What to do when it rains while camping

Rain on a camping trip is a problem to manage, not a reason to panic. The order matters.

What to do, in order

1. Cover your sleep gear. Bags and pads stay inside the tent, with the door closed. A wet sleeping bag is the real trip-ruiner.
2. Protect one dry set of clothes. Put it in a dry bag or a plastic bag. Do not wear it until bedtime.
3. Put up a tarp over the table or cooking area. Tie the high side to a tree or pole, and the low side so water runs off away from you.
4. Check the ground under the tent. If water is pooling, move the tent to higher ground.
5. Cook under the tarp, not inside the tent. Stoves in a closed tent are a fire and fume risk.

What goes wrong first. Wet boots and socks. Fix: bring a spare pair, and keep them in a bag.

One more reason to be careful

Camping in a low spot or near a dry stream bed is risky when it rains. Water can rise fast. Pick higher ground when rain is in the forecast.

The exception

If there is thunder, flooding, a river rising or strong wind, go to your vehicle or leave. A trip is not worth a risk. Check the official forecast and alerts for your area before you go, and again at camp. For a general guide to camp safety, the National Park Service camping page is a start.

Read how to choose a camping tent to see which tent features keep rain out, and the easy camping meals for beginners for dinners that work under a tarp.