Fun Activities for Spring Camping Trips

Spring is here, and the sun is finally out! That means less time cooped-up in the camping tent and more time outdoors having fun! 

In this blog, we are getting in the spirit of the season. Here are all of our favorite games and activities to play at the campsite, on the trail, or around the campfire. There are many ways to entertain the family, hang with a group of friends, or meet new people at camp. We’ll talk about packing materials, what to play, and how to use your imagination to enhance the fun!

Outdoor Games for Spring Camping: DIY & Classic Campground Fun!

When the sun breaks through after a long winter, campers can’t wait to get outside! We think the best way to enjoy hanging out on a sunny day around the campsite is by playing games and having fun! It takes some prep and creativity, but there are plenty of ways to amp up the energy and reconnect with friends and family outdoors!

Lawn Games

Some of our favorite and most classic camp memories revolve around lawn games. 
There is so much variety in what you can play, campers of all ages and abilities can get in on the fun.

Spikeball

A Spikeball net and ball can be bought at most outdoor retailers in the springtime. This is a fast-paced, competitive game. Often described as a cross between volleyball and four squares, four players divide into teams of two, positioned around the net. Take turns “spiking” the ball on the net and earning points for your team!

Horseshoes

Some campgrounds have a course built in. A fun ring-toss type game for the whole family. Players can take turns aiming their best shot at catching a heavy horseshoe around a pole. The person with the closest aims wins!

Cornhole

This is a classic bag toss game. Play with an official Cornhole setup, or with designated boundaries. This is a casual game that can involve two to eight people. With two different sets of bags, take turns trying to land the bag in the hole on the opposite side. 

Capture The Flag

All you need are bandanas and items to indicate boundaries. Either bring game pieces or use random items from camp! This classic game involves trying to capture the opposing team’s flags and take them back to home base without being tagged. This is awesome for big, active groups of people!

Around the Campfire

Nothing feels more like camp than gathering around the campfire! Make it a memorable time with interactive games and storytelling. This is a great time at the end of the day to reconvene with fellow campers and unwind!

Murder Mystery

Murder mystery games are a great, spooky game to play around the campfire. Either bring your own from a set or play a make-believe version on the spot! Games like “Mafia” are similar and easy to play without any materials. These are also time-consuming, and a great way to pass an evening or even a sunny afternoon!

Card Games

Nothing beats a round of cards. Make that, endless rounds of cards! Card games are awesome since they take up minimal space when packing. If everyone brings their own deck, games like Nertz, can be a great time-filler. 

Designated card games like Uno are a classic, too. Make it extra fun by turning it into “Spicy Uno”– where house rules are designated to each card type. 

On the Trail

There are lots of ways to make a hike more interactive. While the hike itself is usually interesting enough, it can be fun with a large group to turn it into a game as well! Not only does it keep the group energized along the hike, but it helps individuals stay engaged with the nature around them!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Get involved with nature in a fun and interactive way! Ahead of time, create a list either specified for that trial or generic. Include notebooks, pencils, and other materials you may need. Make it a competition, too. Add challenges like sketching an object, describing a scent, or mimicking a bird call!

Outdoor Activities with Kids

Most camp games can easily be adapted between age groups. But sometimes the kiddos need their own brand of fun! Here are a few age-appropriate ideas for creating childhood memories at camp!

Junior Ranger Activities

Get your kid excited about being a Junior Ranger! The National Parks host junior ranger activities. They also sell products like workbooks and award badges for accomplishments. These challenge and entertain kids to engage with the outdoors. Get the whole family involved and learn more about this here!

You can also create your own “junior ranger” activities where kids can earn badges! Plant and animal identification, camping skills, and more are great opportunities to have fun with kids.

Quick DIY Game Ideas

Sometimes you have to make up your own fun! These simple, DIY game ideas require little to no equipment. They’re perfect for minimalist campers, quick ideas for parents, and anyone who wants to get their imagination going.

I Spy

This one’s a classic! Stay engaged with the kids while keeping them entertained for an extended period of time. This is especially fun on a trail, as the scenery constantly changes. It’s similar to the Nature Scavenger Hunt but reverses the roles a bit. It’s an opportunity for kids to express their nature knowledge and be the “discoverer”.

Sleeping Bag Race Relay

This one’s great for high-energy kiddos! Take the sleeping bags out of the tent for a fun take on the potato sack race! Kids can hop into their sleeping bags, standing upright with their feet inside. When someone says “go”, they can jump forward towards the finish line, racing against the others. The first one to cross wins! It’s a goofy game that gets kids giggling!

Consider Your Group

Be considerate of everyone in your group. Perhaps not everyone has the same abilities or preferences. For the ultimate springtime camping fun, make sure to have activities planned that everyone can enjoy. It can be a lot to coordinate. Perhaps sending a sign-up sheet or group message where everyone can contribute would be helpful!

Pack Accordingly

Remember that packing for games requires more space and weight. Most of these activities require minimal equipment, setup, and teardown.

Game Materials

Make sure you keep all your game materials organized. It can be easy to lose small pieces when you’re on the go. Use a camping bag or other watertight container to keep everything dry and collected.

Tent Accessories

In your tent accessories, you may already have a poly tarp or canvas tarp. This is an awesome base for games. Lay it down and protect the grass and landscape beneath, to minimize damage. It also helps keep campers clean and helps to keep track of game pieces and materials.

Multipurpose tarps also double as weather protection. So if a spring shower rolls in, easily set up a temporary shelter with a tarp and keep the games going!

Be Responsible & Respectful of Your Neighbors

At the campground, you’re often sharing tight quarters with neighboring campers. Remember to be respectful of other people and their situations. Most campgrounds have designated quiet hours.  If drinking is involved, please remember to do so responsibly. Especially around children and families. There is plenty of fun to be had without getting out of hand!

Remember to clean up after yourselves! You’re sharing space not only with other campers but with wildlife as well. Help keep the balance of the ecosystem! Clean up game materials, waste, cans, bottles, etc. While you’re at it, make it a game! Divide the task amongst campers for a quicker clean-up– make it a fun competition, too!

Wrapping Up

Your springtime camping trip is going to be one for the books! Having fun at the campground and on the trail is so easy to do. It just takes a little extra planning and creativity! No matter who you’re camping with, games are a great way to bring laughter, connection, and a little friendly competition to your trip. Creating DIY activities for the kids, challenging close friends to a heated round of Spikeball, or making friends over cards by the fire. There’s something for everyone. And remember– the best camping games don’t require a ton of gear or preparation. Just your favorite games, plus a little creativity!

Remember to be considerate of your campground neighbors, and your wildlife neighbors! The “pack-in, pack-out” rule applies the same way to activities as it does to waste and garbage. Don’t leave any equipment behind, just because you’re done using it.