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Recreational Activities to Enjoy While Camping

Jul 07, 2025

By Bailey Berzansky

Last Updated July 7, 2025

Have you ever desired to go camping, but found yourself worried about filling your time outdoors? Don't worry, we have compiled a list of activities for your enjoyment!

Person climbing a rocky cliff with trees and clear sky in the background

Sports

Sports can make you feel the thrill of adrenaline, success from your accomplishment, and pride from your wins. Friendly competition is encouraged, but you don’t want to ruffle too many feathers. 

  • Fishing: Not only is it practical, it may be a fun competition amongst your friends. Research if your campsite requires licenses and regulations to fish.   
  • Tubing: If you own or rent a boat, what better way to cool off from the heat than to go tubing in a lake? 
  • Swimming: Take a swim in the lake, river, or ocean to exercise your whole body and beat the hot weather. 
  • Kayaking: May improve your strength and agility while you explore the body of water. 
  • Rock Climbing: Protective equipment is essential for this outdoor sport.
  • Volleyball or Soccer: A volleyball or soccer ball is easy to pack and provides a low-commitment activity while being around the campsite. It’s great for children and building relationships with other campers. 
  • Frisbee: Playing for competition is ‘Ultimate Frisbee’ and has set rules. Although, playing non-competitively is an option too.

 

Person painting outdoors with art supplies on the grass

Leisure Activities

If sports aren’t your thing, try a more creative past-time. Arts and crafts are a great way to pass the time. I often think of needing to be inspired by an activity, object, or environment. Conveniently, you are camping in nature, so there are plenty of opportunities to be inspired by your surroundings! 

  • Reading: Helpful to promote relaxation and stress management. 
  • Painting: Capturing the world around you is easy when there is ample scenery. Whether painting comes naturally to you or it is not so easily accomplished, it is an opportunity to laugh with your friends. If you’re like me, painting, although wonderful in theory, never produces the work imagined, often providing opportunities for laughter. You may want to try creating a painting competition amongst your fellow campers, it will surely bring laughter and potential bragging rights. 
  • Board Games: Providing family entertainment for hours, board and card games are your best friend. 
  • Photography: Practice your skills while outdoors and capture your adventure on film. Be on the lookout for a sasquatch, although, you may be unable to get a picture in time.
  • Storytelling: A simple activity to entertain your friends or family around the campsite. Frightening “ghost” stories are appropriate around the campfire – but don’t blame us when you can’t fall asleep.

 

Two people using a map and GPS device outdoors to geocache

Nature Exploration

  • Hiking: Become familiar with your surroundings by hiking the established trails.
  • Geocaching: When you crave a good mystery, geocaching in your campsite or nearby trails may be for you! Geocaching allows people to hide treasures in nature and find other hidden mysteries. Since internet connection is not guaranteed while camping, use a geocaching app or tech-free method to find the hidden “caches”. 
  • Watching Wildlife: Observing nature may be done with or without helpful tools (magnifying glass, binoculars, etc.). If you’re bringing children with you, create a list of insects and animals you’d like to see and check them off your list as you camp. Don’t forget to add a sasquatch to your list! Check out How to Spot a Sasquatch for tips.
  • Stargazing: Watching the stars is a relaxing activity for all ages. No light pollution in nature means being able to see the stars clearly.

 

Green tent and red and yellow kayaks on a lakeside with a rocky shore.

Enjoy Your Time

Now that we’ve covered a list of recreational activities you can participate in your next camping trip, we wish you the best time! Be confident in your ability to have fun on your adventure with these ideas or tailor your own ideas for ultimate enjoyment.

References

Clyde Sasquatch