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How to Camp in a Tent When It's Raining

How to Camp in a Tent When It's Raining

Photo: Author

Whether you are a novice camper or a seasoned outdoorsman, you're eventually going to have to deal with camping in the rain. Even though you are camping in a tent, it doesn't have to mean you'll get wet. Gone are the days of having to contend with the dripping, wet canvas tent. With a little preparation and preplanning, you should be able to weather almost any rainstorm.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Waterproofing spray Seam sealer Tarp Bungee cords Rope Clips Stakes
  • Waterproofing spray
  • Seam sealer
  • Tarp
  • Bungee cords
  • Rope
  • Clips
  • Stakes
Step 1
Prepare your tent for rainy conditions before your trip. You can weatherproof new and used tents. Apply waterproofing to the outside of the tent and seam sealer on all the seams. You can find waterproofing spray and seam sealer in the camping section of any sporting goods or outdoor store.
Step 2
Sleep on an air mattress, which will keep you off the ground should a little collect on the floor of your tent. Nothing is worse than sleeping in cold and wet bedding.
Step 3
Set your tent up on a section of ground that is high and doesn't slope down or is lower than the rest of the campsite. Don't set up on indentations in the ground that water might flow through.
Step 4
Set your tent up on top of a tarp. This will give you an extra layer of protection from water, and will also protect the exterior of your tent.
Step 5
Place a tarp over the top of your tent if it doesn't have an attached rain fly. This will leave less chance of water blowing in through any screen openings, and will also protect you if your tent begins to leak. Secure the tarp to the ground with rope and stakes or attach it to trees or some other structure with either ropes or bungee cords and clips.
Step 6
Keep clothing and bedding away from the sides and corners of the tent if it begins to rain. Corners and seams can leak.
Step 7
Shelter two or more tents under a single tarp so you have space in the middle from which to enjoy the storm.

Tips & Warnings

 
Tie your tarp where the center section is taller than the sides. This will allow water to run off of it and not collect in pools on top.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Write for Trails.com

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