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Although you may expect a rainy day to ruin your mood, it doesn’t have to ruin your camping trip. Rain-resistant clothing and waterproof gear are musts for staying comfortable in the rain. Bring along absorbent material to mop up moisture, as well as activities to keep everyone busy after you’ve set your tent up in a spot away from flowing water. You may end up realizing that your rainy camping trip was more memorable than you could have ever imagined!
Steps
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Bring a waterproofed tent when you know it’ll rain. Have a tent with a rain fly that overhangs it so that rainwater drips off the sides. The tent’s entrance should form a lip, like a bathtub, so the floor isn’t entirely flat. Good rain tents are also treated with waterproofing polyurethane or another product. [1] X Research source
- Getting a tent with a vestibule is also helpful. The vestibule can be used to air out damp clothing so you don’t drag water into the rest of the tent.
- Read the labels carefully to make sure the tent has these features.
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Seal an old tent’s seams with a waterproof coating. Order a seam sealer online and let it dry over any loose seams. Then pick up a waterproof spray wherever camping gear is sold and spray the entire tent. Many store-bought tents aren't completely sealed and should be treated this way. [2] X Research source
- You can test a tent for leaks by either spraying the tent with a hose or holding parts of the tent underwater while looking for bubbles or leaks.
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Set up the tent on high ground. Take a look around your campsite before you set up the tent. Pick a spot that’s elevated, away from any slopes or hills. Avoid camping under heavy tree branches that could fall in a storm. Also, look around for any signs of previous flooding, such as narrow canyons and valleys. [3] X Research source
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid those narrow areas and also be aware of the water levels of nearby rivers.
- Avoid camping at the highest geographical point when there’s lightning.
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Place a tarp over the tent. Hoist the tarp over your tent on poles or by tying rope between trees. Make sure the tarp is angled so the rainwater runs off the sides, away from your tent. If you have to pitch a tent in the rain, put up a tarp first to protect your camping spot. [4] X Research source
- You can bring multiple tarps and set them up over other areas, such as a dining area, too. Then you won’t be stuck in your tent during the storm.
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Place a ground tarp inside your tent. Lay the groundsheet inside your tent on the floor. Avoid placing it outside, under the tent, since water can get on top of it. Also make sure the ends aren’t sticking out and letting rain slide into your dry space. [5] X Research source
- You may also lay a second tarp near the tent’s entrance to use as a doormat and storage spot for wet clothing.
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Avoid digging ditches around the tent. Newer models of tents don’t leak and digging damages the campsite. It should only be attempted if your campsite is gravel or sand. You can then dig a small moat all the way around your tent to protect it like a castle. [6] X Research source
- If you have to dig in dirt, dig a very shallow ditch and slope it so the water runs away from your tent.
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Ventilate your tent to avoid water build-up. Open up your door and any ventilation features in your tent that aren’t at risk of letting water in. Living in your tent causes moisture from your breath to condense, in addition to any water you bring in from the outside, so ventilation is important. [7] X Research source
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Pack an extra set of water-resistant clothing. Quick-drying synthetic fibers like nylon are ideal. Avoid cotton clothing, since you’ll be cold and clammy as you wait hours for them to dry. Be sure to pack at least one extra set so you’ll always have something dry to wear. [8] X Research source
- Merino wool is a good choice for additional warmth. Avoid regular wool, since it dries slowly.
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Bring a raincoat or poncho. If you have to go outside, you’ll need a water-resistant outer layer. Ponchos are great for when you’re walking around camp. If you’re going to be in the rain a lot or near bodies of water, get a jacket that’s labeled water-repellent and has a breathable lining like Gore-tex. [9] X Research source
- Raincoats can be refreshed with the same polyurethane or wax coating that you use on the tents.
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Pack a pair of water-resistant camp shoes. A pair of sandals or flip-flops are perfect to wear around camp. Put away your regular shoes or boots until the rain stops. They take ages to dry and there’s nothing worse than walking around in damp boots. [10] X Research source
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Bring a synthetic sleeping bag to resist moisture. Synthetic sleeping bags dry faster than down sleeping bags. The down ones may be warmer, but they’re no use when wet. You can bring additional layers of clothing or blankets to provide extra warmth when using a synthetic bag. [11] X Research source
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Set up a quick-lighting stove for warmth and cooking. A warm drink or meal is great during bad weather, but you can’t depend on wood fires. Get a small wood or gas stove that’s easy to light and bring along some stormproof matches or a lighter. [12] X Research source
- Campfires are also fine, but should never be placed near a tent or tarp. You can keep a fire smoldering by covering the embers with logs until the rain passes.
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Pack important gear in plastic bags. Plastic bags are water-resistant, so they’re one of the most useful things you can bring. Use large trash bags to store clothing, sleeping bags, and campfire fuel. Smaller sandwich bags are useful for sealing away important documents, money, and electronics. [13] X Research source
- Dry bags function the same way but are more expensive. You can get them wherever camping gear is sold.
EXPERT TIPOutdoor EducatorBritt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.Our Expert Agrees: To easily protect your backpack from rain, take everything out of it and line it with a plastic garbage bag. Pack your items in their own resealable plastic bags, like your electronics, food, and clothing. Then, put the plastic bags inside of the garbage bag inside your backpack so it will stay dry.
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Move all of your gear out of the rain. Anything exposed to rain is going to take a long time to dry or clean. Obviously you never want wet clothing, but even items like your cooking set will get very dirty. No matter how waterproof you think they are, get them out of the rain. [14] X Research source
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Use newspaper and quick-dry towels to soak up moisture. Pack some newspaper and towels for whenever you need to mop up rainwater. The towels can be used to wipe down tables and other surfaces, while newspapers are absorbent and can also be used as a fire starter. [15] X Research source
- One way to use newspapers is to place them in wet shoes and other clothing to help soak up the moisture.
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Bring foods that don’t require cooking. Nuts, energy bars, and jerky are some good snack foods to get you through the rains. Sandwich-making supplies like bread and peanut butter also work. While cooking in the rain is possible, these foods can save you a lot of effort and spare you a soaking. [16] X Research source
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Plan some fun activities you can do at camp. Bring along some books, a deck of cards, board games, drawing materials, or anything else that’ll keep you busy. Make sure you’re having fun while you’re stuck waiting for the rain to pass. You could sing or take turns telling stories, too.
- Keep children busy by playing games, doing coloring activities, or telling stories, especially if the storm will scare them.
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Air out your gear before packing it away. Take down the tent first, removing the rain fly and tarp later, if possible. You will most likely need to pack away your gear before it fully dries. Pitch your tent as soon as you get to the next area. Leave your clothing, sleeping bag, and other dampened gear out in the sunlight to dry. [17] X Research source
- Wet gear can lead to mold or mildew, so it’s important to dry it out as soon as possible.
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Collect rainwater by leaving out open bottles. Put your pots, pans, water bottles, and other gear outside as soon as the rain begins. You may also set up a tarp to funnel water into one of these objects. Many people forget to drink adequate amounts of water when the rain starts, and you’ll need to do this if you can’t get back to civilization before you run out. [18] X Research source
- Always purify the water with a filter, if possible.
- Avoid collecting water running off of trees or rocks. This water is already dirty.
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Keep cooking fires away from the tent and tarps. Open flames should never be near tents or tarps. Set your stove outside the door of your tent or under a tarp, making sure the tarp is elevated far above the flames. Never cook inside the tent, since it’ll put you at risk for fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. [19] X Research source
- If an emergency forces you to cook inside the tent, do it at the entrance with the tent’s flaps pulled as far away as possible.
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Warm up anyone who seems to be suffering from hypothermia . Hypothermia is a serious health hazard and must be treated immediately. Get the person out of wet clothing. Cover them with any warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags you have. If possible, get them medical attention right away. [20] X Research source
- Hypothermia is a loss of body heat, so look for signs of constant shivering, hyperventilating, tiredness, and pale skin.
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Stay away from rocks or other slippery ground. Wet rocks, muddy trails, and grassy or mossy slopes all become more dangerous in the rain. Avoid them as much as possible, whether you’re hiking or walking around in camp. Wait for them to dry before you begin hiking again. [21] X Research source
- Be sure to wear hiking boots with plenty of ankle support when around these areas.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I get spiders out of my tent?Community AnswerPeppermint oil is supposed to be good at keeping away spiders. Mix one part oil to two parts water, then spray it around the perimeter of your tent.
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QuestionHow do I seal leaks in my tarp/tent?KyleCommunity AnswerIf you're already at your campsite, use tape, leaves, glue or resin. You can even use your own clothes.
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QuestionWhy should I keep the tent clear of sharp objects?Community AnswerIt is extremely easy to tear tent material, hence the high likelihood of this happening if sharp objects are pressing onto the tent walls or floor. This means being careful not to place it over sharp rocks or vegetation, and avoiding leaving pocket knives, sharp-edged items or scissors anywhere in the tent.
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Tips
- A four season tent is one designed for winter and won't necessarily mean better protection from the rain. It is built for snow and high winds and will be heavier and feature less ventilation than other tents.Thanks
- Camp with other people. You can have a lot of fun even during a rainy adventure.Thanks
- Avoid going outside in your sleeping clothes. If you have to go out in the rain, either put on all your waterproof gear or strip down as much as possible.Thanks
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Warnings
- Keep flames an adequate distance from any combustible material such as tents and tarps.Thanks
- Buy quality waterproof gear. A lot of times, the cheaper products fail you when you need them most.Thanks
- You may get bugs, spiders, and other unwanted visitors when it rains. Shoo them out of your tent or ignore them if they’re not a threat.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://50campfires.com/staying-dry-while-camping-yes-it-will-rain/
- ↑ https://skyaboveus.com/camping/Waterproofing-your-tent
- ↑ https://coolofthewild.com/camping/how-to-camp-in-the-rain
- ↑ http://momgoescamping.com/what-to-do-when-it-rains-when-camping/
- ↑ https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/10-tips-for-camping-in-the-rain?page=2
- ↑ https://preparednessadvice.com/shelter/sleeping-dry-camping-rain/
- ↑ https://sectionhiker.com/how-to-prevent-tent-condensation/
- ↑ https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/guides/tips-for-wet-weather-camping-or-please-let-it-rain
- ↑ https://coolofthewild.com/camping/how-to-camp-in-the-rain
- ↑ https://coolofthewild.com/camping/how-to-camp-in-the-rain
- ↑ https://www.outsideonline.com/1784991/what-gear-do-i-need-camp-rain
- ↑ http://momgoescamping.com/what-to-do-when-it-rains-when-camping/
- ↑ https://coolofthewild.com/camping/how-to-camp-in-the-rain
- ↑ http://momgoescamping.com/what-to-do-when-it-rains-when-camping/
- ↑ https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/10-tips-for-camping-in-the-rain
- ↑ http://momgoescamping.com/what-to-do-when-it-rains-when-camping/
- ↑ https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/10-tips-for-camping-in-the-rain?page=3
- ↑ https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/10-tips-for-camping-in-the-rain?page=3
- ↑ http://momgoescamping.com/what-to-do-when-it-rains-when-camping/
- ↑ https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/10-tips-for-camping-in-the-rain?page=3
- ↑ https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/10-tips-for-camping-in-the-rain?page=3
About This Article
Article Summary
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To camp in the rain, set up your tent on high ground so it doesn't flood, and place an angled tarp over it to divert falling rainwater. You can also lay a tarp down inside of your tent to prevent water from getting in the bottom. While you wait out the rain, move all of your gear into a dry location, and put on some water resistant clothing if you packed any. If you're bored, hang out in your tent and try drawing, playing board games and cards, or telling stories. To learn how to stay safe when you're camping in the rain, scroll down!
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- "This information has been very helpful as l'm going camping in a few weeks for the very first time. From what I've read it looks as though I have bought all the right gear so far. I didn't have a clue as to what type of ground a tent should be pitched on if it rains. Thank you very much for this valuable information." ..." more
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"This information has been very helpful as l'm going camping in a few weeks for the very first time. From what I've read it looks as though I have bought all the right gear so far. I didn't have a clue as to what type of ground a tent should be pitched on if it rains. Thank you very much for this valuable information."
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"Actually, your entire material is helpful. I feel more confident how to camp in the mountains and how to save my motorbike and goods from rain. "
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"Great article! I have camped all my life, and often in the rain. Excellent advice, cautions, and realistic ideas for problem solving."
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"Thanks so much for the heads up on how to waterproof a regular tent and about the tarp going inside rather than under the tent!"
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