Camping is one of those timeless adventures that allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect more deeply with nature. It also helps you reset your natural clock if you are struggling with sleep problems. Whether you’re setting up a tent at a local campground or backpacking into the wilderness, the items you pack can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. This season, consider bringing along a few fun things to bring camping to elevate your time spent under the stars.
Top 10 Fun Things to Bring Camping
1. Portable Hammock
One of the ultimate comforts in outdoor relaxation is a portable hammock. These hammocks are lightweight, easy to set up between two trees, and offer a perfect spot to enjoy a book or take a nap. They’re especially fun because they provide a unique swing or resting spot with beautiful views, making your camping trip a bit more luxurious.
The ENO DoubleNest Hammock provides a spacious and durable relaxation space that can comfortably fit two people, making it an ideal choice for couples or friends camping together. Crafted from high-strength nylon, it’s designed to endure the elements while remaining lightweight and easily packable. The hammock sets up quickly with the use of ENO’s suspension straps, allowing for versatile setup options between trees or posts.
2. Compact Travel Board Games
Even in the wilderness, a little friendly competition is always welcome. Packing compact travel versions of your favorite board games, like chess or cards, ensures that you can enjoy some unplugged entertainment. It’s a fun way to spend an evening by the fire, challenging your friends or family and creating memories.
This Acacia & Boxwood Folding Magnetic Travel Chess Set is designed to be portable yet practical, fitting easily into small spaces while providing a full-size game experience. The interior features molded compartments that securely hold each piece. The chessmen, equipped with strong magnets, stay in place even on uneven surfaces. Crafted from acacia wood and boxwood, both the chess pieces and the wooden case have a beautiful lacquer finish, adding a touch of elegance to your game.
3. LED Lanterns
Light up your campsite with LED lanterns that are not only practical but can also add a touch of fun with different colors and settings. Some lanterns come with remote controls or Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to change colors or dim the lights to set the mood for a cozy evening outdoors.
The Black Diamond Moji Color Lantern is a compact, durable lighting solution perfect for camping. It offers adjustable brightness up to 150 lumens and a full spectrum of color options, making it versatile for either ambiance or practical use. The intuitive design makes it easy to hang in a tent or around a campsite.
4. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
A portable Bluetooth speaker that is durable and water-resistant is perfect for any camping trip. Music can set the tone for a relaxing afternoon or an energetic evening by the campfire.
The JBL Flip 5 offers high-quality sound with a waterproof design, making it suitable for all camping adventures, regardless of the weather. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the long-lasting battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous playtime. This speaker’s portability and wireless capability make it easy to bring music to any campsite activity.
5. Star Gazing Kit
The night sky in remote areas can be breathtakingly clear. Bring along a star gazing kit, which might include a compact telescope or binoculars and a star map, to enjoy the celestial views. It’s not only fun but also educational, making it a great activity for both kids and adults. Star-gazing apps like Sky Map are free and offer an nice introduction into the hobby.
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is designed for travelers and adventurers. Lightweight and portable, this telescope is easy to carry on any camping trip, allowing users to gaze at stars, planets, and landscapes. It includes a full-height tripod and comes with a backpack for convenient transport and storage. This scope provides clear, crisp images and is a great tool for introducing astronomy to campers of all ages.
6. Campfire S’mores Kit
No camping trip is complete without the traditional s’mores. It’s a simple pleasure that adds a touch of nostalgia and joy to any campfire gathering. Did you know the first recipe for s’mores comes from the 1927 Girl Scouts manual?
The Hershey’s S’mores Kit contains everything needed to create 24 classic s’mores: Hershey’s chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. This kit is convenient for campers, eliminating the need to buy ingredients separately and ensuring that you have the perfect proportions for a delightful treat.
7. Inflatable Water Toys
If your camping trip includes a lake or river, consider bringing inflatable water toys. Items like kayaks, paddleboards, or even simple beach balls can provide hours of entertainment and a great way to cool off.
The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is an inflatable kayak that offers durability and comfort for water-based adventures. It includes an adjustable seat, a cargo net for storage, and a removable skeg for directional stability. Lightweight and compact when deflated, it’s easy to transport and set up, making it ideal for exploring lakes and rivers near your campsite.
8. Outdoor Movie Projector
For a truly magical evening, set up an outdoor movie by bringing along a portable projector. Watch your favorite films on a blank tent side or a specially designed outdoor movie screen. It’s a perfect way to end the day, especially for family trips.
The Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector is a versatile device that brings the movie theater experience to the great outdoors. With its solar charging capability, 1080p resolution, and Android TV functionality, it provides entertainment under the stars. Its compact size and battery life of up to 3 hours make it perfect for evening film sessions without the need for continuous power supply.
9. Portable Campfire Grill
A portable campfire grill is perfect for those who enjoy cooking over an open fire. This fun addition allows you to grill steaks, veggies, or even toast buns for burgers, enhancing the camping food experience with a delicious, smoky flavor.
The BioLite CampStove 2+ lets you cook and boil water using simple fuel like twigs and pinecones you find around your campsite. It also turns the heat from the fire into electricity, so you can charge devices like smartphones through a USB port. This stove burns cleanly, producing very little smoke, and it includes a battery to store electricity for later use. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and comes with a LED light to help see at night, making it a useful tool for camping trips.
10. Glow-in-the-Dark Gear
Incorporate glow-in-the-dark gear like tent stakes, ropes, or even playing cards. These not only make your campsite look magical but also improve safety by making items visible at night, adding a fun and practical twist to your setup.
Funwares Glow in the Dark Playing Cards are water-resistant and great for travel and fun games at night.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Camping Experience
As you pack for your next camping trip, consider these fun and useful items to enhance your outdoor experience. Each one offers a unique benefit that will make your adventures in the great outdoors even more enjoyable and memorable. Remember, choosing the right fun things to bring camping can transform a good trip into a great one.
Ready for a Fun Camping Adventure?
Before you head out, make sure to explore our other resources:
- The Only Camping Packing List You Will Ever Need
- Instant Campsite: Your Guide to Choosing Rooftop Car Tents
- Ultimate Picks: The Best Walkie Talkies of the Year
Ready to make your next outdoor adventure unforgettable? Subscribe to our Gorilla Gazette newsletter below for more expert tips, gear recommendations, and everything you need to enhance your camping experience. Don’t miss out—join our community of nature lovers today! Happy camping!
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