Camping in the Rain: How to Still Have a Great Trip!

You've been looking forward to your camping trip for weeks, planning exciting excursions and adventures. But then the weather throws a wrench in your road trip plans. With our tips, camping in the rain can still be an unforgettable time.

Camping in the rain can definitely put a damper on your mood. Especially in autumn, your long-awaited holiday might bring a few rainy days. But that doesn't mean your trip has to be a washout!

With the right planning, you'll be prepared for unpredictable weather. Consider your pitch choice, equipment, entertainment alternatives, and a few other things.

The Right Preparation for Your Camping Trip

Unless you're parking your campervan in the desert, you should expect a rain shower or two. So it makes perfect sense to make some preparations to be ready for camping in the rain.

1. Stay Flexible When Camping in the Rain

Want to escape the rain? In this case, it's an advantage not to have a fixed itinerary, but to choose a destination where the weather is good. A good weather app will quickly show you where to find sunshine.

Check the weather forecast day by day and choose destinations that promise better weather. Especially in autumn, you'll have a lot of flexibility since campsites aren't fully booked during the off-season.

If a storm is sweeping across the entire region, then it's time to grin and bear it. Just follow our tips below and make the most of your camping holiday.

2. Rent the Right Camper with Suitable Equipment

At myvanture, you can choose from various campervan models. You have the choice of the VW California Beach, VW California Ocean, VW Grand California, Knaus Tourer Van, and the Knaus Van Wave.

For camping in the rain, larger models are naturally better suited. They offer more space, and larger campers like the Knaus Van Wave, Knaus Tourer Van, or the VW Grand California provide a wet room. This is ideal not only for a hot shower but also for hanging and drying wet rain gear in a separate space.

Additionally, the camper offers more room for you to relax in.

3. Get Extra Protection for the Pop-Top Roof

If your camper is equipped with a pop-top roof, you should also be prepared for wind and weather. An extra rain cover for the pop-top is ideal, as the roof itself is only water-repellent, not fully waterproof.

4. Feel Cozy Even During Rainy Hours

Especially when it rains, you'll spend several hours inside the camper. That's why it's important to feel completely at home in the van. Get fairy lights, cozy cushions, and warm blankets before you leave. This will ensure good spirits and a comfortable atmosphere from the start.

5. Choose the Right Campsite

If the weather forecast isn't looking good, then look for a campsite that offers more than just a classic pitch in a field. Many campsites are very well equipped and feature common rooms, wellness areas, playrooms, and even saunas and swimming pools.

This turns your camping holiday into a wellness camping experience and provides more variety on rainy days. You definitely won't get bored.

6. Entertainment Alternatives

When you go on a camping trip, you should always think about entertainment alternatives like games, books, puzzle books, a tablet, and podcasts. This way, camping in the rain can become really cozy. Just snuggle under a blanket, pick a movie, and enjoy the day.

7. Choose the Right Clothes for Camping in the Rain

To be well prepared for rain, you should pack the right clothes. Rain jackets, waterproof shoes, and wellington boots are always helpful, as well as matching "outfits" for the kids.

8. Have a Plan B

Before your camping trip, find out what you can do in your destination if it rains. Are there sights, an arcade, or shopping opportunities?

If you haven't researched in advance, ask at the campsite reception or the tourist office. Staff and locals often have good tips to keep camping in the rain from becoming monotonous.

Helpful Tips for More Fun While Camping in the Rain

Prefer a City Trip

When it rains, it can be advantageous to plan a city trip with your camper. In the city, you'll have more entertainment options, especially in bad weather, than in rural areas.

Spend rainy days in cozy cafes, museums, cultural centers, or shopping malls.

Camping in the Rain Alternative Program: Experience Culture

Rainy days are often perfect for indoor activities, such as visiting a museum. You'll be surprised how interesting museums can be. You'll find them in both large and small cities, and there's usually something for everyone, big or small!

In bad weather, visits to historic buildings, libraries, churches, or castles are also great options.

Experience Unforgettable Moments

On GetYourGuide or Airbnb Experiences, you can book amazing activities depending on the region. Take a cooking class or attend a jazz concert at someone's home. Go on a pub crawl with locals or a wine tasting.

You're sure to find a suitable program for rainy days and can still experience unforgettable moments even under these circumstances.

Have a Relaxing Holiday

Camping in the rain is the perfect opportunity to take some time to relax. Treat yourself to a delicious, elaborate meal that you prepare yourself in the van. Or how about an extended restaurant visit?

Another great alternative is wellness camping. Many campsites have small wellness oases, or you can check if there's a thermal spa with a sauna area near your pitch.

A trip to the cinema can also be super relaxing.

Rainy Season is Game Time

A basic rule of camping is: always be prepared for bad weather. And what could be better than spending a rainy day in a camper with good company and even better games? Classics like Scrabble, Risk, and Settlers of Catan are a must for any trip.

With the right games, hours of adrenaline, laughter, and joy are guaranteed. Campsites often have game rooms with many games on site. Feel free to inquire beforehand so you can save on extra luggage.

"Stadt-Land-Fluss" (Categories), "I Spy," storytelling, Black Stories, "Yes/No" game, guessing animals, "Who Am I?", guessing songs, or "I'm Packing My Suitcase" are games that don't require much. These forgotten classics can also become a perennial favorite and a great indoor activity when camping in the rain.

Discover Nature in the Rain

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. The nature around your campsite is sure to invite exploration. Grab your rain jacket and head outdoors. You'll be surprised how magical nature can be even in the rain.

Camping in the rain can help adults remember and appreciate the small things in life. Watch earthworms burrow through the damp soil, or delicate water droplets cling to spiderwebs.

What Else Do I Need to Consider When Camping in the Rain?

In addition to entertainment options and preparations, you should also consider a few important things to ensure your holiday is stress-free and safe.

1. Drive Carefully in Heavy Rain

Generally, you should consider whether to choose a longer driving route in bad weather to escape the rain. But always make sure you drive carefully and attentively, especially if you're not used to driving a larger vehicle.

2. Find a Suitable Pitch for Camping in the Rain

You've arrived at the campsite and the weather forecast isn't looking good? Then, if possible, you should look for a flat and slightly elevated pitch. This will prevent your camper from quickly ending up in large puddles with everything underwater.

It's best to position your van so that the entrance door and the awning area are on the leeward side.

It's also ideal if you can find a pitch near the sanitary facilities or the campsite cafe.

3. Secure Awning Properly and Set Up Canopy in Light Rain

When camping in bad weather, some safety measures are necessary to prevent property damage and possible injuries. If you're using an awning, make sure it's properly secured with straps against wind and other conditions.

The camper's canopy can also help in light rain. To allow rainwater to drain, we recommend tilting the canopy by lowering one side's leg by about 20 cm. In strong rain and wind or overnight, however, you should retract the canopy to avoid damage.

4. Pay Attention to Power Cables

When camping in rain or thunderstorms, you should be particularly careful when handling power sources and cables. Make sure the cables are not lying in water. We recommend completely disconnecting the camper from the power grid during a thunderstorm due to possible overvoltage hazards.

5. Use the Auxiliary Heater

All our campers have an auxiliary heater, which you should definitely use in bad weather and generally when camping in autumn. This will make the bus pleasantly warm and cozy.

Conclusion: Camping in the Rain

Camping in the rain can actually be a lot of fun. The right preparation and a little knowledge of how to camp in the rain can turn a wet weekend into a beautiful experience you'll fondly remember.