5 Affordable Water Based Activities to Do While Camping

Most people who go on camping trips aim for a quiet and relaxing trip to commune with nature. However, you can spice things up by engaging in a host of activities. When camping near a water body, lake, river, dam, or ocean, there are a ton of affordable water-based activities you can include in your itinerary.

Swimming

This is probably the easiest of all options. Instead of spending most of your time inside your tent, put on your swimsuit and go out for a swim. Before jumping into the water, it's best to check if the water is safe for swimming and if there are any charges for swimming. There are certain campsites where campers are advised against swimming. Remember to bring a swimming buddy in case of an emergency. Swimming is the most affordable water-based activity since most camping sites allow campers to swim for free, albeit under supervision. After a day of exploring the woods or going on nature walks, swimming can help you relax as you prepare for the evening.

Kayaking

Kayaking helps to add flavor to your outdoor experience. Bored of staying in your tent, you can rent a single or double kayak and enjoy the relaxing breeze out in the water. Most campsites provide campers with kayaks at an affordable price to ensure a satisfied client. In supervised campgrounds such as Sleeper state park in Michigan, children can kayak freely in a supervised environment. This is probably one of the best opportunities to improve your kayaking skills. Aside from leisure, you can choose to sign up for kayaking sporting events. During summer, most camping grounds close to water bodies host various sporting events, including kayaking.

Fishing

Instead of relying on the packed meals you brought or bought at the nearest store, you can rent out a boat and fish. Unlike other water-based activities that involve spending a lot of energy, fishing gives you time to relax and enjoy the view around you. This is an ideal choice for less active individuals who enjoy spending quality time on their own. Chartering a boat for a few hours of fishing isn't cost, especially when camping near a small lake or river.

On the other hand, you can choose to join a fishing party. This involves joining other campers to learn new fishing techniques and the type of fish found in that area. In most cases, people go camping to get away from the rest of the people and bond as a family or friends. However, this may be a good opportunity to meet other campers and learn new things.

Canoeing

As stated before, camping is all about bonding and reconnecting. This makes canoeing one of the best water-based activities for families and friends. Canoeing gives people an opportunity to have fun while learning to work together. After spending a few days exploring nature trails and communing with the trees, it's time to see what the water has to offer. Canoeing gives you and your company a chance to go on an adventure exploring the lake or river. Since most camping locations are surrounded by trees, canoeing gives you a unique opportunity to see nature in a different form. You will be able to see various types of birds, fish, and other amphibians.

Just like kayaking, you can choose to join a canoeing completion to spice up your camping trip. Joining these competitions is often affordable, with some camping sites offering them as part of the camping package.

Snorkeling

Most people often confuse snorkeling with scuba diving. Scuba diving involves going deep in the ocean and mostly involves hiring diving gear. On the other hand, snorkeling involves exploring the underwater without straying too far from the surface. It involves breathing underwater using a tube, with some swimmers opting for an add-on mask to improve visibility. This is an affordable and exciting way to explore underwater canyons and see the aquatic life up close. This activity is relatively easy. You only need basic swimming lessons, a snorkel tube, and a mask. The best part about snorkeling near a campsite is that you have people around in case of an emergency. However, it's best to go with a partner.

Summing Up

Camping goes beyond building a tent, exploring the surrounding trees, and going on hikes. When camping near a water body, take time to explore the aquatic life by participating in the above-mentioned fun activities.