If I were to go camping only when the weather was good last year in this country, then I would not have gone camping at all.
I'd say go, however, go prepared for the worst of the weather, so that it can't spoil your enjoyment.
Happy camping!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
To the original question, would you still go in the rain...and based on my experience this weekend past, my answer is no.
There's rain and there is rain. The rain that we had was torrential. The rain we had caused all the roads nearby to flood. Our campsite was a sodden mess. The noise on our poly tent was irritating like white noise on a TV. I couldn't think properly. I was stressed to the eyeballs. I had two wet dogs and two wet teenagers. I was pretty wet through myself at times. We were saved by excellent site facilities which in this case included a sitting room with a wood burning stove and a small kitchen in an annexe.
I've written a list about 'lessons learned' and at the top of it is 'don't go camping in the rain'.
I'm not saying this to put people off camping. Intermittent showers are fine, at least you've a chance of packing up a dry tent. I would say if people are going to take the chance, take the biggest tent you have because if you're trapped inside it at least the various family members can sit and chill out in comfort.
Wet weather activities weren't possible in our case because we had two dogs with us. If we had kenneled the dogs we could at least have gone to the cinema or done what my neighbours done, went and spent the day at a big shopping centre with under cover parking.
We have two dogs so wet camping can be a bit stressful. Saying that last year in cornwall it rained all the time. They got wet a lot so i spent a lot of time hairdrying them :)
This time weve brought a tent with intergreated canopy so we and the dogs can sit under it and watch the world go by rain or shine.
Quote: Originally posted by Milady B on 15/5/2013Rain, wind, thunderstorms. Have to say I've called in them all. Windy conditions are by far the worst.
As long as your tent doesn't leak, and you can pitch it without it getting soggy inside, please don't let the rain put you off or you'll never go camping!
Grab your wellies and your waterproof jackets and trousers, use a footprint and put poly bags over your shoes when you're pitching/striking camp so your tent stays mud-free, and get stuck in!
Edit: I just spotted you said how old your kids are. If you're happy to deal with muddy little 'uns, I'm sure they won't mind splashing around in the rain. Just make sure you pick a site with good shower facilities and maybe a laundry and drying room! Hope you have a great time!
MBx
Post last edited on 15/05/2013 12:44:51
Agree totally with Milady, you've just got to get stuck in. We've had some great holiday's in France and Germany where we've had wet and windy weather and yes it can get you down, but as wet as you get once your tents up and everythings sorted if you drink grab a couple off beers and go sit in the shower for 10 mins get warm and and give the weather the Bird . A couple of yrs ago having had 5 rainy days in Germany then some lovely weather in Annecy we packed up in torrential rain :( and drove upto the outskirts of Paris in glorious sunshine only to have to pitch the tent again in heavy torrential rain only couple by us was a dutch family, bloke popped out and gave me the best advice I've had when pitching tent in rain do it in ya undies :)I must admit I don't think I'd have done it if there had been a lot of ppl around us but was great no sticky clothes and as I said had a couple of beers and a nice hot shower after great. Sry to have rambled.
Think you just have to admit that wherever you go you can get poor weather and you just have to crack on sometimes and try to keep smiling
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Would you still go in the rain???
