Methods and apparatus to adaptively manage data collection devices in distributed computing systems are disclosed. Example disclosed methods involve instructing a first data collection device to operate according to a first rule. The example first rule specifies a first operating mode and defining a first event of interest. Example disclosed methods also involve obtaining first data from the first data collection device while operating according to the first rule. Example disclosed methods also involve, in response to determining that the first event of interest has occurred based on the first data, providing a second rule based on the first data to the first data collection device, and providing a third rule to a second data collection device. The example second rule specifies a second operating mode and defines a second event of interest, and the examples third rule specifies a third operating mode.