Not so long ago, camping was all about unplugging and enjoying the simple life. In other words, camping was the thing to do. These days, though, people want things to do while camping. And that’s perfectly ok! It just means that as a park owner, you might need to step up your game (see what we did there?) when it comes to offering fun activities at your campground.

Activities do more than just fill your guests’ schedules. They make your park stand out and keep campers coming back year after year. A family-friendly scavenger hunt or a group game that gets everyone laughing can create moments for guests to connect—with each other, your park, and your staff. And that connection? It’s what turns an ordinary camping trip into an extraordinary experience. 

We know what you’re thinking: “Planning campground activities sounds like one more thing to add to my clipboard.” But don’t worry. Getting started is easier than you think. Here are some fun ideas to get the ball rolling.

Classic Fun Campground Games 

When it comes to campground activities, the best options are often the simplest. Fun campground games that are easy to organize and appeal to guests of all ages can quickly become the highlight of a stay. 

• Cornhole, horseshoes, or giant Jenga: Consider these classics the Old Faithful of campground games—they never fail to entertain. 
• Scavenger hunts: Encourage your guests to explore your park with clues tied to its unique features. It’s a great way to showcase what makes your park special. 
• Bingo nights or trivia: These social games are easy to organize and a great way to bring campers together. Plus, they’re perfect for rainy evenings and cooler nights. 
• Campfire storytelling and stargazing: Some of the best things to do while camping involve nothing more than a campfire, good stories, and a clear night sky.

Seasonal and Themed Activities 

Seasonal camper ideas are a fantastic way to keep your calendar fresh and exciting. By offering activities tied to holidays or the changing seasons, you can create traditions that bring campers back year after year.

• Spring and summer: Celebrate warmer weather with Easter egg hunts, lemonade stands, or outdoor movie nights.
• Fall: Embrace the crisp air with pumpkin carving contests or hayrides. Adding seasonal treats like apple cider can make the experience even more special.
• Winter: For parks open year-round, consider holiday campsite decorating contests or hot cocoa socials. These events bring a festive spirit and give guests a reason to stay during the colder months.

Fun Camping Activities for Families

If your park caters to families, offering activities that engage both kids and parents is a must. Thoughtfully planned activities can bring generations together and add an extra layer of fun to their stay.

• DIY s’mores bars: Set up a creative s’mores station with unique toppings and let families get creative.
• Outdoor “Campground Olympics”: Organize sack races, tug-of-war, or obstacle courses for a day of friendly competition. 
• Bug hunts or fairy house building: Nature-based activities help kids connect with the outdoors, spark their imaginations, and leave a lasting impression. 

Fun Camping Activities for Adults 

Adults need fun, too! From games to play at campsites to social events, offering activities for grown-ups helps create a sense of community and ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Coffee bars: Partner with local coffee shops to showcase signature blends or host a latte art demonstration. A morning coffee station is a simple way to start the day on a high note.
• Board game and card tournaments: These low-key but entertaining events can be hosted in a rec hall or outdoor pavilion. Options like dominoes or classic board games can draw campers together.
• Community potlucks: Ask guests to bring a dish and enjoy a shared meal while swapping camping stories and connecting with fellow campers.

Adventure and Exploration

For active campers, adventure and exploration are key parts of a camping trip. Offering activities that get guests into nature and enjoying your park’s surroundings can make your campground stand out.

• Guided hikes or geocaching: Lead guests on scenic trails or set up geocaching adventures to uncover hidden treasures and highlight the unique features of your park.
• Water activities: If you’re near a lake or river, activities like paddleboarding, fishing, or kayaking are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
• Local attraction tours: Arrange shuttle services or partner with nearby destinations such as museums, nature reserves, or working farms, to give guests an off-site adventure they won’t forget. 

Community and Connection

When guests feel part of your community, they’re more likely to plan a return trip.

• Welcome barbecues or themed social events: Give guests a reason to gather and meet their fellow campers. 
• Pet-friendly activities: Host a best-dressed pet contest for animal lovers.
• Craft nights or workshops: Offer simple, creative activities like rock painting or photography classes. 

Tailored activities aren’t just a way to entertain—they create opportunities for meaningful engagement and give guests lasting memories to share. As one Canadian park has discovered, thoughtful programming can turn first-time visitors into loyal, repeat guests. 

Spotlight on Windmill Point Park

Ellie Giammattolo at Windmill Point Park understands the value of fostering a welcoming culture. “We’re not a big park,” Ellie shared, “but we have so many guests who come back year after year because of the experience we’ve created here. It’s about the connection they feel when they stay with us.”

One of Windmill Point’s standout offerings is scuba diving in their 40-foot-deep quarry. With CampLife’s Events + Activities feature, Ellie has made planning and logistics seamless for both her team and her guests. Divers can complete waivers and payments online before arriving, which streamlines check-in and allows staff to focus on guest satisfaction. “They’re ready to go as soon as they get here,” Ellie shared. “We can just wave them in.”

Looking to the future, Ellie plans to expand how she uses the Events + Activities feature to organize ticket sales for Breakfast with Santa during their popular Christmas in July celebration. “It’s one of our biggest events, and using the tool will help us know how many people to plan for,” Ellie explained. “Guests can RSVP and purchase tickets ahead of time, which will make it so much easier to manage supplies and ensure everyone has a great time.”

Start Small and Grow

Not every park has a 40-foot quarry for diving, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer activities that leave lasting impressions. Start with a few simple ideas—like outdoor games or themed events—and expand over time. Even small efforts can make a big difference. Start small, gather feedback from your guests, and build your activity offerings over time. 

CampLife’s Events + Activities feature is here to help every step of the way. From waivers and ticket sales to real-time guest updates, this tool simplifies planning and management, so you can grow your campground’s activity offerings and create those unforgettable moments for your guests. 

Ready to get started? CampLife customers can reach out to our Customer Success team to learn how to make the most of our Events + Activities feature. 

If you’re not already a CampLife customer, we’d love to show you how our tools can maximize your property and simplify your life. Contact us to learn more.