Camping in the rain – It’s happened, despite good planning, thick rain clouds have gathered!
The pitch increasingly turns into a muddy puddle and everything is cold and wet.
Even if you have planned your camping vacation for the most beautiful sunshine, sometimes you can’t avoid the rain.
Here are nine tips to keep you and your family dry so that your entire vacation doesn’t fall through when it rains.
It starts with the preparation, so that you think of everything important.
Then there are tips on cooking and ideas for games to pass the time.
At the very end, you will learn about the right care so that the roof tent and co. last a long time, despite the rainy weather.
Camping Ratgeber:
Preparation & packing list for rainy weather – Tip 1
When preparing for a camping trip, the weather should be an important factor in packing appropriately.
It is important that you inform yourself about the forecast weather conditions and adapt your equipment accordingly.
Make sure you have rain gear, warm blankets and waterproof equipment (e.g. tent, sleeping bag etc.) to protect you from the wet and cold.
Spare clothing and equipment should also not be forgotten in order to be prepared for unforeseen weather conditions.
You can find a packing list adapted for rainy weather here:
| Sleeping facilities (e.g. roof tent) | ▢ |
| Sleeping bag & sleeping mat | ▢ |
| Rainwear for all family members | ▢ |
| Umbrellas | ▢ |
| Waterproof tarpaulin or tent cover | ▢ |
| Waterproof pack sacks or dry bags | ▢ |
| Rainproof cooking equipment | ▢ |
You can find out what else you need for camping here:
Weatherproof equipment & tent – Tip 2
Make sure your tent is waterproof and you have a good rain cover for your equipment.
Use a waterproof tarp or rain cover for your backpacks and other items.
You should also use waterproof containers for important items such as cell phones, cameras and documents to ensure they are protected from the rain.
It can also help to take plastic bags for your shoes so that you don’t have to put them wet and dirty in your tent or awning.
The tent and other camping equipment, such as rucksacks, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and other items, should of course also be weatherproof.
It is also advisable to use a waterproof tarpaulin or rain cover for your equipment to ensure that it stays dry when it is not stored in the tent.
Many tents also have the option of an awning or canopy to protect you from the rain.
These are also particularly practical as you don’t have to take your shoes into the tent and you can hang up a wet towel from the shower without getting condensation in your car or sleeping area.
- Waterproof tent & weatherproof camping equipment
- Waterproof tarpaulin or rain cover for equipment
- Waterproof containers for important items
- Use awning or awning as additional rain protection
Tip from experience: If it’s going to rain, definitely think about a tent extension, as this will make your life so much easier.
You can find out more about awnings and awnings here:
Tip!
You can also lay out an awning floor in your awning or under the awning.
This will also keep your feet and equipment dry outside the tent.
You can view such tarpaulins in the store here: Awning groundsheet for FAMILY annex tent and Awning groundsheet for ECONOMY annex tent.
Rainwear: jacket to gloves – Tip 3
It is important that you prepare well for the weather before your camping trip, especially if it is raining.
You should make sure that the whole family wears rainproof clothing to protect them from the wet and cold.
Rain and humidity can quickly lead to discomfort, especially if you are spending the whole day outdoors.
It is particularly important that your children also wear rainproof clothing, as they can quickly become cold and chilled.
You should also always have a warm and dry change of clothes ready so that you can change wet clothes straight away.
This will prevent you from cooling down quickly and becoming ill.
Use waterproof gloves and shoes to keep your hands and feet dry.
Depending on the breed and coat density, you should also pack rain protection for your dog to protect it from the wet and cold.
You should pack this rainwear for all family members:
| Rain jacket, rain ponchos or raincoats | ▢ |
| Breathable clothing for under the jacket | ▢ |
| Rain trousers | ▢ |
| Waterproof boots | ▢ |
| Waterproof gloves | ▢ |
| Possibly rain protection for the dog | ▢ |
You can learn more about clothing here:
Dry storage area without puddles – Tip 4
Find a dry, well-drained place to camp.
Avoid areas with deep soil, as these can quickly become flooded and muddy due to rain.
To find a suitable spot, you should look for an area where the rain drains well and doesn’t puddle up too much.
Then you are less likely to get stuck in your car or carry mud into your sleeping area.
Instead, you should choose a higher spot where the water can drain away easily.
It is also helpful to find a flat surface to set up your sleeping area.
Firstly, this will make you more comfortable and you won’t run the risk of the water accidentally leaking inside.
A roof tent is particularly helpful here, as it does not rest on the muddy ground in the first place because it is attached to the top of your car roof.
However, you should take cleaning cloths with you for the ladder.
Then you won’t have to fold it up in the mud and get your roof tent dirty.
You should pay attention to this when choosing your pitch:
- Choose a well-drained, dry place to camp
- Avoid deep soil (less mud & wetness)
- Choose a higher spot (water can drain away)
- Find a flat surface to set up your sleeping area
- Roof tent is an option to avoid the muddy ground
General criteria for choosing your campsite can be found here:
Cooking options: Campfire & camping stove – Tip 5
If you want to make a campfire, you should make it under a roof or shelter so that it stays dry.
Lighting a campfire when camping in the rain can be a challenge, as damp wood is difficult to ignite and rain can quickly extinguish the fire.
However, if the weather is terrible, some campsites offer covered cooking areas.
If this is not possible, you can have an alternative cooking facility ready to enjoy hot food and drinks.
These include camping stoves or gas barbecues, which can be used regardless of the weather.
It’s important to make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions when using a camping stove or gas barbecue to avoid accidents.
You should pay attention to this when cooking in the rain:
- Make a campfire under a roof or shelter
- Damp wood difficult to ignite
- Rain causes fires to go out quickly
- Prepare alternative cooking facilities (camping stove)
- Take the necessary safety precautions
You can take a look at the different camping stoves here:
Protect objects and food from moisture – Tip 6
Store your items and food in waterproof containers to ensure they don’t get wet.
Rain can easily damage items and spoil your food, especially if they are not properly protected.
Therefore, it is best to use waterproof containers such as dry bags or waterproof boxes to protect your items and food from getting wet and damp.
Additionally, you can store items and especially food in a safe and elevated area to ensure that they are not damaged by rain or moisture.
- Use waterproof containers for items & food
- Avoid damage from rain & moisture
- Stow items & food in high areas
Tip!
You can find various storage options such as boxes, organizer systems and hooks to hang up your rain jacket in the store under: Storage.
Entertainment: Game ideas for the whole family – Tip 7
Rain can not only be unpleasant when camping, it can also be dangerous if it leads to muddy areas.
These areas can be slippery and cause injury.
To keep children and dogs safe and comfortable, it’s important to avoid these areas.
Instead, you can provide them with a dry area to play and rest, such as a tent, tarp or dry area under trees.
Rain can sometimes be limiting for outdoor activities, but it is important to keep the children and dog occupied and entertained to avoid boredom and unhappiness.
It is therefore advisable to make appropriate preparations before the camping trip and take a selection of activities with you.
This can include books, magazines, toys or board games.
Here is an overview:
- Muddy areas can be slippery & cause injuries
- Children & dogs should be kept away from muddy areas
- Dry areas, such as under tarpaulins or trees, provide play and rest areas
- Take along activities such as books, board games, toys & magazines
Whether board, card or mind games, you’ll find lots of great game tips for the whole family here:
Of course, you can keep yourself and your family occupied in the roof tent for a while this way, but it gets boring in the long run.
So how can you save a rainy vacation?
Excursions: move the activities indoors – Tip 8
You probably had a lot of great things planned, which are perfect for camping in good weather.
But now you should consider whether it makes sense to go on the planned hike, beach visit or bike ride.
It would be really stupid if you were to do outdoor activities anyway and then fall ill.
What’s more, rain is wet and cold, which makes many children grumpy in the long run.
A roof tent is particularly practical here, as you can simply fold it up for a day trip in a dry car.
If there are several rainy days, you should consider changing your activity plans.
Most vacation destinations have museums.
These don’t have to be boring; there are now more and more adventure museums for children.
Indoor playgrounds for climbing and running around are also an option.
If you want to go swimming despite the rain, you can also look for an indoor pool in the area.
And if the planned relaxation in nature doesn’t work out, maybe there’s a nice movie in the cinema.
These five ideas can help you find an exciting activity at your vacation destination:
- Museums as an exciting option
- Adventure museums for children
- Indoor playgrounds for climbing & romping around
- Indoor pool for swimming in the rain
- If necessary, watch a movie in the cinema
Care: Even in the rain!
– Tip 9
A tent or roof tent, but also an awning or caravan awning, are made of tent fabric from various materials.
When camping in the rain, it is important that this tent fabric is carefully cared for in order to maintain its longevity.
Regularly airing the tent helps to reduce moisture and condensation and keep the inside of the tent dry.
An intact tent canvas can protect you much better from rain and moisture from the outside.
After camping, the tent canvas should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and moisture.
It is also important that you set up the roof tent in the garage or carport once you are back home so that it can dry.
Otherwise, the tent fabric can even become moldy if it is folded up wet and unused for several days.
If the tent fabric is damaged, it should be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
You should pay attention to these points when caring for tent fabric:
- Tent fabric consists of different materials
- Use it for tent, roof tent, awning & awning
- Care is important for longevity
- Regular ventilation reduces humidity
- Tarpaulin protects against rain & moisture
- Thorough cleaning after camping
- Dry room for storage
- Repair damage quickly
If you want to know more about the right care, especially for roof tents, you will find it here:
These tips can help you and your family in bad weather.
Don’t forget to pay special attention to your children and dogs and follow the safety rules for camping in the rain.
That way you’ll all have a pleasant and safe camping experience in the rain.
Storm: More tips for bad weather
Now you know what to do in the rain without ruining your vacation.
But what if the weather gets even worse and a storm rolls in?
Should you even cancel your vacation?
Here you’ll find lots of tips for camping in stormy weather:
