13 Best Fun Games for Camping

While camping in itself is an extremely fun-filled activity, sometimes you need a little extra something to liven up the party. After all, you’re going from a life of Wi-Fi to a life with no Wi-Fi! So, when people begin talking about bedtime or boredom, it’s time to whip out these games. They not only spice things up but keep the party and laughter going all night. Whether it’s summer or winter camp, these fun games for camping, both board and outdoor games are a great way to get everyone involved. What’s more, these games are all extremely portable. Thus, you can simply throw them in your backpack and carry them along with you, and they won’t even occupy a lot of space.

With more and more people venturing into the outdoors, it’s becoming more difficult to fill those hours when you’re at camp. This is especially truer since you’re used to having nonstop Wi-fi to stay connected and keep your children entertained all the time. Hence, it’s time to think back to those days of yore when Wi-Fi was a myth and these simple card, board, and outdoor games kept us more than entertained and engaged with a group of family or friends. Because when you’re done, you’re surely not going to notice the absence of Wi-Fi! To that end, here are the 13 best fun card, board, and outdoor camping games.

Jenga National Parks Edition

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If you’re camping in or are obsessed with the Most Amazing National Parks On Earth, then one of the most fun games for camping is the Jenga National Parks Edition. This special edition of Jenga involves the same playing ritual – removing and restacking wooden blocks. However, the added twist is that every block has an interesting fact about one of America’s amazing national parks. So, if you’re looking for fun games for summer camp in the Channel Islands National Park, then this is it. This entertaining and easy game comes with a loading tray, instructions, and 54 hardwood national parks’ building blocks. This life-sized alternative to regular Jenga reaches as high as 2.5 feet and is a great party game for campground or RV camping.

Ideal for: Multiple players aged 6 years and above.

CornHole Pro Bag Toss Game by GoSports

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One of the most unique and fun board games for camping is CornHole Pro Bag Toss Game by GoSports. Bags, bean-bag toss, baggo, and cornhole are all different names for the same game. However, the rules remain the same – you need to take turns tossing bags with your opponent. Furthermore, you need to score three points in the hole, or a single point on the board, until the tally turns 21. This set comes with as many as 8 bean bags, and the game boards come in regulation size and yet can be folded in half for easy portability and stowing away in your backpack. Finally, the game even comes in different versions – a black edition, a rustic edition, and an LED light-up edition that can be played until the wee hours of the morning.

Ideal for: 4 players aged 15 years and above.

Kan Jam Original Disc Game

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The original disc toss game for the backyard, Kan Jam is one exciting and enthralling game that’ll keep the children occupied during the day and get their heart rate going. In this game, two teams of two people compete to see who can throw or toss the frisbee the most accurately. Or, rather, who’s better at deflecting the Frisbee into a small can. It’s 21 points for winning, or you could go pro and fling the flying disc for an instant win! The set comes with a flying disc and 2 Kan Jam goals. What’s more, the cans can unroll quickly and require minimal assembly, and can even be laid flat in your trunk for easy storage and transportation. One of the most fun games for summer camp, this one is a must-buy.

Ideal for: 4 adolescent/adult players.

Hasbro Clue Game

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One of the most fun board games for camping with the family that’s also inexpensive is Hasbro Clue Game, the ultimate classic board game. Clue has remained a family favorite game for years and s a great way to spend time together while camping, especially with your children. In this suspense-filled and thrilling game, the players need to figure out who murdered Mr. Boddy of Tudor Mansion in his own home! This version introduces a new character, Dr. Orchid as one of the many suspects, and is one of the most thrilling games you can play. The board game comes with a gameboard, 6 mini weapons, 6 tokens, 30 cards with 6 weapon and character cards each, and 9 clue and room cards each. It also has a game guide, 2 dice, a pad of detective notebook sheets, and a case file envelope/ Go figure!

Ideal for: 6 players aged 8 years and above.

Cards Against Humanity

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Cards Against Humanity is the original dirty game for adults – so, if the kids are away, the adults can play! A disclaimer – if offensive humor isn’t your thing, then this game isn’t for you. However, if you and your band of friends are awkward, despicable, and dig dirty humor, then this cringefest is for you. The expansion pack takes the absurdity a step ahead and comes with 100 black cards and 500 white cards for maximum replayability. Basically, one player asks a question from a black card in each round, with the rest answering with their funniest (or in this case, dirtiest) white card. It even includes a booklet that contains sensible game rules, but we’d highly suggest that you read the preposterous alternate ones!

Ideal for: 4 players minimum – adults only!

Monopoly Ultimate Banking Board Game

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One of the most universally loved and played fun board games for camping is Monopoly, and the Monopoly Ultimate Banking Board Game is the best fast-paced family board game you’ll come across. One of the most fun games for summer camp, the ultimate version goes way faster than the regular one, sometimes finishing in less than 30 minutes. So, you want to replay them, and it doesn’t get boring either. That said, that’s not the only difference. This version uses an electronic banking system instead of cash and even has some modified rules. For instance, every purchased property gets a house, and there are no hotels. Furthermore, the rent increases any time any player lands on the property. But, even with the changes, people say that the game is even more fun than the classic version.

Ideal for: 4 players aged 12 years and above.

Capture The Flag Redux: The Original Glow-in-The-Dark Outdoor Game

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Are you going camping with lots and lots of kids? Stay sane by engaging them with Capture The Flag Redux. Whether you have children aged 6 years or aged even 14 years and even adults, this is a thrilling game to play at night. The game is the glow-in-the-dark version of capture the flag, and comes with 12 different ways to play, thanks to 25 light-up game pieces. These include 8 light-up wristbands, 8 jail markers, 5 territory lights, 2 glowing orbs or flags, and all the required batteries. This amazing icebreaker of a game develops, strategy, social skills, and teamwork, and is a great way to encourage kids to put down their screens and phones and join the fun.

Ideal for: 4-20 players aged 8 years and above.

Connect 4 Grab and Go Game

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One of the most fun board games for camping is the Connect 4 Grab and Go Game. An excellent portable family board game comes with an all-in-one playing grid that makes storage easy. 21 yellow and red checkers each are used to play the game, and the checker tray even folds up on the playing grid once you’re done. The token pieces slide perfectly into the sides during both playtime and for storage, with the bottom folding up for portability. What’s more, the board and the game as a whole are very durable too. Furthermore, it’s entertaining enough for the children to put their phones away and play all the time. If you’re at summer camp, then this is one of the most fun games for children of all ages.

Ideal for: 2 players aged 6 years and above.

Amazon Basics Ladder Toss Outdoor Lawn Game Set

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Everyone loves a good game of ladder golf, or ladder ball as it’s known. That’s why you need to get the Amazon Basics Ladder Toss Outdoor Lawn Game Set, which comes with a simple setup and even simpler rules. The set comes with 3 red and blue bolas each, as well as 2 upright ladder-shaped targets. The framework is created by PVC pipes, which are sturdy and stay upright even in grassy areas. All you need to do is toss from the side opposite your opponent and score one point for the bottom, two for the middle, and three points for the top rack. What’s more, it comes even with a carrying case, making it easy to store and transport.

Ideal for: 2-3 players aged 14 years and above.

Wonder Forge Richard Scarry’s Busytown, Eye Found It

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If you think it’s difficult to find engaging and fun board games for camping for toddlers and young kids, think again. Behold the Wonder Forge Richard Scarry’s Busytown, Eye Found It is one of the best family board games for toddlers ever. In fact, this 6-foot-long puzzle game is so engaging that kids have been known to cry when the game needs to be packed up! The design and quality of the game are excellent, but it doesn’t tax a toddler’s patience levels or attention span. The game is a cooperative one where kids race across “Busytown” on a game board that’s more than 6 feet long, thus presenting many opportunities for matching skills, identifying objects, counting practice, and conversation.

Ideal for: 2-4 players aged 4 years and above.

Telestrations

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If hilarity is what you’re looking for, then go for Telestrations, which is like a cross between Telephone and Pictionary. Throw in a dash of bad sketches and a dollop of miscommunication, and you get a rib-tickling game that’s fun to play with the family. This ice-breaker of a game comes with 8 clean-up cloths, dry-erase markers, and erasable sketchbooks each, as well as 1,700 words. You don’t need drawing skills either – stick figures are more than welcome and you just need to bring your humor skills along. What’s excellent about the game is that for every round, everyone plays at the same time. So, no one gets bored while waiting for their turn. If you’re at a summer camp with your kids, then this fun game should be part of your camping gear.

Ideal for: 8 players aged 6 years and above.

Giant 3-in-1 Giant Checkers and Tic Tac Toe

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One of the least expensive outdoor fun board games for camping is Giant 3-in-1 Giant Checkers and Tic Tac Toe. The larger-than-life rug-sized checkerboard is perfect for introducing young kids to the game, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. The rug is machine washable as well, so you don’t have to be worried about it getting dirty or wet. The 24 colossal checkers are nearly 3 inches wide. Since it’s played outdoors, it’s also a great game for socially distanced gatherings! Plus, it’s even a tic-tac-toe board on the other side, so it’s real value for money for the under-$20 price tag. All in all, it’s a great game to keep two siblings or friends engaged for a long while.

Ideal for: 2 players aged 4 years and above.

Pass the Pigs

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It’s only fitting that the game that won Good Housekeeping’s “2020 Toy Award” for its ability to delight adults and children alike makes it to the top of the list of best fun games for camping. Introducing Pass The Pigs, a wonderful dice game where the dice are shaped like pigs! You need to roll these two dice and rack up points based on the position where they land. You could get a double snout, a leaning jowler, and maybe even the infamous piggyback! Clearly, this is a game for swine lovers, as there’s even a swineherd who notes down the points. The game doesn’t require much either – just a scorecard, a pencil, and the pigs, along with a rule book, all of which are packed in an elegant silver travel case. So, it’s easy to store and transport and doesn’t occupy much space in a backpack.

Ideal for: 2 or more players aged 8 years and above.

How To Choose The Best Fun Games for Camping?

Camping games might not be considered one of the Must-Have Camping Accessories, but it surely is a lifesaver, especially if you’re camping with children. So, how do you choose the best camping games? Read on.

Camping group and age

When looking for fun games for summer camp or a winter one, the first thing you need to consider is whom you’re going camping with. For instance, if it’s just the two of you, then you’re better off with a two-person game such as Connect 4 Grab and Go Game. However, if you’re going camping with your entire family, then you’ll need to keep the children entertained mainly. Again, it depends on what your kids’ ages are. You’ll need energetic and interesting games for the younger ones that keep them engaged and do not miss a screen or Wi-Fi. If you have older children, then it’s better to go for intelligent games that prod them to use their brains and keep them engaged.

Camping weather and conditions

Another important factor to choosing camping games is how the weather and climate are where you’re camping, and whether you want major indoor or outdoor games. For instance, if you plan to play games mostly during the night, then you should go for card and board games that can be played indoors. So, if you’re a huge group occupying amongst the Best 10-Person Camping Tents, then indoor games are a great way to stay occupied indoors on a cold night together. On the other hand, if you plan to keep the kids engaged outdoors during the day, then go for outdoor-based games such as bag toss, frisbee toss, etc.

Are you traveling with children? You might also want to check out the Best Storybooks For Kids.

What games can you play in a tent?

Some of the best games that can be played indoors in a tent with your entire family are Jenga and Telestrations. Jenga is akin to a building blocks game that also tests your knowledge and patience, while Telestrations is as funny as indoor games get. If it’s a group of adults locked in a tent due to the weather, then we suggest Cards Against Humanity. If dirty humor is your thing, then Cards Against Humanity is probably the most hilarious and in-your-face game that’ll keep your mind off the weather outside.