Tent Camping in the Rain with Children

Tent camping can be especially difficult in the rain. When children are involved, the difficulty level increases significantly. If the rain is hard enough that a campfire is impossible, you will have to seek the only shelter you have available. How do you keep your children dry and entertained when it rains on your tent camping vacation?

Tent Time

Be prepared with games, books and snacks. A battery operated lantern will provide adequate light and stay cool enough to be safely operated in a tent. Snacks should be something that doesn't leave crumbs or a sticky mess in your sleeping area, like apples or popcorn. However, if you are camping in a bear prone area, food should never be eaten or stored in a tent.

Plan on Eating Out

Occasionally it will rain hard enough that a meal cannot be prepared outdoors. Plan on budgeting enough money to eat at least two meals at a local restaurant. Sometimes you will need to go out for breakfast and sometimes dinner. Most camping trips don't get continuous rain, so most meals can still be prepared as planned. However, it's nice to have a back up plan when the weather is not on your side.

Find Local Indoor Activities

Find a local movie theater, indoor playground or other activity to do on the days when the rain doesn't let up. Save the hiking, biking and boating for sunnier weather. Getting drenched during outdoor activities makes for grumpy attitudes. Escaping the weather at a movie or other indoor activity will raise everyone's spirits and give the weather time to clear up.

Be Prepared with Supplies

Every camping family should plan on the eventuality of rain. A few basic supplies will be your salvation when the campsite gets wet. A plastic tarp should be used to cover up wood piles. Wet wood makes a campfire difficult to start, so keep your wood covered at all times. A clothesline is indispensable when camping. Not only can wet swimsuits and towels be hung to dry, but wet clothing and sleeping bags will dry out much faster on a line.

Throw in the Towel

Occasionally, nature will have different plans for your vacation. It's the rare camping trip that gets rained on continuously, but it does happen once in a while. Being confined to the tent or the car can be frustrating and can lead to short tempers and fighting amongst siblings. When heavy downpours make the tent leak and it becomes impossible to find a dry spot for sleeping, consider packing up the camping supplies and finding a local motel. Or, cut the vacation short and try for another weekend.

Rain can hamper a tent camping vacation like nothing else. Planning ahead with games, money for meals out and rainy weather camping supplies can keep your children busy and comfortable. Most camping vacations can be salvaged, despite a little rain. But, be prepared for alternative activities when the rain won't let up.