15 Fun Things to Do While Camping in the Rain

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One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors is to find the perfect location and set up camp. There’s nothing better than sleeping out under the stars and waking to the sound of birds.

But of course, when you’re camping, you can’t always rely on mother nature to behave and put her best foot forward. There are going to be those days when rain is part of the weather forecast.

Rather than pack up and head back to the city, you can still make the most out of your vacation with these tips for rainy day camping. Here are just a few of the things to do while camping in the rain.

1. Be Prepared for Rain

The first thing you need to do is be prepared for rain. Even if the sun shines on each day of your camping trip, it’s important to pack for the chance of wet weather.

This includes camping gear and clothing that’s designed for rain as well as board games, books, and other things to keep you busy when you need stay in the tent or under cover.

2. Put on the Rain Gear

Unless it’s pouring, put on the rain gear and go get wet. Short hikes, a walk along the river or lake – you may get wet, but you’ll still be able to enjoy mother nature all around you.

If you have children, letting them make mud pies or stomp in puddles is a great way to spend a few hours before you settle down in the tent to get dry.

3. Swimming in the Rain

Since it’s already wet out, why not go swimming in the rain? If it’s not pouring, swimming in the lake is a unique experience, listening to the rain drops splash down. And often the water has retained it’s warmth and it will be warmer in the water than out.

4. Fishing

The fish will be biting whether it’s raining or not. So, a little rain shouldn’t deter the eager fisherman. Put on the raingear and find a spot along the river to throw your hook.

5. Canoeing or Kayaking

Another rainy day activity if it’s not pouring is to get out and paddle in the rain. There’s something magical about canoeing in the rain, watching and listening to raindrops on the water.

Wetter weather often brings out different sounds of nature, with echoes across the lake or the sound of frogs chirping that you don’t hear on a sunny day.

6. Build a Campfire

Even when it’s raining, it’s possible to get a campfire going in light rain. This is a good way to keep up everyone’s spirits. Roast marshmallows or have a hotdog lunch in the rain before heading to the tent for games.

7. Board and Card Games

It goes without saying that games are a great way to save a rainy day. Bring along a few traditional board games such as Monopoly, Trouble, or Clue. Or teach everyone how to play cribbage or gin and get a match going.

Whether you play in the tent or underneath a canopy that you’ve set up for shelter, rain can be a good opportunity to play those games that no one usually makes time for.

8. Making Music

If anyone in your camping group plays a small instrument such as the guitar or a harmonica, a rainy day can be spent making music and having a sing-along.

9. Story Time

Rainy days can be spent in the tent, curled up in sleeping bags and telling stories. This is a good activity with kids, with everyone adding to the story when it’s their turn.

10. Charades

Everyone, no matter how old they are, loves a game of charades. If you have enough people, get into teams and choose a few themes such as movies, famous people, books, or TV shows.

11. Art and Crafts

Bringing along art and craft supplies is another way to pass the time on a rainy day. And it’s not just for the kids. Channel your creative side by drawing or painting along with them.

Pack along paper, crayons, colored pencils, and paint. If you have a craft project on the go at home, such as knitting or cross stitch, consider bringing it along.

12. Books, Books, and More Books

There are times you want it to rain! If you’re in the middle of a book that you’re having a hard time putting down, rain when camping lets you read uninterrupted – at least until the sun starts to shine again.

Before leaving home, make sure everyone in your group has their books packed. Bring along a selection of magazines as well as puzzle books.

Doing crossword puzzles, word search, or sudoku are all ways to spend a rainy morning or afternoon.

13. Movie Time

If there’s a high chance that it’s going to rain on your trip, plan for a movie night. Make sure the portable DVD player or tablet is fully charged, bring out the popcorn and snacks, and watch a family film that everyone agrees on.

Another alternative if you’re within driving distance, is to head to the nearest town and check out the schedule at the theater. You may be camping but there are no rules that say you can’t spend a couple of hours watching a movie indoors.

14. Campground Shelter

If you’ve set up camp in a state or regional park, many campgrounds will have a picnic shelter that’s available for everyone to use. This covered shelter is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon.

Playing games, eating lunch – it’s gives you an opportunity to get out of the rain. It’s also a good way to meet other campers and make some new friends, particularly if you have children who are getting bored and restless if the rain continues for more than a day or two.

15. Indoor Attractions

Before leaving home, make a list of nearby attractions that you can drive to. Local museums, an aquarium, or even a town that has small and quaint shops you can browse through are all things you can do while waiting for the rain to stop.

With these ideas here, you’re armed with things to do while camping in the rain. Make the most of those camping days that may not seem ideal! The important thing is that you’re out enjoying time away from your busy life at home.

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