We talk a lot about being camp flirts and making friends while camping. But currently we are supposed to be practicing social distancing, and we think camping is the best place to do that as well. And remember that social distancing doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors! While we are being advised not to gather in groups, there is no reason to lock yourself inside your home or camper. 

But how are you going to spend your time when you are keeping to yourself in camp? Here are some ideas for enjoying camping without social interaction:

Go for a hike (or a walk). Sunshine and fresh air are good for you! 

Clear the table and pull out a deck of cards for solitaire, or cribbage or a board game if you have a partner or family. 

Watch television or a DVD that you brought along specifically to enjoy during this down time.

Knit, crochet, macrame, embroider, tat, or any other of those beautiful arts that I’ve never had the patience to even attempt. Maybe pack up your paints and easel, and do some painting.

Do crossword, sudoko, word find, or some other mind-strengthening puzzles.  

Take coloring books and crayons or colored pencils. That is a stressless activity for sure! 

Cook. Be creative. Use your fire pit, or your BBQ, or even the indoor kitchen. Tony loves to cook and Peggy loves to bake, and that makes the camper smell good. With limited counter space, we have to be really prepared for indoor cooking, but outdoors has a lot more options. 

Listen to music or podcasts. We typically listen to podcasts while we drive, and music to keep us upbeat while we are in camp.  

Write. Maybe sketch out an idea for a new book, or write a poem, or journal your thoughts. Sometimes I get a good idea for a blog post so I’ll open the laptop and sketch out some ideas. Sometimes I finish a whole post; other times I write seven words and realize it’s not much of a topic after all.  

Nap. Or meditate. Or whatever helps clear your mind. 

Read. I read a lot. Both at home and at camp, if I have alone time, I love to open my Kindle and immerse myself in a good mystery or fantasy (traditional or urban). I’ve talked about my love to read previously and how Karen Musser Nortman’s stories of girl camper Frannie Shoemaker and friends are some of my favorites. So when I need to decompress, I simply sit with a cup of hot coffee or cold water, and maybe a snack at hand, and immerse myself in a good story.  

Most of all stay updated with geniune information which comes from the Center For Disease Control (CDC). A lot of what is being spread on social media is malarkey and adds to the nervousness that comes naturally with this kind of outbreak.