No matter how old we are, camping is always so much fun, and it’s made even better by playing camping games.
Try out our 20 favorite indoor and outdoor family camping games that are sure to give everyone a blast!
Whether it’s for the whole family or among grown-ups, these camping games will make one unforgettable trip. So, don’t miss out and start scrolling!
Fun Outdoor Camping Games for the Family
When the great outdoors is your playing space, the sky’s the limit.
With fresh air and huge space to run around, there are many family camping games you can play.
Not to mention, spending quality time with your kids doesn’t have to be dangerous when you’re outdoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, outdoor camping games pose less risk to COVID19.
1. Cornhole
Here’s one that doesn’t involve a lot of running and back pain.
Cornhole is a lawn game that everyone in the family can enjoy. Simply, grab a set or a bag with you and aim for the hole. Tally it up, and the first team to score 21 points wins the challenge. Easy peasy!
What we like about this American backyard classic is that you can play it individually by taking turns tossing or make it into a friendly competition by splitting into two teams.
It’s one of the best games for small campsites. Plus, it’s good for social distancing.
No. of Players
2 or 4 people in teams of 2, ages 4+
Things You’ll Need
- Cornhole bean bags
- Cornhole boards
OR you can buy them in sets. Backpack Cornhole Set and Portable Cornhole Set can easily be set up in any campsite and isn’t too bulky to bring with you on the road.
Hot Tip: If you’re not too keen on spending extra, you can always make your own DIY cornhole bag and board.
2. Horseshoes
Another great option for a socially distanced family camping game!
Like cornhole or any other tossing game, playing horseshoes is simple: THROW…AND WIN.
But, it’s not as easy as it looks. Getting a ringer or snagging the wooden pegs is difficult. Thanks, gravity.
If your family is competitive, horseshoes can turn into an addictive sport.
You can spend the entire afternoon and even deep into the night placing bets and playing it with a glow-in-the-dark set. Here’s how you can DIY spray paint them.
No. of Players
2 or 4 people in teams of 2, ages 4+
Things You’ll Need
- Plastic horseshoes
- Pegs
- Rubber mats
- Horseshoe set
3. Ring Toss
The same deal here, but you can always crank up a classic game of ring toss with rewards or better yet consequences. Losers will have to cook and clean up tonight’s dinner. Pretty brutal for a punishment, isn’t it?
It’s sure to keep the whole family entertained for hours.
No. of Players
2 or 4 players in teams of 2, ages 4+
Things You’ll Need
- 10 plastic rings
- 5 rope rings
- 5 pegs/ sturdy glass bottles
- standing base
- Portable Ring Toss Set (comes with a glow in the dark version)
4. Ladder Golf
Precision’s the name of the game.
Ladder golf is one of the family camping games favorites that tests how well your aim is. And, it’s more than JUST tossing.
In this game, you’ll need a good throw for the bolos or those tiny pingpong balls with long strings to wrap themselves around the ladder. If the bolo lands on the lower rungs, the higher the point.
Younger kids are sure to love it! Plus, it’s always fun to watch the bolos tangle themselves on the ladder rungs every single time.
No. of Players
2 or 4 players in teams of 2, ages 4+
Things You’ll Need
- 1 Ladder
- 6 Bolos (a bolo is just 2 golf balls attached by a cord)
- Ladder ball set
5. Bocce Ball
Imagine playing bowling, skee-ball, and billiards at the same time. That’s what bocce ball is.
Despite its funny name, it’s a fun game to play in the great outdoors―perfect for social distancing.
And, no, you don’t need anything fancy. Just ordinary bocce balls and plenty of space would do.
The goal of the game is to throw the bocce balls as close as possible to the jack or the target ball. Points are rewarded based on how close the balls are to the jack.
The first team to score 12 points wins the challenge.
No. of Players
2, 4, or 8 players in teams of 2, ages 4+
Things You’ll Need
- Multi-colored balls (1 color for each team)
- Small ball as jack
- Lightweight Bocce Ball Set
6. Scavenger Hunt
A family camping trip would not be complete without a proper scavenger hunt.
For many of us, scavenger hunts scream of only the wildest and greatest outdoor adventures. And, good news: kids think so too!
It’s the best way for everyone in the family to enjoy nature and discover how big the world really is.
Scavenger hunts can be played in many ways, but first, you’ll want to make a search list for EVERYTHING, from plants, to the kinds of trees, shrubs, leaves, bugs, birds, flower, and to pebbles―all sorts of things that can be found in where you’re headed.
After, you can pair off the younger ones with the older kids and send them on their way.
Here’s an idea.
To put a twist to the classic camping game, you can have them bring a disposable camera to take pictures of the items on the list. This is a great way to collect and keep memories.
Or, use rhymes and riddles as clever clues for each location.
WARNING: Make sure to seal off the play area to avoid any accidents and have one person patrol the place for any signs of danger.
Need more ideas? We’ve got two!
No. of Players
Large groups divided into pairs or groups of threes, ages 4+
Things You’ll Need
- Search item checklist
- Disposable camera
7. Capture the Flag
It’s time to get physical.
If you’re a family who loves action and strategy, then capture the flag is the perfect camping game to play.
The goal is simple: to capture the flag.
Each team hides their flag in their territory and does their best to protect it.
During the game, other players or members of the team can be “jailed” as they brave into the opposing team’s territory.
Many strategies such as water balloons and nerf guns can be used to distract each other. The game will only end once a team is able to capture the enemy’s flag.
It’s an easy game that works best for larger groups with older kids. Give this one a shot!
No. of Players
10-12 players in 2 teams, ages 7+
Things You’ll Need
- 2 sets of flags
- arm bands in the 2 colors (you can use glow sticks, bandannas, socks, and even old T-shirts)
- First-aid kit
- Water bottles (to keep hydrated)
- Lots of energy
8. Water Balloon
Beat the heat with an exciting game of water balloon fight!
There are several ways you can go about it: either split yourselves into two teams or every man for himself. Nothing is as fun as having to soak your fellow campers with water. (Cue evil laugh)
It’s perfect for any age group and everyone’s bound to get pumped up for summer!
Now, if you don’t want to get too wet, you can also have a relay race instead. Each player must run with the balloon and sit on it until it pops. The team that pops the most water balloons within the time limit wins.
So, better suit down and change into your favorite swim gear!
Water balloon fights are one for the books.
No. of Players
The more the merrier!
Players aged 6+
Things You’ll Need
- Water guns
- balloons
- lots of water!
- large playing area
9. Duck, Duck, Goose
A fun and easy camping game to play where you don’t have to bring anything else?
You got it right! Duck, duck, goose is the one for the job.
The game is fairly simple. All you need is a spare hankie and a large running space.
To play, you’ll have to choose one player to be the “it”. He or she will have the hankie, while everyone else sits in a big circle.
The goal of whoever is “it” is to get himself seated and look for a new victim.
The “it” should go around the circle, saying “duck, duck, goose.” Once goose, he or she must drop the hankie on other players’ head. The other player should try and chase the “it” before he or she can take the other player’s empty seat.
If the player fails, he or she is now the new “it.”
Pretty fun, right?
A good game of duck, duck, goose is sure to let everyone feel relaxed while camping.
No. of Players
5 or more players, ages 5+
Things You’ll Need
- Handkerchief
- Lots of space!
10. Big Ball Pass On
You’ll really love this family camping game if you’re into teamwork and sportsmanship.
Big ball pass on takes inspiration from the famous Japanese sports festival (undokai). Like capture the flag, it needs to be played with stamina and strategy.
And, you’ll have to do lots of running (if you’re the parent, please take care of your knees).
Before you can play the game, you’ll have to prepare a few things:
- Divide into 2 teams
- Using a masking tape, mark each team’s territory from opposite sides. This will serve as the stand.
- Pump air into the giant inflatable ball
- Prepare everyone’s armbands, so it’s easy to tell teams apart.
The aim of big ball pass on is to keep the huge ball in the air as each team coaxes it along their line and into their opponent’s stand before the other team does.
The more points settle a winner.
WARNING: Be careful when playing. Try not to get too excited and push other players. Remember social distancing should still be practiced.
No. of Players
12 players or more split into 2 teams, ages 6+
Things You’ll Need
- Giant inflatable ball
- Portable air pump
- Masking tape
- Armbands (just use hankies or an old T-shirt)
- First-aid kit
- Hand sanitizers ready
11. Sleeping Bag Race
For kids to enjoy camping, try out a sleeping bag race. It’s always fun when the whole family plays camping games together.
If you have spare sleeping bags, you can double it up as a potato sack to set up a race.
No. of Players
2-4 players, ages 3+
Things You’ll Need
- Extra sleeping bags
- First-aid kit
12. Flashlight Tag
When the sun goes down, it’s time to bring out the flashlight and play a good game of tag.
There isn’t much difference between flashlight tag and hide and seek, except that you play in the dark. Whoever is “it” will have to try to spot the others in hiding by using the flashlight.
To make sure everyone is safe, parents or adults should patrol the play area.
No. of Players
3 or more players
Things You’ll Need
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
Fun Indoor Camping Games for the Family
We’re a firm believer of making the most out of every camping trip. Even when you’re inside the tent or your RV, who’s to say that you can’t have a good time?
1. Card Game
For those rainy days or sleepy nights, card games are the perfect entertainment. It’s just what you’ll need after a long day out.
Not to mention, card games help boost your child’s memory and brain development.
Here are some of our favorite card games to play and to unwind.
Best Card Games
- Uno
- Tic-tac-toe (you can place hula hoops on the ground instead of using X and O markers)
- Go Fish
- Cards Against Humanity (for teens & older kids)
- Mad Libs
- Exploding Kittens
- Matching Pairs
- Monopoly Deal Card Game
- Spoons
- Sushi Go!
- One Night Ultimate Werewolf
2. Board Game
Board games are a classic family tradition that you can bring with you everywhere. No one is ever too old for a board game. It’s a great way to spend quality time together even on a rainy day.
If you’re looking for fun games to play, here are our favorite board games.
Best Board Games
- Camping bingo
- Monopoly
- Glow in the dark Jenga (warning: might be a little messy, but if you don’t mind, it’s always a fun game)
- Pictionary
- Snakes & Ladders
- Bananagrams
- Game of Life
- Telestrations
3. Charades
There’s nothing funnier than having to act out a certain word and have everyone guess it. Charades will always be a party slash camping game classic.
To play, you can write down names of people, movies, places, animals, celebrities, Netflix TV shows, and even your favorite catch phrases. Make it as difficult as you can!
Or, you can opt to download a mobile application for charades. Heads Up! offers many choices across many genres and titles to select and play with. It even comes with an automatic timer!
No. of Players
The more the merrier!
Things You’ll Need
- Pen
- Paper
- Timer
- Phone/ Tablet
4. Cup Stacking
If you have disposable cups lying around you, try a cup stacking contest to see who can stack and unstack towers the fastest. We’ve seen this one on TV and tried it out ourselves!
Simply, lay out the cups on a flat surface such as your camper’s pull out dining table or picnic table, and time them!
The first person to finish wins and gets a prize.
It’s so much fun and one of the best family camping games to play when you want to pass the time.
No. of Players
2 or more players
Things You’ll Need
- 9-12 Disposable cups for each team
- Or Speed Stacks
5. Wink Murderer
In this game, there’s a secret “killer” among the group and the players must correctly guess who it is…before everyone is eliminated.
To kill, the “murderer” winks at the person, and the person should “die” in a humorous way like falling on the floor or yelling “I’M DEAD” at the top of their lungs.
Once dead, they can’t reveal who the murderer or killer is until the game ends, however, they can give out clues to help or mislead the remaining players, whichever side they’re on.
It’s a great mystery camping game to play after hours and the best part is you don’t need any props―just a good hunch.
No. of Players
6 or more players
Things You’ll Need
- NONE
Best Camping Games for Adults
When the kids are asleep, it’s time for the adults to come out and play.
Because camping is for everyone, here are 3 great games for the grown-ups for those lazy late nights.
1. Two Truths One Lie
This will test your friendship.
In this game, you have to tell two truths and a lie about yourself. The crowned winner is the first person who correctly guesses which ones are true and which one is the lie.
No. of Players
2 or more players
Things You’ll Need
- NONE
2. Dissing Game
Have you been itching to take a jab at your friend?
Good news! You can in this hilarious game.
The dissing game is the perfect excuse to say everything you’ve been meaning to say.
To play, you just need nerves of steel! Have everyone sit in a circle, and take turns insulting each other. If he or she laughs or can’t say anything else, they lose. It’s a fun game to play in your free time.
Whenever we played this back in the day, we’re always surprised at our friends’ dumbfounded answers.
No. of Players
The more the merrier!
Things You’ll Need
- NONE (just a heart of stone)
3. Five Best
Challenge each other’s knowledge with five best.
One person begins by naming a category and everyone in the group has to name five at once WITHIN 3 seconds. If the person cannot finish their list of 5, he or she is the loser.
And, we all don’t want to be the losers, don’t we?
This game is 10 times funnier with some drinks in hand.
No. of Players
3 or more
Things You’ll Need
- None
What Are Other Fun Family Activities We Can Do While Camping?
Now that you made it through our list of best camping games, here are other fun-filled activities you can do while out for the summer.
- Storytelling: Spooky ghost stories always make its way in campfires and turn the campsite into a lively one (or deadly as ghosts would say)
- Stargazing: See the sky at its best.
- S’mores: Another one that’s on our list of camping activity essentials are s’mores over campfires.
- Hiking: Don’t forget to enjoy the view with a little hike.
- I-spy: When you’re on the road, a little game of I-spy keeps your child entertained for hours.
- Time Capsule: For an unforgettable trip that you can look back on years later, try burying a time capsule filled with this summer’s memories.
How About Sports?
Absolutely.
Besides bocce ball and cornhole (which are considered sports, btw), you can also play these as fun camping games:
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Frisbee
- Biking
If you don’t mind sweating a lot and bringing a couple of equipment, then try out sports as outdoor games on your next trip.
Wrapping Up
Camping games are a great way to spend time with your family and get to know friends better.
On your next camping trip, don’t forget your mask and have a great time. Happy camping, folks!
