Camping in Bad Weather: What to Know (And How to Stay Safe and Dry)

Blue skies aren’t guaranteed. And any seasoned camper will tell you: bad weather isn’t an if, it’s a when. Whether it’s rain, cold, wind, or unexpected storms, how you prepare can make or break your trip.

If you’re a beginner camper, bad weather might sound like a reason to cancel. But with the right mindset and the right gear, you can still have a great time outdoors, even if the clouds roll in.

Here’s what you need to know to camp confidently, even when Mother Nature throws you a curveball.

🌧️ 1. Understand the Types of Bad Weather

Not all “bad weather” is the same. Know what you’re dealing with, and you’ll know how to handle it.

Common Weather Hazards for Campers:

• Rain: Can soak gear, ruin firewood, and cause hypothermia if unprepared
• Wind: Can collapse tents or cause falling branches
• Cold: Increases risk of hypothermia and poor sleep
• Thunderstorms: Dangerous if camping in exposed or high areas
• Snow (in shoulder seasons): Unexpected and potentially dangerous if your gear isn’t rated for it

Always check the forecast, but also know that mountain and forest weather can change rapidly.

🏕️ 2. Choose Your Campsite Wisely in Bad Weather

In rough conditions, location matters even more.

Avoid:

• Low ground where water can pool
• Exposed ridgelines (wind and lightning risk)
• Under dead trees or branches ("widowmakers")

Look For:

• Slightly elevated, well-drained ground
• Natural windbreaks (bushes, boulders, or trees)
• Solid ground for your tent stakes to hold

Pro Tip: Always bring a groundsheet or footprint under your tent. It adds insulation and prevents water from seeping in.

🌬️ 3. Gear That Keeps You Dry and Warm

This is where preparation pays off. You don’t need fancy gear, just the right gear:

Must-Haves for Wet or Cold Weather:

• Rainfly and tent with sealed seams
• Waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags
• Packable rain jacket and rain pants
• Warm, non-cotton layers (fleece, wool, or synthetic)
• Extra socks and a hat
• Bivy sack or emergency blanket (backup warmth)

Don’t forget: Wet cotton is a killer. It gets cold and stays cold. Pack synthetics or wool every time.

🔥 4. Cooking and Fires in Bad Weather

Cooking in the rain or wind is tricky, but not impossible.

• Use a lightweight camp stove with a windscreen (like the one in the Seventh Step Kit)
• Store your dry firewood or kindling in a waterproof bag
• Cook under a tarp shelter or vestibule (never inside your tent!)
• Bring high-calorie foods — your body burns more energy staying warm

🥣 Simple, warm meals (like oats, ramen, or instant chili) go a long way when it’s wet and cold.

🧠 5. Know When to Bail (And That It's Okay)

Sometimes the safest move is to call it early — and that’s not a failure, it’s survival wisdom.

Signs it’s time to pack up:

• Gear is soaked beyond recovery
• You’re shivering and can’t warm up
• Forecasts predict worsening conditions (like snow or lightning)
• Your shelter is compromised

Always have an exit plan — and let someone know where you're camping.

Don’t Wait for Perfect Weather

The outdoors isn’t about perfection — it’s about resilience, growth, and experience.
The truth is: some of your most memorable trips will be the ones where it rained, the fire struggled, but you made it through warm, dry, and proud.

→ Get the Starter Kit
Take the guesswork out of gear and camp prepared — no matter the forecast.