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10 family camping games

10 Fun Camping Games for the Whole Family to Enjoy!

, by Laurence, 8 min reading time

Get your family outdoors and have some fun this camping season with these ten fun camping games! From classic campfire tales to innovative outdoor-style competitions, there’s something for every member of the family.

Family camping trips are a great way for everyone to spend quality time together in the outdoors. It gives you a chance to reconnect with family and friends, unplug from technology, and enjoy some fun activities.

However, when you take your kids along, it can sometimes be difficult to keep them entertained – particularly if you're camping for a week or two. Trying to convince them to stay away from their phones, tablets, and other electronic devices can be a challenge on its own.

Fun family camping games are a good solution to this problem, turning a dull day into an enjoyable experience with laughter and energy.

From classics like Catch the Flag to some more unique games like Glow in the Dark Tag, we've put together a list of 10 family camping games to help you and your family have the best time on your next camping trip.

Charades

A classic group camping game, Charades is perfect for kids and adults alike. Everyone takes turns acting out a word or phrase as everyone else guesses what it is. It's a great way to get everyone laughing and having fun.

You could choose a camping theme and put together phrase cards with camping-related words, such as “putting up a tent” or “collecting firewood”.

Or, you could go for the classic version, using words and phrases from any category.

Keep a score table for each player to see who comes out on top at the end of the game.

playing charades

Capture the Flag

If you're looking for a game to get the kids active and running around, Capture the Flag is ideal.

Pinpoint two areas within your campsite and assign each player to a team. There should be an equal number of players on each side.

Designate the two areas as ‘bases’ and give each team a flag to defend – this doesn't have to be an actual flag; you could use any item to symbolise it, such as a stick or a hat.

The aim of the game is for each team to try and capture the other’s flag without being caught by their opponents by sneaking into their base.

Once one team retrieves the other’s flag and returns it to their own base, they win.

The game could go on for as long as you choose or until one team has won, and it will really bring out the competitiveness in everyone!

Campfire Cooking Challenge

An excellent camping game to get the kids involved in, Campfire Cooking Challenge is a great way to teach them different cooking techniques.

The premise of this game is to divide your group into teams and give each team some kitchen ingredients. It can be anything from marshmallows and hotdogs to potatoes and veggies - it's up to you!

Each team should then be given a certain amount of time to create something delicious using the ingredients they’ve been given.

At the end of the game, everyone can vote for their favourite dish, and the winning team will be crowned campfire cooking champions!

Make sure your camping cooking equipment is in good condition and you have enough food for everyone, so no one goes hungry. Browse our selection of camping cooking equipment and tools to find what you need.

campfire cooking

Hide and Seek

This fun camping game doesn't need much explanation – it's the classic game of hide and seek! If you're looking for a classic outdoor game, this is a great way to keep the kids entertained.

One person is designated as ‘It’ and must close their eyes while counting to a set number. The other players then have to run away and hide, while ‘It’ has to try and find them all.

You can set your children's boundaries so that they don't wander off too far, and you could also assign certain areas for them to hide in (e.g. around the tents).

Campfire Storytelling

This is a great camping game for those with creative minds. Ask each person to come up with two sentences of an original story and then take turns sharing them around the campfire.

The next person has to add to the story until it's complete. You could also assign a theme or genre to the story beforehand, such as science fiction or horror.

It's a great way to get the kids thinking and exercising their imaginations while also having plenty of laughs along the way.

campfire stories

Stargazing Scavenger Hunt

Stargazing is a perfect way to spend some time during your camping trip. Once the sun sets, why not get the kids involved in a fun, stargazing scavenger hunt?

Pick out particular constellations or planets that you can see in the night sky and assign them as items for the kids to find. To make it a little more challenging, you could also add some trivia questions related to the stars or planets.

When everyone has managed to find their constellations and answer all the questions correctly, they'll be crowned the stargazing champion of your campsite!

I Spy

Another classic camping game; 'I Spy' is great for long car journeys or those moments when some entertainment is needed.

One person chooses an object in the environment and says the classic 'I spy...' phrase, followed by the first letter of what they can see. The other players then have to guess what it is.

It's a great way to pass the time, and for younger children, it's a great way to improve their observational skills.

Camper’s Bingo

Everyone loves playing a game of Bingo, and Camper’s Bingo is the perfect way to keep your kids entertained while at camp.

All you have to do is create a bingo card of items they might see or hear while camping, such as birds, leaves, stars etc. Each time they spot one of the items on their bingo card, they can mark it off.

The first one to get all of their items marked off wins! You could even offer a reward for the victorious camper, such as an extra s’more.

Glow in the Dark Tag

This nighttime twist on the classic game of tag is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Simply take some glow sticks and attach them to your clothes or backpacks while playing tag in the dark. It’s a great way to add a little bit of fun to an evening camping trip.

Just make sure you don’t wander off too far from your campsite, and don't let your children play when it's too dark to avoid any accidents. If any accidents do occur, be sure to have a first aid kit on hand.

Board Games

Don’t forget to pack your favourite board games for camping! Although it may sound simple, board games can be a great way to bond with family and friends while camping.

Classic board games like Monopoly and Scrabble are great, but you could also try some camping-themed games such as Campsite or Wildcraft!

No matter what kind of game you choose, playing board games around the campfire is sure to bring plenty of laughter and fun during your camping trip.

fun camping games

Wrapping Up: Camping Games Ideas to Inspire Fun

Camping is a great way to get your family and friends out in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

But don't let that stop you from having some fun while you're at it! From campfire storytelling to glow-in-the-dark tag, there are plenty of camping game ideas to help you make the most of your camping trip.

So why not try these fun and creative camping game ideas on your next outdoor adventure? You’ll be sure to have a blast! That's what it's all about, right?
Make sure you're stocked up on all your essential camping gear from Wood To Water, too - because camping's not complete without the right gear!

FAQs

What are some fun games to play camping?

Classic camping games like Capture the Flag, Kick the Can and Hide and Seek are great for all ages. Other fun games include Campfire Cooking Challenge, Stargazing Scavenger Hunt and Glow in the Dark Tag.

What type of game is best for camping?

Games that take you away from technology or screens are ideal when camping, like Charades, I Spy and Campfire Storytelling. These can help encourage creative thinking and connection with others.

What activities do people do while camping?

Camping activities vary depending on the location, but some popular activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and star-gazing.

Other fun activities to do while camping includes building a campfire and roasting marshmallows or making s'mores.

What can you do on a family camping trip?

The possibilities are endless! Try setting up a large game of Capture the Flag, cooking a meal together, or playing Campfire Storytelling around the fire.

Other activities could include reading books by flashlight, searching for constellations in the night sky, or having a scavenger hunt.

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