Useful camping tips to have on hand next time you’re caught in the rain
You can’t escape the rain. Sure, it can be unpleasant and this trip is something you and the family have been looking forward to for months. You want to get some fresh air and escape the usual hustle and bustle of your life — but camping in the rain shouldn’t put you off. With the right equipment and activities, you can actually enjoy yourself.
The rain shouldn’t make you postpone your plans and avoid making memories. So, whether you’re looking for fun things to do whilst camping in the rain or are looking for general camping tips in the rain, here’s what you need to know so you can have a memorable getaway.
What Equipment to Take When Camping in the Rain
Be prepared for the possibility that it’ll rain during your camping trip. Forget what the weather forecast promises. Just sticking to your swimming shorts and vest with sun cream lathered to your skin might be perfect for those scorching summer days, but you never know when a light drizzle can turn into a fully-fledged thunderstorm.
The first tip for camping in the rain is to pack for it. That doesn’t mean one suitcase in case it’s sunny and another in case it rains, but just enough so you can avoid getting uncomfortably wet.
- Blankets: These will keep you warm and toasty at night when the temperature drops as the longer it rains.
- Dry bags: These waterproof bags are reusable and perfect for keeping your essential items dry.
- Waterproof clothing and footwear: Waterproof jacket, trousers, boots, ponchos… pack them all and a few extras!
- Groundsheets: Groundsheets will keep you dry by acting as a line of defence between you and the wet floor.
- Tarpaulin: Pack multiple tarps! You can use one while pitching your tent and set them up to keep things like bikes, camping chairs and firewood dry.
- Reproofer: It’s always good to keep the waterproof spray on hand. Reproof equipment before setting off and keep it with you, just in case your waterproof gear suffers a leak.
- Lighting: Pack the extra lighting like a handheld torch and head torch when camping in dark, cold winter months.
- Extras: Bring extra ropes, extra cord and extra tent pegs. They’ll come in handy when you least expect it when camping in the rain.
Camping in the Rain Activities
As relaxing as it is to lay down and listen to the soothing patter of raindrops to help you fall asleep, the novelty eventually wears off and it isn’t exactly what you had in mind when planning your camping trip. Don’t let the rain put you off, though. Rather than packing your things and heading back, there are plenty of fun things to do whilst camping in the rain.
Swimming
You read that right, swimming in the rain. It’s already going to be wet outside, so why not? If it isn’t a torrential downpour, go ahead and dive into the lake for a unique experience. At times, the water retains its warmth so it won’t be unbearable.
Kayaking or Canoeing
These are the fun things to do whilst camping in the rain that you won’t forget in a hurry. If you have your own canoe or kayak, great. If not, there are plenty of camping hotspots that let you rent them out for a while. It’s truly a magical experience with the sound of the raindrops, nature and echoes across the lakes. You don’t get that on sunny, dry days.
Fishing
The rain won’t stop the fish from catching the bait. Put on your waterproofs, head to the lake to throw your hook and spend a peaceful afternoon fishing, just like you see in the movies.
Build a Campfire
If it’s drizzling, you can get a campfire going pretty easily. It’s a big part of the camping experience and if a few first-timers are tagging along, this will brighten up their day. Get a campfire started, roast marshmallows, warm up some hot chocolate and gather around as a family or friends.
Make Music or Tell Stories
If anybody plays an instrument, you can spend a rainy day around the campfire listening to or playing the guitar or harmonica while singing along. Or maybe tell a few scary stories around the campfire?
Play Board Games
If you want to head back to the tent, playing games is another fun thing to do whilst camping in the rain. Whether it’s a good old game of charades, Monopoly or Cluedo, you can spend your time having fun and being competitive with a tarp keeping you all dry.
Tips on Staying Dry Whilst Camping in the Rain
If you aren’t a fan of the rain and you don’t want to get wet — but you don’t want to end your camping adventure early either — here’s how to camp in the rain while staying dry in the process.
Don’t Put the Fire Out
If you started a campfire already before the rain hit, try to keep it going. Throw in more logs and coals so it doesn’t go out quickly. Unless the rain becomes extreme, you should have enough heat for you to sit around to stay warm and dry.
Keep the Inside of Your Tent Dry
When arriving at the site and setting up your tent, take extra care not to get the inside wet. Keep everything tightly zipped and keep your waterproofs on. In more severe rain conditions, set up your tent without staking it into the ground so you can move it quickly if the ground becomes wet. The last thing you want is to stay dry throughout the day, only to get wet when you’re back in the tent.
Use Your Tarps
Remember the tarps we said you should pack when camping in the rain? This is where they’ll be really useful: helping you stay dry. As soon as you spot some rainfall, put them up and create a makeshift shelter to keep you and your things dry.
Ready to camp in the rain? With a list full of handy equipment, tips on how to camp in the rain and fun things to do whilst camping in the rain, you can be sure to have a good time wherever you decide to go.