Camping in the rain, although not ideal, it can be done. With a little planning ahead for the weather, you and your family can still have an awesome time making memories outdoors!
If you do find yourself camping in the rain, you won’t be the only one out there! Plenty of us are willing to face some drizzly conditions for a chance to spend a weekend outdoors. Plan ahead and take a few precautions.
Ready to make the most of camping in the rain? Here are a few tips that have helped me and my family:
CREATE YOUR SPACE
Create a space to hang out. If you’re dealing with icky weather, you might have to put a bit more effort into your campsite than usual. Instead of sitting inside your stuffy tent all day, create a covered area where you can all sit together outdoors. Hang a canopy overhead, put down a tarp, and set up some camp chairs. Have fun hanging out together.
BRING GAMES
The whole point of camping is spending time outdoors. Faced with rainy conditions, you may need to spend more time hanging around your campsite than usual, so you’ll want to come equipped with plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained.
Bringing board games can help pass the time and make waiting for the wet weather to depart a little more bearable. However, If you’d rather not keep track of so many pieces, you can have a surprising amount of fun with a simple deck of cards.
MORE IDEAS: Need more game ideas, here's over 50 fun games for your camping trip!
COOKING IN THE RAIN
Make sure you’ve got a way to cook. The last thing you want to deal with is a bunch of hangry campers, so you’ll want to come prepared with ways to cook despite the weather. Camping in the rain adds an extra element of adventure to cooking. You’ll likely need to rely on a camp stove or use a fire starter to get your campfire going. And you may not have an easy time regulating temperature or keeping things burning.
If you’re forced to cook out in the rain, make sure you have a way to make your food that won’t leave dinner soggy before it’s done. Ditch the kebabs and cast-iron skillets in favor of lidded dutch ovens and foil packet meals. And if the kiddos are sad because you can’t make s’mores, use it as an opportunity to introduce them to campfire cones!
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
The last thing you want to do is spend the night outside cold and wet. There’s no quicker way to get sick and, frankly, have an absolutely miserable time. Make sure you’re well-prepared for the cooler weather that often accompanies rain and thunderstorms with warm, waterproof clothing.
Choose your shoes carefully, bring plenty of extra socks, and dress in layers that can be added or removed to stay comfortable. Bring the rain gear for the kids including boots, coat and perhaps even an umbrella.
You’ll want to have an extra outfit or two on hand in case your clothes get too damp, as well as a jacket - even during the summer. And if the rain stops, there will be plenty of fun splashing in muddy puddles!
You don’t have to let camping in the rain totally ruin your trip! While it definitely puts a damper on your fun and creates a little more work for you and your family, you’ll find you can make great memories together camping in the rain. How have you and your family managed to make camping in the rain a fun experience? Leave a comment and share your best tips below!
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