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How to Relax While Camping

KZ RV Vacation Planner How to Relax While Camping

Since relaxation is likely part of your goal when you decide to go camping, we’ve compiled a list of ideas to help you maximize your down time.

But First...

There are a few things you can do beforehand to help your trip go smoothly and get the most relaxation out of your trip.

  • Plan out your trip in advance. Know where you’re going and how you’ll get there, make reservations ahead of time, and make a checklist of what you’ll need. Some forethought will help your trip go smoothly and keep stress levels down before and during the trip. Depending on the kind of trip you’d like to go on, make sure to give yourself some flexibility in your plans! If you are more comfortable with a set itinerary, go for it! But keep in mind that it can be freeing to let yourself go with the flow and have plenty of down time to do whatever comes to mind.
  • Take the proper precautions and make sure you’re all packed, but don’t worry too much if you under- or over-pack. Just make lists for your next trip to help yourself remember what you were missing or didn’t need. Becoming confident in your own unique set of staples will come with time and experience.
    • If cooking isn’t something you want to explore or something you consider relaxing, don’t sweat it! Pre-prep some easy meals, and bring along easy foods, like granola bars and plenty of snack items to take this worry off your shoulders.
    • Make sure to bring along things that make you happy. If that’s some wine or a bit of chocolate, then so be it! Especially in moments where you feel frustrated or just need to take a step back (like if your traveling partner is driving you nuts or you get a flat tire), having that indulgent thing will give you the opportunity to take a moment for yourself and cool off. Remember to enjoy responsibly, of course!
    • Consider bringing along some specific relaxation items, like a hammock or coloring books.
    • Some people are the most happy and relaxed when they only bring the most basic of necessities with them. Consider what you truly need to bring along, and let the rest go until you return home.
  • Give yourself permission to take it slow and don’t worry about what you have to do when you get back. The emails, chores, and work can wait. You’ll benefit from taking a breather and stepping away from all the demands of daily life.
  • Keep an open mind. Sometimes, things go wrong when you’re on the road, even if you’ve prepared yourself to the nines. Remember to breathe and take breaks when you need to!

Some Activities to Do to Relax

  • Read a book (or a whole pile of books!)
  • Listen to a podcast or audiobook
  • Sunbathe (don’t forget your sunscreen)
  • Stargaze
  • Watch the sunrise or sunset
  • Go fishing (don’t forget your license)
  • Cook in your RV or at the campfire
  • Play board games, card games, or campfire games
  • Watch the wildlife or bird watch (check out our article on how to bird watch here)
  • Practice a hobby
  • Do something artistic, like draw, paint, or write.
  • Practice your photography skills
  • Color (they have tons of neat coloring books for adults out there!)
  • Get moving! Hike, do yoga, stretch, walk, or do whatever feels right to you
  • Meditate
  • Breathe in the fresh air
  • Binge watch a TV show or watch movies
  • Listen to music
  • Make your own music. Bring along a few instruments (or just use your voice!), if you are so inclined, and play songs or make up new ones around the fire.
  • Take naps
  • Watch the clouds
  • Skip rocks
  • If there is water around to float in, just float!
  • Just enjoy nature. Listen to the sounds of the forest and stare into the fire
  • Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with no rush
  • Connect with those around you. Playing games and simply having conversations can be healing for the soul
  • Write in a journal
  • Get in touch with your inner child. Climb trees, play games, catch bugs, do whatever sparks your interest!
  • Explore your environment. If there are any special features around, enjoy them! These can be hot springs, a particularly spectacular view, a pool, a lake, rocks to sit on, or whatever is there, take advantage of them and enjoy!
  • Enjoy your food. Eat slowly, savor the food, and enjoy conversing with your friends and family

We hope this list gives you some new ideas for how you can de-stress while camping!