Going out on a camping trip and curious about the fun things to do when camping? Heading for the wild is a fantastic way to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and wiggle your toes in nature’s splendor. When thinking about what to do while camping, the list is as vast as the great outdoors itself!

Camping is not just an activity; it’s an experience that opens the door to endless creativity in how you spend your time. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip, glamping with friends, or setting off on a solo adventure, it helps to think about what super fun activities to do. Dive into water sports, challenge each other in a stone-skipping competition, or master the art of crafting the perfect s’more by a crackling fire as you belt out your favorite campfire songs. These moments offer an unparalleled opportunity for spending quality time with the whole family and create bonds that will be cherished forever. So, gear up for your next camping trip with these fun activities in mind, and get ready to make memories that you’ll look back on for years to come. Let the adventure begin!

Daytime Activities

Engage with the environment and embrace the zillions of (or at least 97) activities at your fingertips. From tranquil moments of bird watching to the thrill of kayaking, master the art of daytime exploration.

1. Frisbee

Bring along a frisbee and enjoy tossing it around with friends or family.

2. Three-Legged Race

Partner up and compete in a classic three-legged race, using bandanas or ropes to tie your legs together.

3. Capture the Flag

Divide into teams and compete to capture the opposing team’s flag while defending your own.

4. Kickball

Set up a makeshift kickball field using cones or other markers and enjoy a game of kickball with fellow campers.

5. Horseshoes

Set up a horseshoe pit and take turns tossing horseshoes towards the stakes to score points.

6. Camping Bingo

Create bingo cards featuring different plants, animals, and natural phenomena, then see who can spot them all first.

7. Sack Race

Use burlap sacks or pillowcases and hop your way to the finish line in a traditional sack race.

8. Tug-of-War

Divide into teams and see which team can pull the other across a designated line first in a friendly game of tug-of-war.

9. Water Balloon Toss

Fill up water balloons and toss them back and forth with a partner, taking a step back after each successful catch.

10. Simon Says

Take turns being the leader and give commands starting with “Simon says,” with players only obeying commands preceded by that phrase.

11. Duck, Duck, Goose

Sit in a circle and have one player walk around tapping others on the head, saying “duck” each time until they choose someone to be the “goose” who must chase them around the circle.

12. Limbo

Set up a limbo stick using a broom handle or stick and see who can limbo the lowest without touching the ground.

13. Obstacle Course

Race against the clock through an elaborate obstacle course crafted from nature’s own elements: fallen trees, rugged rocks, and ancient stumps.

14. Potato Sack Relay

Divide into teams and race to pass a potato sack (burlap bag) or pillowcase down a line of teammates, with each player hopping inside the sack before passing it on.

15. Balloon Pop Relay

Fill balloons with water and set up a relay race where teams must carry the balloons between their legs to a designated spot and pop them without using their hands.

16. Toss Across

Set up a game of Toss Across using bean bags and a makeshift board with cups or containers to toss them into, aiming to get three in a row.

17. Bocce Ball

Set up a bocce ball court and take turns rolling the balls to see who can get closest to the target ball (the pallino).

18. Nature Art Contest

Use natural materials like leaves, sticks, rocks, and flowers to create works of art, and vote on the most creative pieces.

19. Sardines

A reverse hide-and-seek game where one person hides and everyone else searches for them. When someone finds the hider, they join them in their hiding spot until only one seeker is left.

Outdoor Adventures

On a camping trip, you’re in the perfect environment to engage in adventures in the great outdoors. These activities provide thrilling experiences and allow you to connect with nature and challenge your physical limits.

20. Hiking Trails

Set off on marked hiking trails and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. Equip yourself with a map and a sturdy pair of boots to navigate the terrain confidently.

21. Nature Scavenger Hunts

Initiate a nature scavenger hunt as a fun way to learn about local flora and fauna. Your list should include items of varying rarity to keep excitement levels high.

22. Bird Watching

Find a quiet spot for bird watching, and use a guidebook to identify species. A pair of binoculars can help you spot birds perched at a distance.

23. Picnicking

Select a scenic location and relish a picnic. Pack a basket with a mix of healthy snacks and foods that are easy to preserve.

24. Environmental Education

Join an environmental education program to gain insights into local ecosystems. These often include guided tours and discussions on preserving natural habitats.

25. Photography Challenges

Partake in photography challenges that push your creative boundaries. Capture unique angles of landscapes or the detailed patterns of leaves and insects.

26. Water Activities (Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking)

Engage in water activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. You’ll need appropriate gear for each activity, and always prioritize safety.

27. Plant Identification

Learn plant identification skills using a field guide. Document your finds and be aware of any plants that may be protected or poisonous.

28. Geocaching

Try geocaching, an outdoor treasure hunt that uses GPS to find hidden containers. Remember to bring a pen to sign the logbook and trade items respectfully. This can boost your camping trip to the next level.

29. Insect Collecting

Explore the local habitat with insect collecting. Equip yourself with a net, jars, and maybe a magnifying glass. Handle insects with care and take them home to preserve in a collection or just let them go.

30. Bouldering Basics

Discover rock climbing basics on beginner-friendly routes. Hire an instructor to ensure you learn proper safety measures and techniques.

31. Nature Crafts

Create nature crafts from items like leaves, twigs, or stones. Remember to use natural materials that have already fallen to the ground to minimize environmental impact.

32. Zip-Lining

Feel the rush of air and adrenaline on a zip-lining course, where you glide over lush forests and canyons. It’s an exhilarating way to get a bird’s eye view of the natural surroundings.

33. Mountain Biking

Engage in mountain biking across varied terrains to explore trails that are often hidden away from regular tourists. Ensure you have the right safety gear and check the difficulty level of the trail.

34. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding allows you to traverse through nature at a gentler pace, often leading you through paths less traveled by hikers.

35. Wildlife Spotting

Equip yourself with a pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting and patiently observe the rich ecosystem around your campsite. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from the animals.

36. Guided Nature Tours

Join guided nature tours to learn about local edible plants and interesting animals from knowledgeable guides, which is particularly beneficial if you’re unfamiliar with the region’s natural habitat.

37. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing offers a direct challenge to your physical strength and mental resolve. Beginners should start with guided climbs and the necessary safety equipment.

38. Caving or Spelunking

Immerse yourself in subterranean exploration through caving or spelunking, but always with a guide. The complex cave networks can be both mysterious and dangerous.

39. Survival Skills Workshops

Enroll in survival skills workshops to learn crucial outdoor skills like fire-building, shelter-making, and navigation, which enhance your camping experience.

40. Orienteering

Test your map and compass skills with orienteering, navigating through diverse landscapes to reach specified points as quickly as possible.

41. Backpacking

Embrace the ultimate freedom of exploring the wilderness by embarking on a backpacking journey, carrying all your essentials on your back.

42. Archery

Improve your focus and coordination while enjoying the serenity of nature’s backdrop with archery.

43. High Ropes Courses

Build your confidence and balance on high ropes courses, engaging both your mind and body as you maneuver through obstacles.

Fun Competition

Engage in friendly competition with these great ideas for enhancing your camping skills, creating lasting memories, and strengthening bonds with fellow campers.

44. Campsite Setup Races

Race to see who can set up their campsite the quickest, ensuring everyone has similar equipment to keep the competition fair.

45. Fire-Building Contests

Test your ability to light a campfire efficiently, competing to build a sustainable fire using only natural materials.

46. Cooking Challenges

Compete in creating the best campfire meal with a limited set of ingredients, judged on taste, presentation, and creativity.

47. Land Navigation Competitions

Using a map and compass, navigate through designated waypoints the fastest. Make sure to include various terrains to increase difficulty.

48. Fishing Derbies

See who can catch the biggest or the most fish within a set time frame. Ensure that all participants have valid fishing licenses and follow local regulations.

49. Nature Photography Contests

Capture the beauty of the wilderness with a photography contest. Photos can be judged on composition, lighting, and subject matter.

50. Tent Pitching Competitions

Form two teams and race to pitch a tent correctly and securely. This contest can involve individuals or teams and be timed for speed or judged for precision and stability.

51. Survival Skill Challenges

Create scenarios where you must purify water, signal for help, or build a shelter. These challenges enhance critical survival skills while being fun.

52. Treasure Hunts

Organize a treasure hunt with maps and clues. This activity is fun for all ages and encourages exploration and teamwork.

53. Storytelling Competitions

Gather around the campfire and see who can tell the best story. Stories can be judged on creativity, delivery, and audience engagement.

54. Water Relay Races

Set up a relay race involving water-based tasks such as filling a bucket, carrying it over an obstacle course, and transferring the water without spilling.

Night Time Activities

When the sun sets, your family camping activities don’t need to stop. The night brings a star-filled sky perfect for stargazing, the ideal setting for sharing campfire stories, and a kitchen under the stars for campfire cooking lessons.

55. Flashlight Tag

A classic game where one person is “it” and tries to tag others by shining a flashlight on them.

56. Ghost in the Graveyard

A spooky game where one person hides while the rest of the group counts, then everyone searches for the “ghost” in the dark.

57. Glow Stick Hide and Seek

Play traditional hide and seek, but use glow sticks to make it more challenging and exciting in the dark.

58. Campfire Charades

Take turns acting out different words or phrases by the campfire while others guess what they’re miming.

59. Moonlight Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items to find around the campsite using only moonlight or flashlights.

60. Capture the Flag Redux

Play a nighttime version of capture the flag using glow sticks or LED lights to mark boundaries and players.

61. Flashlight Limbo

Set up a limbo stick using a flashlight beam and see who can limbo the lowest without touching the light.

62. Storytelling Circle

Sit around the campfire and take turns telling spooky stories or sharing tales of past camping adventures.

63. Starry Night Bingo

Create bingo cards featuring different constellations or night sky phenomena, and mark off squares as you spot them in the sky.

64. Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss

Set up glow sticks in the ground as targets and try to toss rings onto them in the dark.

65. Nighttime Nature Sounds Guessing Game

Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the night, then try to identify the different animals or natural phenomena making the noises.

66. Shadow Puppets

Use a flashlight to create shadow puppets on the side of your tent or against a nearby rock.

67. Moonlit Yoga

Practice yoga under the moonlight, guided by the natural ambiance of the outdoors.

68. Meteor Shower Watching

Check online for upcoming meteor showers and spend the night stargazing, keeping an eye out for shooting stars.

69. Firefly Catching Contest

If fireflies are present, see who can catch the most fireflies in a jar without harming them.

70. Star Chart Challenge

Bring along a star chart or stargazing app and see who can identify the most constellations or celestial objects.

71. Flashlight Drawing

Give each person a flashlight and a piece of paper, then take turns drawing pictures or writing messages in the air with the light.

72. Moonlit Capture the Flag

Play a variation of capture the flag using the natural moonlight as your only source of illumination.

73. Glow Stick Tic-Tac-Toe

Use glow sticks to create a tic-tac-toe board on the ground, then play a game using different colored glow sticks as markers.

74. Moonlight Relay Race

Set up a relay race course around the campsite and compete in teams, passing a flashlight baton as you navigate obstacles and challenges.

75. Stargazing

Bring a star map or download a stargazing app to identify constellations and planets. This activity is a peaceful way to enjoy the night sky’s natural beauty, and it can be particularly mesmerizing in areas with little to no light pollution.

76. Night Hikes

Equip yourself with a headlamp or flashlight and explore the trails at night. Be sure to stay on marked paths and keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife. Always hike with a buddy for safety.

77. Campfire Stories

Gather ’round the campfire for storytelling. Share spooky tales or funny anecdotes. This tradition strengthens bonds and adds an element of excitement to the night.

78. Making S’mores

Create the classic camping treat by roasting marshmallows over the campfire and sandwiching them between graham crackers with a piece of chocolate. S’mores making is a quintessential camping activity that is sure to please campers of all ages.

79. Glow-in-the-Dark Games

Play games like glow-in-the-dark frisbee or ring toss to spice up the evening. These games are fun and safe for children, and they add a magical touch to the campsite.

80. Astronomy Lessons

Take the time to teach or learn about the night sky. Discuss constellations, meteor showers, and the phases of the moon. It’s an educational and fascinating nighttime pursuit.

81. Campfire Cooking Lessons

Learn how to cook over an open flame. Simple recipes like foil-wrapped veggies and grilled sausages offer an introduction to campfire cooking.

82. Campfire Popcorn

Use a campfire popcorn popper to make this delicious treat! Add melted butter and salt to balance out the sweetness of s’mores.

83. Night Photography

Capture the beauty of the night with long-exposure photographs. Remember to use a tripod for stability and to play with different shutter speeds for creative effects.

84. Moonlit Walks

Stroll under the moonlight to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the camping area. It’s a relaxing way to end the evening and observe the nocturnal nature of the surroundings.

85. Campfire Sing-Alongs

Sing campfire songs by the campfire to create memorable moments. Bring a guitar or use a portable speaker to sing your favorite tunes with your group.

Rainy Day Activities

When rain dampens your outdoor camping plans, you still have a bunch of indoor activities at your disposal. From strategic games to creative crafts, learn new skills, or simply enjoy the cozy ambiance of your tent with the following engaging pursuits.

86. Board Games

You can enjoy a variety of board games during a downpour, from classic strategy games like chess to modern adventure games. Ensure you bring a mix to cater to all ages and preferences.

87. Tent Storytelling

Gather around and engage in tent storytelling, a camping tradition. You can make stories up on the spot or recount classic tales, using expressions and sound effects for emphasis.

88. Camp Cooking Lessons

If your tent is large enough, you can conduct camp cooking lessons. Practice making no-cook recipes or use a camping stove to create simple dishes, emphasizing safe cooking practices.

89. Nature Crafts Inside

Create nature crafts using materials you’ve collected beforehand. Use leaves, pinecones, and twigs to make art or decorate useful items, ensuring a tarp or newspapers are laid down for easy cleanup.

90. Educational Workshops

Host educational workshops inside your tent. Topics can range from local ecology to survival skills. Use books or online resources to guide your lesson, aiming for interaction and discussion.

91. Make Friendship Bracelets

During downtime, make friendship bracelets with your fellow campers. Use different colors of string and try out different patterns to create unique bracelets for each other.

92. Reading Time

Rain is the perfect backdrop for reading time. Pack books that fit into the camping adventure theme, or bring an e-reader stocked with a variety of genres to please multiple readers.

93. Indoor Scavenger Hunts

Create an indoor scavenger hunt with clues and items around the tent. This is an excellent way to keep kids entertained and active, even when confined to a tent.

94. Map Reading and Trip Planning

Use this time for map reading and trip planning. Study maps of the area or plan future trips, teaching everyone the basics of navigation and route selection.

95. Journaling and Drawing

Encourage journaling and drawing; it’s relaxing and productive. Jot down experiences or sketch the natural surroundings from memory, using this time to reflect and create.

96. Knot Tying

Learn the art of knot tying. It’s a useful camping skill and can be practiced indoors with just a rope or paracord. Start with basic knots and progress to more complex ones.

97. First Aid Lessons

Learn essential first aid lessons. Go through your first aid kit, discuss the use of each item, and practice scenarios where you might need to apply this knowledge.

Remember, a little rain doesn’t have to wash out your fun. Use this downtime to deepen camaraderie, learn new skills, and enjoy the peace that comes with a rainy day.

Zipping up

When packing your bags and setting off for the great outdoors with friends and family you can be pretty sure that not everything will go “exactly” as planned, but having a ready supply of super fun camping activities can make the unexpected a nice memory rather than a memorable nightmare. Being prepared with a card game or frisbee can even transform a long wait for a tow truck into a memorable part of the adventure rather than a boring misery. If everything goes great how much the better to have all the activity planning done in advance. Happy Camping!