Camping in the Rain

26 Feb, 2025

If you camp enough times you will find yourself camping in the rain. Might as well be prepared for it. Rain can be expected or unexpected but should not stop you from doing the outdoor activities that you love. Join Tamara O’Rourke as she tells us the story of a camping experience on a rainy weekend full of excitement including surprise visitors to a wet campsite.

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About Tamara

I am a 38-year-old world traveler living in Boston, MA. Me and my husband, Drake, worked with the military across the world until I became a mom in 2020 during the lockdowns. We believe in the importance of spending quality time together, being outside in nature and letting our children explore life as freely as possible.

While living and working in Germany, with the US Army, I was captivated by the sight of locals with rooftop tents. While working in Japan with the Marine Corps driving to Mount Fuji, I couldn’t help but notice the comfort of locals snoozing in their tents at various rest stops. Meanwhile, Drake 6’3’’ and I 5’7 remarkably uncomfortable snoozing in our tinny little island car determined to conquer Fuji and be back home for PT prior to work on Monday morning.

Now as a stay-at-home mom, I have wholeheartedly embraced my new role of nurturing my children and providing them with a loving and stimulating environment. With family and loved ones scattered across the globe, we live for travel and the great outdoors has become a central part of their lives. Having a roof top tent makes the task of a weekend excursion with toddlers seem manageable.

Tamara and kids spending quality time in their tent. — Drake and kids enjoying themselves in their tent.

How to know if it will be rainy

This might seem obvious but knowing if it will rain at your campsite is an important part of planning your outdoor adventure. Weather conditions can affect your safety and comfort. Luckily, there are several ways to predict and prepare for rain during your camping trip:

Online Weather Websites: Websites like Weather.com, AccuWeather, or the National Weather Service provide up-to-date forecasts for specific locations. You can get information on expected precipitation, temperature, and wind conditions.
Mobile Weather Apps: Many weather apps, such as the Weather Channel app or AccuWeather app, allow you to check local forecasts. Some apps even give you the option to track radar maps in real time.
National Park Websites: If you’re camping in a national park or specific outdoor area, check their website for detailed forecasts and advisories. These often include weather alerts that are specific to the area.
Weather Radar Apps: For more precise predictions, use weather radar apps or websites. Radar apps show real-time weather patterns, indicating where rain or storms are currently occurring and where they’re headed. Some popular radar apps include: RadarScope, MyRadar, Windy.
Cloud formations: The presence of thick, dark clouds (cumulonimbus clouds) can indicate rain, while lighter clouds (cirrus clouds) generally suggest fair weather.
Wind shifts: If there is a sudden shift in wind direction or if the wind picks up significantly, it may be an indication of a storm or rain.
Humidity: A sudden increase in humidity often precedes rain. If the air feels unusually damp or heavy, rain may be on its way.
Animal Behavior: Some animals, like birds, may fly lower to the ground just before a storm. Also, insects like ants or mosquitoes tend to be more active before the rain, while other animals may become quieter or seek shelter.
Ask the locals: If you’re heading to a specific campsite, it can be helpful to ask local rangers, camp hosts, or people familiar with the area. They often have firsthand knowledge of typical weather conditions and can provide tips or warnings about potential rain.

Story: My worries put to rest

With dark clouds looming and rain pouring from the get-go, my wife was understandably nervous about how our tent would hold up. Two toddlers and two soaked days later, I’m happy to report that the tent performed like a champ. Despite the relentless downpour, we stayed completely dry.

I was concerned that all of our collective body heat inside the tent might cause problems, given how much rain we were facing. Surprisingly, while the rain stayed out, the heat from inside did lead to a little condensation buildup. But thanks to the small fan we had running, it was easily managed. The tent’s breathable materials and effective airflow kept us comfortable despite the humidity.

How to prepare for a rainy campout

When camping in the rain, your shelter becomes the most critical part of your setup. A high-quality, waterproof tent is essential. Water can come down in many directions depending on the wind, consider tents that can keep you dry whether water is falling vertically or at an angle. Tent considerations should include:

Openings and crevasses anywhere on the tent where water can come into the tent.
Reliable zippers on doors and windows.
Ventilation inside of the tent while keeping it waterproof. Ventilation will be important to avoid condensation inside of the tent on wet days.
Light inside of the tent even with all windows and doors closed.

Sleeping in a rooftop tent alleviates the worry of having water rising on the surface and flooding the floor of the tent. James Baroud tents are designed to have specific water run patterns to prevent water from slipping into the tent. They are also equipped with a solar powered exhaust fan to increase air circulation regardless of whether the windows are open or closed. They have a 3 layered window that has plastic, see through layer in case you want light to get through while still being waterproof.

dog sleeping in a rooftop tent — James Baroud tents use a technical fabric that is breathable but at the same time 100%waterprrof to allow proper ventilation while keeping the inside of the tent dry.

Make the most of the rain

Rainy days can add an entirely new dimension to your camping experience. There’s something uniquely peaceful about hearing the patter of raindrops on your tent while you’re snuggled up inside, reading a book or sipping on a warm beverage. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the outdoors in the rain—just be sure to take extra precautions.

Safety First: Always check weather forecasts before venturing into the wilderness, and be aware of potential hazards like flash flooding, slippery trails, or thunderstorms. If the rain is accompanied by severe weather, it’s best to postpone your trip or seek shelter in a safe, dry location.
Enjoy Nature’s Beauty: Rain often enhances the beauty of the outdoors. The forest smells fresher, and everything looks more vibrant. You may even be able to witness some wildlife that’s more active during the rainy season.

Story: A Bear-y Smelly Situation

Just when we thought we had the rain situation under control, our oldest woke up in a panic. Something smelled horrible, and he was sure someone in the family had “propped their pants.” As it turns out, we weren’t the cause of the stench—a local bear had wandered near our campsite to check us out!

Thankfully, our tent kept us safe and secure, and we had no issues with the bear aside from the unpleasant aroma that disturbed our son’s sleep. Once we convinced him we weren’t under attack, we all had a good laugh.

Pack Smart and Stay Dry

When preparing for a rainy camping trip, packing smart is key. Here are a few essential items that will help you stay dry and comfortable:

Waterproof Clothing: A high-quality rain jacket, pants, and boots are non-negotiable when camping in the rain. Opt for breathable, waterproof fabrics that will keep you dry without causing overheating. Don’t forget waterproof gloves and a hat to shield your face and hands.
Waterproof Footwear: Wet feet can ruin a camping experience, so investing in waterproof boots is a must. Look for boots that are sturdy and comfortable for long hikes.
Dry Bags: Keep your electronics, clothes, and other important items in dry bags. This will ensure that even if the rain is heavy, your belongings remain safe and dry inside your tent or vehicle.
Extra Layers: The rain often brings cooler temperatures, so having warm, dry layers available can make all the difference in maintaining comfort throughout your trip.

Story: Dry, Comfortable, and ready for anything

Looking back on the trip, I’m beyond impressed with how our tent performed. Even with soaking rains and an unexpected wildlife encounter, we stayed dry and safe the entire time. The tent’s high-quality waterproof materials did their job perfectly, and with a little help from our fan, we managed the condensation without any trouble.

For any family or adventurous campers looking for a roof top tent that can withstand the unpredictable elements of nature—whether it’s heavy rain, high humidity, or unexpected visitors—the tent is an absolute must-have. We had a blast, and despite the rain and bear, we came home with memories of an amazing adventure.

Camping trips with rain typically make good stories to share. With the right preparation and equipment they can also be as comfortable as a dry campout. Embrace the rain considering it is necessary to create the beautiful environments that we love so much to explore.

Want to learn more? Read: 5 Tips for Overlanding with Family

Wondering what tent model is best for heavy rain?

We know that finding the perfect tent for your specific needs can be challenging. We are here to help you along the way, so contact us today!