For individuals and families looking for fun camping activities, look no further!
In addition to just being in nature, camping offers so many opportunities for individuals to hone outdoors skills and families to connect through various activities.
So, whether you’re camping with kids, adults, or exploring solo, checkout this list of 10 classic camping activities you can try on your next trip!
1. Campground and Park Organized Programs
An often under-utilized campground amenity is organized programs run by the park staff.
In fact, many large and small established campgrounds and parks often offer weekly or even programs for campers.
Although these programs are usually geared towards younger participants, they are extremely beneficial for both kids and parents. Kids get to learn something new, and parents get a much deserved break.
Whether it’s nature-inspired arts and crafts, lectures, hikes, games, or special guests, programs are loads of fun. Kids can even make friends while attending, which makes the whole camping experience more enjoyable!
Just call the campground or check-in with the ranger station when you arrive to confirm and register for programs.
2. Fishing
For many, including myself, fishing is considered one of the most quintessential camping activities.
It’s both relaxing and laidback, as well as dynamic and intense at times.
For me, camping and fishing go hand-in-hand. In Ontario, a large number of car and backcountry camping sites are situated next to or near lakes. The waters are teeming with fish, so it’s a sure bet that you’ll get a nibble or two.
With the right gear, training, and supervision, young kids can give fishing a try. The learning curve isn’t that step and beginner fishing gear isn’t that expensive either.
So, if you’re planning on camping next to a lake, make sure you pack a fishing rod (and license). You might end up catching dinner!
3. Whittling [Carving] Wood and Bushcraft
Wood whittling and bushcraft is the art of turning natural materials into useful items.
For example, it can be as simple as carving a fallen log into a spoon or soup ladle, or fashioning a handle for a broken axe.
For survivalists, it might mean processing fallen tree branches into a working bow and arrows.
Whatever you end up creating, you’re using your hands and imagination. It’s a great way to hone your knife skills and flex your ingenuity.
The primary tool for any sort of whittling or bushcraft is an appropriate knife. But having a great knife is only half the equation. You’ll also need to practice safe knife-handling skills to prevent unwanted injuries!
Pro-tip: If you’re looking for the perfect all-around knife for camping, check out my article How to Pick the Best Camping Knife for my recommendations.
So, whether it’s creating feather sticks to start a fire, or creating an intricately carved piece of art, whittling and bushcraft are fun, practical activities while camping.
4. Fire Making
Starting and maintaining a fire is an essential skill we all need to master. Well, camping can be a perfect opportunity to both learn and hone your fire making skills.
And, since a campfire is ubiquitous with camping, why not make it a game? Turn fire making into a competition and see who can start a fire first!
Personally, teaching someone how to build a fire and seeing them accomplish this goal is incredibly satisfying.
Pro-tip: Never made a fire before? Learn how to make a campfire easily by following my how-to guide, How to Make a Fire in 5 Simple Steps.
5. Slacklining
For campers looking for a real challenge, set up a slackline and see who’s got the best balance.
It’s essentially like walking a tight-rope, but on a strip of webbing hung fairly close to the ground and the line isn’t stretched tight.
Slacklining is perfect for camping because you can set it up fairly quickly near your campsite and keep trying it for hours.
You can order an inexpensive slackline kit online. This beginner slackline kit on Amazon is my favorite since it includes everything you need.
6. Wildlife Watching
One of the most significant reasons we camp is to get closer to nature. Camping often allows us to get a glimpse of the world of animals in their natural habitat.
And, depending on the location and time of year, you might get a chance to witness some truly majestic animals.
Unique species of birds, large deer such as elk and moose, and apex predators such as bears and wolves can all be tracked and watched from a safe distance.
Wildlife watching requires patience and a keen eye for tell-tale signs of animal activity. Who knows, you might even end up spotting a Sasquatch or two!
7. Star Gazing
Living in the city, the sky is perpetually lit-up, so only the largest and brightest stars are visible to the naked eye.
But, camping in remote areas can reveal a truly awe-inspiring night sky filled with stars! This is what our ancient ancestors perpetually witnessed and lead them to imagine of a universe filled with possibilities.
Personally, I find it so relaxing to lay down and looking up at a star-filled sky. Seeing and naming the constellations, or seeing a shooting star makes me feel so grounded.
So, the next time you’re camping, remember to turn off the lights and look up. And let the light from the Milky Way and other stars billions of light-years away bathe your vision.
8. Board Games
Hours of fun, board games are great for kids and adults! Whether it’s cooperative or competitive, camping-friendly board games can be packed and played in tents or on a picnic table.
Personally, my wife and I always bring a board game or two on every camping trip. Even during our backcountry adventures, we pack Monopoly Deal, Hive Pocket, or Citadels. And, when we’re up for some friendly competition, or if the weather isn’t nice, we break out a board game!
So, if you’re looking for family-friendly or adult-orientated camping board games, check out my Board Games page for solid recommendations.
9. Canoe or Kayak
Watersport activities are always hit while camping, for both young and old. And a great way to spend time on the water is by paddling in a canoe or kayak.
Even if you don’t own a canoe or kayak, you can easily rent a watercraft at a nearby outfitter. They’re fairly inexpensive and some outfitters offer free drop-off and pick-up.
Learning how to paddle efficiently, either solo or with a partner, and navigating waterways is a great workout and skill to master while camping.
But, it’s important to be mindful of the hazards and risks associated with watercrafts on rivers and lakes:
- Always wear a life jacket
- Be mindful of the weather – Do not attempt to paddle in traitorous conditions (i.e., heavy rains, high winds, low visibility)
- If you are new to paddling, consider taking an introductory course where you can learn all about safe paddling techniques as well as water rescue
10. Scavenger Hunt
A great activity for inquisitive and adventurous young campers is a nature-inspired scavenger hunt.
You can easily create a scavenger hunt based on the landscape and forest around a campsite or park. There are an infinite amount of flora and fauna to search out and spot for.
It can be an incredibly insightful and educational activity, that gets kids (and adults) to explore the ecosystem around them!
So, release your inner Nicholas Cage from National Treasure and plan an epic scavenger hunt.
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