9 Solstice Experiences Great for Camping
Get ready to revel in the longest day of the year with a camping trip in the great outdoors! The summer solstice can be a special time since nature is at its best, a perfect balance of the seasons. Make this experience even more unforgettable by celebrating the occasion while RV or tent camping.
To help you make the most of this unique day, we’ve put together an extensive guide featuring 9 fun activities to add some extra sparkle to your summer solstice celebration. Whether you’re exploring hidden gems or discovering new favorite spots, we’ve got you covered with the best places to experience the magic of the summer solstice.
1. WATCH THE SUNRISE AND SUNSET
The days surrounding the summer solstice provide an extended period of daylight, making it ideal for witnessing both sunrise and sunset. To fully appreciate this unique experience, choose a campsite with an unobstructed view of the horizon. In locations
like Hidden Valley RV Park and many state and national parks you can marvel at the breathtaking vistas as the sun sets over the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Consider an early start to your day to take in the serenity of dawn. Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts or practice meditation as the first light of day breaks. At sunset, gather with friends or family and reflect on the day’s events at the campground or in some downtown adventure. While the day sky morphs into night, the atmosphere is bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
For a memorable sunrise experience, bring a blanket, a thermos of your favorite beverage, and some breakfast treats. For sunset, pack a picnic dinner or snacks and drinks to enjoy while taking in the stunning views.
2. SHARE A CAMPFIRE
For many cultures, a campfire is a classic summer solstice custom, symbolizing the sun’s warmth. Enjoy an impromptu homebuilt fireplace or a group gathering at your Parks Pavilion for a campfire with snacks, drinks and some shared stories, songs and bonding time with fellow campers.
Don’t forget to check local fire regulations and safety guidelines. Before starting the fire, make sure to have water and a shovel nearby to fully extinguish it when you’re finished.
3. TAKE A MOON WALK
Experience the magic of a moonlight hike, taking advantage of the extended daylight during the solstice moon. Many parks are in areas where you can find dark skies so nighttime sky viewing is optimal. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp, dress appropriately, and explore the unique wonders of the night.
When choosing a trail, prioritize safety and familiarity by opting for popular trails or hiking with someone who knows the trails.
To make your midnight hike truly unforgettable, surrender to the night’s sensory experience. Let yourself be immersed in the sounds of the night and marvel at how the landscape transforms under the moon’s glow. Nightjars and owls are interesting nocturnal characters but keep an eye out for other wildlife that may not be expecting late night walkers.
4. PREPARE A SOLSTICE FEAST
Everyone loves a BBQ and while grilling meats is a summer tradition, if you really want to mark the beginning of the canicular (dog days) of summer, consider a few raw or grilled vegies and fruits. Our occasional Hidden Valley Potlucks find these seasonal dishes are very popular.
Finish off your meal and your day by enjoying local fireworks, gathering with friends for a campfire or sharing recipes as the day of activities winds down
5. WISH UPON THE STARS
As the summer solstice comes to a close, the night sky transforms into a breathtaking display.
Camping in secluded areas like the tenting area 
of Hidden Valley, with minimal light pollution is ideal for stargazing, allowing you to take in the celestial wonders without distraction.
Find a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky and enhance your experience with a telescope or binoculars for a closer look. For a more natural alternative, simply lie down on a blanket and enjoy the view with your naked eye. For an interactive twist, use free downloadable stargazing apps to help identify constellations and planets, making it a fun and educational activity for kids.
The summer solstice is a great time to observe planets and meteor showers, offering a tranquil and awe-inspiring experience that connects you to the vast universe. It’s an opportunity to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the cosmos.
6. EXPLORE WATER ACTIVITIES
With the warm weather and long days, water activities are at their peak. Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas offer kayaking, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Choose a campsite near a body of water, such as a lake, river, or ocean. Hidden Valley has a private creek for fishing or just enjoying its cool banks. Or you could plan a trip to the nearby Riverwalk’s Mission Reach for a day of kayaking on its mellow waters. Don’t have your own equipment?
Rentals are available. Just don’t forget swimsuits, towels, and safety gear. Nearby SeaWorld and Fiesta Texas offer water parks and water rides to satisfy the adventure enthusiast. You can spend the day paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. The refreshing experience of being in or near water adds a delightful dimension to your solstice celebration.
7. SNAP THE MEMORY
For photography enthusiasts, the solstice offers a unique opportunity to capture breathtaking natural scenes. With longer days and stunning landscapes, you’ll have ideal conditions to take your camera out for a spin.
The San Antonio area has State Parks & Natural Areas full of flora and fauna to see. Visit the nearby Hill Country full of vintage towns and fields of wildflowers, perfect backdrops for a photo op with your kids and family. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as well as a tripod for stable shots and nighttime photography. Take your time to compose your shots, experimenting with angles and lighting to capture the perfect moment. Whether it’s a stunning sunrise, wildlife in action, or a sweeping panorama, Mother Nature is your muse. Share your photos with others or keep them as a personal keepsake from your solstice adventure.
8. CRAFT NATURAL ART
Take a moment to get creative with nature by crafting art using materials found around your campsite. Bring a bag to collect various items like leaves, rocks, twigs, and flowers, which can be used to create unique mandalas, sculptures, or collages when you get home. Combining these natural materials with basic arts and crafts supplies from home, such as strings, glue, and paint, will likely lead to an enjoyable artistic experience. You may just find that your eyes always gravitate to the ground during all your walks at Hidden Valley so that none of those natural art treasures escape your notice. This activity is great for all ages and creates a unique way to connect with nature. Once your art is complete, you can display it at the campsite or bring it back home along with the memories. Leaving painted rocks behind for others to find is a heartwarming trend that always brings a smile to the finders’ face.
9. DANCES WITH STARS
You know life is good when you find yourself dancing with the stars.
What better way to end a wonderful day filled with fun activities? Dancing under the stars, singing together with your fellow campers, and just letting loose is what summer is made of.
Just find a flat, open area where you can move around freely without obstacles to get in your way. Music is a must for this activity and can be available with nothing more than your phone. And if you’ve got a playlist in mind or want to make one? Even better.
Hidden Valley’s campsite patios or our Tejas Pavilion provide a perfect dance floor.
Join in the joyful celebration of the solstice by dancing with others and embracing the abundance and light of the season. Let the rhythms and movements lift your spirits and culminate your celebration on a triumphant and uplifting note.
Commemorating the summer solstice while camping is a transformative experience that fosters a deeper connection with nature and the cyclical patterns of the seasons. From action-packed pursuits to peaceful moments of contemplation, and from solo pursuits to group celebrations, there’s an abundance of opportunities to suit every taste. Make the most of the longest day of the year by doing what brings you joy and create lifelong memories amidst the majesty of the natural world… doing it while camping!