Planning a trip into the Great Outdoors? Going camping isn’t just a brilliant way to reconnect with nature. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. But the biggest question people ask is, “What will I do?”
Most of us spend a lot of time glued to screens, whether scrolling through social media or watching TV. So, when the chance for a real digital detox comes along, it can be hard to know how to make the most of it. Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Here’s a quick guide to the best activities for your next camping trip:
1. Hiking and nature trails
Head off into the hills. There’s no better time to explore the natural world than on a camping trip. Pack up your rucksack, have a hearty breakfast, and enjoy a day spent wandering among the countryside. Just remember to take a few pictures of the beautiful views along the way.
2. Geocaching
Heard of geocaching? It’s an outdoor activity where participants use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers, called “geocaches” or “caches” at specific locations marked on a map. Think of it as orienteering and a scavenger hunt but on a much bigger scale.
3. Stargazing and astronomy
Getting away from the city lights opens up the sky. Without any light pollution, you can see vast constellations as our ancestors once did. Spend an evening with a telescope or just flat on your back admiring the cosmos. It’s a truly cosmic spectacle!
4. Fishing
Few pastimes are more relaxing than a gentle day spent fishing. Remember your fishing rod, some bait, and plenty of beers. Then, sit down and settle in for a long day spent tempting the fish to bite. (Even if you don’t catch anything, it’s still fun, but there’s nothing like hauling in a big fish for dinner.)
5. Indoor games
Bring the indoors outdoors! Board games and card games are a brilliant way to fill in the time between activities or spend an evening. It could be as simple as a pack of playing cards or a full-on family feud with a game of Monopoly. Just remember to be a magnanimous winner and a non-sulky loser.
6. Birdwatching
Look around – you’ll be surprised how many birds you can see. With a pair of binoculars and a birdwatcher’s guide, you can find some amazing species. Keep your eye peeled for the Slender-billed Curlew – it’s the rarest bird in the UK!
7. Scavenger hunt
Hide clues throughout the local area and set your fellow campers off on a scavenger hunt. Either go alone or in teams in a race against the clock. Whoever gets back first wins the prize; last place has to cook that night’s dinner. Themes could be ideas like nature objects (eg. feathers/pine cones/smooth stone), Camping Gear (eg. Compass/Flashlight/Marshallow stick), or even fun challanges (eg. Build a small teepee strutcure out of sticks/Set up a small camping shelter (use tarp and rope).
8. S’mores and campfire stories
Gather around the crackling fires for a toasty night of stories and s’mores. (Who doesn’t love a s’more?) Your stories could be fun memories with friends, hilariously embarrassing moments, or flashlight-beneath-chin tales of ghouls and ghosts. Oh, and always go for the biggest marshmallows – they make the best s’mores. * Check with the campsite if fires are granted.
9. Reading
Spending some time with a good book is one of the simplest joys of camping. With nothing to distract you, you can finally dig into that vast tome you’ve been eyeing up for years.
10. Charades
Charades aren’t just reserved for after Christmas dinner. As the campfire hisses and spits, enjoy a game of charades, bringing everyone together for laughter and creative fun under the stars. It’s a great way to get everyone involved, with endless possibilities for funny gestures and wild guesses.
