Our RV Lifestyle Facebook group was asked about their unique camping hobbies. Here’s what real RVers like to do for fun…
RVing is a great way to escape it all. You can relax in the quiet beauty of the natural world. Some people live in the peaceful and relaxing setting of a campsite.
But sometimes camping by itself can be a little, ahem, dull. While a quiet and serene landscape may be incredible for a few days, you may need a hobby while on the road.
One of RV Lifestyle’s members recently asked a question in our Facebook group to get some hobby ideas.
Scott posted: “I’m curious what hobbies y’all do while RVing.”
His post got so many comments that I have narrowed them down to 10 unique camping hobbies!
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10 Unique Camping Hobbies to Do While RVing
Of course, many people responded with popular camping hobbies like hiking, biking, photography, fishing, crocheting, etc. But we narrowed in on unique hobbies that you may not have even considered before.
Maybe you’ll find a new hobby on this list!
1. Create Nature Art
Many RVers enjoy creating art out of items they find in nature. For example, some folks like to create a nature journal and include leaf rubbings of the foliage nearby.
One RVer, Justin, said he likes to make art from fossils that he finds.
Another member said that she likes to make bowls out of interesting rocks she finds.
While creating art out of natural items is engaging, be sure that you follow all park rules and laws. For example, picking flowers from a national park is a big no-no. You want to ensure you know what you are and are not allowed to do before starting a hobby.
2. Metal Detecting
Another unique hobby some RVing people enjoy is metal detecting. You never know what hidden treasure might be found in a campground or on a deserted stretch of beach.
We were surprised to learn you can get a good metal detector for only about a $100. Not too pricey for a new hobby that keeps you active wherever you travel.
3. Wood Carving / Turning Pens
I am sure you have heard of woodworking, but have you heard of turning pens? It is a woodworking technique to create custom pens, pencils, and other writing instruments.
Many people like to work with wood in varying capacities, whether by carving or making a helpful tool from wood.
You can get a mini wood lathe and wood carving set to keep in your RV.
4. Painting Kindness Rocks
A LOT of people like to paint kindness rocks. This is where you paint a rock with a nice picture or kind words, then place it somewhere for others to find. The point is to brighten a stranger’s day with fun art.
Be aware, however, that it is unlawful to hide painted rocks in state and national parks. The painted rocks are considered litter, and their bright colors and patterns can disrupt the ecosystem.
Be sure that your kind act does not become an accidental act of vandalism!
5. Quilting
Quilting is another relaxing hobby you can work on when traveling. It’s a wonderful way to create items you can use in your RV or give as gifts.
Some RVers make quilts out of t-shirts they buy wherever they travel. So, the quilt becomes a storyboard for their journey.
6. Paper Quilling / Paper Crafting
Paper quilling is the art of cutting paper into long thin strips and rolling and pinching them into different shapes to create an overall design.
We hadn’t heard of paper quilling before reading about it in the comments. But wow, it’s really neat!
You can buy paper quilling kits online to get started.
7. Jewelry Making
Another fun hobby you can try is jewelry making. Create earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that are just your style.
One of our RV Lifestyle members, Vicki, sells the jewelry she makes on Etsy. Talk about a creative way to make money while RVing.
Jewelry making includes many different options, including wire wrapping, leatherworking, and beading. There are all kinds of great starter kits available:
8. Travel Journaling
A few RVers mentioned travel journaling, and we were surprised more people don’t do it. Instead of waiting until after their trip (and inevitably putting it off), they journal and scrapbook as they travel.
We have a few related articles to get you started:
9. Lego
Lego aren’t just for kids anymore! Some folks find it relaxing to build intricate lego sets while camping.
One member, Jack, said that he plans to travel with his Lego train sets. You may think taking these tiny bricks camping will be a disaster, but you can use an organizer box to stay tidy.
As an RVer, I recommend starting with the following sets:
10. Gardening
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Did you know that people love gardening in their RV? If you have a green thumb, you can still enjoy this hobby on the road!
There are many different creative ways that people garden from their RV, including show organizers and mason jar gardens! You can also use a portable garden box that is a little more traditional.
When Jennifer and I first went to Colorado, I felt like I finally understood what John Denver meant by his song: I’ve now been Rocky Mountain High.
And like Denver, exploring all that Colorado has to offer made me want to sing, too.
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Explore our 7 Day Adventure Guide to Colorado
We recommend you go Lectric for your RV Lifestyle
You know we love our RAD Power bikes – and have featured them for years, but we recently tested out and LOVE our new Lectric foldable ebikes. Being able to fold them up allowed us to put them in our Wonder rear garage area for a recent RV Lifestyle Gathering. You can check out our experience with them right here on our YouTube Channel.
