15 Must-Try Camping Activities In The USA

In the United States, there’s no shortage of campgrounds and state parks to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a secluded campsite with plenty of privacy or an RV park with sites that are close together, it’s easy to find the perfect place for your next camping trip. 

But do you know what else is easy? Finding fun activities to do while you’re out in nature! Here are 15 must-try activities in America that will make your next outdoor adventure unforgettable.

Best Places to Go Camping in the US
Takeaway
Camping with kids can be challenging, but with careful planning, it can also be a lot of fun.
When camping with kids, it’s important to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and safe trip.
Keeping kids entertained while camping is key to a successful trip, and there are plenty of fun activities to do in the great outdoors.
Selecting the right camping spot can be difficult, but research and preparation can help you find the perfect location.
Safety should always be a top priority when camping, from packing the right gear to knowing how to handle unexpected situations.

Hike

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. Hiking in the United States has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, so it’s no wonder that millions of people enjoy it every year. 

There are many different types of hikes, from short walks to multi-day backpacking trips, so there’s something for everyone!

Hiking offers you an opportunity to get away from your daily pressures and spend some time with friends or family doing something fun together while enjoying nature at its best.

Looking for the perfect camping spot can be a daunting task, that’s why we’ve compiled a guide to the best camping spots in America to help you plan your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for a scenic view or a family-friendly spot, our guide has got you covered.

Fish

Read up on the basics of fishing. You don’t need to be an expert to catch a few fish, but it helps to know what you’re doing before you head out into the wilderness.

Bring everything you might need for an overnight trip: food, water, shelter and other supplies that will help keep you safe while camping.

Find a good spot near a creek or river where there are lots of trees and brush around so that your line won’t get tangled in branches while casting out into the water (and make sure there aren’t any signs posted prohibiting fishing). 

Then take off your shoes and wade out into shallow water until it reaches just above knee level–this way when fish bite onto your lure they’ll stay close enough for easy pickings!

Best Fishing Gear for Beginners

GearDescriptionPrice
Zebco 33 Spincast ReelA user-friendly spincast reel perfect for beginners.$29.99
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning RodA durable and versatile spinning rod ideal for novice anglers.$39.95
Berkley PowerBait Fishing Soft BaitA versatile soft bait that can be used in a variety of fishing conditions.$7.99
Piscifun Fishing Tackle BackpackA comfortable and spacious backpack with storage compartments for all your fishing gear.$79.99
Hodgman WadersA reliable and affordable option for beginners who want to wade in shallow waters.$69.99
Rapala Fish GripperA handy tool for safely gripping and handling fish.$14.99

Stargaze

Stargazing is a great way to relax and unwind, but it can also be a bonding experience for you and your family. 

The Milky Way is visible from most places in the United States, as well as constellations such as Orion and Taurus. If you’re lucky enough to head out into the wilderness with no light pollution from nearby cities or towns, then stargazing will be even more spectacular!

If you want to make stargazing easier without having to buy new equipment, consider bringing binoculars or a telescope along with you on your next camping trip. You might even find that these tools help give insight into what’s happening up above us–the possibilities are endless!

Camping with kids can be challenging, but with careful planning, it can also be a lot of fun. Our comprehensive guide on how to plan the perfect camping trip with your kids covers everything from picking the right campground to packing essentials and tips for keeping your kids entertained.

Play a Game of Tennis or Volleyball

Tennis and volleyball are two of the most popular games to play while camping. You can easily make your own nets by cutting holes in a tarp, or even use a small net that comes with the portable set. You will also need balls–many people bring their own tennis balls to play with, but you can find plastic ones at any sporting goods store.

If it’s just you and another person, take turns serving until one partner wins four games (or however many you want). If there are more than two people playing, create teams by dividing into pairs–and keep score so everyone knows who’s winning!

Best Tennis and Volleyball Equipment

GearDescriptionPrice
HEAD Ti.S6 Tennis RacquetA lightweight and comfortable racquet that can help beginners improve their game.$79.99
Wilson Federer Tennis BallsHighly durable tennis balls with extra bounce and an all-court feel.$29.99 for a 24-can pack
Wilson Energy XL Tennis RacquetA beginner-friendly racquet with a comfortable grip and a large sweet spot.$34.99
Tandem Sport Volleyball NetA high-quality net that adjusts to various heights and comes with a storage bag.$79.95
Molten Recreational VolleyballAffordable and durable volleyball with a soft-touch cover and vibrant colors.$15.00
Wilson Soft Play Outdoor VolleyballA beginner-friendly volleyball with a soft composite cover and a butyl rubber bladder.$11.99

Explore Caves

If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, look no further than exploring a cave. Caves are fun places to hike and explore. They’re dark and cool, so bring a flashlight! Always let someone know where you are going and be careful when walking on rocks: they can be slippery!

Keeping your kids entertained while camping can be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to be. Our list of [15 fun activities]https://unifiedcamping.com/15-fun-activities-to-keep-your-kids-entertained-while-camping/ to keep your kids entertained while camping has a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that are perfect for all ages.

Go Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the water, and it’s an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re just getting started with kayaking, here are some tips for getting out on the water:

Choose your own gear: Kayaks come in different sizes and styles, so make sure you choose one that fits your body type and skill level. 

A basic sit-on-top model will work for most beginners; if you want something sturdier or more specialized (like one designed for fishing), look into those options as well. You’ll also need paddles (one per person) and life jackets (at least one per person). And don’t forget sunscreen!

Practice on dry land first: Before going out onto open water where waves might tip over your boat or current could push against it while floating downstream–and thus cause injury–practice paddling around an empty parking lot until mastering how each stroke works best for moving forward while staying balanced at all times.

Best Kayaking Gear

GearDescriptionPrice
Perception Tribute 12.0 KayakA versatile kayak with a lightweight design and excellent stability, perfect for beginners.$859.00
Pelican Kayak PaddleAn affordable paddle with a lightweight aluminum shaft and adjustable blades.$39.99
NRS Vista PFD Life JacketA comfortable and adjustable life jacket ideal for kayaking and other water activities.$79.95
Harmony Deluxe Sit-on-Top Kayak SeatA cushioned seat for added comfort during long kayaking trips.$59.99
Yakima JayLow Folding J-Cradle Rooftop Kayak RackA convenient and easy-to-use rooftop carrier that can hold one or two kayaks securely.$259.00
Seattle Sports E-Merse Waterproof Smartphone CaseA protective case that keeps your smartphone safe and dry while kayaking.$19.95

Visit a State Park

State parks are a great way to get outdoors, learn about local history and enjoy nature. You can find them in every state, so there’s no excuse not to visit one!

  • Go hiking or biking: State parks often have trails for you to hike on and bike paths where you can ride your bike

.

  • Explore the area: Many state parks have museums that tell visitors about the history of an area as well as nature walks where you can see some wildlife up close and personal.
  • Swim, canoe or kayak: Some state parks have lakes where people swim during hot summer days; others let visitors rent canoes and kayaks so they can explore nearby rivers on their own schedule (and without having to worry about navigating tricky currents).

Camping with kids can require a lot of gear, but it’s important to have all the essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Our list of 17 must-have items for camping with kids in the USA covers everything from first aid kits to camping chairs, so you’re fully prepared for your next adventure.

Go Mountain Biking or Hiking

If you’re going to be hiking or mountain biking in the woods, it’s important to bring a map and know where you’re going. 

Make sure that someone knows what time they expect to be back from their trip so that they can call for help if necessary. A first aid kit is also essential in case of an injury, especially if there are no doctors nearby.

Finally, wear appropriate clothing for the activity: hiking boots or sneakers with good treads on them if it’s muddy outside (or snowshoes if conditions warrant). 

Wear layers so that when things get hot during activity periods like summer afternoons or winter mornings/evenings, you can take off some layers without getting too cold! Also wear sun protection gear like sunglasses; long pants; long-sleeved shirts; hats with brims (to shade faces from direct sunlight); bug spray; sunscreen lotion

Take a Hike Along the Appalachian Trail for Incredible Views

If you’re looking for a hike that will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in America, look no further than the Appalachian Trail. This 2,180-mile footpath runs from Georgia to Maine and passes through 14 states along the way. 

The trail is marked with yellow blazes, which makes it easy to follow even if you don’t know what you’re doing (although we recommend bringing along a guidebook). 

There are more than 250 shelters along this famous path for hikers who want somewhere safe to rest at night or simply enjoy lunch before continuing their journey across endless miles of forestland.

Camping can be a great way to connect with nature and create memories, but safety should always be a top priority. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of camping safety tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors. From packing the right gear to knowing how to handle wildlife encounters, our guide has got you covered.

Hike to See Hanging Waterspouts at Glen Onoko Falls

Hiking is a great way to see nature, stay in shape and meet people. If you’re looking for an activity that will help you get closer with your friends or family, hiking is the perfect choice! 

Not only does it allow everyone to enjoy the outdoors together by getting them out of their comfort zone, but it also gives them time to bond over something else than just talking about work or school.

Hanging Waterspouts at Glen Onoko Falls

The best part about hiking? It’s free! You don’t need any equipment besides shoes and clothes (which most of us already own). 

All you have to do is find some good trails close by where there are waterfalls nearby so we can check them out while enjoying our walk through nature together 😉

Conclusion

The USA is a great country for camping, but it’s also one of the most diverse. There are so many different places to go and things to do, from mountains in Colorado to beaches in Florida. 

If you’re looking for something new in your next trip, check out these 15 must-try camping activities that we’ve listed below!

Further Reading

If you’re looking for more information on camping activities and destinations, check out the following resources:

30 Best Camping Games and Activities to Try on Your Next Trip: Looking for fun games and activities to enjoy during your camping trip? This list provides 30 creative ideas that are sure to keep everyone entertained.

The 20 Best Places to Camp in the U.S.: From California’s Big Sur to the Florida Keys, this list highlights some of the best camping destinations in the United States.

20 Best Camping Sites to Visit in the US: Whether you want to get off the grid, enjoy some luxury amenities, or just enjoy stunning views, this list provides 20 camping sites for all types of campers.

FAQs

What are some essential items to bring when camping?

Some essential items to bring when camping include a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a first aid kit, appropriate clothing and footwear, a source of light, and a cooking stove.

How can I keep my food safe while camping?

To keep your food safe while camping, store perishable items in a separate cooler with plenty of ice, keep food in sealed containers, and cook meat to appropriate temperatures. Additionally, be sure to clean all utensils and cookware after each use.

How can I stay safe while camping?

To stay safe while camping, it’s important to pack the right gear, research the wildlife and terrain in the area, let someone know where you’ll be camping, and practice good hygiene. Additionally, be aware of the weather conditions and have a plan in case of emergencies.

What are some fun camping activities for families?

Some fun camping activities for families include hiking, fishing, playing games, telling stories around the campfire, and stargazing. Additionally, many campgrounds offer additional activities like swimming or canoeing.

What should I look for when choosing a camping spot?

When choosing a camping spot, consider the terrain, proximity to water and amenities, and the size of the site. Additionally, consider the level of privacy you’re seeking and any specific activities or attractions you want to enjoy while camping.