Posted inGeneral Camping

Camping Activities for Rainy Days: How to Pass the Time When the Weather Turns Bad

Camping is an outdoor adventure filled with the promise of sunshine and clear skies, but Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. When rainy weather strikes during your camping trip, it doesn’t have to dampen your spirits. In this guide, we’ll explore fun and engaging activities to keep you entertained and make the most of your time when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

1. Board Games and Card Games: A deck of cards or a selection of board games can provide hours of entertainment. Classics like Uno, Scrabble, or chess are great choices for indoor camping fun.

2. Read a Book: Pack a few good books and get lost in a captivating story. The sound of raindrops on the roof of your tent can create a cozy atmosphere for reading.

3. Puzzle Time: Bring along jigsaw puzzles or brain-teaser games to challenge your mind. Completing a puzzle can be both relaxing and rewarding.

4. Crafts and Art Projects: Consider bringing along some crafting supplies like sketchbooks, colored pencils, or knitting materials. Get creative and enjoy making art or crafting items in the comfort of your shelter.

5. Nature Journaling: Turn the rainy day into an opportunity for nature journaling. Document your camping experiences, sketch local flora and fauna, or write about the sounds and scents of the forest in the rain.

6. Cook Up a Storm: Take advantage of the downtime to experiment with campfire cooking. Try out new recipes, bake campfire pies, or make hearty soups and stews that warm you from the inside out.

7. Listen to Music or Podcasts: If you have a portable speaker or a good set of headphones, enjoy some music or catch up on your favorite podcasts. It’s a great way to relax and unwind.

8. Learn a New Skill: Rainy days provide the perfect opportunity to learn something new. Consider practicing knots, honing your outdoor survival skills, or even mastering a new language with language-learning apps.

9. Storytelling Time: Gather around and share stories with your camping companions. Whether you’re recounting personal adventures or weaving fictional tales, storytelling can be a delightful way to pass the time.

10. Plan Future Adventures: Use the downtime to plan future camping trips. Research potential destinations, create itineraries, and dream about your next outdoor escapade.

While camping in less-than-ideal weather may not be what you initially envisioned, it can still be an enjoyable and memorable experience. By embracing indoor activities and staying positive, you can turn rainy days into opportunities for bonding, relaxation, and exploration of new interests.


So, the next time the weather takes a turn for the worse during your camping trip, don’t let it get you down. Instead, use these ideas to make the most of your time and create lasting memories, rain or shine.