Spring is a beautiful time to camp, but a thunderstorm can sure put a damper on things. If you can stay warm and dry, the weather can be tolerated. Tips for staying dry at the campground:

• Use a ground cloth under your tent.
• Set your tent up on higher ground.
• Use a rainfly that gives good coverage.
• Seam seal your tent and rainfly.
• Vent your tent to allow condensation to escape.
• Take raingear.

Remember to take off all wet clothes when entering the tent. If your tent has a vestibule, you are all set, otherwise set aside an area inside the tent to stow wet gear until you get an opportunity to hang them out to dry. Avoid camping when you have advance warning of foul weather, particularly in tornado alley, the mountains or hurricane areas.

More camping tips...