No sooner had the first wafts of spring begun to smell like camping, than the Bureau of Meteorology goes and declares this summer another La Nina event. As we all know by now that means rain. Lots of rain. And that rain will cause plenty more problems than someone’s leaky tent. Lives and livelihoods will likely be lost. That rain will also cause mass cancellations for a business sector faced with a third lean year following pandemics and previously wet summers.

That’s why we’re advocating for more rainy day camping adventures this summer. Which doesn’t mean you go charging through the floodwaters. But if it’s just a prediction for a few showers then stick to your plans and do a little bit of extra prep. We’re not going to tell you how you should fill in your days. Play cards. Drink to excess. Dance in the rain. But here’s some tips to get a dry night’s sleep.

Get Off The Ground

Camping stretchers are great for keeping warm in winter as well as keeping things dry in downpours. Limiting contact with the ground is vital to keeping the water out. These days you can get them to fit into your tent, or stretchers that are your tent.

Location, location

Some campsites you don’t have much choice about where you pitch your tent but if you’re camping at more spacious locations then plan your campsite. Look for mounds or ridges where the water will run away and not pool.  And the last place you want to be positioned is anywhere near a river. In fact, the NSW SES is urging campers to avoid riverside campsites at all this summer.

Keep an eye on the weather

One thing that the recent floods have improved is the lines of communication for emergency services. Keep tabs on the local SES pages so that if things do make a turn for the worse you can get out before roads close and you’re left stranded.