As the weather warms and our campsites prepare to reopen this spring, it’s the perfect time to elevate your outdoor experience with creative, hands-on activities that make every camping trip unforgettable. What better way to welcome the season than with a trip to one of the breathtaking national parks across the West with Wander Camp? Some of my favorite childhood memories come from road trips with my family, exploring these historic and majestic landscapes together. There’s something special about gathering under a sky full of stars, sharing stories, and creating lasting connections. If you’re eager to plan your next outdoor adventure but aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry—this guide has you covered!
If you’re looking for a stress-free, relaxing vacation but aren’t sure if that’s possible with a camping trip, think again. Wander Camp makes outdoor adventures effortless by offering comfortable stays in scenic locations near some of the country’s most stunning national parks. With thoughtfully placed camps on beautiful, private properties, you can experience nature without sacrificing comfort. (Check out Wander Camp for details on locations!)
Now that you’ve got the campsite covered, what type of activities are you going to do to maximize family fun? Again, if you’re anything like me, you might not be exactly sure. Fortunately, I’m going to share and explain step by step some of my family favorites that have created lasting lifetime memories!
- Building a campfire – Simple but Classic!
- Step 1: Create a fire ring → generally, this will be a metal ring located in the camp site. If not, on level ground, clear an area free of rocks and debris. Make a ring using rocks.
- Step 2: Place small sticks on the ground → create the base of you fire
- Step 3: Gather some dry grass of pine needles → place those on top of the base (this will help the fire light).
- Step 4: Light the fire → you can use a lighter or matches
- Step 5: Slowly Add Kinding → slowly and cautiously add small pieces of wood to build up the flame
- Step 6: Add Larger Logs → build in the form of a teepee or log cabin
- Fishing – Tranquil and Rewarding
- Step 1: Tie on fish hook
- Step 2: Attach 1 or 2 sinkers (allows line to sink to the bottom), 6 to 12 inches above the hook
- Step 3: Attach a bobber → will help you know if you have a fish on the line
- Step 4: Cast the line →Open the bail, flick your wrist and release the line into the water
- Step 5: Be patient → watch the bobber for any movement
- Step 6: Set the line → if you feel a tug, yank the pole up to set the hook in the fish
- Step 7: Reel in → slowly but surely
- Step 8: Remove hook → take a picture and release back into the water
- Nature Crafts – Get Creative!
- Rock Painting → gather smooth rocks and paint them into whatever you want them to become!
- Pinecone Bird Feeder → grab a pinecone, rub it in peanut butter, roll it in birdseed, and hang it on a tree
- Nature Bracelets → wrap masking tape around your wrist and press flowers, leaves, or twigs onto it.
- Leaf Drawings → grab a leaf, place it under a piece of paper, grab a crayon, and rub it over the leaf to reveal its shape and texture.
- Cook hot dogs and smores – Classic Camping Meal
- Step 1: Start the Campfire
- Step 2: Bring or Find Sticks 4-5 feet Long
- Step 3: Stick hotdog on one of the stick and place it over the fire
- Step 4: Cook for about 4-5 minutes
- Step 5: Repeat same steps except with marshmallows
- Step 6: For Smores, place marshmallow and piece of chocolate between 2 graham crackers
At first, the thought of camping can seem a little daunting but it doesn’t have to be! Don’t let the potential stresses about the logistics of camping hold you and your family back from exploring the majestic outdoors this spring. Book today with Wander Camp so you can spend time doing what matters most, creating lifetime memories with your family!
Written by – Cade Christensen