CAMPING

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Must-do activities for a first camping trip

Preparing for your first camping trip is an exciting time.

There's nothing quite like being at one with nature and taking in the great outdoors.

However, unplugging from the mainstream and venturing into the unknown can leave you with a sense of boredom if you don't plan.

Consider doing some of these fun activities to get the most out of your first camping trip.

Need to slow down? Camping is a wonderful option. Location: BIG4 Park Beach, Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Campsite Activities

The campsite will be your home away from home, so you'll be spending a lot of time there. There are plenty of activities that can keep you busy right at the campsite, such as:

  • Setting up a tent
  • Collecting firewood (when and where allowable)
  • Building a fire (when and where allowable)
  • Preparing meals
  • Setting up games like volleyball and horseshoes

Setting up is half the fun. Location: BIG4 Tweed Billabong, Tweed Heads, NSW.

Water Activities

If you're lucky enough to be camping near a body of water, take advantage of it and plan water adventures. Some fun things to keep you entertained are:

  • Fishing
  • Boating (i.e. kayaks, paddle boats, canoeing)
  • Swimming
  • Water skiing
  • Tubing

There'll be tangles, but that's half the fun of fishing. Location: BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill, VIC.

Land Activities

When you've tired of being on the water, set out on foot and explore the campground. There are always new people to meet at campgrounds, and exciting things to find while exploring outdoors. A few must-dos are:

  • Hiking designated trails
  • Riding bikes
  • Searching for different plants, birds, and animals
  • Spelunking – the art of cave exploring
  • Photographing nature
  • Geocaching
  • Organising a scavenger hunt
  • Enjoying the playground 
  • Kite flying

Exploring feeds the soul. 

The best lightshow on earth. Location: BIG4 Renmark Riverfront, SA.

Sporting Activities

Staying active during the day while camping will lead to a great night's sleep under the stars. Some campgrounds have equipment for guests to use, but if not, consider bringing some of your own equipment along to play things such as:

  • Volleyball
  • Horseshoes
  • Badminton
  • Bike riding
  • Football
  • Frisbee or boomerang
  • Soccer or kickball
  • Rock climbing
  • Basketball
  • Old school games like Capture the Flag, Red Rover, Hide and Seek, Tug of War, Potato Sack Races, Relay Races, or Tag

Basketball is one of many activities to enjoy on a camping trip. Location: BIG4 Sandstone Point, QLD.

Pump tracks and bike trails feature at many BIG4 holiday parks. Location: BIG4 Bendigo Marong, VIC.

Quiet or Rainy Day Activities

When you're camping, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature. There may be some days with less-than-perfect weather, or times when you'd just like to play quietly and take in the peacefulness of the outdoors. There are many ways to keep occupied on those days, such as:

  • Reading a good book
  • Board games or cards
  • Arts and crafts
  • Journal your thoughts
  • Do yoga or meditate
  • Enjoy a nap in a hammock
  • Write letters to friends

Sometimes, it's just nice to do very little. Location: BIG4 Sandstone Point, QLD.

Night-time Activities

When the cool night air signals that bedtime is near, wind down around the campfire with some fun activities that will truly make your camping trip special.

  • Make s'mores 
  • Sing-songs
  • Tell scary stories
  • Play Truth-or-Dare or Twenty Questions
  • Flashlight tag
  • Stargazing

Nothing says 'camping' more than an energetic fire! Location: BIG4 Deniliquin, NSW.

No matter what activities you choose to do, your first camping trip will be one that you'll remember forever.

Disconnecting from technology for a few days is good for the body and soul and will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

Once you have a taste of camping, you'll never want to holiday any other way.

Well, you might make an exception for glamping. Location: BIG4 Sawtell Beach, Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Drew Bishop is a contributing writer and media specialist for Delta Net and Twine. He regularly produces content for a variety of fishing and outdoor blogs.

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