Enjoy it — You’re not Working!

Reconnecting with nature and taking a break from daily life can be achieved through the enjoyable activity of camping. Sleeping beneath the stars and preparing all your meals over a campfire has an uplifting impact on the body and spirit. Nature has a healing power that brings a sense of tranquility to our souls. 

When you have planned an outdoor activity and become stuck at home due to rain, it becomes quite frustrating. But at least you can occupy yourself in your own space.

However, when it’s pouring and you’re out in the wild; camping, how can you possibly keep yourself occupied and happy in the rain? While rainy days at camp may seem difficult, they may be fun if you prepare ahead of time and use some imagination.

We’ll go over useful strategies for making the most of rainy days in this guide, including how to keep yourself dry and some useful ideas for meals, entertainment, and activities.

Preparing for Wet Weather: Maintaining a Dry Campsite

Planning for unpredictable weather conditions when going camping beforehand is usually a smart idea. Having the right rain gear is essential to continue the fun despite any unpredictable conditions. Invest in high-quality rain gear before you go, such as waterproof boots, pants, and jackets. To keep the interior dry, make sure your tent has a well-designed rainfly. Moreover, to prevent any further surprises, consider waterproof covers for equipment and backpacks. The importance of packing a high quality waterproof tarp and plenty of rope to hang/stage it with cannot be understated. The first thing we do when we arrive at camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is to hang our Cooke Custom Sewing tarp.

Selecting the Ideal Campsite: To avoid possible flooding, choose a campsite that is a little higher from ground level. Place your tent in a well-drained area of the ground and face the entrance away from the direction of the wind. A little preparation like this can go a long way toward keeping yourself and your belongings dry.

Rain-Proof Campfire Cooking: Simple and Delicious

Enjoy the time with the campfire: If you set up camp correctly and hung your tarp to protect you and the fire grate, and it isn’t a downpour or thunderstorm but just a steady rain, you should still be able to enjoy meals with a campfire. Keep your tinder, kindling and wood dry and use your camp stoves for backup. Working together on meal prep and cooking and then enjoying a great meal in the woods is a fantastic and memorable way to spend a rainy afternoon. Hey, everything tastes better while you’re camping anyway, right!?

Use of a Dutch Oven: Using a Dutch oven is a great idea on rainy days. It enables you to prepare filling dishes like casseroles and stews without using an open flame. Use a tarp or locate a well-covered cooking space to establish a temporary kitchen where you can cook your favorite meals without getting bothered by the rain.

Foil Packet Meals or Dehydrated Meals: If cooking over a campfire isn’t your thing, consider foil packet meals prepared on a portable burner or grill. As your food cooks in its juices, the foil not only keeps it dry but also enhances its flavor. Being able to make a meal with just boiling water and an efficient, lightweight camp stove in a matter of minutes can be essential on a cold, rainy day.

Rainy-Day Activities: Making the Most of Nature’s Ambiance

Time to ponder: Rainy days provide one with a serene setting for introspection and contemplation. Take cover, close your eyes, and let the sound of falling rain assist in your introspection and meditation. It’s an easy way to be closer to nature. One can utilize this opportunity to take a break from all their worrisome thoughts and be present in the moment.

Artistic Expression: Sketching, drawing, watercolor painting and even picture taking with your phone are great ways to pass the time. Use water-resistant materials or organic materials like mud and leaves to express your creativity with original art. Or if you enjoy singing, you could use this time to wake your inner singer. Just remember to leave no trace so that nature can regain its territory.

BONUS TIP: Foldable camping tables are the heroes when it comes to saving camping from the misery of a rainy day. Thanks to their compact size, they are easy to store in small areas. These tables turn your camp into a comfortable gathering place even in the middle of the rain by providing a sturdy surface for meals, games, cards or socializing. 

Sheltered Entertainment: Enjoyable Indoors

Literary Escape: Take advantage of the rainy day to lose yourself in a well-written book. Make a comfortable reading nook inside your tent and enjoy the atmospheric rain outside. If you are not fond of reading, you can get help from an interesting audiobook.

Card and Board Games: Nothing keeps us happier in the rain like a classic board game. For indoor fun, pack small board games and card games. They may be a great social activity on a rainy day and are ideal for small spaces. From checkers, chess, or backgammon, there are plenty more to pick from if space is not a problem. Bringing a couple of games with you can help kill time till the weather improves. 

Embracing The Rain

Campfires on rainy nights can be charming. As you drift off to sleep, the sound of the rain gently tapping on your tent can produce a tranquil lullaby. Embrace the rain and let yourself explore the beauty in unpredictable situations.

Rainy weather is not a reason to be afraid anymore.  Don’t stress out the next time you check the forecast and find that rain is predicted.  Learn to make the best out of every opportunity life throws at you. Rain or shine, you may have an incredible experience camping with these helpful tips.

Remember, weather is only temporary. After the rain is over, some beautiful things tend to happen…