Camping is a great greener way to spend you next vacay. For those of you planning your next camping adventure, you may be wondering what are some fun activities to do while you’re hanging out in the middle of the woods. Recently, I trekked out to Mt Hood National Forest and was able to snap a few amazing photos documenting our two day trip.
I’m excited to share with all of you here how I spend my camping days and I hope you’ll try some out for yourself! Here are 9 (I couldn’t think of 10) great activities to keep you active and entertained on your trip.
1. Hike into the woods. There are many cement covered camp sites that allows you to pay per day, but skip the portapottys, say good by to RV hookups and take a hike! Literally! If you venture far enough from your car, you’ll be able to find private areas, better views, and feel a little more one with nature (without the large RV lights blinding you). Pack lightly, but be prepared. Some essentials are food, water, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping matt, lighter, saw, knife, and headlamp.
2. Observe wildlife. The forest is filled with many living things. If you just take a closer look, you’ll find moss, lichen, mushrooms, salamander, fish, and insects in the most unreal colors possible- they almost look unnatural! There are many beautiful things that live in these neck of the woods. We don’t usually see them back at home, so don’t miss out on the little things that thrive right before your eyes.
3. Get your feet wet. After a long hike it’s always nice to cool down and dip your feet in water. Climbing rocks and balancing on logs are activities that might be cooler near water. Also, dipping your feet in some cool water will soothe any soreness or help any swelling.
4. Search for the best view. Don’t feel anchored to your camp site. Take a hike and explore the surrounding areas. Hike up a mountain for a better view. It’s a great way to stay active. Plus, the view that awaits is a great reward.
5. Go skinny dipping! For those of you comfortable with nudity, why not?! Wear your birthday suit and jump in! It’s refreshing, thrilling, and the perfect way to get a nice tan.
6. Start a camp fire. Building a fire is necessary to cook food, boil water, keep the bugs away, create light and stay warm throughout night. Make sure you sweep the fire area of any derby and dried plants. Create a fire pit by stacking large rocks in a circle. Find some tinder, kindling, and logs. Dead plants, dry pine needles, moss and paper make great tinder. Tinder is used to catch the initial spark and should burn long enough to light the kindling (dry twigs, branches, small wood pieces). Kindling will sustain the fire long enough to burn larger logs, which burn slower and for sturdy period of time.
7. Cook food! Ever tried maple bacon s’mores? I haven’t, but I heard they’re delicious! Get creative when cooking food at camp. Grilled cheese avocado sandwiches, seasoned asparagus, hobo potatoes wrapped in aluminum with corn, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, onions… the possibilities are endless.
8. Contest and games! Have a high jump contest, skip stones, play bocce ball with rocks, hide and seek… sometimes you just want to hang out and have some down time around the campsite. Contest and games are a great way to stay entertained.
9. Make stuff! I love building things out of the resources surrounding me. Imagine a time, long ago, when people were self sustainable and lived off the earth. Get everyone involved by building a tipi (learn how here!), raft or seating area.
