When the sun goes down on camp, things are just getting started! There is so much more to do at camp after dark. And the great outdoors is the perfect setting for all of it. Whether you’re watching the stars, playing tag, or campfire charades. Some campers want a little more activity, and others want to lounge after dark. Whatever the vibe is, you’ll find the perfect activities for you and the crew to enjoy.
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In this blog, discover the best ways to enjoy camping after dark. From our best stargazing tips to fun flashlight games, movie nights, and so much more. Pretty soon, you’ll be wanting to stay up later and later!
Fun Things to Do While Camping at Night
Nighttime when camping is when memories are made and some of the most fun is had! It just takes a little creativity and knowing how you’d like to spend the evening. Is the group more active and wants to play some games and activities? Do you prefer to lounge around the campfire? Perhaps you simply want to watch the stars in the sky. Here is our roundup of the best activities to do at night when camping. These are perfect if you’re not quite ready to go to sleep, or the kids have some wiggles they need to get out before bed.
Stargazing
If you’re camping at a designated Dark Sky park– or even just find yourself in a remote area– you’re in luck. This is the best place for some amazing stargazing. Don’t forget to ask a ranger about celestial events or educational programs where you’re staying. You’ll want to get the most out of these special starry skies!
Allow Your Eyes to Adjust
It’s time for lights out! For a full thirty minutes, allow your eyes to get used to the complete darkness. Turn off all screens and white lights. If you need light, try a red light! It’s easier on your eyes, and shouldn’t disrupt them much as they adjust. Eventually, you’ll start to notice more depth as you peer at the sky. The stars will just seem to continuously appear deeper and deeper in the sky right before your own eyes! This is also a great excuse to get everyone off their screens before bed. It can be tempting to check on your phone to capture the moment. But with a little self-discipline, stargazing is super rewarding. You won’t regret choosing to be fully present and unplugged at this moment.
Find Constellations
It’s so fun to spot constellations in the sky. From the Big Dipper to Orion, and trickier ones to spot! Depending on your location and the time of night it is, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of shapes. For more fun, read up on the history and mythology behind some of these constellations. Marvel at the ancient sky, and all the stories it has to tell.
Watch a Meteor Shower
Nothing is cooler than the night sky raining down tons of shooting stars! Catch a meteor shower this summer for the most unforgettable stargazing experience. This is different than just regular old shooting stars (although that’s beautiful, too). A meteor shower happens when a large amount of shooting stars are visible close together. Research a celestial events calendar! Discover when the next meteor shower is that you can watch!
Games and Activities
Just because it’s after dark doesn’t mean the games have to stop! There are lots of ways to incorporate activities into the nighttime. Just get creative with gear, and homemade fun! Whether the kids need to get some wiggles out before bed, or the crew wants to stay up late and enjoy the evening. There are tons of ways to enjoy the darkness.
Flashlight Tag
This is a super fun, classic variation of tag. And it’s easy to do since everyone has a flashlight or headlamp in their tent accessories! Players will scatter across the campsite. Whoever is “it” has the flashlight and must shine the beam on a player to tag them. There are lots of ways to customize the game and change the rules to your liking. No matter how you play, this is a fan favorite and an easy way to expel some energy before bed.
Glowstick Art
Glow sticks hardly take up any space, so they’re easy to pack! Bring a bunch for everyone to enjoy after dark. Either spend time making jewelry to wear or pretend they’re magic wands. Use glow sticks to draw light pictures in the air. Turn it into a guessing game, too, where all the campers write down a word or action and put it in a hat or bowl. Then, a player draws a word and must try to draw that item in the air with the glowstick. Everyone else has to guess what it is!
Campfire Charades
On a similar note, nighttime charades are super fun! Split into two even teams. Everyone contributes a noun or action to a bowl, and players draw. By the light of the fire, players then have one minute to act out– without making any sounds– the item they drew. The first team to guess correctly gets a point!
Tell Spooky Stories
It wouldn’t be a camping trip with a little spooky storytelling, right? Get creative with classic tales, or make up your own! Whether everyone is gathered around the campfire, or tucked into their sleeping bags. Remember to tell age-appropriate stories, and make it a safe, enjoyable storytime. Everyone gets a turn when you tell a story as a group. Offer a more interactive experience, this way. And don’t forget to shine the flashlight under your chin for extra creepiness.
Rounds of Mafia
This mystery-type game is perfect in the dark. Campers will gather around the fire for this one. All you need is a deck of cards and some creativity. A selected narrator will facilitate the game. They’ll hand out cards to each player, face-down. These cards assign roles to certain individuals: the Mafia, Doctor, Detective, and Townspeople. The game evolves into a murder mystery that every camper gets involved in. Get creative! Some people really enjoy elaborate storytelling, so the game can extend quite a bit.
S’mores Around the Campfire
Sweeten up the night with this classic camp dessert! Everyone can go out and forage their marshmallow roasting sticks. Then, you know the drill: roast marshmallows to perfection and sandwich them with chocolate and crackers. This gooey delight is the perfect way to end a full day of camping. Switch it up! Swap milk chocolate for dark, and add a little peanut butter or caramel. You get to decide! And luckily, s’mores aren’t one-size-fits-all. Easily swap ingredients for dietary needs and preferences.
Outdoor Movie Night
This one is a super fun and creative way to unwind and feel extra cozy. Project a movie onto the side of a camping tent, or onto a tarp. With a pre-downloaded movie and a portable projector, this is easy to pull off. Kids, especially, will love the outdoor sleepover vibes! Don’t forget all the snacks. Popcorn and s’mores are a must. On a cold night, a cup of hot chocolate or coffee is the perfect movie snack. Everyone should have headphones, to ensure they abide by quiet hours at the campground. An outdoor movie is sure to bring out the cozy nighttime vibes!
Final Thoughts
This summer, stay up way past your bedtime and have the time of your life! At camp, the night has so much to offer. From constellations to the perfect setting for fun games and scary stories.
What’s the vibe you’re going for? Active campers can play endless rounds of flashlight tag. Or they can make art with glowsticks, and get their wiggles out. Lounge around the fire and indulge in s’mores. Or watch a movie! Set up your tent as the ultimate camping movie theater. Curious stargazers will love the night sky. The possibility of constellations and shooting stars heightens the excitement! Whatever the energy levels are, there is an activity to bring people together before bed.
Many of these activities– and more– are easy to pack for. Flashlights, glowsticks, and tarps are easy to pack. Many activities are free and don’t require any gear! Watching the stars go by, or just being together around the fire. Telling stories and playing mystery games just takes a little imagination. But all of these activities yield high rewards. Memories that last a lifetime!
Just because the sun goes down, doesn’t mean you have to get in your sleeping bag just yet. There is so much to learn, discover, and fun to be had at camp after dark. Catch the sunset, then get creative. The night is yours, and the great outdoors are calling!
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