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.