What can I do with my wife while camping?

Question

I will take my wife camping for her b'day.

I don't think there are any local attractions.

I'll take her hiking, swimming, perhaps make whoopie.

But what else? Roast marshmallows, board games, massage?

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Try canoeing/kayaking, birdwatching, maybe archery (if rentals are accessible for you) or fishing, board/card games are always a good fallback - especially if it rains. Try cooking her a meal over the fire and/or in a dutch oven. Or try cooking together if that's what she likes. Make it extra special by setting the table with a cloth, wine glasses, flowers, etc. Make sure to bring a decent freestanding lantern and extra fuel/batteries. You'll need it. Zip the sleeping bags together so you can "keep each other warm" at night. And don't forget to bring a first-aid kit...sucks to spend a week wishing you had the tweezers to remove a splinter.
Just make sure it's what SHE wants to do. Some people hate it. Some at least need a place with showers and flush toilets.

Answer 2

Surprise her with her favorite food and/or drink. Her favorite dessert. Something she might not expect. See if there are any local ice-cream shops to grab a cone. Buy a bouquet of flowers.

Do some more research to see if there is any special hikes or local areas to check out.

Answer 3

I highly recommend getting drunk together in front of a giant roaring campfire, no distractions or activities, just the two of you out there enjoying each other's conversation and company.

Card games are a little simpler to pack/set up than board games. Get an electric lantern so you can play inside the tent and not have to swat at bugs circling around the picnic table all night. A massage is a lovely idea, but keep in mind that you won't be able to shower off any oil afterward.

Try to remember every detail -- bring plates and utensils for eating, fresh water and trash bags and towels and ice and all the stuff she usually is in charge of remembering, so she doesn't have to. She'll remember your thoughtfulness and enjoy the peace and quiet of communing with nature. Bring bug spray,sunscreen, and junk to put on if either doesn't do the job.

The freezer section of your grocery store has complete pasta/veggie/meat dinners in a bag that travel well and can cook up easily on a camp stove, so no one has to slave over dinner or clean up. Or go "continental" and pack cheese and salami, grapes, a loaf of bread, etc. for nibbling. Doritos taste amazing out in the woods, for some reason.

Finally, if there will be whoopie, having her bend over a fallen tree is a lot more comfortable than trying to do it up against the bark.

Have fun!

Answer 4

Go canoeing if the option is availble. A canoe can usually be rented for under $25. That includes: canoe, life jackets, paddles, and an emergency kit, (rope,whistle). It is a very relaxing activity, and is a great way to enjoy the water, fresh air, and scenery.

Answer 5

Take her best girlfriend. They can drive you crazy complaining together.No really, does she like cards? Playing cards is fun at night around a lantern. Get a plant and animals in nature book (from your local library or charts from the net)and try to identify sights and sounds. Have fun.

Answer 6

Sometimes the best thing to do when you're camping is to chill out with a bottle of wine or some type of cocktail and enjoy it in front of a nice cozy fire!

Answer 7

fire is always nice. Biking too.. Maybe hike out to a beautiful spot and have a picnic.

Answer 8

Pick her some wild flowers.

Answer 9

Maybe you could ask her what she wants to do? I bet she has something in mind...
Good luck and have fun!!
rock on ;)
~anjali*

Answer 10

Go fishing, leave her with the washing up, cleaning, making beds, preparing meals, gathering wood. all the little things that women enjoy.
She will be out of her environment and need the stability that these little things give her.