Tips for Camping in the Rain

Have you ever camped in the rain? And I don’t mean a sun shower. 

I mean rain, that doesn't ease up.

  

Good or bad experience?

 

 

Generally, most people will say its far from ideal, and many just pack up and

head home early.  And if that is possible, then do it.  Because its not fun.     

Sometimes, ending a holiday is not possible, and you are going to have to 

just deal with it.

Important disclaimer before you read further:  I do like rain on 

the tent at night. It’s a great sound to hear when you are warm 

and dry.  So a little rain, is not going to kill you, and doesn't mean 

a ruined holiday. Stay calm and keep camping. 

So, here are some tips for camping in the rain (ie. not sun shower)

And add yours in the comment section too.

Don’t go

Now this might seem like a blooming obvious thing to say.

But if you do have an option to cancel, do it.  If your camping trip 

is just a weekend away, not planned with military precision, you 

might find that staying home could be better way to spend 

your weekend. 

Yes, it can be disheartening that planning and preparation is 

put on hold.  Yes, the kids might whinge and moan at the plans 

being thwarted.

But ask yourself this – would you much rather have the kids upset 

at home (and with lots of distractions and options available) or 

have them miserable and trapped in a tent/caravan with you 

for 2 days? 

There will always be another time.

Location Location Location 

Think about where you set up each and every camp trip.

So even if its sunny when you arrive, think about what its going 

to be like should it rain.  Where will the water run?  When it runs 

off your accommodation, will it run away from the tent, or pool in 

the indentation where you set up?

We camped in pouring rain, and as it ran off the annexe, it was 

running straight to the tent entrance (in a dip).  Our son ran out 

in the rain, and dug trenches away from the tent (which he still 

talks about today!).

Extra shelter

 
If space allows, bringing an extra shelter (apart from where you are 

sleeping) is VERY helpful.  You can use it as a space to wait out the 

rain and not be trapped indoors. It can provide protection for other 

camping gear, plus provide an area to cook and eat in (because 

you should avoid having food in your tent). And if there is a leak 

in your accommodation, you can always use this tarp/extra shelter, 

to provide much needed protection.

It does not need to be a massive pop up shelter either.  A tarp can 

do a great job.  The site Camping with Charlie has some good ideas 

on ways to set up. And important point, a shelter, provides an 

opportunity to set up a clothes line to dry off wet clothes.

If you have children – this might just save your sanity.

   

Appropriate Gear

 

Bring wet weather gear. That means waterproof jackets with hoods 
(or at least water-resistant). Umbrellas can work in the right situation, 
but not ideal especially if you are moving around the campsite and 
need hands to be free.Cotton clothing is really useless in rain.  

It gets wet and stays wet.   Whilst it can be great on a warm day, for rainy 
weather, its bad news.  See more on why cotton and rainy weather are 
not best friends, inthis article about why cotton kills.Dress appropriately, 
with layering is the best option.And if camping in the rain, seems to 
happen a bit to you, then do invest in the best wet weather gear you 
can afford. 

When it comes to camping and hiking gear, you do get what you pay for.
For children, sometimes a rain poncho works well. And good Wellington 
boots or any shoes that are are waterproof. Wet socks for little one
(and big ones, is miserable). Pack extra!    

Bags and more bags

 

Keeping your “stuff” dry is paramount.

Don’t let wet gear into your sleeping area, because that is an area you 

need to remain pristine.   All wet gear stays outside, and store it a 

plastic bag to keep it touching anything else.  Dry sacks are 

great for keeping wet and dry, apart. Ensure all clean clothes 

(and dry) stay in a bag that won’t let water in. Use a garbage 

bag if really necessary.

All equipment especially cameras/phones should be in dry sacks when 

not in use. Water getting into them can be fatal to them. 

In your tent at night, keep them in waterproof bags too–if the 

accommodation lacks adequate ventilation, condensation can build up on them.

Lack of ventilation in your sleeping area, will mean condensation 

that makes everything damp.  Avoid letting bedding touch the 

walls of the tent.

Cooking

The meal on the campfire might have to wait due to rain.  Bring at 

least one backup meal that doesn’t require a roaring fire.  

Pasta and a bottled sauce is a good one to have in the supply box.

But just don’t try to cook inside your tent – ever.

 A good campfire stove is recommended for those times when a 

campfire is not an option.  We have a variety, but the Trangia is very 

multi-functional stove and is lightweight and portable too.  Just ensure 

if you are cooking under your tarp/shelter, that there is a large 

distance between the stove and the shelter.

And there are lots of articles on how to start a fire in the 

rain – but for me, it all sounds too hard when camping is meant 

to be fun.  If you are into Man Vs. Wild style of camping, then 

read up on how to do it.

Hopefully some of these tips will help make your next rain-filled camping 

adventure a little easier to cope with.

And if you do hang in there, and not head home because of the rain, don't 

let a bad experience colour your opinions on camping.   It's all these little, 

not-so-perfect moments, that can make your life one big adventure.

So, what do you think about camping in the rain?