Camping isn’t just about hiking and fishing. Although that is definitely where a lot of the fun lies. Besides the classic outdoor recreation, there are tons of outdoor games and activities. With some fresh ideas, you’ll keep the energy high and inspired for the whole crew.
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Relay Race: Trail or Beach
A relay race is a super fun way to get active and do a team activity. Split your camping crew into two teams. Pick a piece of gear that must be carried throughout the race to the finish line. Choose “hand-off” points. There, runners will hand the item to their teammate who will carry it to the next point, or to the finish line.
Depending on the terrain where you’re camping, you can either play on a trail, in a field, or on the beach. If you choose the challenge of a trail, players need to be respectful of other hikers. Be careful not to cause mayhem or injury to anyone on accident. In a field or beach, there is much more open space to do this.
For even more fun, everyone should have walkie-talkies! That way, you can cheer your team on and communicate to the finish line! Celebrate the winning team, and customize the game to your liking.
Nature Bingo Cards
Turn a regular day at camp into an all-out Bingo game! Create Bingo cards with natural materials, items, scenery, and other camp-related things. Divide campers into teams, or play as individuals for this one. Make the boxes as specific or general as you please. Items can range from a type of rock to a certain animal sound, or a certain fellow camper doing something funny! Make it an all-day event! Hand out the cards in the morning, and compare them around the campfire at the end.
Lawn Games
Lawn games are the key to having endless fun at camp. Pack your favorites. You’ll never tire of rounds tossing the hacky sacks, spiking a volleyball, and more. Or, ask your friends to each bring their favorite lawn game. That way there’s lots of variety and something for everyone to enjoy.
Horseshoes
A classic ring-toss type game, horseshoes are great for all ages and abilities. The adjustable pieces are great for changing the toss distance. Or, simply take steps back from the stake to create more distance. You don’t even need a formal kit to play the game. Put an extra tent stake in the ground. That can be your target for tossing a hacky sack or frisbee towards it. Whoever gets it the closest, wins! This can be set up at camp for people to play at their leisure. Or, get everyone together and challenge them to a competition.
Cornhole
The cornhole is great to set up at camp. Leave it out for a game in passing, or set it up for a full-blown tournament. This hacky sack game is addicting, and super fun to play with a beer or lemonade in hand, and friends all around. Opt for a folding kit for easier packing, too. Similar to horseshoes, you don’t need a formal kit to play. Simply improvise with other camping gear.
Volleyball
Bring a volleyball to camp! Whether you can find and set up a net or not, spiking a volleyball around is super fun. Take it to the beach or to a field and play a homemade volleyball game. Volley between two people, three, or however many you want! Just don’t forget a ball pump to refill! It’s easy to make up games with a single ball, too. Get to know other campers by asking an ice-breaker, and tossing the ball, and the catcher gets to answer and ask the next question!
Slackline
Practice your balance on a slackline! This tightrope-like activity is an addicting pastime. It’s a physical challenge, super fun, and anyone can try it! Suspend your slackline taut between two trees. The beauty is how easy it is to pack and bring with you anywhere. Set it up at camp, or stuff it in your day pack to use on a hike.
Racket Sports
Racket sports are easy to pack, easy to play, and super fun for everyone! No matter your skill level, this is a good opportunity to practice a little hand-eye coordination with friends. Badminton and pickleball are camping classics, but feel free to branch out, too! Tennis and racquetball are super fun court sports as well.
Badminton
This super lightweight racket game is the perfect lunchtime activity. Two small rackets and a birdie are the essence of this game. Play at your leisure, or get competitive. Badminton can quickly become a high-speed rally. Try not to lose the birdie in a tree!
Pickle Ball
This one is easier if your campground has courts! Pickleball is a great, low-impact sport that’s easy to play and gets lots of people involved. Depending on the campground, you may be able to rent rackets. Or, bring your own or borrow from a friend. You’ll happily lose track of time rallying back and forth!
Around the Campfire
Games and activities around the campfire are simply a must! Telling stories, playing charades– get everyone involved! Enhance summer nights with memorable moments shared over s’mores and a warm fire.
Fireside Charades
Campfire charades are super fun. Everyone will draw words from a hat or bowl. Divide campers into two teams that will take turns. By the light of the fire, a player will draw a piece of paper and have one minute to act out their word without making sounds. The team to guess wins!
Twenty Questions
This name is the game. One camper will secretly decide what or who they “are”. They can either decide this themself or again, draw a word. Then, campers can try asking a total of twenty yes or no questions to reach the answer.
Board and Card Games
When packing, never forget to bring or borrow your favorite board and card games. These make excellent camping gifts, too, because they really come in handy on a day stuck in the tent!
Sometimes, summer rain sets in. On lazy, or rainy days, stay cozy inside. This is a good opportunity to get out of the indoor games. Play lots of rounds of Uno, doubles Solitare, and Nertz. Battleship, Backgammon, Yahtzee, Monopoly, and chess are all great games to play on a rainy day. Or, simply play these during mealtime, or whenever you feel like unwinding.
Wrapping Up…
Playing games and activities is a great way to enhance the fun on a summer camping trip. Especially with the sun shining and good weather, campers should take advantage of all the clear days. Don’t get bored of hiking and fishing. Camping has so much more to offer. It just takes some creativity and some basic supplies.
If running and racing are up your alley, set up a fun relay for you and your friends! Either along a trail or in an open space like a field. Use camping gear as “batons” and walkie-talkies to cheer each other on all the way! A little healthy competition makes summer camping extra fun.
Speaking of healthy competition, get everyone in on the fun with lawn games and sports! These are a great way to incorporate outdoor activities into your campsite. Racket sports like badminton and pickleball are great for two people or teams. Toss games like cornhole and horseshoes are easy to pack and play. Individual activities, of course, are important to bring. Whether you’re solo camping, or just want solo time. Balancing on a slackline, setting a volleyball, and playing Solitare on a picnic blanket are fun one-person activities.
Don’t skip out on campfire fun! Use the time to play games together, and get a few extra wiggles out before bed. Fireside Charades and Twenty Questions is a good place to start. But there are so many ways to have fun around the campfire.
However you choose to enjoy your time outside, it will be so worthwhile. Soak up summer camping with plenty of games and activities for you and the whole group to enjoy. Allow this time to make lots of memories, and plans for next summer!
Happy camping!
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