Best Websites & Apps to Find Friends for Outdoor Activities

Finding people to hike, camp, run, or explore the outdoors with can be surprisingly difficult as an adult. Schedules don’t align, interests differ, and going alone doesn’t always feel safe or motivating. The good news? There are now websites and apps designed specifically to help you find friends for outdoor activities, both in Australia and globally.

This guide breaks down where to look, how each platform actually works, and how to turn online discovery into real-life outdoor friendships.

Why Outdoor Friendships Are Easier (and Stick Longer)

Outdoor activities naturally remove social pressure. You’re not forcing conversation, you’re walking, moving, exploring. Research and community studies consistently show that shared physical activities increase bonding, trust, and long-term connection, especially when repeated over time.

This is why people who meet through hiking groups, running clubs, or camping communities often form stronger friendships than those who meet purely through social settings. You can also explore how activity-based connection supports wellbeing and improves your mental health.

Best Websites & Apps to Find Friends for Outdoor Activities

Bunchups

Bunchups is built around interest-based, real-life connection, making it especially effective for outdoor activities. Instead of endless chats, you discover people nearby who want to do the same activity - hiking, running, trekking, camping, walking, or exploring local spots; and actually meet up.

It works well if you want:

• One-on-one or small, comfortable groups

• Activity-first connections (not dating)

• Safe and secure way of meeting others nearby

If you’re exploring outdoor friendships for the first time, check out How to Meet New People Safely in Real Life for some important safety tips when meeting new people.

Meetup

Meetup is one of the most established platforms globally for finding outdoor groups. In Australia, it’s widely used for:

• Bushwalking and hiking groups

• Trail running and walking clubs

• Camping and weekend adventure meetups

The biggest advantage of Meetup is volume, there are often multiple groups per city. However, group sizes can be large, which may feel overwhelming for some people.

Eventbrite

Eventbrite isn’t a friendship app, but it’s surprisingly useful for finding outdoor workshops, guided hikes, nature walks, fitness events, and adventure days. Many small organisers list their events here, especially in Australian cities and regional areas.

This is ideal if you:

• Prefer structured, one-off outdoor experiences

• Want to test an activity before committing long-term

• Enjoy guided or themed outdoor events

Bumble BFF

Bumble BFF focuses on one-to-one friendship matching. While it’s not activity-first, many people use it to find friends who enjoy hiking, walking, or outdoor fitness and then plan activities together.

It works best if you’re comfortable starting with chats and gradually moving toward shared outdoor plans.

Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups remain one of the most active places to find local outdoor communities, especially in Australia. Searching for your city + “hiking,” “bushwalking,” “outdoor adventures,” or “camping” often reveals highly active groups with regular meetups.

These groups are particularly strong for:

• Region-specific hikes and trails

• Informal, recurring group walks

• Local knowledge and recommendations

Reddit & Discord

Reddit and Discord work well as discovery and conversation spaces, especially for niche outdoor interests. City-based subreddits often share upcoming hikes or ask for walking buddies, while Discord servers allow people to build rapport before meeting.

They’re best used as a starting point and not the end goal for real-life connection.

How to Actually Turn These Platforms Into Real Outdoor Friends

Finding platforms is only step one. What makes the difference is how you use them.

Start by choosing activities you genuinely enjoy rather than forcing yourself into something trendy. Showing up consistently matters more than being outgoing, outdoor friendships are built through repetition. It also helps to start with low-pressure activities like short hikes or group walks before committing to full-day adventures.

If you’re interested in structured, interest-led connections, this approach aligns closely with How to Find Hobby Groups and Build Interest-Based Friendships in Australia.

Safety Tips When Meeting Outdoor Friends for the First Time

Outdoor meetups should feel enjoyable and safe:

• Choose public trails or popular locations

• Tell someone where you’re going

• Start with group settings

• Trust your instincts

For a deeper dive, How to Meet New People Safely in Real Life covers practical, real-world safety steps.

Why Outdoor Friendships Often Lead to Long-Term Connection

Shared movement, nature, and purpose create bonds faster than small talk ever could. Outdoor activities encourage presence, reduce social anxiety, and build trust naturally, which is why many people form lasting friendships this way.

If confidence is a concern, you might also find value in Breaking Social Barriers: Build Confidence Through New Activities.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Platform, Then Take the Step

There’s no single “best” website to find friends for outdoor activities, the right one depends on how you like to connect. Some people prefer large groups, others small meetups. Some want structure, others flexibility.

What matters most is moving from intention to action.

If you want a simple way to find people nearby who actually want to get outdoors, explore Bunchups and start building outdoor friendships that feel natural, safe, and enjoyable.