Camping Activities For Adults
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I am a person who enjoys camping and this is what I like to do while camping.
Some of the things that I enjoy doing when camping are hiking, fishing, taking naps, campfire chats, stargazing, and playing outdoor games such as a scavenger hunt with my friends. I hope you find this article helpful in your next trip to the great outdoors!
Camping with adults can be a lot of fun, but it’s hard to find activities that are appropriate for everyone.
Most camping games and activities are geared towards kids or teenagers. That leaves you feeling bored and uninspired when you’re out in the wilderness on your own.
We’ve come up with 10 different activities that we will describe below.
These activities are designed for adults and maybe a little mature for some kids, but they’re perfect for everyone over the age of 18!
My buddy Scott and I are constant camping companions. When the weather is nice, we camp at least twice a month. We’re perfect for each other because we enjoy each other’s company but we don’t have to constantly talk to each other.
Scott enjoys looking for fossils. He leaves the fossils where he finds them but he has the agility of a mountain goat so he’s constantly scrambling over rocks.
I enjoy hiking and will try to find a trail to follow.
In camp, Scott is a constant reader and keeps his e-reader filled with books. While I enjoy a good book, these days I prefer podcasts. And I’ll spend time by the campfire catching up on my favorite episodes.
But lets look at other things you can do while camping.
Stargazing
Stargazing is a popular activity. You can even do it while drinking a beer.
When you’re out on the trail, it isn’t uncommon to see a million stars at night.
The Milky Way is especially beautiful!
If you have a telescope or even binoculars, all the better! There are plenty of astronomy apps that can help you identify constellations and planets. You can also use these apps to get a better idea of where you are.
Don’t be surprised that if you are in a very dark area, that you can see the Northern Lights, even if you are in the south. Growing up in Central Texas, we would occasionally see ribbons of purple and red stretch across the sky.
Campfire Questions
After a while, you can run out of things to talk about. Before you head out, you can write down a set of questions to ask such as “what did you want to be when you grew up” or “what is your biggest regret” or “what is your favorite band.”
You can even buy a deck of cards such as this set which are both playing cards as well as containing questions to ask around the campfire.
You will be surprised what you learn about your fellow campers though I would recommend that you avoid any political conversations.
Campfire Songs
Before you head out, get a copy of campfire songs and put it in your backpack. While it’s great if someone brings a guitar they can play, it’s not actually required. People have been singing acapella for as long as there have been campfires.
I prefer sing-alongs to pre-packaged music because I’m old school and that’s just the way I was raised. It’s amazing what you can learn about your fellow campers by their singing voice!
Another variation to campfire songs, is that you can tell campfire stories. These could be funny or scary or entertaining.
Perhaps you can spawn a discussion around whether you believe in Bigfoot or not. Or maybe you can discuss which type of marshmallow is best: the burnt ones or the undercooked ones.
Hiking
Many campsites will have hiking trails nearby. Hiking is a great way to get in shape, enjoy the scenery, and spend some time in quiet contemplation.
If you’re not a hiker or live somewhere that doesn’t have many trails nearby, there are apps for your phone that allow you to download geotagged hiking trails from other hikers. For example, AllTrails allows you to easily find trails including maps and descriptions about the level of difficulty.
If you are going to go on a hike, make sure to do the proper preparations. Tell someone who is not coming with you where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Make sure to bring along the 10 essentials of hiking. In particular, you want water, a First-aid kit, rain gear, and a compass. You want the gear and not need it rather than need the gear and not have it.
Fishing
Fishing is very relaxing.
It’s also good if you want to catch something to eat. I’ll fish in ponds or creeks where I can see what I’m doing but you can fish in lakes too with a boat and some nice big trolling motor!
You can also look to hire a fishing guide to take you out on the lake or river. This way you don’t have to worry about taking a boat or guessing where the best fishing spots are.
Camping Gear Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are fun games regardless of age. In this version, you give everyone a list of items you might bring on a camping trip.
They then race to see who can collect the items and return first.
If there is a lot of competition, you might want to make it a tie-breaker challenge if everyone is within two or three items of each other.
This hunt works best in small groups such as at a family reunion with cousins or siblings.
Stick-tionary Game
If you are familiar with the game Pictionary, then you understand this game. Except you don’t need any markers.
You need teams, a stick, pieces of paper with ideas, and a notepad to keep score.
The person drawing the item draws a slip of paper, then attempts to draw the name on the piece of paper while the team guesses. Use the timer on your phone to avoid people spending all night guessing on the first drawing.
Two Truths and a Lie
In this game, each person writes down two truths about themselves and one lie. Then, the group goes around in a circle guessing which saying is actually a lie.
It’s important that people only share one thing at a time. If everyone knows everything about everyone else by the end of this game, it won’t be much fun!
Outdoor Survival Challenge
In this game, you can teach skills while having fun. For example, people could learn how to build shelters using tarps and natural materials. Or building a fire to boil water using a Ferro rod instead of lighters or matches. Or do adult hide and seek.
Napping
Let’s be frank. One of the best things about camping is doing nothing.
There’s nothing wrong with taking a nap in the shade. In fact, it will energize you for the rest of the day!
Chill out and relax. You have nowhere to be and no one is expecting anything from you. Enjoy this time away from your daily pressures and remember why you love camping so much.
Drinking Camping Games For Adults
While these games are intended to be played with booze (usually beer), if you want to play with the kids or just want to avoid alcohol, you can avoid the buzz.
Beer Pong
The classic fraternity game brought to the campground. In this game, you need cups (Red Solo Cups are classic), beer (or water), a table, and a ping-pong ball.
You place ten cups arranged in a pyramid at each end of the table. Fill the cups halfway with the liquid. Then the teams take turns trying to bounce the ball into the cup. If the ball lands into the cup, then the other team must drink that cup.
You can increase the fun by mixing and matching the booze.
Some cups have beer, some have water, and some have hard liquor. Keep the secret of the liquid from the teams until you start to add an extra level of fun.
Never Have I Ever
One person asks a question such as “I have never forgotten my tent stakes at home.” Anyone who has forgotten the tent stakes at home must take a sip or shot depending upon the rules y’all set before starting.
The more the booze flows, the more risque the game will become.
Drunken Artist
Without booze this is just Pictionary. With booze, what you do is the artist must have a cup full of alcohol.
They are given the item to draw. Every 20 seconds until someone guesses the drawing, the artist must take a swig of their drink.
Thus the worse you are at drawing, the more you’re going to drink.
Frisbee Horseshoe
Of all of the adult, beer games, this is the one what would be the most fun and challenging without the alcohol.
You need a frisbee, 2 trekking poles, and 2 Solo cups for basic equipment.
Arrange the trekking poles so that they can stand up and place the solo cups on top of them.
Next divide into teams. Each team member must hold a beverage in one hand. And each team must stand behind their trekking pole.
One team throws the frisbee and attempts to knock the solo cup off the pole.
The other team attempts to catch the frisbee, regardless if the cup is knocked off or not after the frisbee passes the trekking pole.
Scoring:
1 point if the throwing team misses the cup but the opposing team doesn’t catch the frisbee
2 point if the throwing team knocks the cup off but the frisbee is caught
3 point if the throwing team knocks the cup off but the frisbee is not caught
Remember the catching team cannot catch the frisbee until it passes the trekking pole.
The first team to 21 wins.
Camping Games For Adults At Night
If you want to do more than sing songs or drink or smoke or stargaze there are games you can play with adults. Make sure to bring headlamps and lanterns to make sure everyone can see.
Poker
Whether you want to play for dollars, candy, or fun, poker is a classic. You can buy cards to keep track of score or just keep track by memory. Don’t forget to set limits on how much you play and if your stakes include money, make sure to agree on the ante beforehand.
Hearts or Spades or Gin Rummy
Hears and Spades and Gin Rummy are classic card games that have been played for generations. They are also good life skills to have because you have to learn how to play with people who might not be your best friend.
Truth or Dare
We all played this game as kids, but it is just as fun when you’re older. Or you can play its cousin “Never Have I Ever” drinking game.
Camping Board Games For Adults
If you are interested in more complex games, there are board games for adults too. All you need to do is visit your local Walmart or search on Amazon for a board game to try.
One game that can be lots of fun is Munchkin.
The Drinking Games
As discussed in our drinking games section, there are many drinking games that you can play after dark. Just be safe about it because while drinking games can be fun, you don’t want anyone to get hurt.
What Are Some Things To Do While Camping
While camping, one of the best things to do is explore. Go out on hikes or walks and take in your surroundings; go kayaking, swimming, fishing, biking; play cards by the campfire with friends; read a book while taking in some fresh air.
There are so many different activities you can do while camping that it will be hard to choose just one!
If you have young children with you when you’re camping then they’ll probably want to get involved too – which means more fun for everyone!
Camping offers a chance to enjoy nature and disconnect from technology for a little bit. No matter what age group someone falls into though, there’s something for everyone at a campsite. So pack up your gear and head out today.
There are many things that you can do while camping and we have covered many of them in detail within this post.
There basics:
- Campfire songs
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Stargazing
There are drinking games:
- Beer pong
- Frisbee horseshoes
You can bring board games (Right/Left/Center has become a favorite of mine).
Or you can sit around and do nothing.
11 Fun Camping Activities For Couples
Romantic getaways aren’t limited to hotel stays and private villas. If you are a nature lover and prefer simplicity over luxury, romantic camping with your partner is something you will enjoy. A campsite might not necessarily come to mind when you think of a romantic destination, but it can create the perfect environment to get cozy with your lover.
Together you can relax, breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. You can even make your trip more romantic by finding ways to win each other’s hearts once again. If you are looking for some inspiration, here are some fun camping activities for couples that are guaranteed to make your next camping trip full of fun and romance.
1. Find a Secluded Campsite
Location is perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a romantic getaway location. Ideally, you should find a secluded camping spot where both of you are not only comfortable, but also have space to enjoy time to yourselves alone. The best locations are either campgrounds with large campsites or those that are less crowded.
Do your research ahead of time before you reserve a spot and look for campsite details on their website. If you can’t find any maps or photos online, call to find out which campsites have the most space and tree coverage. If you are more adventurous, you can actually consider taking the camping trip to the backcountry for more privacy.
2. Create a Romantic Ambience
Once you find the perfect secluded campsite, you now need to transform it to the perfect romantic getaway. The first step to do this is ensuring that your tent is as comfortable as it can be. Cozy pillows and blankets can also go a long way towards helping you create the perfect outdoor romantic destination.
For the lighting, you can use LED lights or place candles on trays in the corner of your tent. However, keep in mind that the candle’s fire can easily burn the tent’s floor, which is why it is better to put them either in a container or on a tray. If you love fragrances, aromatherapy diffuser sticks are great for boosting the mood and creating a relaxing, romantic ambience.
3. Plan a Sunset Picnic
Picnics have traditionally been some of the most romantic date ideas. However, when paired with a breathtaking view such as a sunset, a picnic can become one of the most memorable experiences of the relationship.
To maximize your comfort, ensure that you bring an extra layer to throw on when you sit down to enjoy the sunset on your picnic along with a camping blanket to sit on. If you plan to bring a drink, don’t forget your corkscrew or bottle opener!
4. Pack a Double Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are essential to camping and are a perfect way to get cozy with your lover. Even if you are staying in an RV for the duration of the camping trip, you should still cuddle up together in the warmth of a double sleeping bag. If the weather allows it, you can even take the double sleeping bag outside and watch the stars together while making wishes.
If you are camping with your lover in the coldest time of the year, it is important to choose a double sleeping bag that offers comfort, warmth, and protection from the harsh weather so that both of you can sleep soundly. For added comfort you can bring an air mattress or other cushioned pad to put under the double sleeping bag.
5. Have a Romantic Evening by the Fire
A romantic dinner by the fire is guaranteed to spice up any camping trip. Pick one of your favorite meals as a couple, pack all the ingredients needed to prepare it, and cook it together at the campsite. To ensure that you aren’t starving when preparing the meal, you can bring an appetizer or snacks to eat.
To make your romantic dinner by the fire even more romantic, you can set the table with a table cloth and a centerpiece. The centerpiece can be as simple as a bowl of pinecones and leaves or a bouquet of wildflowers picked from the forest. After the dish is cooked, ensure that you sit and enjoy the meal together.
Once you have had your nice romantic dinner by the fire, you can now sit, relax, and enjoy the fire. It is also the ideal time to start snuggling when the sun goes down and the temperature starts dropping. If there are no picnic tables or seats available, you should pack extra blankets and cushions to place on the ground.
6. Camp on a Boat
Boat camping with your lover is the best option if you really want to be alone. You can sleep on a boat that has a bedroom like a yacht or houseboat, or you can spend much of the day in the boat and use it as part of a sleeping shelter on land.
You will need to communicate with your lover to prepare for this type of camping trip and work together to make it fun and comfortable. The teamwork involved and the interesting sleeping arrangements make boat camping the perfect romantic getaway for couples.
7. Playing Couples Games
Couples games are a great way to have fun and connect with your lover. It can be a great activity to plan for the hours after dark, or something you should have on hand in case it gets cold or rainy and you are stuck in your tent for a while.
If you want something that’s fun, you should consider bringing along an escape room game or a murder mystery kit. You can cozy up together with your lover in your tent and bond over solving the puzzles together by lantern light.
8. Pack the Right Gear
Nothing in the world is as bad as going camping when you are inadequately prepared. It is always worth your time and effort to either buy or rent the required gear before going on a romantic camping trip with your lover.
The worst-case scenario is getting cold, especially when tent camping. So, ensure that you have sleeping bags that are rated for the specific temperature range that you expect during your camping trip. It can also be a good idea to check temperatures on the listing before heading out.
9. Snuggle in a Hammock Under the Stars
Camping can be such an amazing bonding experience for couples because you are both free from distractions. At home, you probably spend most of your evening either scrolling through social media feeds or watching a movie. On a couple’s camping trip, however, it is just the two of you and nature.
Camping therefore allows you to connect on a much deeper level with each other as well as the environment around you. It is hardly a secret that the night sky is incredible in remote camping locations. So, make sure that you bring a portable hammock that you can snuggle up in with your lover and watch the stars together.
10. Set Up Camp at Home
The great thing about camping is that you don’t even need to go far to enjoy its novelty. You can experience camping from home by setting up your backyard, or even your living room if it is cold outside. The best part of camping sometimes isn’t actually going anywhere, but rather being more present together.
So, pitch your tent at home and spend the night playing board games, swapping stories, or set-up a mini home theater and finish the night off with some jiffy pop.
11. Disconnect from Your Devices
We are currently living in the technological age where we have become so attached to our devices that we often find it hard to let go. To have the best romantic getaway, however, it is important to enjoy quality time with your lover without any distractions. Since you are trying to step out of your daily routine, go all the way by disconnecting yourselves from laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.
Reconnect with your lover by leaving your devices either completely off or on silent. Instead of stressing about social media or work, focus on spending quality time with your lover and enjoy your camping trip while it lasts. If you make the conscious effort to disconnect, the rest of the romantic camping ideas discussed here can be brought to life and bring you closer together as a couple.
There are many things that you can do while camping and this post has covered them in detail. All you need to do is get out there and start trying new things.
Camping is a lot of fun but sometimes people want to do more than just sit around drinking beer or smoking the funny green plant.
Camping is a great way to get in shape, enjoy the scenery, and spend some time in quiet contemplation. Whether you’re looking for ways to make your next camping trip more fun or just want something new to do on an upcoming weekend away from home, we hope this list of activities has given you plenty of ideas!
