Although many people from around the world know our beautiful state of Queensland from the 1970s slogan “beautiful one day, perfect the next”, we do see the some cloudy days and some cracking summer storms isn’t completely unheard of! So it is better to have some knowledge on what to do incase a storm does come across whilst you are on a camping trip in Australia. But just like your old folks used to say when you were growing up – a little water never hurt anyone. In fact, with some forward-thinking and practical packing, you can equip yourself to not only survive the wet weather but thrive on it!
Before you start scratching your heading and wondering how to survive camping in a storm, we’ve rounded up our top ten tips to kick start your planning…
Tips to Help Survive Camping in a Storm:
Plan ahead
When we tell you to plan your camping trips ahead, we’re not just talking about making your bookings ahead of schedule and packing the car the night before. It’s just as important to check in with the weather forecast before heading off so that you can prepare yourself properly.
While we do encourage everyone to check the weekly weather forecast before packing for your trip out to Murphy’s Creek Escape, it’s also important to remember that the weather report isn’t always accurate. That’s why we recommend taking extra precautions to prepare for wet weather, even if it’s looking unlikely.
Wet weather camping gear
Alright, this one might seem obvious. But you’d be surprised just how many people turn up without having packed any wet weather gear with them. It’s always a good idea to pack raincoats, umbrellas and gumboots for the whole family, and even a backup set for everyone if it’s possible. You might not look ready to hit a high-fashion runway, but you’ll be thanking us later. You can easily wash the mud off these with a hose when you get home and save all your precious clothes you might have otherwise ruined.
Location, location, location!
If you’re expecting rain, the location of your campsite is absolutely essential. We always recommend to campers that they pitch their tent or RV Campers on a flat and raised site whenever we’re due for a big rain. By taking to the higher ground, you’ll avoid getting flooded by the runoff of water coming from other areas.
The best way to pick your camp location is to consider: Where will the water run? When the water hits the tent, will it pool in and make its way into the tent? Are there any nearby waterways that may rise with significant rainfalls? But don’t get yourself too stressed about this! Our onsite team can provide all the guidance and advice you need to pick the perfect place.
Extra camp shelter
Just like you should pack wet weather gear for yourself, you should always pack some extra wet weather supplies for your camping set up too. We’re talking about tarps, rubber mats, gazebos, shade cloths or anything that will keep you dry! You can use this extra shelter to protect your camping gear, make an area to cook and eat, and if you find a leak in your tent, use as a tarp.
Waterproof bags
No matter how much you plan and pack carefully, the truth is that things might just get wet. The problem isn’t when a couple of things get damp; it’s what to do with those items to stop them from making everything else wet too! The key to managing the spread is to BYO waterproof bags. By storing your wet gear in these reusable bags, you can keep the dry things dry and the wet stuff off everything else!
Make a wind breaker
We’re no weather experts, but it seems like wind and rain go together like campfires and marshmallows – you simply can’t have one without the other. We’ve tested plenty of camping and outdoor windbreaks looking for sturdy, affordable and set up systems, and we’ve realised that one of the best options is to use your car. All you need to do is park your vehicle between your tent and the direction the wind is coming from, and you’ll be protected against the full force of the gusts. Your car is also an emergency shelter if things do start to worsen and you lose your tent.
Pack tape
Tape is every camper’s best friend. We’re not talking about the clear stuff that you use to wrap your kid’s Christmas presents, but the heavy-duty kind that will stand up against the elements. It may be used to repair a tear in your tent, insulate your shoes or patch up a hole in your rain jacket – the possible uses are endless. Throw a few rolls into your bag on your next camping adventure, and you’ll be armed for any incidents that may come from the storm!
Wet weather activities
A little bit of rain doesn’t have to spell disaster on your next camping trip and doesn’t mean you’ll be sitting in silence until it passes either. Salvaging a wet camp trip and keeping the kids entertained just takes a little creativity and positivity. Make the most of your situation by packing some board games, cards or colouring books to keep the little ones occupied. If you want to take it up another level, you could also try bringing along some small musical instruments like a harmonica or ukulele. That way, you can keep the kids busy all day as they prepare for their showstopping performance that night.
Create a wet/dry zone
If you’re facing a mixed weather report for your camping trip, you may want to consider creating wet and dry zones around your campsite. It’s important that you don’t bring the rain inside with you unless you want everything else to get wet in the process! The simplest way to start is by removing damp shoes and clothing in the tent’s covered porch, before stepping inside. Once you’re inside, make sure you’ve got enough ventilation and air flowing around; otherwise, condensation will accumulate. As long as the rain isn’t falling horizontally, you can always keep the tent door open to enjoy the view and the breeze!
Unpack ASAP!
It can be tempting to come home from a camping trip and want to crash immediately – especially if you’ve battled some tricky weather conditions during your time away. The problem with just throwing your camp gear in the garage and forgetting about it until next trip is that any damp items will attract mould and may be unusable by the next time you pull them out. The simplest and most effective way to look after your camping gear after a wet trip away is to clean everything with fresh water and let it all dry out (preferably in the sunshine!) before packing it away.