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Camping in the rain can be miserable if you do not take the proper steps to prepare. However, with some adequate planning and packing, you may actually enjoy this unique experience.
To ensure you’re equipped with everything you need, we’ve compiled a list of some tips and tricks for not only coping but thriving on your next camping trip in the rain. Let’s get started.
How To Cope With Camping in the Rain
1. Check the Weather Before You Leave
To best cope with rainy conditions, you must start preparing before you leave on your trip. Take some time in the week leading up to your trip to check the weather and see what the conditions are looking like. Packing the proper items can make a world of difference, so do what you can to be prepared.
2. Invest in Quality Tarps
Tarps are a lifesaver in wet conditions and will help keep your camp dry, inside and out. Set up a large tarp underneath your tent and layer one on top for added protection. A high-quality tarp will not only help keep the water out but also mitigate the risk of high winds and gusts that may have otherwise impacted your tent.
3. Bring Clothing Layers
When rainy conditions tend to linger, you may notice that the overall temperature begins to drop. Packing plenty of shirts, jackets, and other layers is a great way to be prepared, no matter how the temperature fluctuates. It’s also a great way to ensure you have plenty of dry clothing options if some of your items were to get compromised by the rain.
If you are preparing for a lengthy stay in rainy conditions, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max can make the world of a difference. This portable power station can quickly supply power to a portable heater to create a comfortable temperature in your camping space.
On the other hand, if you’re camping in the summer months when the rainy season makes for hot and sticky conditions, the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC is easy to bring along to create a nice, cool escape from the outdoor conditions.
4. Find an Elevated Campsite
It is a good rule of thumb to always find an elevated campsite, regardless of if it is rainy or not. This is because sitting water tends to find its way to low points, and you should avoid this by all means necessary when setting up camp.
Elevated spots are not too hard to come by and should help to provide you some peace of mind knowing you are mitigating the risk of flooding in your tent.
5. Find Windbreaks
Large rocks and trees are great things to find to use as natural windbreaks when camping. Some storms tend to kick up some hefty gusts that can be quite dangerous to campers staying in small tents. Finding a tucked spot to set up your camp helps to ensure these wind gusts will not cause any damage to you or your tent throughout the length of the storm.
6. Dig Trenches Around Your Tent
If you know rain will be coming, take some time to dig trenches around the perimeter of your tent. This will help to lead the water away from your space and is a great precautionary measure if you are camping in a high-risk flood zone.
It is a lot easier to do this ahead of time rather than once the water has already made its way into your tent, so do the right thing and make these preparations before the rain starts.
7. Set Up Your Portable Power Station
If the rain is particularly heavy, you may be holed up in your tent for quite some time. As a general safety precaution, it’s always essential to keep your phone and emergency devices charged and ready in case they need to be used. A simple way to do this is to bring along EcoFlow Portable Power Stations.
These compact power stations will easily fit into your tent. They will stay charged for days at a time and allow you to power up any electronic devices in your tent, including phones, coffee makers, and more.
8. Prepare Simple Meals
While it can be fun to set up over the campfire and cook some elaborate meals, rainy camping conditions can make this nearly impossible. To ensure you are properly nourished no matter what the weather may be doing, you should always have a backup plan and bring along some simple meals to prepare.
With the EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator, you can keep tons of prepared food items right in the dry safety of your own tent. You can even prep some meals ahead of time and keep them stored until the night that it is needed. Regardless of whether you are camping in a tent or a van, this tip will get you far and keep you fed no matter how intense the rain may be.
9. Choose a Nearby Destination
If you know the weather is going to be challenging, you may need to adjust your plans accordingly. Camping is meant to be enjoyable, and in certain weather conditions, it can really turn into a miserable experience. To avoid this altogether, consider planning your trip in a nearby location so that it is easy to retreat home if you need to.
Backyard camping is a fun and unique way to spend some time outdoors and helps to simplify many of the general concerns that come along with traditional camping. Whether you are camping on your own or have a group of people with you, this solution is perfect when the weather may be too challenging to work around.
10. Bring Extra Plastic Bags
Small plastic bags and large garbage bags alike will be incredibly helpful if the rain decides to stick around for the length of your trip. Removing wet clothing items and placing them in these bags will help to keep your other items separate and dry. You can also use these bags to protect your electronics and personal belongings if the rainwater were to make its way into your tent.
Oversized garbage bags can be used as rain ponchos in a pinch and will help to preserve the longevity of the clothing items you bring with you.
11. Designate Wet and Dry Zones
If many of your items have gotten wet, it’s time to designate wet and dry zones within your tent. You can use plastic bags or an extra tarp to wrap up any affected items and place them in the chosen corner of your tent.
This tip helps to keep the rest of your items dry and makes for a much more enjoyable experience for you and your camping party.
12. Camp With Friends
Camping in the rain can be a lot more enjoyable if you get to spend that time with the right people. Trips with friends or pets are always great experiences; you’re bound to make lasting memories even if the rain decides to stick around.
13. Consider Elevated Sleeping Arrangements
Sleeping bags are traditionally used when tent camping, though they may not be the best option in rainy conditions. Finding ways to stay elevated from the ground in case the water was to make its way in is very important and will help to keep you safe and healthy for the extent of your trip.
Hammocks, cots, and blowup mattresses are all great options and are easy items to pack on your trip. You will find that these sleeping arrangements provide an added level of comfort and will help you stay dry no matter how long the rain may last.
14. Bring Entertainment or Activities
Just like any rainy day at home, you may need to find some unique ways to keep yourself occupied while the rain passes over. Card games and board games are great items to pack and can help to keep your mind off the downpour taking place outside.
15. Embrace the Rain
At the end of the day, rainy days are quite common and may show up when you least expect them. Many campers actually love camping in the rain and find that it adds to the outdoor experience. Come prepared to embrace the wet outdoor conditions, and you just may find that you too enjoy a rainy camping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the time to find an elevated spot when you are setting up camp and ensure that your sleeping bag or cot is raised off the ground. As long as these measures are followed, you are set for a restful night of sleep.
Camping in the rain is perfectly safe if you follow the proper precautions when setting up, though some harsh storms may present a level of danger that is just not worth the risk. Pay attention to local weather stations the week of your planned trip and make an informed decision before heading out.
Final Thoughts
Camping in the rain may bring on its own levels of complications, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a miserable experience. In fact, some people love the sound of falling rain, and you may even find that it elevates the coziness of your campsite.
If you’re in the planning stages of your next camping trip, make sure to check out the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations for all of your backup power needs.