Camping is one of the most popular activities in the US. Setting up the tent, cooking over a campfire, and playing games or hanging out on the water are fantastic ways to enjoy camping and make some great memories. However, staying outdoors for an extended period of time requires important supplies like a tent, sleeping bag, cooler, and much more.
There are the camping necessities, and then there are the things you get to bring camping just for fun, depending on your camping mood. If you’re adventurous, an inflatable kayak is a fantastic, and portable option. Or if you like to hang out around the campsite, a gaming table definitely adds a new level of fun. The options are endless!
For now, we’re going to focus on the FUN things to bring. Are you planning a camping trip soon? If so, this list is full of items that will make your campsite the envy of all the other campers nearby. Keep reading to learn about plenty of unique items that you’ll definitely want to bring along on your next camping trip.
What are Fun Things to Bring Camping?
Camping is a great way to explore nature and unplug from the world, but it can require a bit of preparation, especially if you’re planning on spending the night at the camping site.
Whether you’ve been camping a thousand different times or if you’re planning that first family camping trip, there are likely a few things on this list that you won’t regret adding to your backpack.
Traveling lite doesn’t mean sacrificing fun! Explore our list of must-have items for camping that are both practical and entertaining, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience in the great outdoors.
How do You Stay Entertained While Camping?
It’s always a good idea to have a few activities or plans lined up before you set off for your camping trip. Try scheduling out what you plan to do throughout your trip.
Maybe you reserve the afternoon for setting up the tent and unloading supplies? Then in the afternoon you can relax on the water or go for a short hike to stretch your legs. Nighttime is then reserved for stargazing, roasting marshmallows, and telling spooky stories.
Here are some popular camping activities to keep you entertained:
- Relax along the lake or river in a floaty or explore the surrounding nature
- Play some music on the stereo while you cook some hotdogs (classic camping food)
- Tell stories and roast marshmallows while sitting around the campfire
- Admire the starry sky at night
- Play a game like cornhole, a board game, toss around a frisbee, or check out some of these pocket size travel games
10 Fun Things to Bring While Camping
There are so many gadgets and supplies that can make camping even more fun. Some of the items listed here are things to make camping easier, and some are ways to stay more entertained while enjoying the outdoors.
No matter what kind of camper you are, there’s likely something on this list you’ll be grateful to have brought with you on your next camping adventure.
1. Foldable Game Table
If you don’t want to be placing your water bottle or Gatorade on the uneven campground throughout your trip, this foldable gaming table with cup holders and a side pocket is a must-have.
There’s even a checkerboard printed on the top of the table so that you can play a game with your camping companions while you enjoy the views of nature. This table is also a compact option if you’re worried about preserving space in your car. It folds up easily and is very lightweight.
You’ll be camping in comfort with this table by your side.
2. Roasting Sticks for Marshmallows
Roasting marshmallows and hotdogs around the campfire are practically a necessity for any and every camping trip. Enjoy the smokey taste that a natural fire gives those hot dogs and the amazing bite of chewy marshmallows while eating smores with these versatile roasting sticks.
These roasting sticks are top-notch because you can adjust the length and the base is extra sturdy for heavy-duty items. The extendable rod is perfect for those hot summer evenings when you don’t want to stay too close to the fire, but you still want to make those delicious smores.
They’re also perfect for kids, making those family camping trips even safer.
3. Wheeled Cooler for Drinks and Snacks
Nothing puts a drag on a camping trip like warm water. If you’re the type of camper that’s looking to set up the tent, hang out in a chair by the lake, and have a cold beer or soda, then a quality cooler is necessary.
Coolers easily add weight to your camping supplies with all the ice and drinks that fill them up. This means a cooler with wheels is what ends up being the most comfortable option for people.
This cooler is fantastic as it has two wheels at the back but remains sturdy and level. It also keeps ice and drinks cold for up to 5 days! You’re camping drinks will be nice and cold throughout your trip no matter what. You can also keep the cooler next to your chair and use drink holders on the top.
4. Extra Large 8 Person Tent
Having one giant tent is always fun. But it’s also a great way to keep everyone together during the trip and serve as a home base. This extra-large tent is ideal for any small family or group that wants to stay close together.
This one is even weatherproof and provides a simple setup that won’t get tangled or snagged. This means less time setting up and more time enjoying the trip and spending time with others.
5. Cocoon Hammock
Any camper will tell you that a hammock is one of the best items to bring on any trip. They’re easy to set up between trees, simple to transport to and from the campsite and provide a relaxing way to wind down that usually beats laying on the hard rocky ground.
However, the only thing that beats a regular hammock is a netted hammock that keeps the bugs away and the sunlight dim.
This hammock comes with a mosquito net attached overhead which can help protect your skin and make your hammocking experience even more comfortable.
6. Inflatable Kayak
If you’re camping near a river or lake, then this inflatable kayak is definitely something to bring along for more water fun. Easy to inflate and it comes with an oar, this kayak is a great way to help you cool off and enjoy the water while camping.
You can always take a dip in the water without a floaty or kayak, but with an item like this, you’ll be able to explore even further and spend more time enjoying the water.
7. Personal Water Filter
This one may not seem like the most entertaining item to bring with you camping, but it will definitely add some comfort to your next wilderness excursion.
A personal water filter is one of the easiest and quickest ways to stay hydrated while spending time camping. Rather than bringing a heavy case of plastic bottles that add even more weight to your camping supplies, you can bring along this super compact filtration straw and drink straight from the nearby stream or river.
Especially if you’re planning on taking an extended camping trip or plan to do a lot of hiking, this is a fantastic option that eliminates the need to carry around or remember to bring a bottle of water with you.
8. Rainbow Fire Packets
If you want to add a bit of extra entertainment to your nightly smores around the fire, add one of these packets and watch the flames turn to a rainbow of colors.
They can last for over an hour and make watching the fire into an even more magical event. The colors are extremely vibrant and can turn the simple act of hanging out around the pit into even more fun and entertaining event.
You’ll never want to have just a regular fire after trying out these fire rainbow packets.
9. Travel Coffee Press
If you want everyone to have a good time while camping, then you should always make sure the coffee drinkers have their morning cup of joe.
It’s easy to overlook your morning coffee when planning for that camping trip, but you’ll definitely be thanking yourself when you remember to bring this travel coffee press. It’s essentially a French press and coffee thermos combined, and it makes that cup of coffee extremely easy to prepare.
Not to mention, it’ll also keep your coffee hot and safe in a leakproof lid.
If you’re going camping and want to make that morning sunrise even better, make sure to pack this travel coffee press.
10. Handheld Telescope
Many of us live in cities or don’t get a chance to gaze upon the stars very often, but camping is often our chance to remember how beautiful the night sky is.
While looking at the stars with our naked eyes is perfectly okay, it can be even better with a handheld telescope. You can even use it to close up on those amazing views or to get a better look while bird watching.
This handheld modular telescope is a versatile thing to bring while camping to provide tons and tons of entertainment. Make sure to also bring along a constellation guidebook or app so that you can learn about them while stargazing.
3 Sweet Camping Spots on Airbnb In Colorado
Colorado boasts an incredible amount of natural beauty, making it one of the best places for camping. And you can book your next camping adventure through Airbnb.
Here are three amazing camping spots that you can reserve in Colorado.
- Bubble Tent in a Romantic Forest. If you’re more a glamper than a rough and tough camper, then this Airbnb is calling your name. Stay in a spacious, clear bubble on this lovely campsite with decorative lights and music to fit the ambiance.
- Private Campsite Property with Mountain Views. This 108-acre property with a designated home base and gentle grazing wildlife is a great spot to hunker down for a weekend, enjoy some amazing sunsets, and experience the peace and quiet.
- Remote Site with Dock and Firepit. The waterfall and mountain views from the wooden deck of this remote campsite can’t be beat. While it comes with a few amenities, this spot is great for people looking for that true outdoor camping experience.
(Here are some more campsite rentals on Airbnb!)
There are many different types of camping experiences, from glamping to off-the-grid remote locations. And Colorado’s vast mountains, amazing rivers, and beautifully clear skies should be at the top of any camper’s bucket list. For travel options, check out this article on cheap flights to Colorado!
Another wonderful place to camp is at Disney! They have a whole camping site that will help you save money for a Disney hotel!
Final Thoughts
When camping, it’s crucial to maintain a clean campsite while camping to ensure a pleasant and eco-friendly outdoor experience for you and fellow nature enthusiasts.
Camping can be as rough and tough or as relaxing and refreshing as you make it. But no matter what, it’s always good to have a few camping essentials to help make the trip as fun as possible.
Staying entertained also doesn’t have to be expensive. Many common games and supplies are budget-friendly and can usually be used again and again on multiple camping trips.
Get that packing list together, check out which items on this list would be useful for you, and have fun camping!
(Still wondering why camping is so fun? Check out that article to find out all the great things about this popular activity!)