Shake Up your Summer time Tenting Journey with these 6 Additions

A summer camping trip usually includes stargazing, hiking and making food around the fire. While fun, these activities can become stale. How can you shake up your next summer camping trip adventure? Consider these six additions. 

1. Card Games

If you took a time machine to the Old West, you’d find horses, cowboy hats and card games. Cowboys sitting around the campfire or the saloon passed the time with cards, die and early versions of board games. Bring your favorite games to the campsite to emulate your ancestors. 

A regular deck of 52 cards offers numerous gaming opportunities while sitting around the campfire. If you want to emulate the Old West, play faro because it was the most popular game in that era. Poker, cribbage, faro, Old Maid and rummy are only some card games you can play with a standard deck. Add a dice to play Yahtzee and other simple activities. 

2. Ball Games

If you prefer to be physically active, play ball games at your campsite. The competitions you choose depend on the available space at your campsite, so choose wisely. Playing catch with a football or baseball is manageable with small spaces, but a full game may need more room. 

A large grassy area would be excellent for baseball or kickball games. Set up cones to mark the bases and establish the baselines. If you have limited space, set up a game of four square or badminton to get active. While these activities are fun at home, you can enjoy them more while soaking in forest and lake views.   

3. Paintbrushes

The great outdoors provides views you usually see on postcards or screensavers. How can you remember the incredible scenery for future memories? Bring paintbrushes and other tools to produce magnificent artwork at your campsite. Paint while absorbing the sunlight and gentle breezes of camp. 

Painting typically includes a canvas, brushes, paint and an easel. Sit or stand while you recreate mountain and forest landscapes in the background. However, a canvas isn’t your only option. Some outdoors enthusiasts paint rifle stocks with camouflage to decorate and personalize their firearms.

4. Instruments

Campfires are mesmerizing when all you hear is the crackling fire and nature sounds. However, the quietness can make things too mundane after a while. How can you liven up the night? Bring musical instruments to play your favorite songs and put on a show for your family and friends. 

One of the best instruments for the campfire is a guitar. You can play classic songs by Willie Nelson, Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash and other iconic artists, and with such a wide selection of tunes to choose from, you’ll never run out of options.  

5. Binoculars

Some campers don’t bring technology to the campsite because they want to live primitively. While tech-free living is a fun challenge, some gadgets make your experience unforgettable. For instance, binoculars and telescopes let you see what the naked eye doesn’t typically allow humans to view. 

If you want high-powered tech, bring a pair of X-Vision Optics binoculars. These gadgets provide up to 600 yards of daylight visibility and 325 yards at night. Binoculars are terrific for wildlife viewing, security and hunting purposes. Telescopes pair well with camping trips because of the enhanced visibility. City lights won’t get in the way of viewing the stars and planets.  

6. New Campsites

If your family enjoys camping, you likely have a handful of sites you enjoy each summer. Try a new spot this year to find different experiences with nature. Alternatively, you can find a new site within your go-to campgrounds. Families who like frontcountry camping could try backcountry living. 

Another option for different camping is to try different terrains. While forests are famous for summer excursions, head to a new place you haven’t been before. For example, East Coast campers could try the deserts and prairies you’ll find on the western side of the country. California boasts nine national parks, so head to Joshua Tree or Sequoia National Park. 

Shift Gears With Your Next Camping Trip

The outdoors are great for a reason, and a summer camping trip is one way to enjoy nature. Building a fire and enjoying the view is nice, but these traditional activities can become stale. How can you energize your camping adventures? Introduce games and relaxing projects to make your next summer camping trip more fun.

Martin Banks

Martin Banks is the managing editor at Modded.com, where he writes about the outdoors, hunting, gear and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates of his work.