Camping is a fun experience for groups and solo travelers, especially when you have plenty of fun activities planned. If you are camping on a budget, you can enjoy many activities and games with minimal equipment and items from home.
Whether you prefer active experiences or creative, relaxing ones, this list has ideas to get you ready for your next campout. Read on to learn about some affordable activities that can make your trip more fun-filled and relaxing.
1. Hit the Trails
One of the best low-cost camping activities is to get outside and enjoy nature. Go on hikes or nature walks that suit your skill level. Before heading out on your trip, research trails around your campground to find ones that are as easy or difficult as you would like. Whether you meander down a beautiful path or run up a strenuous trail, you can find opportunities to get active and appreciate the world around you.
Biking is another way to explore the scenery. Bring a bike from home or search for affordable rentals near your campground. You could also borrow gear from friends to help keep costs low.
2. Play Games
Bring your favorite indoor or outdoor games to play with a group. Card and board games may be fun after a long day on a trail or during a rainy afternoon. If your group wants to get more active, you can play a variety of sports or outdoor games with minimal equipment. Night games are exciting, too — just be sure to pack flashlights. Plan activities for the different ages and skill levels in your group.
Popular card and board games include go fish, poker, war, crazy eights, spoons, Uno, Scrabble, chess and checkers. You can also bring games like Monopoly, but be careful not to lose any pieces.
If you want to spend as much time outside as possible, consider these games:
- Frisbee
- Volleyball
- Cornhole
- Soccer
- Capture the flag
- Hide and seek
- Tug-of-war
- Horseshoes
- Tag
3. Enjoy the Water
If you are camping near a lake, river, creek or ocean with free access, take some time to play in the water. You can bring equipment from home, like kayaks or boogie boards, or just splash and swim around. Depending on where you camp, you may be able to bring fishing gear from home and relax while you fish. Some campgrounds have swimming pools or water features where you can enjoy the water free of charge.
4. Create a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts can be fun and educational for all ages, and they do not have to cost anything at all. If you have younger kids, create a simple list that encourages them to find and take photos of items like rocks and a bird’s nest. Raise the stakes for older kids and adults by asking them to find difficult items, setting timers or offering prizes. You may want to encourage participants to take pictures of items to leave the natural area untouched.
5. Make Nature Crafts
If you are looking for a quiet, low-cost activity to do while you rest around camp, get creative with the nature around you. You can bring supplies from home, such as string, paper, paint or glue, or you can have fun with whatever you find.
Try the following crafts:
- Pressing flowers and leaves
- Making pinecone creatures
- Collecting colorful items for a color wheel
- Drawing in the dirt
- Painting rocks
- Creating shell necklaces
6. Cook Over a Campfire
Camping provides the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones while cooking delicious meals. Enjoy some easy and affordable campfire classics, like hot dogs or s’mores. If you want to try a new dish, there are plenty of budget-friendly meals you can test out and turn into new camping traditions. Just remember to follow food safety guidelines, such as keeping perishable food cold and washing your hands often.
7. Tell Campfire Stories
Once you are done cooking a delicious dinner over the fire, settle down and tell some exciting campfire stories. Get your creative juices flowing by coming up with your own campfire stories, or look up some classics. You and your group can enjoy time together as you share silly or scary stories and unwind after a long day. You can also keep the mood light and cheerful by singing some popular campfire songs!
8. Watch Wildlife
Seize the chance to see new wildlife on your camping trip. Go into a quiet area in nature, and bring binoculars or a camera to document what you see. Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch sight of animals and birds. Remember to always respect the wildlife you see by keeping your distance. You will also want to store your food in airtight containers to prevent curious critters from coming into your campsite.
9. Stargaze
Connect with nature and learn more about the night sky by spending time under the stars. Stargazing is a fun activity to do on your own or with a group, especially when you are far away from city lights. Keep these tips in mind to make your stargazing experience more enjoyable:
- Download an astronomy app or find a book about the night sky in your area
- If you need a light, make sure to bring a red flashlight to protect your night vision
- Choose a dark, secluded spot away from campground lights
- Bring blankets and warm clothes
- Use a telescope or binoculars if you have them
10. Soak It In
One of the best things to do while camping is to simply sit in the quiet and enjoy time away from technology. Get away from the noise of everyday life, heal from burnout and soak in nature, whether you are in a mountain forest or on a beach by the ocean. Engage your senses by actively listening to the unique sounds around you, feeling different textures, observing colors and patterns, and savoring tastes and smells.
You can practice being in the moment by:
- Meditating
- Writing in a journal
- Drawing in a sketchbook
- Trying forest bathing
11. Take Advantage of Campground Amenities
When you camp at Kampgrounds of America, you can enjoy a variety of affordable camping activities and events. Each KOA location offers different amenities, so depending on where you stay, you may have access to:
- Swimming pools
- Game rooms
- Sports equipment
- Playgrounds
- Other unique attractions
Many KOA campgrounds host events like movie nights, holiday-themed weekends and crafting activities. Individual campsites are spacious and provide plenty of room for your group to set up and enjoy your own activities.
Plan Your Next Affordable Adventure With KOA
Choose KOA for your next outdoor adventure. With a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy and many different ways to stay, KOA ensures your camping trip is fun, easy and affordable. Find a location near you to start planning your next camping trip.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
