There’s something magical about unplugging from the digital world and reconnecting with nature (and each other) around a campsite. But let’s be honest: after you’ve hiked the trails, set up camp, and roasted those marshmallows to golden perfection, there comes that wonderful moment of “now what?”
That’s where camping games can help transform an ordinary outdoor trip into an epic adventure filled with laughter, friendly competition, and memories that last far longer than your sunburn. So grab your sense of adventure, and let’s explore the 25 best games to pack for your next getaway!
Active Outdoor Yard Games For Extra Fun in the Sun
1. Cornhole: The Unofficial Camping Championship
Cornhole isn’t just a game; it’s practically a camping institution. Those angled wooden boards and bean bags have sparked more friendly rivalries than the perennial argument over how to properly roast a marshmallow. The beauty of cornhole lies in its accessibility: anyone from energetic seven-year-olds to grandparents can participate!
Why it works for camping: Modern camping-specific cornhole sets come with collapsible or foldable boards, making them surprisingly packable even for smaller vehicles. The bean bags are durable enough to withstand dirt, grass, and the occasional accidental drop into the campfire (though we don’t recommend testing this feature).
Pro tip: Create a tournament bracket for your campground. You’d be amazed how quickly neighboring campers might join in! For nighttime play, invest in glow-in-the-dark bean bags or attach small LED lights to your boards.
2. Ladder Toss: Perfect for Uneven Terrain
This game of tossing bolas (two balls connected by rope) onto a three-rung ladder offers the perfect balance of skill and luck. Each rung represents different point values, making strategic throws part of the fun.
Why it works for camping: Unlike some yard games that require perfectly level ground, ladder toss can be set up on slightly uneven terrain without affecting gameplay too drastically. The components break down easily and take up minimal space in storage bins.
Pro tip: Create “hazards” by placing your ladder near trees or other natural features to increase the challenge level. Regular players often develop special throws, such as side-arm slings, underhand lobs, or even dramatic over-the-shoulder tosses, adding personality to every match.
3. Spikeball: For High-Energy Campers
If your camping crew includes active teens and adults, Spikeball delivers non-stop action. This volleyball-meets-four-square game centers around a circular net positioned just inches above the ground. Teams of two hit a small ball onto the net, sending it bouncing in unpredictable directions that opponents must return.
Why it works for camping: The circular net breaks down into pieces that fit into a surprisingly small bag, and the game requires minimal setup. It creates a 360-degree play area, meaning you don’t need a designated court or boundaries.
Pro tip: Spikeball on sand is a completely different experience from playing on grass – beach campers are in for a special treat! And remember to pack an extra ball in case it strays into dense underbrush or down a steep embankment.
4. Kan Jam: Frisbee with a Twist
Kan Jam elevates the humble Frisbee toss to new heights. Teams of two work together, with one person throwing the disc toward a barrel-shaped target while their partner tries to deflect it in for additional points.
Why it works for camping: The plastic “kans” are lightweight and nest inside each other for easy transport. Setup takes seconds, and the game is infinitely replayable with the right competitive spirit.
Pro tip: Position your KanJam setup with the sun at players’ sides rather than in their eyes. For multi-day camping trips, organize an ongoing tournament with a simple bracket system where winners advance and ultimately claim camping bragging rights for the year.
5. Bocce Ball: Classy Competition
There’s something timeless and sophisticated about breaking out a set of bocce balls at your campsite. While the object is simple – get your balls closer to the small target ball (pallino) than your opponent’s – the strategy runs deep.
Why it works for camping: Bocce adapts to whatever terrain you’re camping on. Play in grassy areas for a traditional experience or try “extreme bocce” with hills, trees, and natural obstacles creating unique challenges. Most sets come in carrying cases that keep everything organized.
Pro tip: If you’re camping in an area with varied terrain, create a “bocce golf” course around your campsite, with different starting positions and targets for each “hole.” This turns a simple game into an adventure that might take you to parts of the campground you otherwise wouldn’t explore.
6. Capture the Flag: Classic Campground Warfare
Sometimes the best games require little more than a few markers and your imagination. Capture the Flag divides players into teams attempting to steal each other’s “flag” while defending their own territory. It’s the perfect way to explore the campground while engaging in friendly competition.
Why it works for camping: The only equipment required is something to serve as flags and boundary markers, and the game scales easily from intimate family play to massive group involvement.
Pro tip: When playing after sunset, use glow sticks as flags and boundary markers, with players wearing glow necklaces to identify team membership!
7. Horseshoes: The Time-Honored Tradition
Few sounds evoke camping nostalgia like the distinctive “clang” of a horseshoe meeting a stake. This classic game requires players to toss metal horseshoes at a stake in the ground, with points awarded for proximity and more points for actually ringing the stake.
Why it works for camping: Many campgrounds already have horseshoe pits installed, saving you the trouble of bringing equipment. If not, portable sets are readily available.
Pro tip: Real metal horseshoes can be heavy and potentially dangerous around small children. Rubber or plastic versions offer safer alternatives that still provide authentic gameplay and won’t dent your RV floor when packed away.
8. Ring Toss: Simple Yet Addictive
The humble ring toss game converts even the most gaming-averse campers into competitive spirits. With a base featuring pegs of different heights and point values, players try to land their rings for maximum scores.
Why it works for camping: Compact, lightweight sets take up minimal packing space but deliver maximum entertainment. Some versions come with glow-in-the-dark features for nighttime play.
Pro tip: To level the playing field for mixed-age groups, adjust the throwing distances by letting smaller children stand closer while challenging adults to make their tosses from farther away.
9. Jenga or Giant Jenga: Tension and Timber
There’s something universally satisfying about the dramatic crash when a towering Jenga stack finally topples. The tabletop or even better yet the oversized version designed for outdoor play really amplifies the excitement, creating a spectacle that often draws neighboring campers to watch!
Why it works for camping: Jenga at the picnic table or Giant Jenga creates an instant gathering point at your campsite – plus, with the giant option, the blocks can double as impromptu seating for small children around the campfire when not in use.
Pro tip: Write camping challenges, questions, or dares on the blocks with a permanent marker to create a combination game that encourages conversation! “Tell your favorite camping memory,” “Sing your campfire song,” or “Show us your best animal impression” turns a simple block-stacking game into a relationship-building experience.
10. Tug of War: Primal Competition
Sometimes the simplest games deliver the most laughs. With nothing more than a sturdy rope and a line drawn in the dirt, you can create an epic battle of strength and strategy that gets everyone involved.
Why it works for camping: The equipment requirements couldn’t be simpler; just a rope with a center marker. It packs small but delivers big on physical activity and team bonding.
Pro tip: For added challenge on hot days, position the center marker over a kiddie pool or natural water feature so that the losing team gets a refreshing (if unexpected) splash!
11. Kickball: The All-American Campground Game
If your campsite is near a field or large open space, kickball can provide the perfect balance of structure and spontaneity. This baseball-inspired game replaces bats with feet and can be enjoyed by players of all athletic abilities.
Why it works for camping: All you need is a rubber ball and something to serve as base markers. The rules are simple enough that new players can join mid-game.
Pro tip: Incorporate natural features into your field design! For example, make that large boulder third base or use the edge of the campground loop as your home run line.
12. Scavenger Hunt: Adventure with Purpose
Transform your camping area into an exploration zone with a well-designed scavenger hunt. Unlike most games on this list, a scavenger hunt actively encourages players to discover the natural beauty and hidden treasures of your camping environment.
Why it works for camping: Scavenger hunts combine gaming with education, getting everyone to observe their surroundings more closely. All that’s required is a checklist and perhaps small prizes for completion.
Pro tip: Create tiered challenges based on difficulty. Simple items like “find a pinecone” work for younger participants, while older players might search for more specific items like “locate three different types of tree bark” or “find evidence of wildlife without disturbing habitats.” Encourage contestants to snap photos with their phone, rather than collecting things, for leave-no-trace gaming.
Tabletop Games: For Rainy Days and Cozy Evenings
13. Uno: The Universal Card Game
Few games match Uno for accessibility and excitement! This color-matching card game with its special action cards creates dramatic reversals of fortune that keep everyone engaged.
Why it works for camping: Uno playing cards are surprisingly durable against moisture and dirt. Plus, gameplay is intuitive enough that new players can join with minimal explanation.
Pro tip: Invest in a waterproof version of the Uno deck, which can withstand condensation on tables, light rain, and even the occasional spilled drink without being ruined. Consider attaching clip-on LED lights to visors or hats for best card viewing during late-night games.
14. Phase 10: Strategic Satisfaction
This rummy-style card game challenges players to complete 10 specific phases in sequence, from collecting runs to specific card combinations. The progressive nature creates a satisfying journey from beginning to end.
Why it works for camping: Phase 10 offers more strategic depth than Uno while remaining accessible for older children and adults. It’s perfect for longer evenings around the lantern when you want a game with staying power!
Pro tip: As an alternative, there’s an official Phase 10 dice game that provides a similar experience; the dice are impervious to moisture and can’t blow away in a sudden breeze like cards might.
15. Yahtzee: Dice Decisions
Yahtzee’s combination of luck and decision-making creates the perfect camping game tension! Rolling five dice and strategically allocating your results into different scoring categories leads to tough choices and celebrated victories.
Why it works for camping: Travel versions come with convenient rolling cups that keep dice contained even on uneven picnic tables. All you need beyond that is the scorepad and pencils!
Pro tip: Magnetic travel versions keep tiny dice from disappearing. For extended trips, reduce your environmental impact by laminating a few score sheets and bringing dry-erase markers to make them reusable.
16. Dominoes: Versatile Fun
Whether playing traditional matching games or the popular Mexican Train variation, dominoes provide versatile entertainment that scales well to different group sizes and ages. The satisfying clack of placing tiles adds a fun tactile element, whether you’re playing indoors or out!
Why it works for camping: The tiles are substantial enough not to blow away in light breezes, and they’re generally moisture-resistant.
Pro tip: Double-12 or double-15 sets offer extended gameplay for larger groups but take up more space. For most of us, a double-9 set hits the sweet spot between variety and packability.
17. Spot It!: Fast-Paced Perception
This deceptively simple pattern-recognition game always includes exactly one matching symbol between any two cards. The race to spot and call out matches creates frenetic energy even in an otherwise tranquil camp setting!
Why it works for camping: The round tin container that the game comes in protects the cards and takes up minimal space. Games last only minutes, so they are perfect fillers while waiting for dinner to cook or as quick entertainment before bed.
Pro tip: Spot It! comes in various themed editions. Look for the camping and wildlife versions to add some extra fun to your outdoor adventures.
18. Exploding Kittens: Quirky Card Strategy
This wildly popular card game combines strategic play with unpredictable outcomes and hilarious illustrations. Players draw cards, hoping to avoid the exploding kitten that eliminates them from the round.
Why it works for camping: Quick gameplay (about 15 minutes per round) makes it perfect for fitting in between other camping activities. The humor appeals across generations, though it’s best for ages 7 and up.
Pro tip: The waterproof “Imploding Kittens” expansion set not only adds new cards but comes in a floating box, making it perfect for lakeside camping where accidents happen!
19. Left Center Right (LCR): Simple Dice Luck
This lightning-fast dice game involves passing chips around based on dice rolls until one lucky player holds all the chips. Since there’s no skill involved – just pure luck! – LCR is perfect when you have players of all ages and skill levels.
Why it works for camping: The entire game consists of three specialized dice and chips (or coins), so it takes up virtually no packing space. Games typically last under 10 minutes, so it’s ideal for filling short breaks.
Pro tip: Use quarters as chips to add a small gambling element for adult groups (where legal), or chocolate coins for kids to create edible stakes!
20. Sushi Go!: Adorable Strategy
In this cute game, players collect sushi-themed sets of cards to create the perfect meal combination. Its pass-and-play mechanism keeps everyone involved throughout!
Why it works for camping: The tin container protects cards from light moisture and takes up minimal space. The quick play time (about 15 minutes) works well for camping attention spans.
Pro tip: Remove the cards from the tin before opening in windy conditions to avoid them flying across your campsite and creating an unexpected side game of “52-card pickup”!
21. Bananagrams: Wordplay Without the Board
This fast-paced word game eliminates the board from Scrabble-type gameplay, with players racing to create their own interconnected word grids using letter tiles.
Why it works for camping: Scaling easily from 2 to 8 players, Bananagrams comes in a banana-shaped zippered pouch that’s perfectly portable and protects the tiles from the elements.
Pro tip: For camping-themed fun, create a house rule that words must relate to the outdoors, camping, or nature!
22. Qwirkle: Tactile Pattern Building
This award-winning tile game combines the pattern recognition of dominoes with strategic placement to create an experience that’s easy to learn but offers substantial depth. Visual thinkers will find it especially appealing.
Why it works for camping: The solid tiles withstand outdoor play better than cards, and the game can be paused and resumed if the weather changes or dinner calls!
Pro tip: Use a small tablecloth or blanket under your Qwirkle game to avoid tile-clacking sounds on hard picnic tables that might disturb neighboring campers during quiet hours.
Family-Focused Games: Bridging Generation Gaps
23. Charades: Equipment-Free Entertainment
When you want to travel ultra-light or find yourself with time on your hands but no games packed, charades requires nothing but your imagination and acting skills!
Why it works for camping: Charades is the ultimate backup game. It naturally encourages physical comedy that resonates well in a relaxed camping atmosphere.
Pro tip: Create camping-specific charade prompts on index cards, such as animals you might see, camping activities, and outdoor equipment. This thematic approach makes the game more relevant to your surroundings and accessible for younger players.
24. Would You Rather: Campfire Conversations
This question-based game presents players with often ridiculous choices between two scenarios, prompting laughter and revealing surprising things about player personalities!
Why it works for camping: Like charades, this game requires no equipment beyond your imagination. It’s perfect for lazy moments around the campfire when energy is low but spirits are high.
Pro tip: Use camping-specific questions for thematic fun, such as “Would you rather sleep in a tent during a thunderstorm or in an RV during a hailstorm?” or “Would you rather encounter a curious bear or an angry skunk?”
25. Nature Bingo: Observation Rewards
Create bingo cards featuring plants, animals, and natural features you might encounter at your specific camping destination. As players spot items, they mark their cards, racing toward the coveted “Bingo!” call.
Why it works for camping: Unlike most games that pull attention inward toward the players, Nature Bingo encourages everyone to observe and appreciate their surroundings more closely.
Pro tip: Laminate cards for reuse on future trips, or create digital versions that can be marked on phones if you’re not fully unplugging. To keep the game balanced for all ages, try to include some challenging items that require real observation skills alongside easier finds.
The best camping games create conversations, build relationships, and become part of your outdoor traditions. They transform downtime into peak experiences and often lead to the stories you’ll retell for years: “Remember when Dad fell backward into the lake during Giant Jenga?”
Pack thoughtfully, play enthusiastically, and remember that sometimes the most memorable camping games are the ones you invent on the spot, inspired by your unique surroundings and the special people sharing your adventure. Happy camping and even happier playing!
Leslie is a travel writer, copywriter, and web designer who gets butterflies from telling stories through words and visuals.
Her voice comes from a place filled with passion, dreams, and lots of sugar. “Cake over steak” is her go-to motto.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words, and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
