10+ Awesome Wet Weather Camping Tips and Hacks to Stay Dry in the Rain

Rain might feel like a death sentence for outdoor activities, particularly camping. Nothing can ruin your camping experience faster than pouring rain. But it doesn't have to be. Conversely, camping in the rain may be quite pleasant and certainly, dry. Here are some wet weather camping tips and hacks to help you stay happy and dry when the liquid sunshine starts falling from the sky. 

Tips for tent camping in the rain

Before You Go

Check the weather forecast

One of the key wet camping tips is to check if it’s going to rain during the days you want to go camping. 

We all want perfect camping weather. If the forecast says the chance of rain is 50% or higher, that means you might want to reschedule your trip or prepare the necessary things to make it an interesting trip. 

There are a lot of options available so that you can choose the best weather app for predicting rain. 

Check the weather before the trip

GoWeatherForecast is highly appreciated for its accuracy in forecasting weather. You can also use this app to check the temperature, wind speed, humidity, etc.

With a few clicks, you will have access to all of the required weather information, including the weather prediction for today, tomorrow, the following three days, five days, seven days, and ten days in your region or anywhere in the world.

Choose the right tent site

This is one of the best tips for tent camping in the rain. You should look for a place with a little elevation and far away from a river or lake. Otherwise, you will wake up in three inches of water after a downpour. 

Choose the right tent site

Moreover, avoid camping under the tree for whatever reasons because, after the rain, raindrops will drip on your head.

It’s best to place your tent facing the morning sun to lure yourself out of your sleeping bag on drizzly mornings. 

Find a good tent with a rainfly 

A camping tent is among the wet weather camping essentials you need to prepare. You may want a wet weather tent with a rainfly that completely covers any mesh vents and windows. 

Some cabin tents are designed in such a way that the rainfly just covers the top of the tent (more like a roof on a house), and some people complain about rain blowing in the windows. 

Look for the best wet weather camping gear

Pack smart

Camping is nothing like staying at a hotel or B&B. Things like heels, hairdryers, and so on will be of no use to you, so make sure you pack for the weather you’re going to be camping in.  

Instead, pack things that you will actually need, like tarps, Ziploc bags or dry bags, waterproof jackets and boots, and other wet camping gear designed to keep you and your gear dry.

Ponchos are also a very good option, especially for setting up camp in the rain, as they will keep you nice and dry. 

Only pack necessary wet weather camping gear

We’d also recommend that you invest in a good portable stove. Being able to eat tasty hot food or warm up with a hot drink can make a damp camping trip more bearable.

Wet Weather Camping Tips and Hacks

Light up the night

When it comes to wet weather camping tips, don’t forget the lights. They help boost the ambiance under the tarp or tree canopy. 

Bring LED string lights to drape around the campsite, light some candles to flicker sweetly in mason jars, and pack a good camp lantern and flashlights. 

Remember to bring plenty of extra batteries; lithium batteries are extra-reliable in cold weather. If you think you’ll be returning late, attach reflectors to the trees near your tent so you can find your way back in the dark.

Light up the night

Create an outdoor living room

When the day’s activities are done, don’t let everyone retreat to their tents—create an outdoor living room. 

Fashion a camping rain shelter by stringing up a tarp or two overhead and one on the ground as well. Then, set up camp chairs, attend to the ambient lights, break out the brews and snacks, and get some music and games going. 

Power (Food) to the people

Keep the wet and cold at bay with some comfort food. A cup of hot cocoa goes a long way on rainy afternoons. Aztec hot chocolate with chili goes even further. Do you have a killer campfire pizza or Dutch-oven lasagna recipe? 

Bring delicious food to enjoy on your camping day

Now’s the time to bust that out! You need more calories to maintain body temperature when it’s cold, so keep the carbs coming. 

It’s always nice to throw some veggies into the mix, but do yourself a favor and prep them first in your warm home instead of peeling and chopping in the cold.

Layer up

Proper camping clothes for the wet weather can help regulate your body temperature and retain body heat when you get cool. 

In addition, pay attention to fabrics for rainy days. You’re advised to use a polyester or wool base and mid-layers under a waterproof jacket or rain poncho. 

Prepare proper clothes

Cotton is never a good choice because when it gets wet it stays wet, which will plummet your body temperature fast. 

Make sure to pack an extra set of base layers and wool socks in a waterproof bag for hanging out back at camp when you’ll want dry clothes to change into and a cuppa, something hot to warm up. 

Those are some of the most crucial health tips for the rainy season that you should keep in mind.

Opt for bright-colored clothes

Headed into the drizzle while having a camping trip? Remember to wear bright colors like red or orange to avoid being mistaken for a deer or waterfowl.

Read more: Rainy weather outfits Photography in rainy weather tips Hair care tips in rainy season

Hang up, then hang out

You tend to dump your soaked clothes in the corner and curl up in your sleeping bag. However, before doing that, hang them first to make sure they are dry and don’t smell like mildew. 

Pack a string under a tarp so that you can hang all your wet clothes. Your trip will be more pleasant if you take the time to manage the moisture factor.

Hang up clothes in the tent

Pro tip: If you desperately want dry clothes, we recommend placing a few damp items in your sleeping bag. This way, your clothes will get heat from your body and become dry.

Add a bivvy bag

One of the best camping in cold weather tips is to add a bivvy bag, which helps you stay warm when the ground is wet and cold.

This extra layer of insulation will help protect your sleeping bag from moisture, and it can also help retain a little heat. 

You can also double up on sleeping pads to keep you warmer. 

Add a bivvy bag

Once you’re nestled in for the night, try to keep your face exposed. Breathing into the bag can cause the insulation to get wet, which will affect its performance. Even better—choose a synthetic bag that insulates even when wet.

Preheat to 98.6°F

Preheat your clothes to 98.6°F before the departure day and pack them into a small, breathable sleeping bag that stays nice and warm next to your body overnight.

Having warm clothes to put on in the morning makes chilly mornings so much better.

Use hand warmers

The wet weather can lead to poor circulation. So, it’s best to whip out the hand warmers and stuff them into your boots. 

Use a hand warmer

Put on Gaiters

One of the most important wet weather safety tips is wearing rain pants or packing gaiters.

Morning dew can cause you to be wet and even soak your pants clear through. Thus, rain pants and gaiters are helpful in keeping you warm and dry all day.

After Camping

There are a lot of important things to do to take care of your gear after a rainy camping trip:

• Do not pack your gear when it is still wet.

• Take advantage of garbage bags to stow wet tarps, tents, and gear.

• When you come back home, remember to hang your tent and sleeping bags up so that they can dry completely. 

Remember to hang up your soaked clothes

• Don’t forget to dry off camp stoves and cooking gear. 

• Recheck and reorganize the supplies you use for camping.

Conclusion

You are going to go on a camping trip with your family next week, and you just learned that it is forecasted to rain. What should you do? Go or cancel your trip? Don’t worry! Our awesome wet weather camping tips and hacks will help you prepare camping essentials and rain activities, which will make your camping in the rain unforgettable.