10 Camping Activities To Experience As A Family
Camping is one of those nostalgic activities that brings back childhood memories of fun and
adventure! So pack up the family and prepare to brave the outdoors this year with a family
camping bucket list.
Whether you’re taking your kids out for the first time, you’re looking forward to a cozy glamping
experience, or you’re a seasoned camper, check out this list for some ideas to enhance your
outdoor experience at Lake Hartwell!
Cook over a Campfire
Hot dogs and s’mores…the quintessential campfire meal! But those aren’t the only options
when you’re cooking over an open fire. One of our favorite campfire snacks is corn on the cob.
It’s simple and the best way to eat corn! A good meal starts with quality ingredients, so swing by
the Farmer’s Market on Tuesday or Saturday for the best produce in town!
All you need is corn on the cob, salt, pepper, butter or oil, and aluminum foil. Husk the corn,
then place each ear on a generous piece of foil (enough to fully wrap the entire cob). Season
with a pat of butter or drizzle of oil plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, carefully wrap each
ear in foil, sealing it closed as much as possible. Place the corn in the coals at the edge of the
fire, turning after 2-3 minutes. After 4-5 minutes, your corn is done!
Want more ideas for campfire cookery? Check out these recipes!
Identify Constellations
The night sky has amazed us for millennia, but how much time do you usually have for
stargazing? Camping activities don’t have to end at nightfall. In fact, it’s just getting started! As
the sun goes down and the stars begin sparkling in the sky, get out a picnic blanket and
binoculars (if you have them), lie down, and take a look at the sky. Give your eyes some time to
adjust to the darkness, and slowly more stars will appear.
But what exactly are you looking at?
The Big Dipper is one of the easiest constellations to find. It’s part of another constellation (Ursa
Major) and also directs you to the Little Dipper constellation and the North Star. If you’re new to
stargazing, you may benefit from an app that can direct you to various constellations and
planets. Try Night Sky or Sky View to get you started. With just the naked eye, you can find
constellations, planets, and even the Andromeda galaxy!
Play a Game
Whether you’re RV or tent camping, games are a great way to pass the time and bond with
family and friends! Try your hand at UNO, use a deck of cards, or pull out that Monopoly set!
If outdoor games are more your style, a game of Sardines or Hide and Seek will entertain the
whole family. Gather a group of friends and play Capture the Flag! Even without equipment,
there are tons of outdoor games your family can enjoy.
Do/Learn the Cups Song
Clap – clap – tap – tap – tap….start the sequence and most people will immediately recognize
the beat! If you learned it at camp as a kid, this is your chance to teach others and see if you
can get a group passing the cup around as you sing. Need a refresher? Check out this tutorial
on YouTube!
Animal Tracks Scavenger Hunt
We share the great outdoors with so many animals, but often they stay hidden from sight! If you
know what to look for, you can identify the tracks of much local wildlife. Check out this guide to
animal tracks, then head out onto the trails and see what you can find!
Tracks are the easiest to find in wet soil, so take a close look along the edges of creeks, ponds,
or in muddy areas after a rainy day. Stay quiet while on the hunt for tracks, and you just might
get to see who made them! There’s something truly magical about watching a deer graze, or a
fox hunting his dinner.
Catch Fireflies
Fireflies are a beautiful highlight of a summer night! Try finding them at the edge of the woods,
or in a lightly forested area shortly after the sun has set. Fireflies communicate with their flight
and flashing patterns, and it’s possible to learn their patterns and imitate them!
If you want to catch some, just be sure to treat them well. You’ll need a breathable container,
like a jar with holes poked in the lid or a dedicated bug container. They’ll continue flashing their
lights in the jar, and you can watch their patterns!
Remember to be gentle and don’t allow kids to shake the jar. Don’t forget to release them before
you go to bed for the night!
Catch Bream in Lake Hartwell
Bream, also known as Bluegills or Sunfish, is a common type of fish here at Lake Hartwell!
They’re often found at the edges of the lake, in warm shady spots. They’re fairly small, which
makes them perfect for youngsters!
Be sure that you’re following state and local guidelines when you fish! Want help identifying
what you’ve caught? Check out this guide!
Find the State Symbols of Georgia
Every state has its own state flower, mammal, bird, fruit, and more! Check out the Georgia list
and try to find as many as you can. Search for the Cherokee Rose or Native Azalea on your
hikes, and keep an eye out for the White-Tailed Deer!
Look for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly as it flits from flower to flower. Find a Honeybee,
one of our most important pollinators! In the evenings, listen for the chorus of the Green Tree
Frog. If you’re paying attention, you just might spot a tiny Bobwhite Quail hiding in the brush!
Go on a Hike
There are many beautiful trails nearby that are just waiting for you to discover them! You’ll find
great hiking or biking trails at all of the following locations:
1. Hart State Park
2. Sadlers Creek State Park
3. Big Oaks Recreational Area
4. Tugaloo State Park
If you want a taste of what Hartwell has to offer, check out the Hart County Botanical Gardens
and take a stroll through the entire area! If you’re interested in what Georgia has to offer, be
sure to visit the Native Plants area of the Gardens.
Glamp it up
Discover the enchanting world of glamping around Lake Hartwell. This unique blend of glamour
and camping offers an unforgettable escape into nature without sacrificing the comforts of
home. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, the Lake
Hartwell area caters to all desires with its variety of luxury camping and cabin sites.
Hartwell Lakeside KOA is located at the former Hart State Park on Lake Hartwell and offers
scenic hiking and biking trails throughout with views of nature and the lake shoreline. We offer
incredibly beautiful lakefront RV and premium tent sites, as well as deluxe cabins, all with
electric and water hookups. Our campers have access to our campground beach, boat ramp
and courtesy docks on the lake.
Hartwell Cabins and RV's offers luxurious Cabin rentals and full hook up RV sites in a quiet,
rural, campground setting. Plenty of trees for shade and even a walking trail! Located just
minutes from historic downtown Hartwell, GA and within a few miles of Lake Hartwell, one of the
Southeast's largest recreational lakes. Comfortable and chic, while still outdoorsy! Laundry
facilities on site, all the comforts of home including full size refrigerators, Keurigs, toasters and
microwaves.
Additionally, Glamping Hub features a selection of luxury yurt and tent rentals near Lake
Hartwell, highlighting the versatility of glamping experiences available in the area. From cozy
cabins to unique yurts, tipis, and safari tents, the options cater to various preferences and group
sizes, ensuring that every traveler finds their ideal retreat. The emphasis on luxury
accommodations amidst the natural beauty of Lake Hartwell underscores the appeal of
glamping as a way to enjoy both adventure and comfort.
With glamping, you’ve got a home away from home right in the forest. Enjoy the peace of the
outdoors, the conveniences of home, and the privacy of your own indoor space.
Will you be joining us at Lake Hartwell this year? What are your favorite camping activities?!
Send us a quick note.