Drying clothes and kit on a camping trip is one of those challenges that nobody really talks about until they're standing in a damp tent holding a soaking wet towel. In Cornwall and the South West especially, where the weather can turn quickly, having a reliable way to dry your kit makes a real difference to the comfort of your trip.
Whether you're on a week-long family holiday or a long weekend at a Cornish campsite, this guide covers the best options for drying your camping kit — from rotary airers and folding washing lines to practical tips for getting things dry even when the sun isn't playing ball.
Why a Camping Airer or Washing Line Is Worth Packing
Most campsites don't have laundry facilities, and even those that do often have limited capacity. A compact camping airer or washing line takes up very little space in your kit but makes a huge difference when you're dealing with wet towels, swimwear, or children's clothes that need to be dry by morning.
The key is choosing something that's easy to set up, stable in a breeze, and compact enough to pack without taking over your boot space.
Rotary Airers for Camping
Rotary airers are the most versatile option for family camping. They stand independently, hold a good amount of kit, and rotate to catch the breeze from any direction — which speeds up drying considerably.
Royal 4 Arm Folding Washing Line
The Royal 4 Arm Folding Washing Line is a compact, lightweight option that folds down small for easy transport. Four arms give you plenty of hanging space for a family's worth of towels and clothes, and the folding design means it packs away quickly when you're breaking camp. A solid all-rounder for most campsites.
Kampa Rotary 4 Arm Folding Airer
The Kampa Rotary 4 Arm Folding Airer is a step up in build quality, with Kampa's typical attention to detail and durability. It's designed specifically for camping use, with a stable base and arms that lock securely in position. If you camp regularly and want something that will last season after season, this is the one to go for.
Quest Rotary Airer
The Quest Rotary Airer offers excellent value and is a popular choice for families who want a reliable rotary airer without spending a lot. Straightforward to set up and sturdy enough for most conditions.
Tips for Drying Kit on a Camping Trip
Position your airer carefully
Even on a cloudy day, airflow does most of the drying work. Position your airer in an open spot away from the tent and other windbreaks. A slight breeze will dry clothes far faster than direct sun with no air movement.
Shake everything out before hanging
Shaking clothes and towels before hanging them opens up the fibres and significantly reduces drying time. It also stops items clumping together on the line.
Use the tent canopy in wet weather
If it's raining, hang lighter items under your tent's front canopy or awning. Airflow under a canopy is often enough to dry thinner fabrics like swimwear and t-shirts overnight, even in damp conditions.
Pack a microfibre towel
Microfibre towels dry in a fraction of the time of standard cotton towels, which is a game-changer when you're camping in changeable weather. They're also much lighter and more compact to pack.
Reproof your tent and kit regularly
A well-reproofed tent sheds water faster and dries more quickly after rain. If your flysheet is starting to wet out (absorbing water rather than beading it off), it's time to reproof. Our tent waterproofing guide covers everything you need to know, and we stock the full Grangers Fabsil range for the job.
Shop Camping Airers & Washing Lines
We stock a range of camping airers and washing lines at our showroom in Victoria, Cornwall, and online for UK delivery. Pop in to see them in person or browse online:
For more camping advice and gear guides, visit our Cornwall camping page or browse our Cornwall Camping Essentials collection.
