What To Do When Camping

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The other day, I had someone ask me what I like to do when camping. I didn’t know how to respond at first. There was so much I could say. Part of what I love about camping is there isn’t anything I really have to do. The days tend to be long, and the pace tends to be slow. And I love that. The list of what to do when camping will fluctuate depending on where you go, who you are with and what time of year it is. But I have compiled this list of some of my favorite camping activities.

Also, just to note, many family campgrounds have activities, sports courts, play structures and even swimming pools to help entertain the kiddos.

Relax

No matter where we are camping, we feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives–no rushing to sports practices or games, no laundry, grocery shopping, etc. So we truly have some time to sit and relax. That is, of course, if the kids are entertained.

When we go camping with other families, the kids seem to entertain each other. Board games, throwing a football around, etc. If we are camping with just our family, part of our “relaxing” might be playing some family board games or cards.

What to Do When Camping: Games

We have a few favorite camping games that go with us on every camping trip. One of our favorites is Sequence. Kids and adults love this game. It’s a strategy game that can be played by 2-12 players, and my kids have been playing (and beating me) since they were 6.

We also love playing Catch Phrase. This game is fun because it can be played around a fire (along with these other fun campfire games), rather than having to be set up at a table. Other favorites include What Do You Meme Family Edition and Clue.

Hiking

Many of the campgrounds we go to have hiking trails nearby. Even if it’s not a super long or difficult hike, following a trail is a great way to spot wildlife and explore the area a bit. And there’s not a lot of extra hiking gear you need to pack. We love getting a hike in during the morning and then having the rest of the day to hang around and be lazy.

We were recently camping at Agua Caliente County Park in the San Diego deserts, and we were able to venture out and explore some nearby mud caves that I had no idea existed. If you are traveling somewhere new, do a quick Google search to see if there are any cool hikes nearby. You will probably be amazed at how much there is to explore.

Outdoor Games

What’s a camping trip without a game of cornhole, bocce ball or horseshoes? No matter where we camp, we love some friendly competition at the campground. And there are so many great games to choose from that all ages and skill levels can enjoy.

What to Do When Camping: Read a Book

I love to read, and camping is the perfect excuse for me to cuddle up with a book I’ve been dying to read. Not big on reading books? Grab a magazine at the newsstand or pick up a crossword or Sudoku book and get some puzzles done.

Enjoy a Ranger Program

If you are camping at a state or national park, there’s a good chance that ranger programs might take place during your visit. We’ve enjoyed nature walks with the rangers while beach camping, plenty of campfire programs where we learn about some of the wildlife in the area, and even programs where they have live animals that they show to the kids.

Cook a Feast & Roast S’mores

Personally, I love easy camping meals while camping so that there’s less prep and cleaning. However, we have friends who make the most extravagant meals while camping. They have no care in the world while camping, so spending extra time prepping for a large feast is enjoyable for them. Plus, I will say, everything tastes so much better while camping. Here’s everything you need in your camping kitchen.

And when it comes to dessert, s’mores are a must-do while camping. You can get extra fancy with a variety of chocolate options–I recommend trying Oreos and Reese’s peanut butter cups in there as well.

What to Do When Camping: Have an Outdoor Movie Night

One of our favorite camping traditions is having an outdoor movie night at least one of the nights we are there. Even though we try to take a break from electronics, there’s something so special about sitting together under the stars and enjoying a family favorite on the projector screen.

Fun on the Water

We love camping at the beach or lake, so a lot of our favorite camping activities involve rafts, kayaks, fishing poles, etc. If there is water nearby, take advantage of the entertainment that comes with that. Even if the weather is too cold to go in the water, there might be boating or fishing options that don’t require you getting wet.

Fun Campground Features

Many campgrounds have fun features that provide free entertainment. Perhaps there is a splash pad or a park at the campground.

Some campgrounds, like the Potrero County Park, have sports fields available in the campground. Lake Jennings campground has a nice park as well as tether ball courts throughout the campground. Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree has huge boulders that the kids spent hours climbing and exploring. Agua Caliente has many hiking trails as well as hot springs swimming pools. And Pinecrest Lake campground has an outdoor movie theater that plays new releases nightly during the summer.

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