Most if not every Aussie loves camping when the sun is out and the weather is warm and perfect but sometimes the weather can have a mind of its own. As much as you cannot stop the rain from coming down, you can however plan and prepare for it adequately. Camping in the rain may not be ideal for many but it can be done and the experience could end up being memorable. To help you enjoy your wet weather camping, we’ve put together some tips that will come in handy.
Bring along wet weather camping gear
This may sound like an obvious tip but it’s very possible to forget one or two crucial items. The camping checklist you use to pack your camping items during the summer may not be too effective when packing for wet camping so you may either need to update it or come up with a different list.
Some important items that you will need to pack include raincoats, warm clothing, gumboots, beanies, gloves, scarves, ear muffs, umbrellas, rain ponchos, waterproof jackets and so on. You should also pack a set of extra clothes in a waterproof bag for emergencies. When it comes to camping gear, key things you need to bring with you include a waterproof tent that is complete with a rain fly, waterproof shoes, waterproofing spray, waterproof camping mats and so on.
When shopping around for wet weather gear, ensure it is lightweight and breathable (sweaters, rain jackets, long pants, gum boots etc.) Carry a couple of extra tarps as well so that you can place it over your dome to prevent rain from sneaking in. You can always bring a few extra tie downs and ropes for peace of mind.
Choose the right campsite
The campsite you choose will either make your adventure a nightmare or memorable. When searching for a campsite, ensure you do thorough research. Look for campsites with raised grounds as sites on lower grounds or with dips in them collect lots of rainwater. Flat sites are also perfect for sleeping or leveling the caravan but during the rainy season it’s better to be on a slope as water will drain away faster. Before choosing a site some of the questions you need to ask include, Where will the water run? Does the water flow to where campers set up? Are there nearby waterways that may rise with significant rainfall? Will the ground be able to support your tent pegs? At Murphy’s Creek Escape, our team will guide you on the best place to set up your tent so you don’t have to worry. The best thing is that the river is has plenty of water flowing when it is raining so the kids will have a great time.
Related: What To Look For When Choosing A Campsite For Your Next Trip
Plan some indoor games
You may not be able to enjoy the outdoor activities such as hiking or mountain biking due to the rain but there is still so much you can do indoors. Ensure you pack various board games, cards, coloring books or novels. Playing some music as well will keep everyone lively as well.
Avoid setting up directly under a tree
Setting up under a tree especially during those hot summer days could be ideal as they provide shade but during the wet season, it’s important that you avoid setting up directly under a tree completely. This is because, in case of a severe storm, branches may fall off damaging your tent and its occupants as well. Many species of gum trees in Australia are notorious for dropping their branches most times. The last thing you want is any casualties or injuries during your adventure. If you do plan to stay under any trees make sure there is no chance of big branches and maybe clean the area and break off any dead branches that could fall.
Make use of the rain water
Don’t let the rain water go to waste especially if your camping site has limited water or you didn’t carry enough of it. You can collect rainwater in different ways such as using any of the buckets or water bottles you have with you or if you are camping in a caravan or motorhome, you can install a Rain Saver Gutter which transforms your awning flap into a gutter. Once you collect enough water, you can go ahead and boil it and use it to cook, drink or even clean up. You will notice the taste is absolutely amazing.
Dry out wet items
Do not let your wet gear get close to your sleeping area or mixed up with your dry clothes. As soon as you get the chance and maybe some sun comes out to play, hang your wet items and equipment to let them dry off to avoid them from growing mold or smelling damp. You could also bring along some Ziploc bags which you could use to separate the dry clothes from the wet ones. Alternatively, you can put your wet clothes in garbage bags if you don’t have Ziploc bags. Once you get home, unpack immediately or the next day and throw them into the wash.
In conclusion, comfort food also plays a big role in keeping you warm. Building a campfire during wet camping could have its challenges so bringing along a campfire stove could be a great option. Just ensure that there is a distance between your cooking stove and shelter. You could also carry snacks or meals that don’t require cooking but are also filling or pre-cook at home.