There is nothing worse than planning a camping trip and having it ruined by weather.  Four Boy Scouts in western Iowa were recently killed in a tornado while on a camping trip.  My own big venture in the Smokey Mountains last year resulted in a close call with a flash flood.  There are many different situations that can occur if one is not prepared.

The Go Camping blog has recently posted a nice article on some of the things you can do to prepare yourself for bad weather.  They mention knowing where you are.  That would seem obvious, but many of us head out in the wilds without paying much attention to the county we are in.  I have done it and I am sure you have to.  They mention this because most radio stations will list where storms are heading and what counties should be prepared.–Good idea.

Going along with the first item is carrying a radio.  These come in many different formats.  A nice AM/FM Weather-band radio would be sufficient.  Most radios on the market are battery operated, but you can get one that uses crank power.  That would be my choice.  That way you don’t have to worry about batteries dying on you in the heat of the moment.  Coleman actually produces a small crank-powered lantern that has an AM/FM/Weather radio built in to it, as well as a cellphone charger.  I have recently seen these selling at Walmart for 20 bucks.  Kind of cool.  A one minute crank will power up everything for 15 minutes.  Saves money, energy, and the environment, and has many useful features that don’t rely on any power source besides yourself.

The Go Camping blog also mentions knowing the area you are in.  Camping near the coasts, be on the lookout for hurricane activity.  Tornado Alley–you better have that Weather band radio on.  Near mountains or high hills–they always pose a threat of Flash Floods, even if it isn’t raining where your at.

For tornadoes you should seek shelter in something other than a tent or RV.  Most camping complexes offer up shelters for such events.  If your out in the wilds though, what can you do?  They mention jumping in your car and heading in the opposite direction.  That is all fine and dandy if you know where one is coming from–in case you don’t have that luxury, though, head to low ground (think ditch, ravine, etc.) away from trees.  Even big trees can snap like twigs in 200 mph winds.  Lay down and cover your head.

With Flash Floods, the Go Camping blog mentions seeking higher ground.  Another fine and dandy point, as long as roads, bridges, etc. don’t get wiped out.  Always be careful when heading over such structures, and if there is water in the roadway..DON’T CROSS!

With the recent floodings in Indiana, my brother’s Mother-in-law’s best friend (understand that?) decided to traverse a bridge that had a small amount of water going over it.  To make a long story short, she is no longer around and was recorded as the only death in the state of Indiana.

I am going to add a bit more to the Go Camping suggestions.  They don’t talk about winter camping.  This is getting to be a more popular pursuit.  I actually have intentions of doing this myself, this coming winter.  Always be prepared for snow and low temperatures.  Know what temperature rating your sleeping bag is made for, as well as your tent.  There is specific equipment you can purchase to make life easier in winter–even while tent camping.  Make sure you have proper clothes and socks for the temperatures and be on the lookout for sudden drops in temperature and snowstorms.  They can come on quickly.

It is always better to be safe than sorry.  Weather can definitely hamper a camping trip.  Last year, in the Smokey Mountains, my family was lucky enough to get a warning from the park ranger of possible flash flooding.  Luckily, our tent was based out of the closest camping spot to the river.  I know.  We didn’t think about location, but more about the beauty of our surroundings.  We stayed up all night listening to the radio and watching the stream.  The flash flood never came, but we were prepared for the few hours we had to sit there.  Thanks to a park ranger, all was fine, we knew the situation, and were expecting the worse.  After that few hours, we were able to have an incredible vacation for the rest of the week.  Wasn’t much of a hassle.

The sun isn’t really a weather event, but you should prepare yourselves for that, as well.  Some of my worst camping experiences have been brought on by unbearably hot temperatures.  Pack plenty of sunscreen and always have water available.  Heat strokes are serious business and can result in death.

Have you had any bad weather experiences?  What steps did you take to ensure your safety?  Would love to hear some more tips and suggestions.  I might even make a future post on this subject.  Feel free to comment and add to this article.

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