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Good ideas ad advice for pitching in the rain and keeping the kids occupied in tent if very wet. I've got a couple of tips for the end of your camp!

If packing up in the rain, get the car as close as possible to the tent door - boot under the extension if possible then most of the stuff can go in dry (same when pitching in reverse!)

Have your shower kit, clean clothes and a towel handy on the drivers seat and when you are all packed up, have a shower - nothing worse than driving all the way home in wet, meddy clothes - yuk!

Before you even get the tent out of the bag look at the pitch, the position, if there's a slight run-off for the water, etc, etc.  For example, if there's a dip in the ground where the tent sits or the whole pitch is in a dip then ask to be moved.  Also look around where the rain water might flow from because if you have a grass bank at the side it's probably going to come your way.

You might think a pitch under trees will give you some protection but it usually keeps dripping water well after the rain has stopped.  I always look at the drainage, rain isn't too bad if it runs away but if the tent is sat in a pool (as my friend once was) it's an absolute nightmare.  At this time of year there should be other pitches available, make sure you get the best.

Quote: Originally posted by andrewd39 on 02/5/2012

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disclaimer - all the above comes from my own experience of the past few years ....... you live and learn apparently.

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Not a lot to add.  It's amazing how much quicker the tent goes up in the rain.   I also have no shoes on,  in tent rule.      I also do what is suggested by fostermum.      clean clothes, shower gear. kept out, when striking camp.  Then I don't mind getting a soaking. as it's nice having a shower afterwards, then feel more relaxed when driving home.

If you have room in your car.  A bit of decking placed by the tent door outside, makes a fab addition.  It really does help to keep the mud outside the tent; as I found out, when someone left behind their's. I put it to good use.  A patio to sit on, cook on. great.  I would have taken it home if there was room in my boot.

Happy camping.

heath