Ultimately, nature is quite unpredictable. Even a perfect sunny forecast isn’t immune to the occasional shower or thunderstorm, especially if you’re camping at higher elevations like the Rocky Mountains. Or perhaps you are expecting rain, and have decided to go camping anyway? Camping in the rain can pose some unique challenges, but you can still have an incredible time even if the skies decide to open up.

We don’t shy away from the potential for wet weather while camping, nor should you. Camping is about adventure, growth, and exploration, so take this opportunity to experience nature in a different light.

I’m here to break down the steps you can take to stay dry and enjoy your time outdoors, rain or shine. With the right preparation and a few essential tips, you can still have a memorable and fun experience. 

#1 – Analyze the Forecast

Obviously you’ve checked the forecast, otherwise you wouldn’t know there’s a chance of rain during your camping trip. But have you taken the time to really delve into the forecast and look at the details?

Even if there’s a day that says there’s a 100% chance of rain, is that rain going to push through in a couple of hours and the rest of the day will be beautiful? Or is it going to rain all day, with clouds hovering above that area for more than a few hours?

These questions can make a huge difference in your willingness to venture into wet conditions, so you should take some time and look into these details. If it’s going to rain all day (or for several days) during your trip, perhaps consider rescheduling for better weather. If there’s a chance of rain and it should come and go, then we always go for it!

Note: Never mess with severe weather. If the weather predicts more than rain (like thunderstorms, possible tornadoes, etc.), then it may not be safe to go camping. Only you can make that call for yourself.

#2 – Pack a Great Tent

Your tent is your refuge while camping, especially if it’s going to rain. Everything inside must stay completely dry, so this is the time to pack a seriously awesome tent. Perhaps you already have one, but if you don’t, it’s time to go tent shopping!

An ideal tent for rainy weather will have a full-coverage rainfly that extends most of the way to the ground. The shape should be dome-shaped, and the waterhead rating should meet or exceed 1200mm. 

Why should you look for these qualities? The full coverage rainfly keeps sideways rain out, the dome shape is aerodynamic for the wind to go around the structure, and the waterhead rating keeps moisture from seeping through the fabric. 

Our camping tent meets all of these requirements, and we’ve never had a single drop of rain get inside. We even recently had some unexpected severe thunderstorms overnight, and the rain pounded down for hours and hours. We stayed completely dry in our tent, even if the thunder and lightning kept us awake.

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While a larger cabin tent with a short rainfly, may get the job done during ideal conditions, it’s not a great fit for rainy weather. The short rainfly leaves the windows prone to leaks and the near vertical walls can catch wind like a sail. Also, cheaper tents don’t usually have an adequate waterhead rating, and all these factors can leave you wet and unhappy.

If your tent doesn’t meet the waterproof requirements but you don’t want to drop money on something new, you could make your tent work by waterproofing the fabric ahead of time. This involves purchasing a special waterproofing spray online and then treating the tent fabric. Don’t forget to add seam sealer as well! If your tent is tall, make sure you use all four guylines. If your tent has exposed windows, consider covering the entire structure with a tarp so you can increase your odds of staying dry at all times. 

#3 – Pick the Right Campsite

Speaking of tents, tent placement is one of the most important parts of staying safe when camping in the rain. We always avoid low-lying areas where water can pool, and choose elevated ground instead. 

While it’s highly unlikely that an established campsite is below the flood line, make sure that it’s above flood levels. Don’t set up your tent near a river or stream just in case the rain causes it to overflow. 

Also, don’t forget to look up before placing your tent. Avoid camping under “widow-makers”, or dead standing trees and dead branches that could be prone to falling during wind and rain. 

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#4 – Set Up Your Tent Properly

Now that you’ve selected the right spot to set up your weather-proof tent, it’s time to set it up properly. Start with a groundsheet or footprint, ideally the tent’s matching footprint. This material helps keep water from seeping through your tent floor (and increases the longevity of your tent’s floor), but it has to fit the shape and size of your tent. It should be the exact dimensions or slightly smaller so that no fabric hangs out from underneath your tent, otherwise, it won’t work properly.

Then you can set up your tent like normal. After it’s upright, you should guy it out using the included guylines. You can stake these out, tie them to a nearby tree, or use a rock anchor (watch this YouTube video on how to utilize a Big Rock / Little Rock technique). Either way, you should guy out each tent corner, especially the ones that are facing towards the oncoming wind.

Not everyone feels like it’s necessary to guy out your tent, but we do it every time we camp. We think it’s an essential step in the tent setup process that’s often overlooked, but guy lines can be extremely useful, especially when the wind picks up.

#5 – Bring Tarps (And Equipment to Secure Them)

Your tent is your sleeping place, but during rainy weather, you’ll want to have a place to hang out beyond your tent walls. Tarps are your best friend, as they can create a dry outdoor space perfect for spending time outside, even when it’s raining.

Hang a tarp over your tent’s entrance so you can leave wet gear outside without exposing it to the elements. This also gives you a place to remove any wet clothes and dirty shoes before entering the dry sanctuary of your tent.

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You should also hang a tarp over the picnic table or some kind of place where you can prepare food. This dry space for cooking and socializing is shielded from the rain, so you can cook, eat, play card games, and hang out.

Pro tip:  Make sure this tarp hangs over the entire front of your tent and crosses towards the back half of your tent. If it’s too far forward, water can run off onto the front of your tent and drip on you as you’re trying to get in and out of the tent.

#6 – Wear the Right Clothes

In addition to the gear that you bring, the clothes you pack are equally important for several reasons. For one, rain can decrease the temperature, especially if it’s part of a front that’s pushing through. We have all experienced that drop in temperature after heavy rain, so be prepared with warmer layers than you would normally pack.

Two, those decreased temperatures combined with moisture can leave you feeling colder than usual and prone to getting wet. Being wet and cold not only leads to a miserable experience but can also leave you at an increased risk for hypothermia. 

And three, your normal daily-wear clothes may not be sufficient for camping in the rain. As the saying goes, “cotton is rotten” when it comes to outdoor activities. It doesn’t dry quickly, and it holds on to moisture. That’s why wearing cotton will leave you cold and wet for longer than if you were wearing quick-drying, athletic clothing.

With all that being said, you should pack waterproof outer layers that keep you dry, and wear quick-drying underlayers to keep you warm. Avoid cotton when possible, especially with your socks. Look for underlayer materials that are mostly Merino wool and pair them with a waterproof rain jacket or poncho. Have a designated pair of dry clothes that stay in your tent so you always have something dry to change into. 

#7 – Pack Alternative Entertainment for Something To Do

Normally when you go camping, your activities will revolve around the great outdoors: hiking, fishing, sitting by the campfire, etc. But when rain traps you inside your tent (or under your handy tarp), you can quickly run out of things to do. That’s why you should pack alternative forms of entertainment – something different than what you normally bring camping.

My go-to is my Kindle Paperwhite since it has a long-lasting battery and can store tons of books. That way I can read whatever matches my mood. Derek prefers hard-copy books, but still always brings at least one camping. 

You could also bring group activities like board games and card games (we love UNO! and Dutch Blitz). Download movies to a tablet and watch them together, or unplug for the duration of your camping trip and engage in journaling, sketching, or even playing a musical instrument instead.

These activities not only keep you busy, but they also keep your morale high. This means you and your companions can stay in good spirits, no matter the weather.

Here are some more ideas for rainy-day activities:

• Play a conversational game and get to know each other better. Like SPARK by Seek Discomfort or Conversation Cards by Diary of a CEO.
• Find somewhere nearby to do an indoor activity like an Escape Room, shopping mall, or museum.
• Bring along mess-free crafts like friendship bracelets or a puzzle. Don’t bring paints or anything with glue or you risk getting it all over your tent.

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#8 – Plan and Prepare Your Meals Ahead of Time

Meal planning is an essential step in preparing for any camping adventure, and it becomes even more important when there’s a chance of rain. 

A persistent downpour may make it impractical, if not impossible, to light a campfire or even use a camp stove. If you solely rely on these methods to prepare meals, you may be left hangry and stuck inside your tent. 

Having a large tarp to cover the picnic table can allow you to access a stove during the rain, but you should still try to make mealtime as simple and painless as possible. Think about options like sandwiches, tuna packs and bread (for easy tuna sandwiches), and easy sides like chips and trail mix. 

Dehydrated meals can also be a great option that just require boiling water, that way you don’t have to stand outside at the stove for longer periods of time while you prepare a full meal. We especially love eating dehydrated meals when it’s cold out since they can help warm you from the inside out.

Not only will this allow you to beat the hanger more easily, but you will also be less stressed about preparing the perfect dinner when the weather isn’t cooperating.

#9 – Waterproof Shoes To Protect Your Feet

Your average running shoe isn’t going to cut it when it’s pouring rain outside, so bring along upgraded footwear like boots instead. Normally when we go camping, I like wearing slides around camp, but that won’t fly if there’s water on the ground. Always pair your shoes with a warm wool sock, which will dry easier than regular cotton socks.

On top of having a waterproof pair of shoes, always have a backup pair in a dry spot like your vehicle or your tent. That way if your shoes do get wet, you always have another pair that you can change into. 

#10 – Use Quick-Drying Towels to Dry Off

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you will still get wet. If it’s really raining outside, this is an inevitability. Plan on getting wet, but take the proper steps to avoid it as much as possible. When you do end up getting soaked, a towel can be a game-changer.

We absolutely love our microfiber, quick-drying towels. They come with us on most outdoor adventures and have proved to be invaluable several times. Keep them in a dry place and use them to dry off when needed.

To let them dry, we hang them over the seats in the car. Once the rain clears, move them outside to a clothesline or draped over a tree branch.

#11 – Hang Wet Items on a Clothesline

We don’t normally pack a clothesline when we go camping, but when it’s raining you’ll want something to hang your wet clothes and towels on. Even if it’s just a rope attached between two trees, make sure you bring something to hang your clothes and wet gear once the rain clears.

Even if you don’t want to hang your clothes, you could use the line to hang your tent’s rainfly so you can dry it and air out the inside of your tent simultaneously.

#12 – Illuminate Camp with Extra Lighting

Lighting is always top of our packing list when we go camping, but when there’s a chance of rain we bring a little extra. Overcast skies and dense clouds can reduce natural light significantly, even during the brightest part of the day. Not only does extra lighting keep you safer when it’s dark outside, but it can add an element of comfort and convenience to your campsite. 

So bring along different kinds of light sources for different uses. Headlamps are perfect for hands-free illumination, lanterns are great for lighting larger areas, and waterproof flashlights are useful for trips to the bathroom. Don’t forget the extra batteries, which is something you should bring on every camping trip regardless. 

#13 – Stay Cozy with Warm Sleeping Gear

Rain brings a drop in temperature and a rise in humidity, a combination that can leave you feeling chilled. As the sun goes down, the temperature can drop even more, so you must bring along warm sleeping gear that will keep you comfortable and cozy all night long. 

Start with a foundation that serves as a cushion and an insulating layer against the cold. This could be a cot, sleeping pad, or air mattress. Look for products with a higher R-value, which is a rating of the product’s ability to reflect the user’s body heat back toward them. 

Next, your sleeping bag should be rated to keep you comfortable down to a temperature that’s at least 15 degrees lower than the temperature you’re expecting. For added warmth, you could add a sleeping bag liner to your setup. Combine this setup with some moisture-wicking clothes, and you’ll be warm and comfortable all night long.

#14 – Waterproof Your Gear

Not only should your camping gear be adequately waterproof, but so should your clothing and hiking gear. While your tent and tarps can keep you dry while you are at camp, having waterproof gear (beyond the obvious rain jacket) can allow you to venture out without getting soaked through.

If you plan on going hiking, make sure you have a waterproof pack cover to protect your backpack – this will keep the contents dry and safe. This is something you should carry with you on every hiking trip. We learned this lesson the hard way after a pop-up storm surprised us on a hike and soaked ourselves and our backpacks (plus everything inside) all the way through. 

You could also consider wearing gaiters, which are waterproof coverings for your lower legs. Not only do they help prevent water from getting into your shoes, but they also help protect your pants as they brush up against wet foliage.

For other gear, waterproof dry bags can be invaluable for keeping electronics and clothing dry. Ziplock baggies can be useful for smaller items like a phone and maps, and larger plastic containers (like plastic totes) can store camping gear in a way that keeps moisture at bay. 

#15 – Keep Your Firewood Dry

Having a campfire may not be possible if it’s raining, but after the rain passes through a campfire could be a great source of warmth and comfort. But there are few things worse than trying to start a fire with wet firewood, so follow these steps to keep your firewood dry.

First, source local firewood from somewhere that’s protected. This could be a park office, local gas station, or nearby camping store. Wood from these locations is normally stored in weather-protected areas, so it’s a great source of dry wood. Don’t source wood from the forest or any place that doesn’t protect their firewood, as it will be soaking wet and nearly impossible to light.

Once you have your firewood, the next step is storing it properly. Don’t just leave it next to the firepit like you normally would, and instead store it somewhere where it will stay dry. Some ideas include under a tarp, under your vehicle, inside your vehicle, or under your shelter tarp. 

Just make sure it’s on an elevated piece of land so it doesn’t end up sitting in a pool of water. Also, if you use a tarp to cover it, keep the tarp down by placing rocks on the corners and top. 

#16 – Don’t Forget Your Pants of Perspective

Beyond the gear and logistics, the part that truly matters is bringing the right perspective to your rain-drenched adventure. Each moment presents an opportunity for you to savor a unique glimpse of nature’s quieter, more introspective side. A rainy hike brings to life the vibrant greens of the forest; a misty morning on the lake is a portrait of serenity; the chorus of raindrops and wildlife creates an orchestra of natural sounds.

If you go on this camping trip with a negative mindset and dread the whole thing, then negativity is all that you will find. If you put on your perspective pants and look for the beauty in everything you see, then you will come out of this trip rejuvenated.

Final Thoughts

Camping in the rain may sound daunting or depressing, but with the right preparation and proper mindset, it can be a fun experience. The key to any camping trip is preparation, and you must prepare just a little bit more for a rainy camping trip. 

Take a step back and enjoy the patter of rain on your tent and the way the world seems to quiet during the rain then come back to life after it passes. There’s a unique kind of peace that comes from warm clothes, the gentle glow of a lantern, and the rich smell of damp earth.

Stay positive and find things to appreciate. Make the best of the adventure and stay dry with all these methods we’ve explained above!