10 tips for camping in the rain with kids

We’ve all been there, the sun was shining when you booked your family camping trip, then you arrive at the campsite and the heavens open!

But rainy weather doesn’t have to spoil your camping trip, we promise! Take a seat and read on for our top tips to help you enjoy family camping in the rain.

1. Choose your pitch well

If it looks as though you're going to experience more than just a passing shower, it may pay you well to take a little extra time to choose your camping pitch.

If you can, pitch your tent on a natural slope with the entrance facing away from the incline. A little natural tree canopy will offer some shelter from the elements; however, you should avoid pitching under big trees with large branches. 

2. Bring a canopy

Any additional 'covered' space is a bonus if you're camping in the rain with kids!

Bring a canopy to put over your table and you'll have an extra dry area to do some cooking or somewhere for the kids to play some games without getting wet. And, in the evening, you'll have somewhere dry to sit and enjoy some peace whilst the kids are sleeping!

3. Assume that your tent will leak!

At the risk of sounding pessimistic, somewhere, at some time, your tent will probably leak!

Plan ahead and pack perishables in waterproof plastic containers instead of the cardboard packaging they usually come in to avoid tantrums at breakfast time, when your kids favourite chocolately cereal has been ruined by an inconveniently placed leak.

Plastic tote boxes can also be a life saver when it comes to keeping clothes or bedding dry. The last thing you want is to start the day with wet clothes!

4. Pack some rainy-day games

Travel edition board games are an essential if it looks like it's going to rain for a prolonged period during your camping trip. Aside from travel classics like 4 in a Row, Battleships and Drafts, plenty of your favourite board games have also been adapted for travel, with compact, lightweight (often pocket sized) packaging which will easily fit into a rainy-day bag or rucksack. These include family favourites like Scrabble, Cluedo, Uno and even Monopoly.

There's also a whole universe of unique card games out there to explore. With instant classics like Top Trumps, Unstable Unicorns (Kids Edition), Gangsta Granny's Cheat and (if you're 6) the hilariously named May Contain Butts to discover, you may never want to leave your tent again!

5. Use the campsite amenities

Family campsites like ours often provide a wealth of amenities for visitors to enjoy. Book your next camping trip at Riverside Holiday Village near Weston-super-Mare and you'll find plenty to keep the whole family entertained - even on those rainy days.

Younger visitors will enjoy hours of fun splashing around in our indoor heated pool or testing their gaming skills at our amusement arcade, whilst parents can relax and enjoy a well-earned drink at our recently refurbished clubhouse with sports bar.

Find out more about camping at Riverside Holiday Village

6. Take a day trip

If the rain has set in and you've exhausted the campsite facilities, take a day trip.

The seaside town of Weston-super-Mare is just a few minutes' drive from our family campsite, with plenty of indoor activities to keep you out of the rain. Take a look at our list of Rainy-Day Activities in Weston-super-Mare for some inspiration.

7. Go swimming

Swimming in the rain can be a wonderful experience, so long as you do so safely.

Year-round swimming is available at nearby Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare, a safe enclosed beach situated right on the seafront. At over 200 metres long, Marine Lake is perfect for swimming laps or for splashing around on the water's edge.

8. Go out and get wet

Pack your waterproofs and wellies and go out and get wet!

Our riverside campsite is set within the beautiful Mendip Hills and is surrounded by stunning walking trails. So, if the weather's warm enough and there's no lightning, why not get out and explore?

Fishing in the rain can also be more bountiful than when the weather is fine. The River Axe flows through our campsite, so get yourself a fishing rod from our on-site shop, head down to the river and see what's biting!

For more useful tips like these, read our Top 10 Camping Tips for Beginners.