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No matter how many times you check the weather forecast, there is unfortunately nothing that can be done to stop the rain coming during your camping trip. You can, however, make sure to plan and prepare for any weather event to ensure your trip isn’t ruined. A bit of rain shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the trip you’ve been waiting for all year! Even if there’s not rain forecast, preparation is key to prevent a miserable holiday.

Follow our simple steps to  make sure you have a successful camping holiday regardless of the weather!

Before any camping trip, checking the condition of your tent is important, especially if it’s been stored without use for a while. Set the tent up in your backyard and have a thorough look over to make sure there’s no holes. You can test if your tent is waterproof by giving it a spray with the hose and checking for leaks. Waterproof spray can also be a helpful precautionary measure. This will be a good chance to check you’ve got all the right tent poles and accessories, too!

Depending on where your campground or holiday park is located, it is important to think about how the weather may impact this area. If you haven’t pre booked a campsite yet, make sure you do some research into what facilities are offered. Family Parks has many options for holiday parks throughout Australia and New Zealand that provide a range of amenities to suit all camping styles.

Tents with mountain view.

Location is imperative when you are deciding where to pitch your tent. Although you might not have an option to choose your tent site at a campground, if you do there’s a few things to consider. Try choose a spot that’s near the facilities – you don’t want to be walking far in the rain when you need to go toilet in the middle of the night! Ideally, you will have a campsite at the top of a small slope. Never set up your tent near (or in) any ditches, at the bottom of a hill or underneath trees. Keep away from any puddles you can see forming, too, as these will likely be very damp and soft grounds. Setting up your tent should ideally be done when it isn’t raining. See if you can wait for the weather to clear a little bit before you start. This will prevent your gear from getting too wet.

Tarpaulins will be your friend in the wet weather, so make sure you have several on hand! Depending on your campsite, tents can often flood from beneath if the ground gets too soft and wet. To combat this, place a heavy duty tarp under the tent. Make sure that the tarp is tucked in under the tent and you can’t see any of it sticking out from underneath. Lining the inside of your tent with another tarp is also a good idea to prevent moisture soaking through. For extra protection, hanging a tarp above your tent will be beneficial in big downpours. This will also provide you with a dry space outside of your tent to keep dirty shoes or clothes and any gear out of the rain.

Appropriate clothing and footwear is crucial to keep you dry and warm. Try avoid cotton clothing, as it will stay wet and will not keep you warm. Pack lots of extra clothes just in case. Layers are crucial for ultimate warmth and coziness! A good quality rain jacket and rain pants will be invaluable in the wet weather. You won’t regret packing extra as you can never be too prepared. Good quality, waterproof gumboots are another must for getting around the campsite and keeping your feet dry. And on this note, make sure you’ve packed plenty of spare socks!

Campfire and cheese board.

Comfort food will play a big part in keeping you warm. A good cup of hot chocolate and a hearty carb-filled meal will help you sustain body temperature when it’s cold out. Snacks and meals that don’t require cooking are important, too, in case you are unable to set up or use your cooking equipment. Make sure to have some back up supplies to make life easy – sandwiches, cereals, salads, jerky, pre-cooked rice and cheese boards are easy go-to options that will fill you up. If you can get your campfire going, a supply of marshmallows for roasting is always essential too!

Rainy day activities will help keep you sane if you’re confined to your tent for a few days. Make sure you have board games, card games and books to pass the time. Storytelling is another excellent way to kill some time! Let your creative side loose and see who can come up with the funniest or scariest story. Rainy camping days can end up being some of the best bonding experiences for couples, friends and families, so make the most of it!

At the end of your camping trip, hopefully the rain has died down a bit to fully dry out your gear. Before anything is packed away it must be dried properly to get the moisture out and prevent mold from growing. Damp gear can also start to smell bad, so it’s important to do this. You’ll thank yourself next time you go camping!

 

Once you’re prepared for any weather event, nothing will stop you from enjoying your camping trip – rain, hail or shine! If you maintain a positive attitude, your holiday in the rain will result in a memorable experience no matter what.