sure they can't go anywhere.

http://www.amazon.com/Snugpak-All-Weather-Shelter-Olive/dp/B001LZ9EEG/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1426255790&sr=1-3&keywords=ripstop+nylon+tarp

Make sure to bring a baby beach tent, perfect for your 1 year old. (any brand will do, make sure it's packable).

I usually get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Instant-Canopy-Sunwall-Accessory/dp/B00AU6JQ6S/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549416949&sr=1-2&keywords=coleman+canopy+wall

It's one wall you can attach to a canopy. It keeps air flow going, but I put that up the way the sun rises.

I bought this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Instant-Canopy-Lighting-System/dp/B004E4CUBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474699178&sr=8-1&keywords=coleman+canopy+with+lighting

Was on sale when I bought it, about $120, but I'd pay twice that for what it has done for us. I made my own side walls for it from a bolt of cotton fabric I bought at Joann's, but any side walls will do. It lowers halfway, so when we leave the campground for the festival each afternoon, we just lower it instead of taking the top off. It has never blown away (though we do sneak in metal stakes and have sandbags to weigh down the legs as backup). We also double it as a tent and it comfortably sleeps 6 people. The lights on the inside are battery powered and are perfect for chilling inside the tent in the wee hours of the morning.

Not a blanket, but for shade I love the sport brella. We took our kids, 1 and 5 to myrtle beach last year and used two sport brellas for break time and it worked great. We could easily fit 2 chairs and a cooler under each, or it worked for a shady play spot. Amazon has them, but we got ous cheaper at SAMs club.

Sport-Brella Umbrella - Portable Sun and Weather Shelter by Sport-Brella http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CLQ1NA/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_yxfxtb0S8N310

I'll just leave this here...

Disclosure: I don't own one myself as I use a tarp anchored to the bed of my truck (something you said you don't have). With that said, I've been pretty impressed with my camp buddy's Coleman canopy. Understand, however, that you need to anchor it well.

Hasika makes one you might like. Right around 100 bucks, too.

I was wondering the same thing. I found this on Amazon and it looks to be the same one.
https://www.amazon.com/Hasika-Trailer-Camping-Hatchback-Anti-uv/dp/B00ZKYSCOM/ref=sr_1_12?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1522684208&sr=1-12&keywords=suv+sun+shelter#customerReviews

Anyone have experience with the Klymit Roamer tarp as a shelter? It is small and lacks center loops, but claims to be waterproof and is dirt cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Portable-Lightweight-Waterproof-Packable/dp/B07VTR2DJK

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Instant-Pop-Up-Canopy-Shelter/dp/B0033990N8

Vent at the top helps with temps and high winds. The canopy is made of quality waterproof and highly reflective material.

Incredibly easy to set up, take down, has three different height settings, and comes with guy lines on the corners for extra security.

Mine has been going on camping trips and festivals for almost four years now

Not exactly this but I bought universal walls for my canopy that just clip on

canopy walls

Sticking one of these upside down on the back of your hatchback is an awesome cover for your bed if you want to keep it open at night, and it gives you a view/ more room.

This is the same type of umbrella we use, though I got mine at Sam's club for a little better of a price than this one. You can attach it to your canopy or just have it sort of floating between your car and canopy. (Here's my camp if that helps give a better idea)We get these fans in the camping section of walmart. They do take 8 D batteries each which seems like a lot lol, but I've never had to change batteries.

I have not gone VIP, no. I've never been in a long line to get into Centeroo once. Maybe I just pick good times, but I've never waited for than probably 5 minutes. If you just search VIP in this sub you will get tons of pro/con lists for VIP camping. If you have the money to do it, most people would say do it. I would definitely read from some people who have experience though, since I don't!

Umbrellas are weak, go with a full beach tent if you really burn.