How to make the most of camping in the rain

While not ideal, it’s inevitable that one day you will find yourself camping in the pouring rain. Here’s how to make the most of it.

We all know that nervous feeling the week before a camping trip when that big question of, “What will the weather be like?” looms. Sometimes you hit the jackpot with clear skies. But other times, you have to put up with whatever mother nature throws at you. 

If you’re on the road for an extended period, or you’ve got a trip booked and the dates can’t be changed, inevitably, one day, you will find yourself out camping in the pouring rain. 

So here are some top tips to help you enjoy yourself regardless of the weather. Learn to dance in the rain, as they say.

Before the rain

Smart set up

The best way you can have a good time while camping in the rain is to be prepared before it rains, starting with your camping set-up. It seems obvious, but the most important thing is good shelter. Of course, your bed will be undercover. But you also need to think about cooking areas, where you will socialise, and how you’ll store any wet gear.  After all, it doesn’t only rain while you sleep.

If you’re car camping, consider adding an awning to your set-up. Even if you have heaps of space inside a van or rooftop tent, this will provide an area to cook, hang out and stretch your legs. Consider investing in a larger tent with an annex or outdoor section attached, such as an Oztent, if your car isn’t suited to an awning.

Practice setting up in the dry weather (even in your backyard) so you’re not attempting it for the first time when camping in the rain. And when you’re packing your gear, make sure you know where everything is so when you arrive, you’re not pulling things out onto the wet ground to find your tent or gas cooker. 

Check the forecast

Check the forecast, as knowledge will help you prepare. You know it’s going to rain, but how much rain is forecast? When will it start? Is it just a little, or will it rain all weekend? Will it be windy and stormy as well as wet?

Setting up camp

Once you get to camp, set up your shelter first, as soon as possible. This could be your tent, awning or even a tarp over a communal area. Store all your stuff in this camping shelter when the rain hits.

A well set up awning or tarp should be held taut, not saggy, and should be sloped or angled to allow the water to run off the edge. If too much water gathers on your awning it can break or leak. If you can, wait briefly after setting it up to see if the water is flowing off correctly and not pooling before unpacking all your gear beneath it. 

Choose your location wisely because if your camping set-up is in a gully or a low point on the ground, you might get flooded once the rain starts. Look for high ground as an ideal rain camping spot. 

During the rain

Indoor/outdoor divide

So now that you’re camping in the rain, here’s how to make sure your camp doesn’t turn into a complete mess. Firstly, maintain an indoor/outdoor divide. Make sure wet, muddy boots and clothes stay in the outdoor part of your camp. This could be in a designated space in the back of the car, under an awning or even underneath your car or caravan. 

Avoid going from inside to outside and back again as much as you can. Do all the outdoor things you need to do, like cooking or water collection first, and don’t worry too much about getting wet and dirty. Then when it’s time to retreat, you can get warm and dry and stay that way all night.

When camping in the rain, pack a wet bag or bucket to help keep wet, muddy things separate and throw in some old towels to keep yourself and your indoor areas dry and mud free. Use the towels to wipe down surfaces or as a doormat on the inside of your tent.

Clothing

Pack a hooded rain jacket that goes past your bum and a pair of waterproof boots that are easy to slip on and off (like gumboots). This will help you stay dry and warm when you’re venturing out to the bathroom, to collect water, or while you’re setting up. 

Keep a designated set of sleeping/nighttime clothes tucked away and dry and only put them on once you’re definitely getting into bed. This is critical for warmth when you’re on an overnight hike but it’s just as helpful if you’re car camping or caravanning in the rain.  

Activities

While your normal camp activities like swimming, hiking and cooking on the fire might not be as enjoyable in the wet weather, it doesn’t mean you can’t do them! You might get wet. But you can always get dry and warm after if you’ve got your set up well laid out. Make sure you pack plenty of indoor games and a book or two to keep you occupied when you feel like hiding out from the weather. 

A benefit of rainy camping is all the fresh water. Put a bucket under the corner of your awning to collect water for washing dishes or showering, or rinsing muddy gear. You can even collect drinking water if you feel confident your awning is nice and clean!

After the rain

Eventually, the rain will end and you’ll be back to playing in the sunshine. Pack a rope or line to hang out your wet things and some coat hangers to maximise hanging space. 

Avoid packing up your tent while wet if possible. If you have to, make sure you unpack it at home and hang it out to make sure it dries properly. The last thing you want next time you go camping is a mouldy tent.

Another thing to keep an eye out for is the critters that appear in the bush when camping after the rain. Specifically leeches. Keep some insect repellant and some salt on hand to deter them. 

Most of all, embrace your camping experience, whatever the weather throws at you. Things look magical in the rain. It keeps everything nice and cool, and if you’re prepared, you’ll still have an amazing time. Relish the smell of fresh rainfall and the joy of being out amongst nature!