12 Jan Set Your Camping Goals for 2026: Adventure, Skills & More Time Outdoors
If you’ve dreaming about this year’s camping adventures, make 2026 the time to level up your outdoor experiences!
Whether you’ve just bought a new RV, you’re planning more weekends away, or you simply want to spend more time outside, setting a few fun and achievable camping goals can make every trip feel intentional and unforgettable.
Here are some ideas to help shape your 2026 camping goals and get you excited for the year ahead.
1. Activity-Based Camping Goals
Sometimes the best way to shake up your camping routine is to add something new into the mix.
Try a New Activity
Make 2026 the year you add fresh adventures to your trips. Think: geocaching, cave exploring, stargazing, rock hopping, or nature photography. Not only does it keep things exciting, but it’s a great way to discover new passions along the way.
Learn a New Skill
Challenge yourself to pick up a classic camping skill like building a fire with minimal tools, cooking a camp meal you’ve never tried, or navigating using a map and compass (yes, the old-school way!). These skills can give you more confidence and independence on every trip.
Plan a Themed Trip
Create a little storyline for one of your 2026 getaways. You could hike a specific trail you’ve always wanted to conquer, chase waterfalls across a region, or head out on a wildlife-spotting mission. Themed trips make planning easier and memories stronger.
2. Trip-Focused Camping Goals
These goals help you shape how you travel, not just where you go.
Embrace Spontaneity
If life’s busy (and whose isn’t?), aim for more short, last-minute escapes. A quick overnight stay close to home can be just as refreshing as a longer holiday and fits perfectly into achievable camping goals for the year.
Visit Somewhere New
Make it your mission to camp in a place you’ve never visited before. It could be a national park, a quiet riverside spot or a region you’ve always wanted to explore. Discovering fresh landscapes is one of the most rewarding camping goals you can set.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Set aside at least one “off-grid” trip in 2026 to unplug from screens and reconnect with nature, family, or just yourself. Bring a book, pack light, and let the silence and scenery do the rest.
3. Skill-Based & Personal Camping Goals
Camping isn’t just about the destination; it’s about growing your confidence and becoming a better adventurer every time you head out.
Master the Seven C’s of Camping
Focus on the timeless principles of:
Care, Caution, Courtesy, Cleanliness, Cooperation, Conservation, and Common Sense. These are the foundations of being a thoughtful, respectful camper, and they make every campsite better for everyone.
Leave No Trace
Make 2026 the year you commit to leaving every campsite cleaner than you found it. Pack eco-friendly gear, minimise waste, and follow “Leave No Trace” practices wherever you go.
DIY Your Camping Gear
If you love a project, set a goal to build or improve something yourself. It could be a custom storage solution for your camper, a handmade fire pit tool, or upgrading your existing setup. DIY jobs not only save money but make your gear feel truly yours.
Ready for Your 2026 Adventures?
Whether you’re chasing big challenges or simply want more time around a campfire, 2026 is a chance to reset, refresh, and reconnect with the outdoors. Pick a few camping goals that feel realistic or go all in and tick off the whole list.
And if your RV, camper trailer or campervan needs a service, upgrade or a few tweaks to make those goals even easier to achieve, swing past Patto’s RV Centre in Geelong. Our team’s here to help you feel confident, prepared and ready for every adventure 2026 throws your way.
