Camping in the Rain - Tips and Tricks for Fun Despite Bad Weather
Has the bad weather caught you out and left your camping plans in the rain? Don't worry, because with a few clever tips and tricks you can have a great time camping despite the wet weather. In this blog article, we'll give you some practical advice on how to stay dry, choose the right gear and stay entertained in the rain to make the most of your rainy camping adventure!
Tips for an alternative vacation program
City trips can be a great option when the weather doesn't cooperate. Cities have greater infrastructure and plenty of indoor activities that will keep you entertained even when it rains. You can spend cozy hours in cafés, visit museums and cultural centers or go shopping in covered arcades. In larger cities there is so much choice that you won't get bored. With our PIA campers you can park almost anywhere in the cities thanks to the folding pop-up roof and start your discovery tours from there.
Rainy days provide the perfect opportunity to explore a region's cultural treasures. Museums are ideal for immersing yourself in another world and discovering interesting exhibitions. But historical buildings, library halls, castles or churches can also offer fascinating insights in bad weather. There are often surprising highlights in many smaller and larger cities that you might never have seen from the inside if the weather was nice. So take advantage of the opportunity and let the culture inspire you!
A great way to have unforgettable moments even when it rains is to do activities with locals. Platforms like Getyourguide or Airbnb Experiences offer a variety of experiences where you can experience the local culture up close. How about a cooking class for regional dishes, a jazz concert in a private atmosphere, a wine tasting or a pub crawl with locals? You can put together an individual program for rainy days and collect special encounters and unforgettable memories.
Camping in the rain can also be an opportunity to really relax. Instead of constantly sightseeing, you can use the rainy days to relax. Enjoy a hearty meal prepared in your PIA camper or treat yourself to a relaxing visit to a restaurant. Maybe you would also like to visit a sauna or treat yourself to some wellness. Many campsites now offer small wellness oases, which are often neglected in the hectic holiday schedule. So take advantage of the opportunity and spend some relaxing time while the rain falls outside. You might also want to consider going to the cinema. Even in another language it can be quite amusing!
Tips for the Camper
Here are some helpful tips to make your time in the campervan more pleasant and safe in bad weather:
Consider whether you can schedule longer trips during the rainy season to enjoy the nice weather at your destination. However, you should drive particularly carefully in heavy rain. Also keep in mind that driving a larger vehicle like a campervan may require more attention. Drive defensively and adapt your speed to the road conditions.
If you reach your destination campsite and bad weather is forecast, find a flat site that is slightly elevated. This will prevent your campervan from standing in a puddle and surrounding objects from floating in the water. Position your campervan so that the entrance door and the possible awning area are on the windward side to keep the moisture out. If possible, choose a pitch near the sanitary facilities or the campsite cafe to avoid long walks in the rain.
If there is light rain, you can enjoy the rain and nature outside the camper. Adjust the awning at an angle by lowering the foot about 20 cm on one side. This will allow the water to drain better. However, be sure to retract the awning during heavy rain or overnight to avoid damage.
Camping in rain and thunderstorms requires special caution when handling electrical connections. Make sure that the power cables are not permanently submerged in water. During thunderstorms, it is even advisable to completely disconnect the campervan from the power supply to prevent possible damage caused by overvoltage. Use splash-proof power cables with a sufficient cross-section to ensure your safety.
If your campervan has an auxiliary heater, you should definitely use it in bad weather. The auxiliary heater ensures pleasant warmth in the interior and prevents the windows from fogging up completely. It also helps dry damp clothes faster. So treat yourself to cozy warmth and make yourself comfortable in the campervan!
TIPS FOR PROPER PREPARATION
To ensure you are well prepared when bad weather threatens, there are a few things you can do in advance:
If you want to avoid bad weather fronts, flexibility is key. Avoid fixed travel routes and follow good weather. With a reliable weather app, you can check the forecast for your area from day to day and adjust your travel destinations accordingly. This allows you to enjoy the best weather while avoiding the rain. In the off-season you often have enough freedom to make spontaneous decisions.
Let the weather guide you and discover new places!
When choosing your PIA camper, it is advisable to choose a larger model that will give you more space inside. A camper with a wet room is ideal for hanging and drying wet rain gear in a separate area. When booking, find out about the camper's amenities to ensure it will meet your needs in inclement weather.
Your campervan will be your home for a while, and you'll spend a lot of time indoors, especially when it rains. Create a cozy atmosphere by furnishing the interior with fairy lights, cozy pillows and warm blankets in advance. This creates a feel-good atmosphere and ensures that you can enjoy the rainy hours in the campervan.
If the weather forecast doesn't bode well for your desired region, look for a campsite that offers additional facilities. Well-equipped campsites often have arcades for rainy hours, wellness oases, saunas or covered swimming pools. This provides variety and prevents boredom in the campervan. Find out in advance about the campsite's facilities and choose a site that offers activities and entertainment even in bad weather.
Don't forget to bring games, books, art and craft supplies for children. A tablet with pre-downloaded films, podcasts or audio books can also provide entertainment on rainy days. Snuggle up under a blanket, turn on the movie and listen to the rain on the roof of your campervan.
Although the adage "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" can sometimes be questioned, it is still important to be prepared with weatherproof clothing. Invest in quality rain jackets, waterproof shoes or wellies, and appropriate clothing for muddy conditions, especially if you're traveling with children. With the right clothing, you can venture outside and enjoy nature even when it rains.
Find out in advance about possible “Plan B” activities along your itinerary or in your destination to make camping in the rain varied and interesting. The campsite reception or local tourist information office are good places to ask about indoor activities, excursions or sights that are fun even in bad weather. The staff on site are often locals and can give you valuable tips. Perhaps there is an interesting museum in the area, an indoor playground for children, or a cozy café where you can enjoy time with a hot drink.
With these tips, you'll be well prepared to have a great time camping even when it rains. Take the opportunity to explore cities, experience culture, relax and try new activities. Remember to stay flexible and embrace the adventure even if the weather doesn't go your way. With the right preparation, and one of the comfortable PIA campers, which are available at 13 different locations across Austria, and an alternative holiday program, your camping trip will be an unforgettable experience, even in the rain.
