Camping is one of the most wonderful outdoor activities. You get to sleep in nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, including all of the noise and air pollution!
How refreshing it is to breathe in high-altitude air and adopt a slower pace that allows you to follow life’s natural rhythms. But, after the first day of camping, you’ll start wondering what to do while camping.
Truth is, there are lots of activities to enjoy while camping that you can plan on your camping trip for an unforgettable experience. In fact, it’s an opportunity to explore some of the outdoor hobbies and activities that you don’t have a chance to partake in when you’re in the city.
Fun Things to Do When Camping
Some of these activities include games, sports and water activities. Even when it’s raining there are plenty of things that are way more fun to do in a tent as opposed to when you’re at home. Come nighttime, you’ll find that there’s plenty for you to do as well.
Read on to find out what to do while camping and your trip will never be boring again!
1. Take a Lot of Photos
Wondering what to do while camping? Take pictures! Nature photography is always stunning. Partly because you’re in a clear frame of mind that allows you to take stunning shots and also because you’re in pristine nature where everything around you is beautiful and awe-inspiring.
Make sure to bring a good quality camera and watch a few videos on how to take nature shots. Try to practice beforehand by taking pictures of the hummingbird who likes to sit on your windowsill in the morning, or the cat from across the street who often meanders into your yard.
2. Ride a Bike
Bike trails are aplenty on most camping trails since most campers are avid bikers as well. Make sure to bring a bike rack that you can use to store your bikes, and you’ll enjoy the luxury of being able to cover more ground while biking than you would when walking.
Plus, biking is a fun way to get some exercise during what will most likely be a very relaxing time out.
3. Gaze at the Stars
Camping means that for the first time in a long time you’ll be in an area without any light pollution. This means direct access to the darkness and an ability to see the stars like never before!
You’ll be able to see Mars and Venus up close, as well as the Lyrid Meteor and maybe even a blood moon if you’re lucky. Of course, the ability to see some of these attractions will depend on the season and weather conditions.
For instance, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower happens on the 5th of May followed by a comet on the 23rd. in August, you have the Perseid meteor shower which is one of the most spectacular sights you’ll ever encounter. If you travel far enough up the Northern Hemisphere then you might witness the glorious Northern Lights as well.
4. Try Kayaking
When it comes to outdoor activities, kayaking comes out on top. It’s a physical activity that tests your tactical and stealth efficiency. It’s also done on the water and won’t disturb the natural habitat.
The great thing is that you can even catch your dinner while kayaking because it’s a great mode of on-water transport for angling.
5. Prepare S’mores
Who can say no to s’mores? Not anyone we know! They’re so simple to make yet so delicious that it’d be a shame to go through a camping trip without having them. All you have to do is insert a few marshmallows on a stick to create a kebab-like effect, and then toast them on an open fire.
Once toasted, you can use them to create your own sweet and delectable sandwich with graham crackers and some chocolate, or whatever other ingredients you like. You’ll also have to learn how to keep food cold so it doesn’t go bad while you’re camping.
6. Catch and Cook Fish
Most people will live their whole lives without feeling the satisfaction that comes with catching your own food.
Things like kayak fishing can be so satisfying because you get to catch, clean and cook your food inside the tent on your own. You can also find fresh herbs, wild roots and healthy greens and berries that won’t cost you a cent!
7. Make Your Own Rope Swing
Get a thick, durable rope before you leave for your trip and pair it with a piece of smooth wood. Drill a hole in the middle of the wood piece so you can fit the rope through.
When you get to your campsite, find a tree with a durable limb and make sure it’s in close proximity to the nearest body of water. That way, you can use the rope swing as a diving point.
Consider bringing a lightweight guide rope as well which you can use as an anchor for the tree when dragging the swing.
8. Go on a Treasure Hunt
Geocaching is another way to spice up your camping trip. It’s like going on your own sightseeing adventure where you look for unique landmarks or spots that you can share with other travelers.
Simply look for a cache from a geolocation app, sign into the logbook in order to create a report, and leave a memento or a little knick-knack for the next person.
9. Tell Scary Stories
Campfires are renowned for bringing out the storyteller even in the most reclusive people. If you feel compelled to tell a story on one of the nights that you’re out camping with your family or mates, be sure to make it interesting, and maybe even funny or scary. It could be a folk tale or a story from your childhood.
10. Install Useful Apps
There’s an app for everything nowadays and most of them are actually useful. You can find apps that give you all the names and details of the different animals in the area you’re in.
Consider downloading a flashlight app too just in case your flashlight battery dies and an ultrasonic sound app to repel pesky bugs.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of suggestions that we could offer when asked about what to do while camping. In this article, we’ve shared just 10 of those suggestions and we hope you’ll use them to elevate your next camping trip and have a great time! Just make sure you get a nice SUV tent for camping.