No matter where you’re headed for your next camping adventure, there are certain must-do activities that every camping trip should include. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Dine al fresco.
Whether it’s a picnic in the woods, a breezy lunch under the awning or dinner around the campfire, there’s nothing quite like dining outdoors.
2. Make s’mores.
Photo: Shubert Ciencia/Flickr
Melty marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars. Put them together and you have a requisite activity for every camping trip.
3. Family game night.
Photo: Aaron Najera/Flickr
Raining outside? Break out the board games for a cozy afternoon of quality time with the family.
4. Take a hike.
Nearly all campgrounds have hiking trails, and hiking is one of the best ways for families to spend time together while exploring their surroundings.
5. Go for a swim.
Photo: Kevin Mims
Whether you’re at the beach or the lake, if there’s water around, you’ve got to take a dip at least once.
6. Go tubing.
Photo: Amanda Mims
Speaking of water, summertime is perfect for a tube trip down a lazy river.
7. Relax in a hammock.
Photo: Garry Knight/Flickr
Put up the hammock and relax — read a book, take a nap or just enjoy the sounds of nature.
8. Go on a photo excursion.
Explore nature and take photos of what you see.
9. Tell stories by the campfire.
Whether they’re scary, funny or sentimental, stories are always better tnew by a glowing fire.
10. Play outdoor games.
Photo: {Just Jennifer}/Flickr
Corn hole, hacky sack, horseshoes or just a game of catch — any of these can mean hours of entertainment at camp.
11. Go geocaching.
Photo: Johan Larsson/Flickr
Sharpen your navigational skills with this activity that involves finding hidden treasures deep in the woods using GPS coordinates.
12. Make pancakes.
Photo: Mike Burns/Flickr
This favorite breakfast food becomes even better when made at camp. Cook them up in the RV, on an outdoor griddle or even over a fire.
13. Cook dinner over a campfire.
Campfires aren’t just for staying warm and toasting marshmallows. Cooking dinner over a fire can be as much fun as eating it, and the possibilities are endless.
14. Catch fireflies.
Photo: Jessica Lucia/Flickr
It’s an age-new pastime for the young and young at heart. Be sure to release the fireflies when you’re done — this website explains the proper way to handle them.
15. Watch the clouds.
If you love to look up at the sky and study clouds on a lazy afternoon, you’re not alone. And why shouldn’t you? It’s one of those fun, relaxing pastimes that goes great with a camping trip.
16. Go for a bike ride.
Photo: Seth Vidal/Flickr
Whether you bring your own or rent, whether you go for a ride on the beach in a vintage Schwinn or take to the off-road trails on a mountain bike, be sure you camping adventure includes some two-wheel fun.
17. Do some stargazing.
Photo: Shawn Harquail/Flickr
On a nice, clear night, spend some time outside discovering constellations and watch for falling stars.
18. Become acquainted with your animal neighbors.
Photo: Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge/Flickr
Every good camping trip includes wildlife watching. Prepare ahead of time by researching some of the common animals in the area where you’ll be staying and make a list of them. While you’re there spend some time in nature and try to find the birds and other animals on your list.
19. Get on the water.
Photo: Kevin Mims
Kayaking, canoeing, boating, stand-up paddleboarding — if there’s a body of water near your campground, you’ll want to do at least one of these.
20. Make some music.
Photo: Rob Lee/Flickr
Maybe your group has a skilled guitarist or vocalist. Maybe you all just like to sing campfire songs together. Either way, camping and music go hand in hand.
21. Read an outdoor classic.
Photo: Julie Falk/Flickr
Want ideas? Try one of these 25 Essential Books for the Well-Read Explorer.
What are some of your favorite things to do while camping? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
