Rain doesn't have to ruin your camping trip. In fact, some of the most memorable outdoor experiences happen in wet weather—the smell of rain on eucalyptus, having campgrounds to yourself, and the satisfaction of staying comfortable when conditions turn challenging. The key is preparation and technique.
This guide covers everything you need to know about camping successfully in Australian rain, from choosing your campsite to cooking dinner to getting a good night's sleep while the rain drums on your tent.
Campsite Selection for Wet Weather
Where you pitch your tent determines much of your rain camping experience. A great site in dry weather can become a disaster in rain, while a mediocre-looking spot might stay perfectly dry.
Finding High Ground
Water flows downhill—obvious but often forgotten when that flat spot in the valley looks so inviting. Look for:
- Slight elevation above surrounding terrain
- Natural drainage away from your tent area
- Absence of signs of previous water flow (debris lines, erosion patterns)
- Ground that slopes gently away in all directions
Never camp in or near dry creek beds in Australia. Flash floods can arrive with little warning, even when it's not raining at your location. Storms many kilometres upstream can send walls of water down apparently dry waterways.
Wind Protection
Rain is often accompanied by wind, which increases heat loss and can drive rain under tent flies. Look for natural windbreaks:
- Dense vegetation on the windward side
- Rock formations or hillsides blocking prevailing wind
- Tree lines (but check for dead branches above—"widowmakers")
Ground Surface
Some surfaces handle rain better than others:
- Best: Sandy or gravelly soil that drains quickly
- Good: Grassy areas with good drainage
- Avoid: Clay soils that become slippery mud, low points that pool water
Setting Up Your Tent for Rain
Proper tent setup makes the difference between a dry shelter and a leaking mess. Take extra time to get it right.
Ground Protection
A groundsheet (footprint) under your tent provides crucial protection:
- Prevents ground moisture from seeping through the floor
- Protects floor material from punctures and abrasion
- Makes cleanup easier after wet camping
Important: Your groundsheet should be slightly smaller than your tent floor. If it extends beyond the edges, it channels water under your tent rather than protecting it.
Rain Fly Setup
The rain fly is your primary defence. Set it up perfectly:
- Stake out all guy lines to create tension
- Ensure adequate clearance between fly and inner tent
- Check that fly extends past door areas
- Adjust tension as the fly stretches or shrinks with humidity changes
Practice setting up your tent in rain at home before you need to do it in the field. Knowing exactly which poles go where and how the guylines attach makes setup much faster when you're getting wet.
Vestibule Management
If your tent has a vestibule (covered area outside the door), use it wisely:
- Store wet boots and gear here, keeping the inner tent dry
- Cook here in light rain (with adequate ventilation)
- Create a buffer zone for entering and exiting
- Keep frequently needed items accessible without fully opening the tent
Creating Dry Space at Camp
Your tent shouldn't be your only dry area. Creating additional covered space dramatically improves wet weather camping.
Tarp Setups
A tarp provides flexible covered space for cooking, eating, and socialising. Basic setups include:
- A-frame: Ridge line between two trees with tarp draped over. Simple and effective.
- Lean-to: High side facing away from wind, low side toward wind. Good wind protection.
- Flying diamond: Pitched high with corners pulled wide. Maximum headroom and coverage.
Position your tarp before rain arrives if possible. Setting up a tarp in active rain is much harder than doing it dry.
Ponchos as Shelters
Many hiking ponchos can serve as emergency tarps. Look for models with grommets or tie-out points. While smaller than purpose-built tarps, a poncho can create useful personal shelter for cooking or gear storage.
Keeping Gear Dry
Wet gear makes everything harder. Protecting your equipment should be a priority.
Pack Liners and Dry Bags
Don't rely solely on your pack's rain cover. Pack liners and dry bags provide interior protection:
- Pack liner: A large waterproof bag lining your entire pack
- Dry bags: Individual waterproof bags for specific items
- Stuff sacks: Group related items and add waterproofing layer
At minimum, keep these items in waterproof protection: sleeping bag, spare clothes, and electronics.
In-Camp Organisation
- Create designated wet and dry zones
- Remove wet outer layers before entering tent
- Store wet items under tarps or in vestibules, never inside sleeping area
- Use plastic bags for items that got wet unexpectedly
Keeping one complete set of dry clothes exclusively for sleeping is the most important rain camping strategy. No matter how wet your day was, you'll sleep warm and dry. Keep these clothes in a dry bag and don't wear them for any other purpose.
Cooking in the Rain
Eating well maintains morale and energy in wet conditions. Safe cooking takes extra planning.
Cooking Location
Options from most to least preferred:
- Under a well-ventilated tarp away from tent
- In tent vestibule with door open (caution required)
- Outside in rain with protection for stove
- Inside tent (generally not recommended—carbon monoxide risk)
Stove Management in Wet Conditions
- Keep fuel canisters dry
- Shield stove from wind and rain
- Ensure adequate ventilation if under cover
- Have a stable, level surface for cooking
- Keep flammable materials well away
Easy Wet Weather Meals
Simplify cooking when conditions are difficult:
- One-pot meals that minimise cleanup
- Quick-cooking foods that reduce fuel use
- Hot drinks to boost warmth and morale
- Backup no-cook options if cooking becomes impossible
Sleeping Comfortably
A good night's sleep in rain is entirely achievable with proper preparation.
Temperature Management
Rain camping often feels colder than the actual temperature suggests:
- Use a sleeping bag rated below expected temperatures
- Add a liner for extra warmth and to protect your bag from moisture
- Wear dry base layers to bed
- Keep a beanie handy for cold nights
Moisture Control
Condensation can wet your sleeping bag from inside the tent:
- Maintain some ventilation even in cold rain
- Avoid bringing wet items into the sleeping area
- Don't breathe into your sleeping bag
- Consider a bivy sack for extra protection in severe conditions
Sleeping Pad Importance
Your sleeping pad insulates you from cold ground and any moisture seeping through:
- Choose pads with adequate R-value for conditions
- Check for punctures before camping
- Consider a closed-cell foam pad as backup
Breaking Camp in Rain
Packing up wet is unavoidable sometimes. Do it systematically:
- Pack everything possible from inside the tent before taking it down
- Shake off excess water from tent before stuffing
- Keep wet tent and gear separated from dry items
- Use garbage bags if you run out of dry bags
- Dry equipment as soon as possible after your trip
Never store a wet tent. Dry it completely as soon as you get home, or mildew will grow and damage the fabric. Even if you're exhausted, set up the tent to dry in a garage, backyard, or even indoors before storing.
Embracing Wet Weather Camping
Beyond mere survival, rain camping offers unique rewards:
- Fewer crowds at popular sites
- Unique lighting and photography opportunities
- The sound of rain on a tent is remarkably soothing
- Wildlife often more active in wet conditions
- Satisfaction of thriving when conditions challenge you
With proper preparation and the right mindset, rain transforms from something to fear into just another element of the outdoor experience. Some of your most memorable camping trips may well be the wet ones.