Rain does not ruin family camping. Being unprepared for rain does. With a covered living space, a dry-bag system and a box of things to do, wet days become some of the most memorable.
This kit lives in the car on every trip, whether rain is forecast or not. It splits into two halves: the gear that keeps people and bags dry, and the activity box that keeps children happy while the rain passes.
The checklist
Shelter
Keeping dry
Rain clothes
Rainy-day activity box
Warm-up kit
Put the tarp up first
If rain is forecast, rig the tarp before the tent. It gives you a dry space to pitch the tent under, unpack the car and keep children out of the wet while you work. Angle one corner lower than the rest so water runs off in one place, away from the tent door.
| Rain level | Plan | Good activities |
|---|---|---|
| Light showers | Carry on, wear rain gear | Puddle walk, rain-drop races on the tarp, spotting slugs and snails |
| Steady rain | Base camp under the tarp | Card games, drawing, story-telling, cooking a hot lunch together |
| Heavy rain or storm | Move into the car or a campground shelter | Audiobook, snacks, travel games; wait it out |
Keep the tent dry
- Leave wet boots and jackets in the vestibule
- Keep the rainfly taut so it does not touch the inner tent
- Open vents to reduce condensation
Keep kids dry
- Rain gear on before going out, not after getting wet
- Change socks at lunch whether they look wet or not
- Hang anything damp under the tarp to dry
Building the activity box
The activity box works best when it is a little bit special. Keep it sealed until the first wet spell, and bring items out one at a time rather than tipping the whole box onto the table. A new sticker book or a pack of cards the children have not seen can fill an hour on its own. Include something for each age in the family, and at least one thing everyone can do together, like a simple card game or a group drawing.
Rain also opens up activities you cannot do on a dry day. Give children a magnifying glass and a jar and send them, in full rain gear, to look for snails, worms and beetles close to camp. Let them measure the rain with a cup left out on the table, or race drops down the tarp. The goal is not to wait out the rain, but to make it part of the adventure.
A wet day often ends with a clear, cool evening. Keep a set of dry clothes back for every child so they can enjoy it.
Baby & Toddler Camping Checklist
Kids Packing List by Age
Family Sleep Kit Checklist