32 Camping Games For Families, Kids, Teens, & Adults

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From scavenger hunts to campfire charades, you'll never be bored with our curated list of camping games.

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Get your competitive juices flowing and assert your dominance over your family and friends by playing a few games on your next camping trip!

Whether you’re camping with kids, teens, or adults, there are plenty of fun camping games that everyone can enjoy.

My list of favorite games to play when camping includes all the classics plus a few creative options you won’t want to miss.

So, pitch your tent and let’s play some games!

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Camping Games For Families

The memories you and your family will make playing these games will last a lifetime! Keep in mind the goal is to have fun and to be safe!

cornhole is a good camping game for families

Cornhole

Cornhole is a classic camping game that everyone can enjoy. It’s a perfect activity to play with your friends, family or even strangers you meet at the campsite. All you need is some bean bags and two boards with holes in them which are set up about 20 feet apart.

The goal of the game is simple: throw the bean bag into the hole on the board across from you while standing on your side. I know of one family that hosts a family cornhole tournament each year on their annual camping trip and the winner gets a medal and everything! I love this portable cornhole set because it’s less bulky and easier to pack than the one we use in our backyard.

Three-Legged Race

The Three-Legged Race is another classic camping game. My family loves this game and no matter who wins, everyone always ends with giant smiles on their faces. All you need is a partner and a sack or bandana to tie your legs together. The goal of the game is to race against other teams while hopping on one leg with your partner. It’s all about teamwork and coordination! You can set up different race courses around the campsite or even play a relay where each member of the team gets a turn racing with their partner.

Tug of War

Tug of war is an awesome game to play when camping that will get the whole family involved in some friendly competition. Tug of war can be played with as many players as you want on each side, but it works best when there are even numbers on both teams. So, gather your crew and let the games begin!

Human Knot

One of the best camping games for all ages is called “Human Knot”. To play, everyone stands in a circle and holds hands with two other people who are not next to them. Then, without letting go, they have to untangle themselves until they form a circle again.

This game requires teamwork and communication, making it perfect for team building and group bonding activities. It’s also a great way to get some physical activity into your camping trip.

Water Balloon Dodgeball

Water Balloon Dodgeball is a fun camping game that never fails to be exciting for all ages. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you need to cool off while having fun with your family and friends. The game involves two teams throwing water balloons at each other, trying to hit their opponents without getting hit themselves.

To play Water Balloon Dodgeball, divide your group into two teams and set up a boundary line in between them. Each team should have an equal number of water balloons ready for use. When the game starts, both teams will try to throw the balloons at each other while dodging incoming ones from their opponents. If a player gets hit by a balloon, they’re out of the game until the next round starts.

Kubb

kubb camping game

Kubb is a traditional Swedish game that has become popular among campers in recent years. It is a strategic and challenging game that can be played on various surfaces, making it perfect for any camping trip. The game involves knocking over wooden blocks (kubbs) with batons, aiming to knock down the king block at the center of the field. This Kubb set for sale on Amazon comes with a nifty carrying case and all the instructions you’ll need.

Giant Jenga

My family takes this game very seriously and we play it all the time, both at home and when we go camping. The premise is simple; players take turns removing blocks from the tower and stacking them on top until someone topples it over. This game encourages teamwork as players work together to keep the tower standing while trying to make it challenging for their opponents.

Ladder Toss

Ladder Toss is another fun game to play on a camping trip that is easy to set up and can be played by all ages. All you need are two ladders and some bolas, which are basically golf balls attached to a string. The aim of the game is to throw your bolas onto the rungs of the ladder from a distance. I personally prefer Ladder Toss to cornhole and it’s also easier (and lighter) to pack.

Outdoor Checkers

I have always loved playing checkers with my family and friends, but playing it outdoors while camping takes the experience to a whole new level. Playing outdoor checkers is easy. All you need is a large board made from paper or cloth, and some rocks or pebbles as your pieces. You can even make the board yourself by drawing squares on the ground or using chalk on the pavement.

Charades

Charades is a classic game to play around a campfire that never gets old! Divide into teams or play as individuals, and take turns acting out phrases, songs, movies, or anything else that can be conveyed through gestures. The other players have to guess what you’re portraying before the timer runs out. It gets especially hilarious when people start getting creative with their interpretations!

One of the best things about charades is that it’s an inclusive game – anyone can join in on the fun regardless of age or physical ability. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with others at the campsite and get some laughs in while enjoying nature. Bonus points if you come up with themed rounds like “animals” or “camping activities”. Trust me – this game will keep everyone entertained for hours on end!

Camping Games For Kids

When it comes to kids and camping, having some fun games on hand is essential. From scavenger hunts to glow-in-the-dark ring toss, these fun and unique camping games for kids will keep your little ones entertained for hours.

camping games for kids

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep kids engaged and curious about their surroundings during camping trips. You can customize your scavenger hunt list based on the location, age range of the kids, and even include items found in nature. A scavenger hunt can also be a fun competition between families or groups of friends to see who can complete the list first.

To make it more exciting, you could hide clues around the campsite leading to various locations where they’ll find different things on their list. Alternatively, you could give them each a map with marked locations that they need to visit and check off as they find each item. Or, just get this set from Amazon and sit back and relax while your kids entertain themselves.

Nature Tic-Tac-Toe

Nature Tic-Tac-Toe is a fun and easy game that kids of all ages enjoy. To play this game, draw a large tic-tac-toe board on the ground using sticks or rocks. Then, instead of X’s and O’s, use natural objects such as acorns and leaves as markers. Players take turns placing their chosen object in a spot on the grid until one person gets three in a row.

Not only does Nature Tic-Tac-Toe provide entertainment for children, but it also encourages them to explore nature and learn about different plants and materials found within the campsite environment. It’s an excellent way to supplement activities like hiking or animal watching by making learning more interactive and engaging for young ones.

Kickball

Kickball is a classic game that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults during camping trips. All you need is a large open space, a rubber ball, and some friends to play with. The objective of the game is simple: kick the ball and run around the bases before getting tagged out by an opposing player. It’s similar to baseball but without all the complicated rules.

Telephone

Telephone is a classic game that’s easy to play and perfect for any camping trip. To start, everyone sits in a circle and one person whispers a message to the person next to them. The message is then passed from person to person until it gets back to the original speaker. The final message is usually hilarious and different from the original!

This game is great for all ages, but especially fun for kids who love silly secrets and giggles. It doesn’t require any materials or set up, making it perfect for playing around the campfire or during downtime at the campsite.

Cup Stacking

Cup Stacking is a fun camping game that kids of all ages love. It’s easy to set up and requires only a few materials, making it a great option for families on the go. The objective of the game is simple: players race against each other to stack cups in a particular pattern as quickly as possible.

You’ll need plastic cups and a flat surface such as a picnic table or bench. To begin, each player starts with their stack of cups upside down on one side of the table. Players then turn over their first cup and try to build pyramids by alternating between up/down orientations using several cups at once.

The winner is whoever finishes stacking all their cups in the correct order first, so be quick! 

Simon Says

Simon Says is a classic game that’s sure to bring some laughter and fun to any camping trip. It’s simple yet challenging, making it perfect for all ages. Players must follow the commands given by “Simon” only if he says “Simon Says.” If not, then they shouldn’t move or act at all. The catch is that Simon can try to trick people into doing something even when he doesn’t say “Simon Says.”

This game can be played anywhere – whether on a hiking trail or around the campfire. It’s quick and easy to set up, and everyone can join in on the action! Plus, since this game requires no equipment or materials, it’s an excellent option for those who want to have some fun without bringing anything extra.

Camping Bingo

Camping Bingo is a great addition to your family camping trip. It’s easy and fun for everyone to play, from the youngest to the oldest camper. The game encourages nature exploration while also pulling in some healthy competition, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

The game is simple, and all you need are bingo cards with different items commonly seen in the wilderness (like trees, bugs or animals) instead of numbers. When you see one of those items during your camping trip, mark it off on your card until someone gets a ‘bingo.’ You could even turn this into a learning experience by using educational cards featuring plants or wildlife specific to that area.

Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss

I absolutely love playing night games when camping, and one of my all-time favorites is Glow-In-The-Dark Ring Toss. It’s a simple game that involves throwing glow-in-the-dark rings onto pegs placed on the ground. You can buy pre-made sets or easily DIY your own by painting wooden dowels with glow-in-the-dark paint and using plastic rings from a dollar store.

Not only is this game loads of fun for kids and adults alike, it also adds an extra level of excitement to nighttime activities in the great outdoors. Plus, the glowing rings make it easier to see as you play under the stars. Give it a try at your next camping trip – I guarantee it’ll be a hit!

Just remember to turn off any lights around your campsite before playing so that the glow-in-the-dark paint really shines bright! And if you’re feeling competitive, keep score between teams or set up multiple stations for everyone to participate in at once.

Mad Libs

Mad Libs area a fun creative way to get people thinking outside the box and laughing together around the campfire. The best part about Mad Libs is that it requires very little preparation or equipment – all you need is some paper and pencils.

To play Mad Libs, one person fills in the blanks of a story with different types of words (such as adjectives, nouns, or verbs) without knowing what the story is about. Then everyone reads out loud the completed story with their funny word choices filling in each blank. It always leads to hilarious results!

Connect Four

Connect Four is a classic board game that is perfect for camping trips. It’s simple to play, yet provides hours of entertainment and competition for all ages.

One of the reasons why Connect Four is such a great addition to any camping trip is because it requires minimal setup and can be played almost anywhere. Whether you’re sitting around the campfire or lounging in your tent during bad weather, this game will keep everyone entertained.

Camping Games For Teens

Looking for games that will keep your teens entertained during camping trips? Look no further than our list of exciting options, which includes glow-in-the-dark night hikes and outdoor obstacle courses.

obstacle courses are good camping games for teens

Outdoor Obstacle Course

An outdoor obstacle course is a perfect way to add some excitement and challenge to your camping experience. It’s a great activity for teens who love adventure, but it can be just as enjoyable for adults as well. You can head out into the woods, find natural obstacles like logs or rocks, and use them in your course.

To make things even more fun, try challenging yourself or your friends with timed runs through the course. You’ll get exercise while enjoying the great outdoors at the same time.

Would You Rather

“Would You Rather” is a great camping game for teens and adults who love to think outside the box. The rules are simple: one person presents two options, and everyone else has to choose which they would rather do. This game can be tailored for any age group, making it perfect for family camping trips. Whether you’re trying to decide between jumping in a freezing lake or eating a handful of bugs, “Would You Rather” will provide hours of entertainment.

Glow In The Dark Hike

There’s nothing quite like a nighttime hike in the woods, especially one that involves glow-in-the-dark elements. If you’re looking for a fun and unique camping activity for your teenagers or young adults, consider planning a glow-in-the-dark night hike through the wilderness. Bring along some flashlights and headlamps to light up the trail, as well as some glowing sticks, bracelets or necklaces to add an extra element of fun.

Spikeball

Spikeball is a fun and energetic game that’s perfect for teenagers who love to spend their time outdoors. It’s similar to volleyball, but instead of hitting the ball over a net, you are hitting it onto a small trampoline-like surface on the ground. The aim of the game is to make sure your opponents can’t return the ball back onto the trampoline in three touches or less.

Capture The Flag

One of the games I used to play on every camping trip when I was in Boy Scouts is Capture The Flag. The game involves dividing players into two teams, each with a flag placed on opposite ends of the playing field. The objective of the game is to successfully “capture” your opponent’s flag and bring it back to your side without getting caught by the other team members. With plenty of running, hiding, and strategic planning involved, this game is both competitive and hours of fun.

Monopoly National Parks Edition

Monopoly National Parks Edition is a great addition to your camping game collection. This outdoor-themed board game offers players the chance to explore some of America’s most famous national parks while buying, selling and trading properties. It’s a fun way for families and friends to learn about the history and features of these natural wonders.

The Monopoly National Parks Edition is perfect for groups that enjoy playing board games after dinner or during rainy days inside tents. The game includes six collectible tokens modeled after iconic items from different national parks such as Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser, Yosemite’s Half Dome, and Acadia’s lighthouse. It’s also educational as it teaches players about American landmarks like Mount Rushmore National Memorial or Grand Canyon National Park while counting their money in each turn!

Camping Games For Adults & Couples

Fear not fellow adults, I didn’t forget about you! These are my favorite games to unwind with my friends.

cards is a great camping game for adults

Cards

It may not be fancy, but whether I’m car camping or on a backpacking trip, I also have a deck of cards with me. Cards offer and thy endless possibilities of entertainment, even when you’re stuck by yourself. I personally prefer class card games, but there are also plenty of newer options like Zombie Kittens.

Pro Tip: Get a waterproof deck of cards or else risk them getting ruined the first time it rains.

Settlers of Catan

Settlers of Catan is an award-winning board game that has gained a massive following, and with good reason. It’s easy to learn, but challenging enough to keep you entertained throughout your trip. The game revolves around building settlements, trading resources, and interacting with other players in order to gain victory points.

Apples To Apples

Apples to Apples is a perfect camping game for adults and couples who enjoy friendly competition. This popular card game involves players choosing the best “red apple” card from their hand of seven to match with the “green apple” word card drawn by the judge. The player whose red apple gets chosen as the best match wins that round. It’s a great way to get people laughing, thinking creatively, and bonding over funny connections.

Cards Against Humanity

If you’re looking for a game that’s not for the faint of heart, Cards Against Humanity is definitely one to consider. This adult-oriented party game is a hilarious and irreverent take on Apples to Apples. The rules are simple: each round, one player asks a question from a black card and everyone else answers with their funniest (and often raunchiest) white card.

Pro Tip: Do NOT play this game with anyone that you aren’t ready to say lewd things in front of. So, if this is the first time meeting your partner’s parents or anything like that…maybe skip this one.

Related: Ideas For Your Next Couples Camping Trip

Playing Cards Against Humanity at your next camping trip can be an excellent way to bond with friends or family members who share your sense of humor. Just keep in mind that this game is definitely not appropriate for young children—some of the cards can get pretty crude! Some people even choose to bring along “expansion packs” which include even more outrageous cards than the original pack.

Kan Jam Ultimate Disc Game

Kan Jam is a fun and exciting game that’s perfect for camping trips. It involves throwing a frisbee into a plastic can to score points, making it great for all ages. The best part? You can play it on sand, grass, or any other outdoor surface.

One of the reasons why Kan Jam is so popular among campers is because it’s incredibly easy to set up and doesn’t require much space. All you need are two cans and a frisbee, which can easily fit in your camping gear. Plus, the game promotes teamwork and friendly competition among players, making it an excellent activity for family bonding or team building exercises.

Frisbee Golf

Frisbee Golf is a popular camping game that combines the fun of throwing a frisbee with the strategy and skill of golf. Instead of hitting a ball into holes, players throw their frisbee towards targets, usually metal baskets or poles. The goal is to complete each hole in as few throws as possible.

To play Frisbee Golf while camping, you will need to bring your own frisbees, which are relatively lightweight and easy to pack. Many campgrounds have designated Frisbee Golf courses on site with marked tee-off areas and numbered baskets throughout the course. If there isn’t one available, you can also create your own course using natural landmarks like trees or rocks as targets.

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Thomas Coleman

Thomas is a lifelong camping, fishing, and outdoor enthusiast! He is proud to be an Eagle Scout and treasures every moment he gets to spend with mother nature. He has been camping in 14 states, 3 countries, and 2 continents. When not blogging about camping and the outdoors, he enjoys photography, playing guitar, and traveling with his wife.