20 Fun Things To Do While Camping
- Olivia Gilbert
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Why spend hundreds of dollars on a hotel when you can spend $50 or less on a camp site? Sure, it isn't as glamorous, but there is something magical about getting out in nature and living in a more primitive fashion.
Camping is the perfect summer activity for families. Kids can explore, find bugs, play games, ride bikes, and get in touch with this beautiful earth. Camping is a great way to foster a love of nature in children and adults alike.
But what can you do whilst camping? Some camp grounds have pools, which can eat up some time, but what else can you do with a day or two immersed in nothing but woods?
The good news is that there is no end to the fun that can be had at a campground.
In this article I will share the most fun activities to do while camping. This includes fun camping activities for kids and adults.
Here are some great ideas and product recommendations to create the perfect camping trip.
*This article includes affiliate links, which means if you purchase from them I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me fund my website!
Here are some of my favorite camping activities:
Exploring the woods
Simple, yet magical. The woods offer endless beautiful sights and provide exercise. I love taking in nature, seeing the birds, tall trees, and hunting for mushrooms. I especially love climbing on rocks and trekking up hills.
Swimming
If there is a pool, lake, river, or creek near the camp ground, you don't want to skip the swimming! On a hot day, nothing feels as nice as being submerged in cool water. There are so many fun pool games you can play.
Bonfire
Bonfires are a staple of camping, a classic! You can't go camping without building a fire. With a fire comes the opportunity for s'mores making and cooking. It's also perfect for singing campfire songs, telling scary stories, and just lounging with a mesmerizing view.
Reading
Grab your favorite book, a cozy spot, and dive into an adventure without leaving your camp site! Getting lost in a book while camping is a great activity. Add some ambient music and a cold beverage and you're having the time of your life.
If you love mermaid books, check out this article.
Biking/rollerblading/ scooter riding
These are some great ways to get active, explore the area, and feel the breeze in your hair! Have yourself a little adventure on wheels.
Make art
Bring a sketch book or coloring book and your favorite way to add colors to pages. Draw what you see around you, or whatever your heart desires. Coloring is a satisfying activity for kids and adults.
Games
You can't forget to bring some fun games! This includes board games and card games. Bring a chess board, some playing cards, UNO, a dice game, or whatever you have.
Sports
My favorite sport activity is frisbee. It's the perfect activity for a light throw and catch. It's easy to travel with and doesn't require anything extra, like a stick or hoop. You can up the ante by playing ultimate frisbee, or just throw it around casually.
You can also bring a football, wiffle ball, corn hole, or whatever you have in your garage.
Nature scavenger hunt
When you're surrounded by nature, it's the perfect time to go hunting for all the little things to see.
Here's what you can look for:
feather
frog
mushroom
clover
cobweb
nest
animal foot prints
butterfly
flower
moss
pinecone
rocks
This is a great way to keep the little ones busy. They'll be determined to find as many things as they can.
Yoga
Yoga relaxes both the body and the mind. After spending time hiking, swimming, or driving a long distance to your site, yoga is just what you need. It makes it all the better to do it out in nature. It helps you stay present and gives your body the healthy stretches it loves.
Play music
If you have musical abilities, camping is a good time to let them shine. Bring a guitar to strum while sitting around the campfire. Sing some songs everyone knows. You could even write songs together. Just be mindful of other campers. Don't get too loud.
Chat with your camp neighbors
If you're the social kind of person, don't be afraid to chat with the other people camping around you. Camping brings you closer to nature, but it can also bring you closer to people. You never know where you'll make friends.
Birdwatching
Grab some binoculars and look to the trees! Watching birds can be fascinating and mesmerizing. There are so many beautiful birds to see, and if you pay attention you may see some really neat ones. Oh how I envy birds and their ability to fly.
Kayaking/paddle boarding
If you don't feel like getting in the water, how about getting on the water. You can enjoy water without getting wet by taking out some kayaks or paddle boards. Get your arm workout in while enjoying the beauty all around you, like the glistening water and the fish that glide through it.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the oldest activities humans have been participating in. We've been doing it to catch food for thousands of years. Now people enjoy it recreationally, but it is also satisfying to catch your own dinner, especially on a camping trip. Whether you go fishing out of a boat or just while relaxing at the beach, it can be a great addition to a camping trip.
Skipping stones
Skipping stones is fun and free! All you need is a body of water with a plethora of rocks. You'll want to find the nicest, flattest rocks to skip across the water. I love seeing how many skips I can accomplish per throw. It's a fun challenge that you can make a contest out of.
Photo shoot
When there is scenic wildlife all around you, why not take a moment to snap some photos? Take pictures of the trees, the skies, the plants, animals you see, and even yourself.
Vlog the whole experience
This is something I greatly enjoy. Recording your favorite moments of the trip and piecing together a little vlog with some music is a great way to remember the experience and to share it with others. That can inspire other people to get out and have their own adventures!
S'mores and campfire cooking
You could get a camping propane stove, but there's also campfire cooking! This is a fun activity that also produces sustenance. Make some s'mores and more! The easiest thing to cook over a campfire is hot dogs.
Hammock relaxing
After a day of camping activities, it sure is nice to just sway in a cozy hammock. Add a book, or just lay there and let your thoughts ruminate. It is lovely.
Those are are all the fun camping activities I have to share today! Enjoy a summer of fun camping trips.
About the author
Shello! My name is Mermaid Liv, a professional mermaid and content creator. I share my love of mermaiding through this blog, along with my Youtube channel.
If you've never heard of it before, mermaiding is a hobby, profession, and sport that involves wearing mermaid tails made for swimming.
I began making tails in 2013 and have continued my mermaid journey, starting my Youtube channel, working at a mermaid festival, performing at gigs, and being featured in the Netflix Docu Series MerPeople.
Follow me on Instagram for mermaid photos and videos: @the_real_mermaid_liv and be *shore* to check out my Youtube channel.
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