10 Ways to Have Fun Camping in the Rain
Don’t let a little rain ruin your camping trip! With the right gear, mindset, and a few clever ideas, rainy-day adventures can turn into your most memorable moments outdoors. Whether you're car camping at a state park or deep in the woods, these 10 tips will help you stay warm, dry, and smiling—even when the skies open up.
1. Come Prepared with Rain-Ready Gear
The key to enjoying rain while camping is preparation. Pack a waterproof tent with a full rainfly, extra tarps, paracord, and heavy-duty tent stakes to keep things dry and secure. Add rain jackets, ponchos, and gaiters for every camper.
Leave no trace tip: Pitch your tent on slightly elevated ground to avoid puddles forming underneath and do not dig trenches. Trenches may contribute to erosion and disrupt plant life and the root systems.
2. Create a Dry Hangout Zone
String up a tarp or canopy over a picnic table or open area to create a dry(er) outdoor living space. Add camp chairs, solar or battery powered string lights, and even a waterproof tablecloth to make it cozy. This becomes your go-to spot for meals, games, reading, etc.
3. Pack Warm, Layered Clothing
Temperatures often drop during rainy weather. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, fleece jackets, wool or alpaca socks, and a warm beanie. Keep extra dry clothes in a sealed bin or dry bag.
Bonus: Bring hand warmers and your next day’s clothing (to preheat for the morning) to tuck into your sleeping bag on chilly nights. A thin hat or balaclava to sleep in will also help you retain heat for a good night’s rest.
4. Play Card Games, Dice, and Board Games
A rainy day is the perfect excuse for low-tech fun. Bring waterproof cards, Yahtzee, or Uno. For younger campers, try scavenger hunts or storytelling games.
5. Plan Comfort Food Meals
Rainy days call for warm, satisfying food. Consider doing most of the prep at home so that you can assemble and heat over the fire or camp stove. Think:
Campfire chili or soup
Grilled cheese in a cast iron skillet
Glamping S'mores made with caramel-filled chocolate or some Nutella or nut butter
6. Make a DIY Lantern with a Headlamp
Strap your headlamp around a clear water jug or Nalgene bottle to create a soft, glowing lantern. Hang it from your canopy or place it inside your tent for cozy lighting without harsh beams.
7. Try Nature-Inspired Crafts
Walk around to look at different leaves, pinecones, and plants or flowers to get inspired for a sketching or drawing project. Pack a simple art kit with colored pencils, paper, or watercolors in a zip bag.
8. Take a Rain Hike
As long as there’s no thunder or lightning or flooding, a walk in the rain can be magical. Let kids jump in puddles. Look for mushrooms, earthworms, or animal tracks. You’ll likely have the trails to yourself.
Tip: Bring a few dry towels and old sheets for muddy paws if you’re hiking with your dog.
9. Warm Up with a Campfire or Stove
If allowed, build a campfire or use a camp stove for hot drinks like cocoa, matcha, cider, or tea. A mug of something warm goes a long way toward boosting morale and heating you up.
10. Embrace the Experience
Some of the best camping memories come from the unexpected. Laugh at the mud, dance in the rain, and take lots of photos. Rain reminds us to slow down, stay present, and appreciate the cozy moments together.
Bonus Packing List for Rainy Camping Fun:
Waterproof tarps & ground cover
Quick-dry towels
Extra dry socks
Dog raincoat & towels
Camp stove fuel
Zip-top bags or dry sacks for electronics and paper goods
Lightweight games & coloring pages
Solar lantern or headlamp + batteries
Conclusion:
Rain doesn’t have to be the end of your camping trip—it can be the beginning of a new kind of adventure. With warm food, good lighting, creative fun, and a little preparation, you’ll discover that rainy camping can be the coziest kind of camping.
