Outdoor weather is always unpredictable, and the joy of camping cannot be ruined once the rain starts. Knowing how to cook when camping in the rain is a crucial ability to be a better camper and be ready for all unexpected occasions, such as a rainstorm.
To cook in the rain while camping, you need to pay attention to some issues, such as choosing the most appropriate camping stove, knowing where to position your camping kitchen, and bringing the right camping gear.
Let’s go through the detailed tips and answer the common questions raised by many campers below.
4 Tips to cook in the rain while camping
There are some tips and tricks that every camper should know to be ready to cook his/her meal, even if it is raining. As with everything in life, the more you plan and be prepared for it, the easier it will be.
Let’s dig into each tip below so that you can peacefully cook in case of water drops from the sky!
Tip 1 - Bring the the adequate cooking equipment and accessories
Bringing adequate camping gear and cooking accessories will make your life easier.
This does not necessarily mean that you need to spend plenty of money – You can take some accessories you already have at home to help you.
Some gear that you help you cook in the rain while camping include:
- A simple camping stove
- Plastic bags and camping Tupperware will ensure your food remains dry and can be stored.
- Other than a matchbox, it will be good to bring along a waterproof and windproof lighter (see below).
- A serving tray that is coverable for carrying the food
Tip 2 - Protect yourself with camping rain gear
If it is raining outside and you need to cook, it is better to be wearing appropriate gear. Otherwise, you will get soaking wet and might get sick. Below are some of our recommendations.
Tip 2.1 - Wear waterproof clothes
Even though cotton fabrics are usually more comfortable and provide better breathability, they can quickly get wet and drenched. Use options that will repel the water and keep you as dry as possible.
It might be a good idea to bring the following items for your trip:
- A waterproof sock
- A water repellant shirt (preferably long sleeve)
- A wind and waterproof cargo trouser
Give preference to synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and neoprene, since they tend to be durable and lightweight – Patagonia offers great alternatives.
Tip 2.2 - Wear waterproof boots, hats, and rain coats
Also, it is good to carry some waterproof boots and hats. Boots should be high to avoid water penetration when you walk through the rain.
A waterproof hat is also essential – protecting your head is necessary to avoid getting a cold from the rain.
If there is a rain forecast, never leave your house when going camping without a raincoat and rain pants. Wearing this gear ensures you stay dry even when during a storm.
Tip 3 - Plan where to pitch your camping kitchen and keep cleand it organised
Having the right equipment and cooking accessories will definitely help you. However, settling your camping kitchen in the right location and keeping it clean and organised is as important.
As experienced campers, we advise the following:
- Avoid pitching your kitchen under a tree or potential landslide areas – you don’t risk yourself falling tree branches or water drippings.
- Organize your cooking area to be more efficient – i.e. keep accessories stored together and always clean – it might be a good idea to have a camping cabinet and a portable cooler.
- Portion your meals to make it easier to cook what needs to be prepared. Avoid bringing excessive food to the kitchen – it might become messy, and you might not have enough space to store it.
Tip 4 - Use a camping tarp, umbrella, and a waterproof tent
To protect your cooking area, you can use a camping tarp (see option below) or use a rainfly to protect your outdoor kitchen from water.
Another good idea is covering your camping area with an umbrella, but it might be not ideal because of the lack of stability and risks of blowing away with the wind.
However, there are some excellent camping alternatives with pins that can be fixed into the ground, such as Sport-Brella Premiere X.
If you are considering moving your kitchen inside your tent, you might want to carefully read our article on this topic. To keep you safe, you should deploy the following measures:
- Ensure there is plenty of ventilation in your tent
- Use a carbon monoxide detector to avoid CO poisoning
- Remove or isolate any flammable material from your tent
- Use a fire mat below your stove
- If you intend to use a stove inside your tent routinely, buy a tent with a stove jack.
- Or Consider an electric stove alternative if you have electric hookups close to you.
Further, you should also consider a tent with at least 1000mm of water head protection. If you want to understand further about tent waterproofness, read this article – Are tents waterproof? (And how to waterproof them).
FAQ
Can you use a camping stove in the rain?
Yes, you can, but you should be aware that the exposure to water might damage the fire ignition systems of your camping stove, and therefore you should protect it from the rain.
For instance, avoid setting it under trees when setting your cooking area. In case it rains, water will start dropping from the branches. If you must set it under trees, set a camping tarp for protection.
In summary, there are no problems in using your camping stove whilst it is raining, but you should protect it from water.
Can a camping stove get wet?
Water might damage the ignition and internal valves from your gas camping stove. If you are using an electric option, you might be exposed to shocks. Therefore, we recommend avoiding exposing your stove to water.
If it accidentally gets wet, you must allow time for the stove to dry completely before turning it on – do not take any risks.
How do you keep a campfire burning in the rain?
If you are not a stove fan and prefer a good campfire, you should do some tricks to protect it and keep it burning while it is raining:
- Plan in advance and choose the right and protected spot
- Look for dry tinder, kindling and firewood.
- Get the fire off the wet ground.
- Keep pumping oxygen
- Prevent the fire from going out
- Create a roof over the fire – i.e. use a tarp, but be careful with how tall the flames are and the distance from the tarp.
- Use a barn barrel to improve campfire endurance, as they will prevent water intake from the laterals.
If you want to know more tips, you can read this article.
Can you cook under a camping tarp?
When camping in wet conditions, a camping tarp might be handy, and you can safely cook underneath it.
However, the tarp must be set up correctly and ensure a safe distance between the tarp and the fire. If not set well, the heat, smoke, and sparks can damage or destroy the tarp.
Moreover, the smoke can pose a safety risk to campers underneath it. If you want to build a fire beneath a tarp, ask yourself the following questions.
How high should the tarp be over the fire?
There is no rule for how high a tarp should be over the fire. Overall, a tarp height of 6.5ft (2m) off the ground allows enough space for campers to move underneath the tarp and offers ample gap between the flames, heat, and the tarp.
Be mindful that the type of wood you use might impact how high flames are – softwood, such as cider and pine, tends to produce higher flames. Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, and Fraxinus (aka ash) burn longer and produce lower flames and smoke.
If you want to know what is the best wood for your campfire, read the following article – Which firewood is best for camping?
How to use a tarp over a fire?
The best tarp arrangement covering fire should be a sloped frame configuration (see photo below).
This configuration allows smoke, and excess heat gets enough space to funnel out and away from underneath the tarp.
Furthermore, the configuration allows rainwater to shed off the tarp, preventing the tarp from sagging.
How much rain is too much for camping?
Withstanding wet conditions when camping is part of successful tent camping. However, not all wet conditions are suitable for camping. Sometimes the rain and winds become heavy such that you can’t cook under a tarp or outdoor.
The rain levels above one inch per hour (25mm) are already considered heavy rain, and you might be at risk of floods and lightning. Always check the weather forecast before leaving home.
As preventive measures, set your tent or fire on high ground so that you are naturally protected from unpredictable rainy conditions and use a waterproof tent.
Conclusion
If you are ever facing heavy rain during your camping trips, don’t panic. This article detailed useful tips on how to cook while camping in the rain.
Overall, bring adequate camping gear, including cooking equipment, accessories, and waterproof gear, and set your camping kitchen at the right spot.
Have a safe camping trip!
