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How to Rock a Rainstorm While Camping


    There are some things that you never think about until you are camping. Like, what do you do during a rainstorm? In everyday life, you would just go inside and continue on with your day, but what if there is no inside to go to? Most campers can relate to this conundrum because the reality is, if you spend any time outside, you're eventually going to get wet. While rain may seem like a bummer if you’ve planned a day of outdoor adventures, it actually is possible to rock a rainstorm while camping. Over the course of many rainy days, I’ve discovered some awesome ways to enjoy the weather. Check out this list of things to do during rainstorms and see why rain has become one of my favorite parts of camping.

Storm chase

    Rainstorms are absolutely gorgeous. For real, have you ever sat at a window or porch and watched a storm roll in? It’s breathtaking! This is a part of life that we don’t often get to experience in the everyday world but camping gives you a front-row seat to the epic glory that is a gnarly rainstorm. My favorite thing to do during a storm is to get in my car, put on some good music, and find a spot with a good view to park and watch the show. Mountain overlooks are perfect for this because you can watch the rain sweep over the valleys from your higher vantage point.

A storm rolling in at Craggy Gardens

Read a book

    This one is pretty self explanatory. Suffice it to say that I always have a good book with me when traveling. You never know when you'll want to find a cozy spot and get lost in a story. 

Plan your next adventure

    There's nothing like a good long boring rainstorm to leave you craving another challenge. Suddenly that 15 mile hike seems doable and some light bushwacking doesn't sound so bad. Anything to get out of your tent and get moving again!  

Take a nap 

    Let’s be real, camping trips can wear a girl out. Especially if you are doing a lot of active stuff like hiking or climbing, rest can feel absolutely luxurious. Rainstorms are a great opportunity to stay put and catch up on some sleep without feeling like you’re missing out on any great adventures in the great outdoors. Plus, the sound of raindrops hitting a canvas tent or car roof is incredibly relaxing. Seriously, just snuggle into your sleeping bag, listen to the rain, and you’ll be drifting off in no time

Stay Dry

    While some of these suggestions involve getting outside and embracing the wetness, it's only really fun if you get to be dry when you want to. Speaking as someone who has spent nights in leaky tents, and not-leaky tents, I can attest that the ability to stay dry does wonders for quality of life while camping. It's worth it to make sure you have a quality tent (or at least one doused in waterproof spray) to hang out in. Or, if you're really in the mood for luxury, try out a car camping set up. I figured out that I can lay my back seats down and turn the back of my car into a cozy bed with the addition of some pads and a sleeping bag. Curled up in my car with a good book is one of my favorite places to weather a rainstorm.

Write

Rainstorms are always a good time to journal, or if you're me, write blog posts. You never know what kind of interesting ideas might come up when you have time to sit in your tent and reflect. 

Take a hike 

    No, seriously! Hiking in the rain can be super fun, especially on an otherwise hot day. When you're hiking in the rain you get to see the area in a different way and have a perpetual blast of water to keep you cool. Obviously don't go out in lightening or gale-force winds, but other than that have fun and enjoy jumping in some puddles and exploring!

pre-storm at Black Balsam

What are your favorite things to do while camping in the rain?

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  1. Noah GuthrieSeptember 2, 2020 at 9:45 AM

    The last time I camped during a storm, I had "The Tombs of Atuan" with me, from the Earthsea Cycle, so I agree that it's fun to read while it's raining. Though you did mention that you can hike in the rain (and that it can highlight cool new aspects of your setting), it's nice that the weather allows camping to have those natural pauses where you can rest.

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