5 Tips to Stay Dry While Camping in the Rain

You've planned out every detail. The kids are ready to go. You've got enough food and some delicious campfire recipes on hand. Your campsite and RV are all set up. You're prepared for long days of hiking, swimming, and nights around the campfire. Then, the rain starts in.

A summer rain can be soothing, but no one wants to be stuck sitting at a campsite watching it fall all day. Even if you've got an RV, it's important to be prepared for camping in the rain. These tips will keep you from getting all wet, and will keep your belongings safe and dry, too!

1. Stay Sharp with Tarps

Even if you have an RV or tent, no one is going to want to be confined to one place all day. Pitch a few tarps around your campsite and you'll create a little makeshift home for yourself. You can put one above your eating area, one around the campfire, one for the kids, etc. It's a simple solution, but it works very well and keeps everyone from going stir-crazy. Tarp villages are all the rage this year.

2. Do You Ever Feel Like a Plastic Bag?

Ziploc bags will be your best friend if you get caught in the rain. Even if you have a waterproof backpack, you should put most of your belongings in plastic bags for an extra layer of protection. Larger options, like trash bags, can cover bigger objects. This makes life a little easier, since you don't have to take everything down and put it away each time it rains.

3. Wear the Right Underwear

Yes, you read that correctly. It's essential to wear the right clothing if you're expecting a summer rain. Cotton clothing will become heavy and saturated when it gets wet. Wear it for too long, and you'll become cold and clammy. That might not seem like a big deal in the summer, but it's just as important to wick away moisture in the warmer months as it is in cold weather. Don't just think about your outer layers, either! Polypropylene underwear will keep you dry and comfortable. It's worth investing in a pair or two!

4. Boost Your Mood

The rain doesn't have to put a damper on your camper. Be everyone's hero by lifting their spirits with some mood boosters. A simple deck of cards and a game of 'Go Fish' can turn the afternoon around. Or, listen to the rain and read a favorite book underneath your previously-mentioned tarp shelter. Think about it this way – it's a natural white noise machine that can be really relaxing if you change your perspective.

5. Collect the Water

Want to unleash your inner Bear Grylls? Collect the pure rainwater for drinking or cooking! Leave out water bottles or set up a tarp funnel into a large bowl or pot. Rain + resourcing = awesome survival skills, even if you have more bottles of water in the rig. We won't tell anyone. If you do collect rain water for drinking or cooking, make sure it hasn't touched anything else or slid down trees. If it isn't from the sky, you don't want to try!

As you can see, camping in the rain doesn't have to be so bad! If you can make the most of it and keep these tips in mind you, your family, and friends may just be dancing in the rain on your next camping trip.