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St. Marys River

Weathering the Storm: Skillets, Rain, and Resilience

September 4, 2025 · Last updated: July 10, 2026
Weathering the Storm: Skillets, Rain, and Resilience

When rain hits hard and fast on a St. Marys trip, BWJ's move is to get hammocks under one shared tarp immediately and switch cooking to a portable jet burner rather than trying to keep an open fire going — on this trip a forecasted 35% chance of rain became a full downpour before they'd even picked a sandbar.

"I should have listened to the forecast, but I didn't."

Paddling the St. Marys means being ready for a shift in the atmosphere at any moment. On this trip, the 35% chance of rain turned into a 100% reality before we could even pick a sandbar. Sometimes the best adventures aren't the ones with the clearest skies, but the ones where you learn to find comfort in the middle of a downpour.

The Rapid SetupWhen the big raindrops started hitting, we had to move fast. There wasn't time for a cinematic setup; it was a race to get two hammocks under a single tarp before our gear got soaked.

  • The Location: We found a spot on the Florida side with nice sand and enough leaning trees to anchor our cover.
  • The Silver Lining: While the rain kept us from the evening catfishing we had planned, it brought a much-needed breeze that dropped the temperature. As Mama said, "at least it's not hot."

    • Field Kitchen: The Rainy Day PivotCooking over an open fire is the goal, but standing in a South Georgia storm isn't. We pivoted to the portable jet burner under the shelter of the tarp to get supper going.

  • The Menu: We whipped up a "skillet on the river"—teriyaki chicken, broccoli, and rice seasoned with plenty of Lawry's.
  • The Gear: Our trusty cast iron pan made the transition from the house to the riverbank perfectly, proving why it's a staple for any rugged camp kitchen.

    • Natural Rain SoundsBy 8:30 PM, as the light faded over the blackwater, we were zipped up and dry. No need for white noise machines out here; we had the real thing hitting the tarp. After 17 years of marriage, these are the moments that count—trusting your partner, trusting your gear, and enjoying the rhythm of the river, rain or shine.

  • Weather Strategy: Prioritize overhead cover (tarps) immediately when large-drop rain begins to prevent gear saturation.
  • Cooking: Portable gas burners are essential backups for rainy conditions when dry firewood is inaccessible.
  • River Entry: Always test the water and the bottom before stepping in; rain can hide submerged obstacles.
  • The Vibe: Rain drops the ambient temperature significantly, making summer camping in the South much more bearable.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    What do you do when rain hits before you've set up camp on the St. Marys?

    Move fast — BWJ got two hammocks under a single tarp, anchored to leaning trees on the Florida side, before gear got soaked.

    How do you cook in the rain without a fire?

    Switch to a portable gas/jet burner under the tarp — BWJ pivoted from open-fire cooking to a jet burner to get teriyaki chicken, broccoli, and rice going during the storm.

    Does rain make South Georgia river camping more bearable in summer?

    Yes, according to this trip — the rain brought a cooling breeze that dropped the temperature, which BWJ notes makes summer camping easier despite the wet gear.