Australia is currently in a La Nina weather pattern, which means we will experience more than average rains in winter and spring which can cause widespread flooding. As long as you are parked in a safe place on high ground there is no reason why you can’t enjoy camping in the rain in your motorhome, campervan or caravan.
- Be prepared – Like a good boy scout, make sure that you pack your wet weather gear even if the weather is predicted to be sunny. The weather man/lady doesn’t always get it right. Pack a few board games, books, movies, crafty items etc that you have ready just in case.
- Driving in the rain – When it is raining or there is a likelihood of water over the road, reducing your speed and travelling slower is a must. Slower driving reduces the chance of aquaplaning and makes it easier to maintain control. Driving with the headlights or parking lights on is recommended, this will enable other drivers to see you more readily.
- Go outside – Providing the rain isn’t too heavy and safe to do so, you can don on your wet weather gear and head out for a hike or a small stroll to check out the area you have decided to camp.
- Campfire – Just because it is raining doesn’t mean that you can’t light a camp fire. It may be a bit more of a challenge however there is nothing better than a campfire on a rainy day.
- Swim – Lets face it you are going to get wet anyway when you get in the water, so if there are facilities nearby why not get in your swimmers and go for a swim. It will be warmer in the water than out, if you have the luxury of a dry bag you can pop your towel in there ready for when you get out. Listening to the rain drops falling on the water is a unique experience whilst you are swimming.
- Kayaking, paddle boarding or canoeing – As long as the rain isn’t too heavy, if there is an opportunity to do some water sports. Why not go for a kayak, paddle board or a canoe. There is something quite magical with the patter of rain falling around you as you pull the oars through the water to experience your surrounds.
- Board games or cards – Way too wet outside, it is always great to connect with a board game or cards. We recommend that you should always have a pack or two of cards in your Avida and learn some of the basic games. It is a great way to connect with other people at your camp site. Especially if you are a solo traveller. Many a happy hour with a game of cards and some nibbles.
- Books, magazines or comic strips – Why not pull out that book, magazine or comic strip that you have been meaning to read. Now is your chance to escape to another place with words uninterrupted until the sun starts to shine again.
- Movie or documentary time – Pop some pop corn on the stove and snuggle down, listening to the rain pitter pattering on the roof of your RV, and watch a movie or documentary or whack on a DVD if your internet streaming isn’t the best. Or if there is a theatre in town, why not drive there and see one on the big screen.
- Make music – If you have a talented musician in your group, why not sit around and hear them play.
- Tell a story – If you have kids travelling with you, why not make up a story as a family. Everyone creating parts of the story together. You could even video it or record it so that you can play it back later.
- Camp kitchen – If you are at a caravan/tourist park or even National Park there is usually a camp kitchen. When the partner or family get a bit too much why don’t you venture across to the camp kitchen and meet other travellers. After all they are in the same boat and probably wanting to change up the conversation with someone new. If there are many people why not start up a game of charades. You can play in teams, helps you to connect with other travellers.
- Art and crafts – If you have kids with you, break out the crafts and get them creating. You can use recycled bits and pieces and come up with some very interesting ‘animals’. Colouring in can be quite therapeutic – if you haven’t coloured in in a while give it a go. You will become relaxed as you colour, it is quite mesmerising.
- Local attractions – Many towns have museums, local shops, wineries, restaurants, historical information, libraries etc Take a quick ‘google’ and see what is nearby. Now might be your chance to visit the local super market to stock up on things to cook. Blueberry muffins for afternoon tea anyone?
We are sure that you can think of other things to keep you occupied whilst you are camping in the rain, drop us a line so we can include it to our list. And the beauty of owning a motorhome, caravan or campervan is if you are sick of the rain why not head away from the coast inland or where you can see dry conditions.
Your home is after all a home on wheels and you can take it where ever you go!!
