When planning our campouts we purposely try to “schedule in” downtime around the campsite. This may sound silly, but we learned the hard way that planning too much can make for an exhausting (and less fun) trip. When we first started camping with our boys, we made the mistake of overplanning activities at the campground or nearby areas. While this did a great job of wearing out the kids, it also left little time to just be together.
Some of our best camping memories happen during those hours of hanging out around the campsite. I’ll read a silly story out loud or play a game with the kids, we’ll explore nature around the campsite, or we’ll relax doing our own things together. Over the years, we have acquired some pretty awesome gear to help us maximize the comfort and togetherness of relaxing around the campsite. Here are 7 gear categories to consider along with specific gear recommendations we love for downtime around camp.
Comfortable Seating
Comfortable seating is a must when hanging around the campfire. There are so many camp chairs out there, but they are not created equal! You can get by with the cheap, bulky version from your local grocery store. However, if you want a comfortable option that can last, you’ll want to do a bit more research. For example, if you want a super compact, lightweight, comfy chair that can also be used for backpacking, check out the Helinox Camp Chair.
If your kids are like mine and prefer to share any seat you may be occupying, consider a loveseat camping chair like the Kelty Low Loveseat. It still packs fairly small and has adjustable armrests and insulated cup holders.
Solar Powered Lights
There are several string lights available for outdoor use, but the MPowered Luci Solar String Lights are by far our favorite. They add fun and whimsy as well as illumination to your camping atmosphere. These lights can be charged via the attached solar panel or the USB port and have both clear and colorful modes depending on your mood. They last for up to 20 hours on a single charge and have small hooks throughout to help with hanging. We have also used them at home during power outages or building forts to boost the fun factor.
Hammocks
Hammocks are not only comfortable to relax and nap in, but they also provide a calming tool if your kiddos get a little overstimulated. We rarely head out on a camping trip without packing this Kammock Double Roo Double Hammock. It fits two adults (or in our case, one adult and two wild boys), and is super durable and easy to hang.
If you’re worried about finding the right set of trees, check out the Kammock Swiftlet Hammock Stand to go with it. It can convert between a regular hammock hang or a hammock chair and is ridiculously easy to assemble in a minute or less. You can usually find me reading a book in this hammock while sporting the Mego Mo Adult Sleeping Bag. They are a match made in camping comfort heaven!
A kid’s hammock is also a fun addition for hanging around the campsite. My boys use theirs as a fun place to hang and swing or a calm spot to read or nap. The affordable Wise Owl kids hammocks are easy to hang, super lightweight and packable, and hold up to 400 pounds. The kit includes 9-foot straps and carabiners along with the attached stuff sack. All you need is a couple of sturdy trees and you’re set!
Extra Shelter
We prefer to have extra shade or shelter options for downtime around the campsite. This is especially important during the warmer months when sunny camping spots can become oppressive. Having extra shade options also keeps the kiddos (and the dirt they inevitably roll in) out of the tent and off the sleeping bags.
For a shelter that’s easy to set up and useful for various outdoor adventures, check out the Kelty Cabana Shelter. You can use this handy cabana as a play zone for little ones, a shady spot for pets to relax, or an enclosed area to change clothes without messing up your tent. We also bring this shelter to the beach and the park on those summer adventures where shade is hard to come by.
If you’re looking for a larger canopy shelter that can fit over a camp kitchen or a larger group of people, check out a shade canopy like the Crown Shades Canopy. This canopy is super easy to set up and secures with a center push lock. I can set it up with my 8-year-old’s help in just a few minutes. It includes 4 guy lines, 8 stakes, and 4 sandbags to secure it during windy adventures. The carrying bag even has wheels, making transport easy.
Outdoor Blanket/Mat
It’s always nice to have an outdoor blanket or mat as a barrier from the ground for little ones or dogs. I have also used an outdoor mat for some campsite yoga or to bring along on a picnic while exploring nearby trails. The type of mat will largely depend on the weather conditions and what you plan to use it for.
If you prefer a rugged waterproof option, the Yeti Lowlands Blanket has stellar user reviews. A cheaper blanket can work just as well depending on your plans. Our current outdoor blanket is a simple one from Costco that rolls up small and is water-resistant.
Slip-On Camp Shoes
There is something ridiculously satisfying about removing hiking boots after a long hike and slipping on some comfy camp shoes. We also love the convenience of an easy slip-on shoe for those late-night potty breaks and early-morning campfire constructions. The type of slip-on shoe is a personal preference, but my boys gravitate towards their Classic Crocs while camping. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and durable.
If you want something more rugged that can double as a water shoe, check out the Merrell Hydro Moc. They slip on easily and provide more arch support than other water clogs. They also offer more traction on wet surfaces and variable terrain, making these a good option as a more versatile slip-on.
Games and Family Fun
I generally pack a few small games or activities for when we have some downtime. Our current favorite card games are the Classic UNO Card Game and the camping-themed Spot-It. These are great for young kids and adults alike! Other fun easy-to-store options include National Parks Yahtzee, Fireside Story Dice, or any of the Professor Noggin’s Trivia Card Games.
For some hilarious fun, we like to bring along some books that always put a smile on everyone’s face. Our favorites include the Animal Mad Libs Word Game (or any of the Mad Libs books), the “Would You Rather” Campfire Edition, and the Try Not to Laugh Camping Joke Book.
For more gear recommendations for your next camping trip, check out our posts on Camping Gear for a Cozy Night’s Sleep along with our Camp Kitchen Must-Haves.
Rebecca is a transplant Coloradoan living in Virginia with her husband (Derek) and their two boys. She’s a teacher turned freelance writer/ homeschool mom working towards exploring as much of the east coast as possible before the next move takes her family elsewhere. You can follow her family hiking, kayaking, SUPing, geocaching, camping, and all things outdoor adventuring on Instagram @frazzlednaturemom
