14 Ways to Unplug for This Year’s “National Day of Unplugging”
Our constant connectivity provides the gifts of instant information, news, directions, and more. As we log more and more hours on digital devices, we may be missing the world around us. The National Day of Unplugging, from sunset on March 6th to sunset on March 7th, encourages people to put down their phones and reconnect with others, nature, and themselves. Not sure you can disconnect for 24 hours? Below are 14 ideas on ways to take a break from your devices and rejuvenate in the outdoors.
1. Rent a Yurt
Yurts were invented centuries ago in Central Asia, and are becoming more popular in campgrounds across America. More comfortable than a tent, but more rustic than a hotel, a yurt is a circular dwelling that typically has basic furniture, hardwood floors, and heating and air conditioning. Campgrounds with yurts, like Idaho City Yurts, can easily be found by searching ReserveAmerica or checking out these Campgrounds with Yurts.
2. Go for a Hike
We are fortunate as a nation to have a robust network of hiking trails at the national, state, and local levels.
In addition to choosing your own trails, there are also hiking challenges. These challenges may be based on length, duration, or number of peaks summited. Challenges range from a collection of hikes over the span of several weeks, while others are more difficult, like hiking 24 hours continuously.
Try a hike with great views at Heron Lake State Park in New Mexico or a long day hike at Caprock Canyons State Park in Texas where you may get a glimpse of the buffalos.
Recommended: Scenic Spring Wildflower Locations
3. Rent an RV and Take a Road Trip
Loading up the car and driving into the countryside to camp is pretty much a guaranteed good time. But you can take your next camping trip to the next level by renting an RV. This camping option provides you with more comforts from home and additional luxuries.
4. Make it a Winter Activities Day
In early March there’s likely to be snow on the ground in many parts of the country. Take advantage of the cold weather by dedicating your unplugging day to winter activities. Try ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, or snow tubing. Do one activity for most of the day, or make it a jam-packed winter activities day with two or more wintertime sports. Many parks offer a variety of winter activities on site, like Hills Creek State Park in Pennsylvania or Letchworth State Park in New York.
Recommended: Outdoor Winter Fun Ideas to Try This Year
5. Search for Early Signs of Spring
Maybe you’re over winter, or in a warmer locale that isn’t snow-cloaked come March. Instead of a winter activity day, get out and search for early signs of spring. Budding leaves, chattering birds, grass shoots, and migrating butterflies are all magical bellwethers of early springtime. When you’re done, head back home and enjoy a good book, indulgent treat, and kickback and relax.
6. Go Zip-lining
What’s more exhilarating than scrolling your news feed or even playing an adventurous video game? Zip-lining over a forest, for sure. There are zip line routes around the country, including one just outside of Lums Pond State Park in Delaware.
7. Hit up a Hot Spring
Cold weather got you in a funk? Warm up at a hot spring near you, like Deer Creek State Park in Utah. From there, it’s just a short drive to Homestead Crater Hot Springs.
Recommended: The Best Natural Hot Springs
8. Plan Non-Electronics Games & Entertainment
Whether camping or staying at home, have some games at the ready for when you and your clan get bored. Cards, board games, and charades are fun go-tos. If you have kids, maybe put the burden on them and get them to come up with a performance, like a play or dance routine.
9. Take Some Memorable Shots
Nature is the ultimate muse for photography. Take shots of wildlife or scenery, with a real camera and not your phone, for lasting memories of your unplugged day outdoors. Or, try getting a family or group photo at a scenic spot. This is also a fun excuse to buy a digital camera and enjoy getting your pictures printed.
Bonus! You can submit those awesome photos in our photo contest that starts in May or June each year. Check out last year’s phone contest here.
10. Jump in a Swimming Hole
If you’re in a place with fine weather, then take a dip in a swimming hole. Cannonballing into a swimming hole, like the one in Krul Campground Blackwater River State Forest in Florida, is way more fun than scrolling through social media.
Recommended: Secret Natural Swimming Holes
11. Use a Book as a Replacement Object
Despite your best-laid plans to go technology-free, in a moment of weakness, you may find yourself reaching for your phone. Have a book on standby instead - something you can tangibly grab and satisfy your thirst for amusement and information.
12. Stay at a Place without Service or WiFi
Don’t trust yourself to keep your hands off your phone? Cut yourself off from service. One sure way to unplug is staying at a place with spotty or non-existent service and no wifi. One example is The Lodges at Coleman State Park in New Hampshire. Even if you find yourself with some service, put your phone on airplane mode instead.
13. Take a Friend Fishing
If you know how to fish, teach someone. If you’ve never learned to fish, seek out an angler and ask them to show you the ropes. There’s tons of great fishing and camping destinations, from Detroit Lake in Oregon to Broad River in Georgia.
Recommended: 9 Places for Trout Fishing this Spring
14. Be Mindful
The intent behind a Day of Unplugging is more than detaching yourself from technology. It’s about being present within yourself and your environment. No matter the activity on March 7, take notice of the world around you, especially sight, smells, and sounds you might overlook, and how they make you feel.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state's latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.