35 Best Camping Games in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST CAMPING GAMES FOR YOUR TRAVELS?
You are in the right place because the 35 best camping games are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have played them all to bring you the best options, and they are all games we have loved over the years. We have taken these games with us in our RV since 2010 making sure we have games to keep our 3 kids and many visitors entertained.
We love camping games. They have a great ability to bring people together. Camping activities can help keep kids involved and excited about camping.
Many of our greatest memories growing up are playing camping board games or card games with our family. Your family will love playing games, and you should always keep some in the camper for great entertainment.
Even older kids who grumble about games or who would rather play on their phones will love to play these games with their families. We hope you enjoy these games as much as we do. You will always find our RV with at least five games in it, and they make for great RV gifts as well.
Camping Games: Card Games
Card games have been a camping favorite for many years for many families. The games have evolved over the years, with some classics still going strong. Below are some of the favorite card games we love to play when we are camping and when we visit with family and friends
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1. Uno Attack
Uno Attack is one of our favorite games to play. We have played this game on many camping trips. The kids love the suspense of not knowing how many cards they will get when it is their turn to draw.
Uno Attack is the same as the traditional Uno, but it adds a little extra excitement with the attack machine. Instead of just taking a card, you press a button that can give 0 to 10 cards at a time, and you don’t know what it will send out. This makes the game more exciting and adds a read great wrinkle to the Uno games many of us have played over the years.
If you like the game of Uno and want to try a version that is a little different and a lot of fun, the Uno Attack camping card game is awesome.
2. Phase 10
Phase 10 is a fun card game that has been around for a long time and is super fun for many different ages. The goal of the card game is to complete the 10 different phases. A phase means you complete the first task. The first task or phase is getting two sets of 3. The second phase is getting one set of 3 plus one run of 4.
The game goes on like this, doing different phases. The first person to complete the 10 phases wins the game. The game is super cheap and fun to play. If you are looking for great card games for camping Phase, 10 is a great game to play.
3. Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens has been our newest card game binge. We love the suspense of not knowing if you are going to draw the exploding kitten or something else.
The game is not too complicated, even though when you see the name Exploding Kittens, you think it could be hard to learn. Our kids loved playing it at the age of six.
The goal of the game is to not draw one of the exploding kitten cards. If you draw an exploding kitten card, you either have to play a defuse card, or it is game over for you. This suspense is something that gets very fun as you get down to the end of the game.
4. Taco vs Burrito
Taco vs Burrito is a silly game that throws in some unexpected cards that can put the game into havoc quickly. The goal is to fill your taco or burrito with different types of food. The person who has the most food or points in their taco or burrito at the end of the game wins.
Our twins played this game together for a month or more. It was very entertaining to hear all kinds of excitement at one moment that quickly can turn into agony if you draw the inspector removing all of your collected points.
Many of these new and different card games are great to play and are fun for the whole family.
5. Goat Lords
Goat Lords is probably one of the best camping games for kids who like to play cards. We were given this card game for Christmas one year by my sister, who thought it was funny because we used to have goats.
My first thought was that a game called Goat Lords could not be that good. However, after we played repeatedly, we quickly talked our family into purchasing it also because all the kids were wanting to play with it.
The goal of the game is to build the largest goat herd with different goats worth different points. The game gets fun when you start stealing goats from other players in an effort to increase your got herd. If you want a wacky, fun, and different type of card game, this is a lot of fun!
6. Go Fish
Go Fish is one of the best camping card games for kids. It is very easy to play and is a fantastic way to teach younger kids how to play card games. The kids will enjoy trying to get different matches.
This was our kid’s first card game, and they loved playing it. They would play it with each other all the time and would often want to play with us.
Go Fish can come in many different styles and sizes because it is such an easy and common card game you can play. We have played it with your traditional cards, large flower cards, and other random cards we have collected over the years.
If you are looking for something to play together as a family and you have younger children, then this is the perfect game. Our three-year-old is currently obsessed with Go Fish.
7. Spoons
Spoons is the best camping game and is the game we have played the most because we used to play this game all the time when we were younger. We would play it when we were camping and when we got together with friends. The game can get really exciting and a little crazy at times. The best way to be played is with adults or kids of similar ages.
If you have younger kids playing, they can go a little slow, which slows the game down tremendously and plays a significant factor in how the game is played. To play spoons, you will just need a deck of cards and some spoons from around your house or camper.
If you have never played spoons are you have not played spoons in a while, this video gives a great overview of how to play the game.
8. Apples to Apples
If you are looking for a hilarious and light-hearted card game while camping, you need to check out Apples to Apples. This game is so fun and can be played in multiple different ways. The designed play is to go fast, but if you mix it up and let everyone play a card, it is also fun
We have added a great video to show how to play the game for those who have not played it or want to check if the intended gameplay is different from what your family currently plays.
9. Toasted or Roasted
Toasted or Roasted is a campfire game uniquely patterned after the popular camping activity of roasting smores over an open fire. In the game of Toasted or Roasted, you will try to create the perfect fire-roasted marshmallow while your opponents will try to put out your fire or burn your marshmallow.
You will enjoy the irony of playing a marshmallow game while cooking your favorite treat over the campfire.
Camping Games: Board Games
If you are a fan of camping board games, then you should always have a few on hand while camping. Those late nights are great when your family can get together and enjoy a little healthy competition. Below are some great board games for camping.
10. Jenga
Jenga is a super fun game that can be played indoors or outdoors. The blocks are very durable and don’t break easily, making them a great game to keep handy in an RV or camp trailer.
When playing Jenga while camping, you will want to make sure you are using a good solid surface when you play, or your blocks might accidentally get knocked over. You can consider bringing along a foldable table, one of our favorite RV kitchen accessories, to give you a good place to play.
11. Sorry
Sorry is one of the fun camping games for kids because it is so easy for them to play. Young kids can play it, and it is not very complicated to learn. Our twin girls love to play Sorry.
The only problem is when they play with Coltin, their goal changes from trying to win the game to trying to do everything they can to make sure he loses.
12. Yahtzee
Yahtzee is a popular game that has been around since 1956. Families have been enjoying Yahtzee for a very long time, and there is a good chance it will be around for a lot longer because of how fun it is to play.
If you have younger kids, you can put them on the same team as the adults and let the younger kids roll the dice while the adults keep score. The kids love to roll the dice.
13. Monopoly National Parks Edition or Monopoly Junior
Monopoly is a family favorite board game, and because there are so many types of monopoly games, you should definitely go with the National Parks Editon of Monopoly while camping. There is something that makes Monoply extra fun when you can buy your favorite national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or Zion.
If you’re playing with kids under seven or eight, Monopoly Junior is also something to consider. Our twins, who are seven, have loved playing Monopoly Kids over the last year or so. They are getting to where they can play the full-size edition but still need help with some reading and counting the larger bills of money.
14. Battleship
The great thing about Battleship is it comes with these great plastic holders that help keep all your pieces together. Battleship is another iconic game that has been around for a while. There is a good chance you have some pieces floating around in your attic because you would play it when you were younger.
We would highly recommend keeping some of your favorite games in your camper and just leaving them there, so they are always ready when you go on a trip. There are some things that you always want to have camping, but they tend to get left unless you keep them in your RV. Board games are definitely something we try to keep around, so they are there when we want to play.
15. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is an incredibly popular board game that has been around since 2004. It has won multiple awards, including the coveted Spiel des Jahres Award for Game of the Year in 2004. The object of the game is to build a railroad network across the United States from coast to coast.
You can also build lines connecting major cities and landmarks. This is especially fun to bring along on a road trip because you can built a line to go along your road trip route through cities like Salt Lake City, San Francisco, New York, or Washington DC.
Ticket to Ride is one of Candice’s favorite games. She loves to win in general, but for some reason, she takes more joy in winning Ticket to Ride than in many of the other games we play.
This game can be played with only a few players, but the strategy and how it is played feels considerably different when you have a good handful of playing at one time.
16. Sequence
Sequence is one of Coltin’s favorite games when camping but also in general. The game does not take too long, so it is good if you have a time limit. It is not too complicated, but you need to pay close attention to the moves each player makes and their possible upcoming moves, so the strategy is important.
Some games like Monopoly are really fun, but because of how long they can take to play, you can get bored of it when it feels like it is dragging on.
If you feel this when playing board games, you should give Sequence a try. It will keep you engaged and is not a game that is going to take a long time to complete. Often when we play this game, we play a best-out-of-three format.
If you’re going to be playing with younger kids who have a hard time identifying face cards, you should get Sequence for Kids instead. My older kids absolutely love playing this game!
Camping Games: Outdoors
Outdoor camping games are super fun, but you do need to keep in mind that they can take up a little more space in your Recreational Vehicle than many other games. However, the nice thing is they are playing outside.
This keeps you from taking up all the room in your camper, making room for those who just want to sit and chat or cook food. If you’re looking for more ideas for outside games, check out our guide about the best outdoor games for families.
17. Cornhole
Cornhole is a fun game that can be played in a competitive format, on teams, or it is just fun to throw the bean bags around and try to get them into the Cornhole board holes. All of our kids, even the 3-year-old, love playing this game.
The Cornhole games all are the same, but the designs can all be different on them. We have friends who make and sell cornhole sets with different logos or any design you would ever want on them.
If you are looking for specific designs for sports teams or even plain ones, you can decorate yourself. Amazon is a great place to look.
18. Outdoor Checkers
Outdoor Checkers is great to take camping because the game board is not made out of cardboard, but the board is made of fabric, making it much easier to store and more durable for use outdoors or indoors where there might be lots of traffic.
However, if you want to use it indoors, do keep in mind that the outdoor setup is larger than your typical Checkers setup.
19. Frisbee
Frisbee is just an all-around fun activity to do anywhere. You can play on the beach, you can play while boondocking, you can play in the forest or anywhere else you might have a large open area. A frisbee is easy to store and takes up little to no space, making it a fantastic game to have while camping.
It is also great because it is something you can play with a large number of players or just a few.
20. Ladder Ball
If you have never played Ladder Toss, you will enjoy playing this simple and competitive game with everyone. This is an easy-to-learn game that can be played by kids of all ages and adults.
To play ladder toss, you will use a set of ladders and two balls tied together with rope. You then take turns tossing the balls at the ladders trying to hit them or get them around the rungs. The game ends when someone has scored an agreed-upon number of points.
This is one of the best outdoor games for families because it can be played indoors or outdoors, and the rules are easy to learn. Everyone can get in on the fun!
If you don’t want to purchase the game, you can easily make one out of PVC pipe and golf balls, but for a fairly reasonable cost, it might be a better way to have Amazon ship it ready to go right to your front door. This is another great game to take camping or on vacation because it is very compact.
21. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is another classic game played outdoors and has been enjoyed by people of all ages for many years. The premise of the game is simple, you divide into teams and try to steal the opposing team’s flag while protecting your own. It is a fast-paced and engaging game that requires teamwork and strategy.
One of the best things about Capture the Flag is that it can be played almost anywhere. You simply need a large, open area with two clearly defined territories. It’s perfect for all ages and skill levels, making it great for family gatherings or neighborhood parties.
22. Water Balloon Toss
Water balloons are great anywhere as long as the weather is warm. You can take them to the lake or just play around your camp.
The new water balloons are also way easier to fill than the ones we used to make when we were little, and we had to fill each balloon one at a time. Now you can fill a bunch of balloons all at once right from your campsite.
One thing to keep in mind is that these balloons are made to be filled with a water spigot, so either you will need one where you are camping, or you will want to fill them before you go.
23. Lawn Jenga
Lawn Jenga, also known as Giant Jenga, is a hands-on tour through the fundamentals of statistics and probability. The process, simply enough, is to build a tower out of wooden blocks. You place one block on top of the tower and remove any other blocks from the tower without causing it to fall.
Your goal is to remove as many blocks as possible without making the tower fall over.
Giant Jenga is to be played outside. It comes with an easy-to-carry travel bag with handles and a sturdy wooden box that can be used as a table. The Giant Jenga set is made out of high-quality, weather-resistant wood that will last for many years of gameplay.
If you are looking for an engaging way to learn about statistics and probability, then the giant Jenga game is a perfect choice. This game can also be made out of 2×4 pieces or other similar pieces of wood.
24. Flashlight Tag
Looking for a fun and exciting game to play with your friends or family? Flashlight tag is the perfect option! This game is similar to regular tag, but players use flashlights instead of hands or other body parts to “tag” each other.
To play flashlight tag, you will need a group of people, some flashlights or small lamps, and a large, open space with plenty of room for players to move around. Simply divide the group into two teams, choose a “base” that each team must visit before they can be “tagged,” and start playing!
Whether you are looking for an indoor or outdoor game, flashlight tag is a perfect choice. So if you’re looking for a fun and exciting game to play with family or friends, be sure to check out flashlight tag!
25. Kubb Viking Clash
If you are looking for a game that combines strategy and skill, look no further than Kubb Viking Clash. This outdoor game can be played by people of all ages, and its simple design makes it easy to learn.
The object of the game is to knock down your opponent’s Kubb blocks using one or more of your own pieces.
Kubb is great for family gatherings, picnics in the park, camping, or even tailgates. It is easy to learn and provides hours of challenging fun for players of all skill levels.
This is one of the best games that you have not played. It is also one of the best outdoor camping games for families and one of our favorites.
26. Nature Tic-Tac-Toe
Nature Tic tac toe is a simple and easy concept that can be used to play tic tac toe outside without a pen and paper. All you need is some sticks and distinguishable different objects so each player knows where the other player has gone.
This is a good way to get your kids active games and outside without spending any money because they have to search for materials.
27. Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are great, and they will almost always be a favorite for younger kids. We have family that go to Lake Powell every year and rent a houseboat. One year they did a type of scavenger hunt for pirate treasure and their kids talked about for a long time to our kids, and it was the thing all the kids talked about for months.
For a long while all we heard about was how they found pirate treasure and what they found. For the rest of the trip the kids were super excited to explore and find new things.
28. Frisbee Golf
Frisbee golf or Frolfi is one of the fun backyard games and active outdoor games that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This versatile activity combines elements of traditional golf with the fun of tossing a Frisbee around in the great outdoors. You can find courses set up at parks and other outdoor spaces, or you could even make your own course in your backyard.
This kit allows you to set up a course anywhere you go. You will love the ability to make the game more or less challenging, making it great for people of all ages.
29. Kickball
Kickball is one of the classic lawn games that has been enjoyed by both children and adults for generations. The premise of the game is simple.
You kick a large ball with your feet and try to get it past the opposing team’s players. If you’re successful, your teammates get to run around the bases for points. It’s fast-paced, fun, and super easy game to learn.
One of the best things about kickball is that it requires very little equipment. You only need a large ball and safe boundary lines to play the game. It’s perfect for all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, campgrounds, or neighborhood parties.
30. Kan Jam
Kan Jam is a fun, fast-paced game that is perfect for families looking for an outdoor activity. Using the set of disks, you and your family can enjoy this competitive sport right in your own backyard, at your campsite while you make dinner on your small grill, or at the park.
Kan Jam is a game where each player tries to throw their disk into the other player’s goal. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game. If both players’ disks are in the goal at the same time, the point is counted as a draw, and neither player gets a point.
Campfire Camping Games
31. Would You Rather
Would You Rather is one of the classic campfire camping games that is perfect for both kids and adults. The game works by having each player take turns choosing between two silly or difficult scenarios, such as would you rather have to eat a worm every day for a year or never be able to go swimming ever again?
Players vote on which scenario they prefer and then get to choose a new scenario to ask their opponent.
There are some great books with great ideas on scenarios for this game that we highly recommend. Sometimes you think you can make them up on your own you can, but it is much harder than you think to come up with a bunch of scenarios on the spot.
This is also a great idea for road trip toys because you can play it while driving.
32. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is a fun game you can play when around the campfire while relaxing in your camp chairs. You can play it with a few people, or you can play it with large groups.
This is a great game to get to know people and where they come from. This is even a game people play at work to get to know their co-workers.
Two Truths and a lie is a great game to play while camping and can teach you a lot about your friends you camp with.
33. Telephone
Telephone is a fun game, but we prefer to play it with younger aged kids. Kids always seem to make this game super fun. We occasionally play this game at random times when all the kids are around.
They always get a giggle out of it, but it typically descends into a bit of chaos as the kids start to try and make up things. Either way, it is still fun to play occasionally.
34. Camp Talk
Camp Talk is a game that is portable and easy and essentially gives you different conversation starters. These can be great for families or friends because the questions Camp Talk asks are not questions or things you would typically ask or know about people.
This is a game that is cheap and worth keeping in your camp trailer.
35. Catch Phrase Game
Catch Phrase is another popular game while camping. It takes us very little space and can create a lot of buzz and can really lighten the mood for everyone.
It can be funny or serious for those super competitive gamers. The game is not ideal for little kids, and it is probably best for those who are 10 years old and older. Kids younger than 10 could probably play it, but it could slow it down and be a bit difficult for them.
FAQ: Camping Games
What games can you play when you’re camping?
There are lots of games you can play while camping. In reality, if you can play the game at home, you can play the game camping, but some games might be more common while camping. Some families have traditions as to the types of games they play while camping, and some try different games all the time.
Some great games to play while camping are card games like Go Fish, Phase 10, Spoons, or Bridge. If you like to play board games, some good ones are Checkers, Chess, Sorry, or Ticket to Ride. Check out our entire list of great camping games on our website.
How do I make my campsite fun?
A great way to make your campsite fun is by bringing games that you like or by trying new games occasionally. There are games you can play around the fire, like two truths and a lie. This is a fun game to get to know people.
If you don’t want to play games around the fire, play games outside like Kubb, and Giant Jenga. If you want board games, we have a great list to check out on our website. Another idea is if you’re camping with kids, be sure to add some RV awning lights.
What are some fun things to bring on a camping trip?
There are numerous fun games to bring on a camping trip. Some are traditional games, and others are newer games, but they are all fun. Try bringing a few of each. Some of our favorite games are Sequence, Ticket to Ride, Checkers, Chess, Apples to Apples, or if you want to try an outdoor game, try Kubb.
All of these are fun games, and we have many more ideas you can check out by reading our complete article.
Conclusion: Camping Games
There are so many fun camping games, and the best thing about them is they can be played repeatedly, and they are still fun. We love playing games around the campfire too!
Make sure you have a handful of games for your next camping trip, and if you have favorite camping games that we don’t have on our list, let us know because we are always looking for new games to try.
If you want to make up your own games, try bringing glow sticks on your family camping trip and just let everyone run around with them. There are endless possibilities, and games are an easy way to spend time with family members. Your entire family will love getting to spend time together.