Contents:
- Choosing the right pitch at the campsite
- Day-to-day organisation
- What kit should you take for tent camping?
- How to protect your belongings from damp?
- Essential tips for caravanning or motorhome travel
- What to do at the campsite when it rains?
Choosing the right pitch at the campsite
When rain is forecast, you should give a bit of thought to where you pitch up. Whether you’re in a tent, caravan or motorhome, avoid low-lying areas as much as possible – places that are likely to hold water or become flooded in the event of heavy rain. Instead, opt for a slightly elevated campground with good drainage. Ground that is already damp can quickly become muddy after several hours of rain.
If you’re camping in a tent, also take a look around before setting up. Trees or posts nearby may allow you to stretch a protective canopy over your living area. However, in the event of a thunderstorm, it’s best not to set up under a solitary tree.
If you’re travelling in a caravan or motorhome, also bear in mind the condition of the campground and how accessible it is. Waterlogged campground can make manoeuvring more difficult, particularly when setting off.
Day-to-day organisation
To cope with a rainy day, always pack a complete change of clothes, including tops, bottoms and socks, and keep them well and dry. Suitable rainwear – a waterproof jacket and trousers, as well as closed-toe shoes or boots – will also help you stay dry whilst moving around the campsite.
If you’re staying in a tent, also pack a few meals that are easy to eat or quick to prepare. This will be necessary if the rain makes setting up or using the camping stove less practical, or if you don’t have a sufficiently sheltered space to cook comfortably.
Finally, make sure you have a few essentials to hand: an umbrella, a towel to wipe your feet, or a bag to temporarily store wet clothes.
What equipment should you take for tent camping?
A tent suited to the weather conditions is your first line of defence against the rain. Before you set off, check its condition and ensure it’s waterproof. If necessary, you can apply a waterproofing spray to the fabric and seams.
When pitching the tent, make sure to stretch the fabric taut to prevent pockets of water from forming. If your tent has one, also ensure the flysheet is properly tensioned so that water can drain away correctly and does not come into contact with the inner tent.
A tarpaulin or protective sheet can also be stretched over the tent, between trees or using suitable poles. This creates an extra space sheltered from the rain, which can be used, for example, as a dining area. You can set up your gas stove there, provided you follow the usual safety precautions and never cook in a completely enclosed space. Another advantage is that this shelter can also be useful in fine weather to protect you from the sun and UV rays.
A tent fitted with a canopy or porch also provides a handy space to shelter, take off your shoes and keep a few belongings dry.
Place a groundsheet in front of the tent entrance to minimise the amount of mud and damp brought inside. The tent’s ventilation openings must remain unobstructed to allow good air circulation and minimise condensation.
How can you protect your belongings from damp?
When it starts to rain, avoid mixing wet clothes and belongings with those that are still dry. Set aside a dedicated spot or bag for shoes, jackets and other damp items to keep the rest of your belongings dry.
To protect clothes, bedding or water-sensitive equipment, waterproof bags are a good solution. If you don’t have any, a simple bin bag can do the trick to keep your belongings dry. Don’t forget your food either: keep it in tightly sealed bags or containers to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
As soon as there’s a break in the weather, make the most of it to dry your clothes and towels. A washing line can be set up outside where possible, particularly under a tarpaulin or awning. You can also ask at the campsite to find out if it has a launderette with washing machines and tumble dryers. This is a particularly handy solution when bad weather sets in for several days.
Top tips for caravanning or motorhome travel
Whether you’re travelling in a caravan or motorhome, an awning allows you to enjoy an outdoor space sheltered from the rain. However, make sure the fabric is properly taut to prevent water from pooling. In the event of heavy rain or strong winds, it’s best to check the awning regularly and take it down if conditions become difficult.
Just as with a tent, a groundsheet laid out under the awning is particularly useful when it rains. It minimises mud and damp and prevents the inside of the vehicle from getting dirty every time you step in. Also make sure you have a place to put wet shoes and clothes.
Inside a motorhome or caravan, damp can build up quickly when everything is kept closed. So remember to air the vehicle regularly whenever conditions allow, and make sure not to block the permanent air vents. This helps to minimise condensation on the windows and walls.
Finally, regularly check openings and seals, particularly around windows, skylights and doors, so that you can quickly spot any leaks.
What to do at the campsite when it’s raining?
Even when the weather isn’t on your side, some campsite facilities mean you can still make the most of the day: an indoor swimming pool or or heated swimming pool, a wellness area, a games room or activities for children. For more ideas, check out our article on things to do at the campsite when it’s raining.