Camping is the perfect time to disconnect from reality while reconnecting with friends and family. Afternoons at the campground were practically made for leisurely games, endless conversation, and loads of laughter.
But when you’re camping, space is at a premium. You can’t pack up your whole game cabinet or take complex games with tons of small pieces that might get lost. You want games that are simple and compact, but still FUN. Here are our top camping board games and outdoor games to consider for your next camping trip!
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Best Camping Board & Card Games
Bringing a standard deck of cards is a no-brainer so you can play the classics, but here are some compact games to add to your camping collection:
Qwixx – This dice game is easy to learn and quick to play. It’s great for all ages!
Bananagrams – This word game comes in its own little carrying case to keep things organized.
Spot It – Just like the regular version of this easy game, this “camping edition” comes in its own sturdy tin for easy travel.
Phase 10 – This classic card game travels well!
MasterMind – I grew up playing this game, and after finding it in a thrift store my kids have fallen in love with it, too. Most versions house all the pieces within the codebreaker board, but if it doesn’t just put them all in a Ziploc for safekeeping.
Farkle – This is such an easy dice game! Even the littles can play!
Spoons – Okay, nobody needs a “spoons” game. You just need a deck of cards and regular spoons. But still, put this on your list to play at the campsite!
Uno Flip – This is a fun new twist on the old classic!
Kids Against Maturity – This is the family-friendly version of the adult-oriented game. Get ready to laugh together!
Shut the Box – This super-easy game comes with attached pieces (they won’t get lost) and a top to keep everything together. Even small kids can enjoy this one!
Skip-Bo – The classic game you grew up playing. Now you can play it with your kids!
Five Crowns – If you want, you can even buy a travel case to keep your cards in tip-top shape!
Triominos – We just put all the tiles in a Ziploc in our little “camping games” bin and ditch the bulky box.
Mexican Train Dominoes – This game isn’t exactly compact, but families love it and it comes in a handy tin to contain all the pieces.
Rack-O – Another classic! Get your kids hooked!
Best Camping Lawn Games & Outdoor Games
Outdoor games definitely take up more space, but if you’ve got the room to bring them, your site could be the hit of the campground. Here are our faves.
Tabletop Tennis – Turn your picnic table into a ping pong table with this retractable net!
Velcro Darts – Sticky balls on one side, velcro darts on the other. Safe & fun for the whole family!
Lawn Darts – This is the game you grew up playing while camping – except now it glows in the dark for nighttime fun, too!
Cornhole – Real cornhole can be heavy and bulky. Unless you’re a serious player, this portable travel version is a better bet.
Ladder Ball – I mean, if you don’t have ladder ball at your site, are you even camping?
Molkky – You probably haven’t heard of this game but a lot of veteran campers LOVE it!
Washers – This toss game is fun for the whole family.
Yardzee – Yahtzee, but bigger! This set lets you play giant sized versions of a few of your favorite dice games.
Horseshoes – You won’t have to worry about your littlest family members getting hurt with this safe rubber horseshoes set.
Bocce Ball – Send the kids around the campground playing Bocce Ball and they’ll be gone for hours.
Bean Bag Bucketz – Have a fun family competition with this updated bean bag toss game!
Velcro Catch – I think every child played this growing up, didn’t they? Now it’s your kid’s turn. Grab a couple sets (or a set that has more than two paddles) to keep everyone from fighting over them and to allow more kids to play.
Find & Seek Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids – The kids can explore the outdoors with these scavenger hunt cards! Even non-readers can participate.
Slammo – This seems to be the new outdoor game to have; it’s like the cornhole & ladder ball of previous years.
Rollerz – Here’s another one that will pique the interest of other campers. They’ve probably never seen it before!
What are your favorite games to bring camping?
