This portion of our web guide focuses on outdoor recreational activities, generally on a non-competitive basis.
Of necessity, there will be a significant overlap between this and other, in some cases, more specific categories. For example, kayaking and SCUBA diving are usually outdoor activities, but we also have a category for Water Sports. Likewise, many combat sports, bicycling, horseback riding, gardening, and racing sports are outdoor activities, but we also have categories for Combat Sports, Cycling, Equestrian, Gardening, and Motorsports. Rather than creating redundant categories for competitive and recreational water sports, we must acknowledge the existence of overlap. In most cases, a resource should be submitted to the most specific category, while others might be included in multiple categories.
Submit your site to the category you consider appropriate, and if a more specific category exists, we'll move it.
Appropriate topics for this category may include a wide range of non-competitive experiences including, but not limited to, backpacking, birdwatching, bushcraft, camping, canyon hiking, caving, climbing, corn mazes, cycling, fishing, geocaching, historical reenactments, hunting, kite flying, leaf peeping, magnet fishing, metal detecting, mountain climbing, nature walks, orienteering, running, and winter swimming.
Outdoor recreational activities are enjoyable and contribute significantly to physical and mental well-being.
The interest in non-competitive outdoor activities stems from a desire to connect with nature, seek adventures, and enjoy leisure time in the outdoors. Activities like birdwatching and nature walks appeal to those who appreciate the tranquility and beauty of natural settings, while bushcraft and camping attract those interested in survival skills and self-sufficiency. Historical reenactments and geocaching offer a blend of education and entertainment, appealing to history buffs and treasure hunters.
Engaging in non-competitive outdoor activities provides several benefits, including physical health, mental well-being, social connections, and environmental awareness.
Activities such as cycling, running, and mountain climbing improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and enhance overall fitness. Regular participation in these activities can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, improve sleep, and boost energy levels.
Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Activities like fishing, leaf peeping, and kite flying offer a calming effect that promotes mental relaxation and mindfulness.
Many outdoor activities, such as camping, historical reenactments, and corn mazes, are often enjoyed in groups. This encourages social interaction, strengthens relationships, and provides opportunities for family bonding and community engagement.
Activities like birdwatching, bushcraft, and nature walks increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Participants often develop a deeper commitment to conservation.
Despite the benefits and enjoyment of the outdoors, there are concerns. Increased participation in outdoor activities can lead to environmental degradation if not appropriately managed. However, responsible behavior can minimize issues such as littering, habitat destruction, and pollution.
The increasing popularity of outdoor activities and specific outdoor places can strain natural resources and adversely affect natural habitats.
Outdoor activities such as caving, climbing, and canyon hiking come with risks, such as injuries and accidents due to falls.
However, with mindful participation and responsible practices, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities while preserving the natural environments that make them possible.
Topics related to non-competitive outdoor recreational activities are the focus of this category and its subcategories. Online retail sites should be listed in the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce categories, however.
Categories
BirdingCampingClimbingFishingGeocachingHiking | HuntingKite FlyingLeaf PeepingLetterboxingOrienteeringScouting |
Recommended Resources
F&S is a US-based magazine that focuses on sport hunting, recreational fishing, and outdoor activities. It was a print publication from 1895 to 2015 and became an online-only publication in 2020. Under new ownership in 2024, it returned to print publication. Depending on the season and information available, the magazine may offer advice on catching bass, trout, birds, and deer, as well as hunting equipment like rifles and shotguns. Subscription options are posted.
https://www.fieldandstream.com/
Game & Fish Magazine is a national outdoor magazine focusing on regional hunting and fishing across the United States, offering a variety of content, including articles on hunting strategies, fishing tips, gear reviews, and conservation efforts. Subscription to the print publication includes full digital access. Selected articles from the magazine may be viewed online without a subscription, along with special collections, videos, and game recipes. Advertising opportunities are available.
https://www.gameandfishmag.com/
The website features and offers subscriptions to two different magazines, "Hobby Farms" and "Chickens," with options to subscribe to the print edition, the digital edition, both the print and digital editions or to a single issue. Other magazines are also available. Selected categorized articles from its publications may be viewed through the website, along with videos, podcasts, a classified section, or an online store. Advertising opportunities are available.
https://www.hobbyfarms.com/
L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs
Founded in 1912, L.L. Bean is a privately held retail Maine company specializing in clothing and outdoor recreation equipment. Operated for L.L. Bean, this site discusses its expert-led outdoor discovery programs designed to help people connect with nature and gain confidence in outdoor pursuits. Visitors to the site can browse its locations, activities, and dates. Its outdoor discovery programs began in 1979 as a winter clinic in Freeport, Maine, and has expanded into a year-round series.
https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/
Online since the late 1990s, Mountain Zone features articles on mountain-related activities and adventures, including information and guides on mountaineering and climbing destinations, techniques and gear; hiking and backpacking tips, trail maps, and stories from hikers; skiing and snowboarding coverage; mountain biking trails, bike reviews, and tips; and adventure racing updates and stories from various adventure races. Mountains, towns, and maps are featured.
http://mountainzone.com
National Outdoor Leadership School
NOLS is a non-profit global wilderness school that offers a variety of courses focused on wilderness skills, leadership, and environmental ethics. They provide immersive wilderness expeditions, classroom-based wilderness medicine courses, and custom training for organizations and other groups. The NOLS programs are designed to help students learn by experience, with mentorship from experts. Gap year programs, wilderness medicine, and risk management training are available.
https://www.nols.edu/en/
National Recreation and Park Association
NRPA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing parks, recreation, and environmental conservation efforts to enhance everyone's quality of life. The organization protects open spaces, connects children to nature, and engages communities in conservation practices. NRPA offers various resources, including professional development, certifications, and grant opportunities to park and recreation professionals, along with an annual conference.
https://www.nrpa.org/
North American Butterfly Association
NABA was created in 1992 to promote awareness of butterfly conservation and the benefits of butterfly gardening, observation, photography, and education. NABA holds annual volunteer butterfly counts in the weeks leading up to or after July 4 in the United States, July 1 in Canada, and September 16 in Mexico. The organization also publishes the American Butterflies quarterly magazine. Membership and chapter information is provided, and its publications are highlighted.
https://naba.org/
Paddle Canada is a national organization that was created to promote and support recreational paddling in Canada. The organization offers a variety of courses and certifications for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding through a network of 2,500 certified instructors. its programs range from basic skills to advanced techniques in different paddling disciplines, including lake canoeing, sea kayaking, river kayaking, and others, including camping courses.
https://paddlecanada.com/
Puget Sound Mycological Society
PSMS is focused on the study and appreciation of wild mushrooms. Based in Seattle, Washington, PSMS supports a range of activities that include research, education, cultivation, hunting, identification, and mushroom cooking. One of their major events is the Annual Wild Mushroom Show, which showcases over two hundred varieties of wild mushrooms. The event includes exhibits, expert identification, and even tastings. They also offer ID clinics, field trips, and classes.
http://www.psms.org/
Operated by Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation in conjunction with twelve different federal and state government organizations, the website allows for the booking of camping and recreational vehicle (RV) sites across the United States. It features listings for 4,200 facilities and activities and over 113,000 individual reservable sites. Camping, lodging, tickets, tours, permits, day use, and venues are included. A downloadable mobile application is available.
https://www.recreation.gov/
Also known as America's Boating Club, the USPS is dedicated to promoting boating safety and education. It offers a variety of courses and seminars on topics such as navigation, boat handling, and marine electronics, as well as opportunities for social activities and community service related to boating. Online resources include a glossary of boating terms, several boating videos, information about Maritime Mobile Service Identity, and an online shopping page.
https://www.usps.org/
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
The WDFW is a state agency dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing for sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities. The WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and more than five hundred water access sites across the state. Its key activities include fishing and hunting, wildlife conservation, and public engagement, including licensing and permitting. Information about species and habitats is included.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/
Washington Water Trails Association
The WWTA is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 to advocate for the right of public access to and from waterways and to steward these waterways, salt and fresh water, and adjoining shorelands. The organization collaborates with stakeholders to advocate for safe and legal overnight campsites, day-use parks, launch sites, and beaches. Designated trails, partners, and volunteer opportunities are posted on the site, along with a calendar of events and contacts.
https://www.wwta.org/
The official website of the Yosemite Conservancy, a non-profit organization created to support Yosemite National Park, focuses on information about its efforts to preserve the park's natural resources and enhance visitor experiences through various projects and programs. The Conservancy funds high-priority projects such as trail rehabilitation, wildlife management, habitat restoration, and scientific research, as well as offers educational programs and volunteer opportunities.
https://yosemite.org/
