What To Do When It Rains While Camping?
One of the great joys of camping is sleeping under the stars and listening to the soothing sound of rainfall hitting the tent. That is until the cold rain suddenly soaks your belongings and forces you to spend time inside the damp, cramped tent. If you’re not prepared, this situation can quickly take the fun out of a camping excursion; however, there are some methods to turn a rainy camping trip into a positive experience.
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1. Prepare for the Weather
It’s important to have the right gear when going camping. This is especially true when it comes to rain. Be sure that you have a waterproof tent, good-fitting rainfly, and a tarp. The tarp can be placed above the tent, providing extra protection from the rain. Also, a ground tarp helps with mud and water run-off away from the tent. Additionally, this helps keep the interior of the tent dry.
It’s a good idea to have several layers of clothing to keep you warm and dry in rainy weather. Nylon and polyester materials help protect from the rain. Have dampers that will keep your feet dry and warm, and extra dry socks. Remember that even if the rain stops, the ground may still be very damp. A dry pair of socks and shoes can be of great help.
2. Plan Activities Inside and Out
Planning activities that are rain-friendly can be key. Pack waterproof playing cards that can be used for fun in the tent. Board games, coloring books, or other activities can offer relief from the wetness. If the rain stops but the ground is too wet for other activities, check out nature’s song. Record any interesting birdsongs you hear, try to identify various smells, or count all the different types of leaves you can find. Nature has some amazing surprises.
3. Utilize Your Tent
Camping is a great opportunity to teach your family or friends about the great outdoors. Use this time to teach them about the different species of plants or animals you may encounter. If you are all indoors, set up a mini-science lab with water and dirt and do some experiments. Teach your little ones about the water cycle or the habitat of various critters or simply teach them the fun game of “I spy.”
Also, there’s no reason to be stir crazy of the rain. To keep yourself and your travel buddies entertained, plan a good movie night with snacks and stories to tell in the tent. Books, a deck of cards, or board games can all come in handy here.
4. Make Use of Technology
Camping doesn’t always mean being far away from the conveniences of the city. With a phone and the right device, you can get access to the internet and watch movies or play some games. Bring along a few portable batteries that are water-resistant or charged, and if you’re really lucky, you can even get some signal if you’re in a more remote area.
You can even use any connected device to check out the local weather. Knowing the rain patterns may give you the right window to get out of the tent and explore. Being prepared is key – and who knows, you might even run into a local recommending interesting places to point your compass.
With a bit of planning and the right approach, a rainy camping trip can be enjoyable. It is important to equip yourself with the right gear to make the experience comfortable, and to plan activities that take advantage of rainy periods like exploring nearby nature centers, taking educational nature walks, and playing rainy day-themed games. Having a positive attitude and being prepared can make the experience not only bearable, but even enjoyable.
The following video will offer even more tips and ideas on what to do when it rains while camping: