Camping isn't something people typically do because they have to. It's supposed to be fun. It's a way to get away from the stresses of life and hang out with the family without the distractions of video games and television. In a way, camping itself is all the recreation you'll need.

From finding a camp spot to laying out the camp grounds, to gathering fire wood to having that first night's camp fire with hot dogs or marshmallows over the fire with scary stories and seeing more stars in the sky than you thought existed, just the camp site itself is a source of endless fun for everyone in the family.

However, the campground is just the beginning of the allure of camping. National parks and state parks are full of free or inexpensive activities which are sure to create fond memories for your kids for the rest of their lives. Let's take hiking as an example. Really, it doesn't sound like it's that cool since you're pretty much just walking around. However, getting to hike across streams, play on scenic outlooks and climbing on rocks will make what sounded at first like a simple walk a great adventure.

Generally speaking, the park you're staying at is going to have a lake. Sure, there are some where there isn't one, but usually there will be at least one. And lakes offer a whole host of activities on their own like swimming, boating, and fishing. Swimming in a lake can make the local swimming pool seem like a boring place indeed.

You don't have to own a boat to enjoy getting out on the water and enjoying seeing lots of natural spots along the lake shore. A boat can usually be rented for reasonable rates and with a small amount of knowledge or training in how to use an outboard motor, you can be cruising along like an old pro in no time. And boating is a great sport to combine with fishing. The fun thing about fishing is even if you never get a bite, everybody has fun getting out there and trying. And when your young son or daughter catches their first fish on your camping trip, that squeal of delight will be one of those memories that you will be thinking about during your retirement years.

If you're still looking for more activities then take a trip to the visitor's center of the park. Most parks, especially national parks, are well staffed with park rangers who know the place like the back of their hand and tend to have some great suggestions for what to do. Plus, going around the visitor's center can be an adventure itself.

Before you leave the Visitor's Center, find out if the park rangers are conducing any nature walks, lectures, or tours anytime soon. If they are, make sure to find out how you can sign up. A tour with a park ranger can be a lot of fun since they're certain to point out things you would have otherwise missed had you gone on an unguided tour.

There really isn't a whole lot that is more fun than just going out in nature and hiking and camping. You'll probably be amazed at how economical your camping activities are - most of them will be free. And the memories from those trips will last a lifetime.