Last updated: September 30, 2024
An adult camping trip is a recreational outdoor experience designed for grown-ups.
Camping offers a range of activities typically associated with having fun outdoors, sleeping under the stars, and cooking over a fire or drinking with your friends.
In this post, you’ll learn about the best camping activities for adults, plus some essential tips, gear, and location ideas. I’m not an expert on camping, so if you have suggestions, please tell me in the comments below.
Adult Camping Activities
Here’s a list of activities that you and your friends can enjoy during an adult camping trip:
- Stargazing: Use astronomy apps to identify constellations and planets, such as Stellarium and SkySafari Plus.
- Gourmet Campfire Cooking: Prepare elevated outdoor meals beyond basic campfire fare. A few meal ideas are savory breakfast burritos and campfire tacos.
- Outdoor Yoga: Practice yoga surrounded by nature, often at sunrise. Bring yoga mats!
- Hammock Camping: Sleep in hammocks for a unique if uncomfortable outdoor experience.
- Backcountry Hiking: Explore off-trail areas for a more adventurous experience. But be careful please!!
- Stand-up Paddleboarding: Navigate lakes or calm rivers on a paddleboard. You can get an inflatable one online for around $200.
- Campfire Mixology: Create cocktails using campfire-inspired ingredients and techniques. This probably works for mocktails, too.
- Bushcraft Skills Learn essential outdoor survival techniques while reading the book The Hatchet.
- Adventure Racing Organize mini-competitions combining various outdoor skills.
- Outdoor Wellness Activities Combine camping with meditation, healthy eating, and nature therapy like forest bathing.
Camping Tips
I asked a few friends and they suggested these basic safety and general tips:
- Choose appropriate campsites Gear: Topographic maps, compass or GPS device Location: Yosemite National Park, California – offers diverse camping options
- Use proper clothing layers Gear: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, waterproof outer layers Location: White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire – experiences variable weather
- Practice fire safety Gear: Firestarter, waterproof matches, portable stove Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington – has designated fire pits
- Secure food from wildlife Gear: Bear-resistant food containers, rope for hanging food Location: Glacier National Park, Montana – known for its bear population
- Stay hydrated and purify water Gear: Water bottles, water filtration system or purification tablets Location: Zion National Park, Utah – requires water purification for safe drinking
Essential Gear
You’ll need this list of basic equipment to go camping with a group of adults:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Headlamp
- Camping stove
- Dry bags
- Hammock
- Portable power bank
Recommended Locations
Based on a survey of the most popular and most beautiful areas, these are probably some pretty good adult camping locations:
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Conclusion
Adult camping offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities tailored for grown-ups. Here’s a quick recap of key points:
- Activities range from relaxing (stargazing, hammock camping) to adventurous (rock climbing, night hiking).
- Essential camping tips include choosing appropriate campsites, using proper clothing layers, and practicing fire safety.
- Don’t forget crucial gear like tents, sleeping bags, and water purification systems.
- Popular locations for adult camping include Yosemite, Glacier, and Acadia National Parks.
Key takeaways:
- Plan activities that cater to adult interests and skill levels
- Prioritize safety with proper gear and precautions
- Respect nature by following Leave No Trace principles
- Choose locations that offer diverse experiences
- Prepare for various weather conditions
Think about planning a your camping trip for some outdoor fun and personal growth while making great memories and cool photos.
Just remember to prepare well and keep an open mind for new experiences!
