What To Do While Camping

Figuring out what to do while camping is the key to turning a simple trip into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, having a list of activities ensures you make the most of your time in the great outdoors.

This guide is packed with practical ideas. We’ll cover everything from essential camp chores to fun games and relaxing evening routines. You’ll find activities for solo campers, families, and large groups.

Let’s get started.

This main list covers the core activities that define a camping trip. These are the things you’ll be doing from the moment you arrive to the moment you pack up.

Setting Up and Maintaining Camp

Your campsite is your home base. Getting it right makes everything else more enjoyable.

Pitch Your Shelter: Work together to set up your tent or hammock. Choose a flat, high spot away from dead trees. Always use a ground tarp underneath.
Organize Your Gear: Unpack systematically. Keep your sleeping bags dry and store food in sealed containers or a bear locker. A tidy camp is a safe camp.
Gather Firewood: Collect downed wood from the surrounding area. Never cut live trees. You’ll need tinder (small twigs, birch bark), kindling (stick-sized wood), and larger logs to keep it going.
Build a Campfire: Start small and build up. Use a fire ring if provided. Always have water or a shovel nearby before you light it. A good fire is essential for cooking and warmth.
Manage Your Food: Plan simple, hearty meals. Prep ingredients at home to save time. Clean all dishes immediately after eating to avoid attracting wildlife to your site.

Daytime Exploration and Activities

Once camp is settled, it’s time to get out and enjoy your surroundings.

Go for a Hike: Research trails near your campground. Start with an easy loop if you’re new. Always tell someone your route and bring water, a map, and a snack.
Try Fishing: If you’re near a lake or river, fishing can be a peaceful way to spend the day. Check local regulations for licenses and catch limits. You might even catch dinner!
Swim in a Lake: On a hot day, nothing beats a refreshing swim. Only swim in designated safe areas, and never dive into unknown water. Supervise children at all times.
Read a Book in a Hammock: String up a hammock between two sturdy trees. This is the perfect way to relax with a novel or just listen to the forest sounds.
Practice Nature Photography: Use your phone or camera to capture the details. Look for wildflowers, interesting insects, morning dew on spiderwebs, or grand landscapes. It makes you observe more closely.

Evening and Nighttime Fun

As the sun sets, a new set of activities begins. The campfire becomes the center of everything.

Cook Over the Fire: Move beyond hot dogs. Try foil packet meals, cast iron skillet pizzas, or roasting vegetables on a stick. The flavor of food cooked over wood coals is unbeatable.
Stargaze: Away from city lights, the night sky is incredible. Download a stargazing app to identify constellations and planets. Look for shooting stars.
Tell Stories: Share spooky ghost stories, funny personal anecdotes, or create a collaborative story where each person adds a sentence. This is a classic for a reason.
Play Card Games: Pack a deck of cards. Games like Uno, Go Fish, or Crazy Eights are easy for all ages. A headlamp provides the perfect light for playing at the picnic table.
Listen to the Night: Simply sit quietly. You’ll hear owls, coyotes, crickets, and the wind in the trees. It’s a soothing way to end an active day.

Rainy Day Camping Activities

Weather doesn’t always cooperate. Don’t let rain ruin your trip—embrace it.

Journal or Draw: Document your trip. Write about what you’ve seen and felt, or sketch the view from under your rainfly.
Play Travel Games: Bring small board games, a book of puzzles, or mad libs. These are great for passing time in the tent or under a shelter.
Organize Gear: Use the downtime to repack your backpack, dry out damp clothes (carefully) near the fire, and take inventory of your food supply.
Make a Hot Drink: Boil water for cocoa, tea, or coffee. A warm drink in your hands makes a rainy day feel cozy instead of miserable.

Family and Group-Specific Ideas

Camping with others? These activities will keep everyone engaged.

For Families with Kids

Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of natural items to find (a pinecone, a smooth rock, a yellow leaf). It turns a walk into a fun mission.
Build Fairy Houses: Use sticks, moss, acorns, and pebbles to create tiny dwellings at the base of a tree. It encourages creativity.
Shadow Puppets: In the tent at night, use a flashlight to make animal shadows on the wall. It’s simple magic for little ones.

For Large Groups

Campfire Charades: Act out movies, animals, or camping-related items. Teams make it competitive and hilarious.
Group Hike with a Goal: Hike to a waterfall, a summit, or a historic site. Having a destination gives the walk a shared purpose.
Potluck Dinner: Have each person or family prepare one part of the meal. It reduces the cooking burden and adds variety to the menu.

Skill-Building and Useful Tasks

Turn your trip into a learning experience. These skills are satisfying and practical.

Learn to Tie Knots: Practice the bowline, taut-line hitch, and square knot. Use them to secure tarps, hang a bear bag, or fix gear.
Practice Map & Compass Navigation: Even with GPS, this is a vital skill. Take a bearing on a landmark and try to navigate to it using just your map and compass.
Identify Local Flora and Fauna: Bring a regional field guide. Try to identify five new plants, birds, or animal tracks. You’ll learn a lot about the ecosystem.
Sharpen Your Knife Safely: If you have a sharpening stone, learn the proper angle to maintain your camp knife. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.
Purify Water: Practice using your water filter or purification tablets with water from a safe source. It’s good to know how your equipment works before you really need it.

Quiet and Solo Camper Activities

If you’re camping alone or seeking solitude, these pursuits are perfect.

Meditate or Practice Mindfulness: Sit comfortably and focus on your breath and the natural sounds around you. It’s a powerful way to reduce stress.
Whittle or Carve: With a sharp knife and a soft piece of wood like basswood, you can create a simple spoon, a figure, or just point a stick for marshmallows. Always cut away from yourself.
Write Poetry or Songs: Let the landscape inspire you. You don’t have to share it with anyone—it’s just for you.
Sketch Landscapes: You don’t need to be an artist. A simple pencil and pad are enough to try capturing the shapes of the hills or the pattern of tree bark.

Leaving No Trace

This isn’t just an activity; it’s a responsibility. What you do while camping should protect the place for others.

Plan Ahead and Prepare: This minimizes your impact from the start. Know the rules and pack the right gear to avoid creating waste.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on established trails and use designated campsites. This protects fragile plant life.
Dispose of Waste Properly: “Pack it in, pack it out.” This includes all trash, leftover food, and hygiene products. For human waste, use outhouses or dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water.
Leave What You Find: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Don’t pick flowers, carve into trees, or take rocks or historical artifacts.
Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use a camp stove for cooking. If you have a fire, keep it small and use existing fire rings. Burn all wood to ash and put the fire out completely with water.
Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Never feed animals, as it alters their natural behavior and can be dangerous. Store your food securely.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise levels down, especially at night. Yield to others on the trail. The outdoors is for everyone to enjoy.

FAQ: What To Do While Camping

What are some fun things to do when camping with friends?

Group hikes, potluck dinners, campfire games like charades or “Two Truths and a Lie,” and stargazing together are all fantastic. You can also split into teams for a scavenger hunt or a friendly fishing competition.

What activities are good for camping when it rains?

Rainy days are great for journaling, reading, playing card games in the tent, organizing your gear, or practicing skills like knot-tying. You can also cook a more elaborate meal if you have a shelter to work under.

How do I find out what to do at my specific campground?

Check the website for the park or forest service area before you go. They list available amenities, trails, ranger programs, and points of interest. When you arrive, stop by the camp host or visitor center for maps and local tips.

What should you not do while camping?

Don’t leave food out (it attracts animals), don’t make loud noise late at night, don’t cut down live trees, and don’t wander off trails. Always follow the principles of Leave No Trace to protect the environment.

What are some quiet camping activities?

Fishing, birdwatching, photography, sketching, reading, whittling, and simply sitting by the water are all peaceful pursuits. These are perfect for solo campers or anyone looking to relax and reconnect with nature.

Is it boring to go camping alone?

Not at all! Solo camping offers freedom and deep relaxation. You can set your own schedule, spend time on hobbies like drawing or writing, and enjoy complete silence. It’s a rewarding experience if you prepare properly and follow safety guidelines.

What do you do at night when camping?

After dinner, the campfire is the hub. You can roast marshmallows, tell stories, play music (quietly), stargaze, or play games. As it gets later, listening to the night sounds and having quiet conversation is a wonderful way to end the day.