We use our camping time to slow down. During regular (non-camping life) others dictate the schedule (job, kids, relatives, etc). When camping we are in control. We explore when we want to, we do a lot of reading and discuss our books between ourselves. We cook outdoors. The food prep and cooking takes a lot of time, and we enjoy it.
When we stay at one location for more than about 5-6 days, we usually leave the state park or where ever we are, and visit local towns, museums, roadside attractions, etc.
I was a forester and also spent a lot of time in the woods. There's a big difference between working in the woods and recreating in the woods for me.