Camping is a beautiful experience for all ages. Not only are you exploring and enjoying the outdoors, but you can also feel self-sufficient in a way that’s almost impossible in our modern world. However, issues arise if you bring your kids and they start to get bored.
Even adults who are camping for weeks or even months may need some reprieve to keep the days fresh and fun. For this reason, this camping supplies list is different than the others.
Fun items to bring can spark a child’s interest in the great outdoors, bring more comfort to your camping experience, and even help you adjust if you’re new to camping.
With this in mind, read on for our top seven list of fun things to bring camping!
1. Solar Camp Showers
Taking cold showers each and every day can seriously hamper your feelings of fun after a few days or weeks. However, solar camp showers make this a non-issue by heating up your water so that you can be treated with a warm, relaxing shower each time you need to get clean.
Once you have your shower hung up, most come with an on and off valve so that you don’t waste any water.
2. Painting With Nature
If you’re camping with your children, consider bringing along some finger paints so that they can get creative while they’re in the outdoors at the same time. Kids can take time to find interesting rocks and stones and paint over them.
They can even find more found objects such as leaves, pine cones, and other objects to paint and take home with them afterward.
3. Inflatable Loungers
If you’re not a fan of the term “glamping” but still want a more comfortable and relaxing experience, consider adding an inflatable lounger to your camping list of things to bring.
These inflatable camping loungers are shaped just like couches and give you a comfortable resting spot if you want to relax, read a book, or just enjoy the sounds of nature.
These are most effective for beach camping or anywhere where there’s a strong breeze. This is because you inflate them by fully opening them up, capturing the air inside, and then closing them quickly.
4. Inflatable Kayak Set
When it comes to things to bring camping, you can’t go wrong with kayaking equipment if you’re going to be near the water. However, one of the main issues with kayaking equipment is that it’s heavy and needs to be stored on top of your car or at the back of your RV.
An inflatable kayak makes it easier to bring with you, especially if you find yourself camping far from your car. They’re also less expensive than a regular kayak, making it easier for beginners to break into kayaking if there aren’t any nearby rental areas.
5. Bean Bag Toss Game
Almost everyone brings a pack of cards to their camping trips, but how about more games that require more activity? Bean bag toss games are one of the easiest and most fun to bring because they’re so simple.
Most are compact and are built with a fold-up design so that you’ll have no trouble carrying them from the car to your camping area. Even better, the game is simple enough to be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.
Leaving no trace is also an important aspect of camping or any outdoor activity. This game makes it easier because all you need to pack up are the bean bags.
6. Hammocks
Hammocks are absolutely necessary if you want a relaxing experience at your camp. They can also be fun for children too if you find sturdy anchor points that allow you to rock the hammock back and forth.
You’ll find that some of the best hammocks for camping are those that come with tree straps that make it easier to hang them up. You’ll also want to find one that’s made of lightweight material so it’s easy to fold into a small package and carry around with you.
7. Field Guides
When you’re out camping, it’s possible that your smartphone will be disconnected from the internet for some time. If this is the case, consider bringing along field guides to help make your camping experience more enjoyable.
There are a variety of field guides available, but they’re similar in that they focus on a target subject with relevant photographs, illustrations, and descriptions. They also help learners differentiate between one subject and another.
Here are a few field guide recommendations:
- Reptiles
- Stars
- Birds
- Insects
- Trees
- Non-woody plants
There are also field guides made specifically for children to spark their interest in nature. Consider scavenger hunts and identification games with your children.
Boost Your Adventure With Fun Camping Supplies
Fun things to bring camping can make your stay on a forest, beach, or tundra enormously more enjoyable. If you only focus on a camping supplies checklist with practical items, you may find yourself or your kids bored or uncomfortable after a few days.
From games to play to field guides and comfortable inflatable couches, these camping supplies can help you adjust to the camping experience if you’re a complete beginner. Even better, they can help you bond with the people you’re camping with.
For instance, exploring a nearby river with an inflatable kayak and ending the night with a fun corn hole game isn’t taking away from your experience of the outdoors at all. In fact, you can consider them tools to make the time more memorable.
Ready for more tips on what to take with you for your next camping trip? Check out our camping archives today!