9 Fun Camping Activities To Keep You Busy

Taking a trip in your RV is an opportunity for fun camping activities. It’s also a chance to unwind, step away from the distractions, stresses, and grind of life, and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world.

But sometimes, spending entire days within the confines of your campsite without cell service, WiFi, or scheduled activities can get a little bit boring. So, if your goal is to unplug and get the most from nature, here are camping activities that will keep everyone entertained.

Have Fun with Classic Yard Games

Yard games are the perfect camping activities when you want to chase boredom away, encourage healthy competition between family members, and test your fitness and spatial awareness. Not to mention they allow you to bond with loved ones.

Some exciting yard games for camping trips that are suitable for people of all ages include cornhole, ladder ball, charades, and horseshoes. For more active games, play capture the flag, sleeping bag race, or water relay. For camping games without equipment, play Two Truths and a Lie or Add to the Story.

Go On a Hike

If you want a fun camping activity that doesn’t need special gear or skills, go explore the less trodden path. All you need is some comfy shoes and the perseverance to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Thankfully, many camping spots have nearby hiking or walking paths, so this activity is pretty accessible.

To make it enjoyable for everyone, pick a trail that isn’t strenuous and make sure it has some amazing highlights, such as a creek, wildflower meadows, or a lake. You’ll also want to pack enough snacks and fluids to keep everyone energized. Before you head out, check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Spend a Day Hooking Fish

Camping doesn’t feel right if you don’t go out on the water, as these two activities go hand in hand. So, pack some basic fishing gear or see if your campground has any available for rent, then head to the nearest fishing spot. Depending on where you are fishing, you may need a local fishing license, so be sure to check ahead of time.

You may need to bring sunscreen and bug repellant in summer, and some hand warmers and a beanie when camping in cold weather. After catching some fresh fish, you’ll want ice chests on hand to take your fish from the catch site back to your campsite. Not into fishing? Go boating, canoeing, or rafting.

Take a Swim

Plunging in a natural lake, pond, stream, or swimming hole after a sweaty hike or hours of fishing is a great way to refresh yourself. Plus, it gives you a chance to reconnect with nature in its rawest, purest form.

It’s important to take precautions when taking the plunge. Always make sure you swim in designated swimming spots, don’t go into cold water, and don’t go alone. To make it even more entertaining, bring water toys or low-slung chairs that will allow you to sit in shallow water and relax after swimming.

Go on a Bike Ride

When you head out on your next camping excursion, and you want everyone to have a fulfilling experience, bring your bikes. Without a doubt, there are a great many amazing experiences to be had on the seat of a bike, as it allows you to explore farther and faster than your legs can take you.

Kids will love those leisurely rides around the campground, while teens and adults can venture beyond the camping area for some trailblazing excitement. If you’re riding with your family, make the activity more appealing for the little ones by picking an easy trail, carrying lots of treats, and making frequent stops for resting.

Organize a Scavenger Hunt

To bring out the explorer in your kids, organize a scavenger hunt. Begin by compiling a list of outdoor-related objects to search for at the campground or on a nature trail nearby. These items can range from specific leaves, flowers, and pine cones to feathers, unique rocks, and even bugs.

The kids can collect the objects, or an adult can confirm the find before an item is ticked off the list. Scavenger hunts are also an amazing way for kids to burn some energy. Adults can also participate in scavenger hunts and snap photos of their finds instead of collecting them. Some great items for adults to photograph include nests, a snail, a flying bird, a shell, a mushroom, different tree species, and a cloud that looks like an animal.

Make a Family Campfire

There are few better comforts when camping than sitting near a roaring fire under the starry sky. This is the perfect setting for making magical memories that will last a lifetime. Get your kids excited about the campfire by having them collect small twigs and tinder bark, short kindling sticks, and larger firewood.

Once you’re gathered around the fire, there are so many other activities to engage in. You can toast marshmallows, tell spooky or fun campfire stories, sing songs, ask witty questions, make shadow puppets, or stargaze. For your safety and to protect the environment, make sure you learn about any fire rules in the camping area before you ignite one.

Engage In Bird Watching & Wildlife Spotting

Observing animals is a fun camping activity for kids and adults, plus it helps your kids learn more about wild creatures and their habitat. The good thing is you don’t need to visit a national park to spot birds and wildlife. Many campsites in natural areas with water are teeming with birds and animals of all kinds.

Since most birds are usually easier to hear than to see, kids can grow impatient. To make it more fun, combine birdwatching with fishing or hiking, so you don’t have to sit idly waiting for a sighting. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes, pack a pair of binoculars, and bring a local wildlife book to identify the mammal, reptile, or bird you spot.

Play Indoor Games & Do Activities on a Rainy Day

Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there is still plenty of fun to be had from the comfort of your RV. Card games and board games are a highly enjoyable and relaxing way to spend a rainy afternoon. They’re also a good option when you’re tired after a hike or just want to lazy around the campsite.

Other fun camping activities that will help you stay away from your phone or other devices include playing Jenga, solving a puzzle, reading a good book, doing camping arts and crafts, painting, or updating your journal. You can also do indoor s’mores!

Make Your Camping Trips More Memorable With These Fun Activities

Just because you’re stepping away from modern conveniences and possibly choosing to power off your devices doesn’t mean you have to get bored at the campsite. There are so many fun camping activities for adults and kids to keep you active and entertained, as long as you plan adequately. Use the above activities as inspiration to have an interesting and rewarding getaway!