10 Family Camping Games to Play This Summer
Updated: Apr. 28, 2023
These family camping games make the great outdoors even more fun.
Whether you’re roughing it in a tent or lounging in a camper (like me!), take advantage of the time to play fun family camping games. I asked friends for their top recommendations.
Going camping soon? Don’t miss out on our complete family camping checklist.
Play a Game of Cornhole
Every family I spoke to mentioned a camping trip wouldn’t be complete without a game of cornhole. In fact, many have annual competitions. It’s a fun and easy game to take along and leave set out at your campsite, plus you can find affordable options on Amazon—like this collapsible set ($36). Or save yourself some money and build your own cornhole boards.
Get Competitive With Ladder Ball
This is one of my go-to games in the summer—not just at the campground, but at the beach and at home. Though my father-in-law made our set, you can buy a similar set ($38) to take on your next family trip. Try playing one of these 12 backyard games too!
Spend time in the great outdoors, with help from our guide to backyard camping.
Stay Cool With an Old School Water Gun Fight
“We always take squirt guns when we camp,” says Paul Hakes of Texas. “Usually 15 to 20 small ones, so we can share, and of course, super soakers.” Get a 2-pack here ($22).
Enjoy the Evening Hours With Flashlight Tag
Jamie Wynberry of Indianapolis says that her family camps frequently and once the sun goes down, the kids like to play flashlight tag. You can use old school flashlights that you already have, or you can buy this cool glow-in-the-dark capture the flag game ($60). Pick up one of these 15 amazing camping items to make the adventure go smoothly.
Use Glow in the Dark Necklaces for Games at Night
Wynberry says that another of her favorite family camping games is to play glow-in-the-dark ring toss using glow necklaces. Pick up a pack of 50 glowing necklaces ($22), pump up the music and have a glow-in-the-dark dance party, too! Get in on some van camping if you don’t like the idea of completely roughing it.
Play a Game of Outdoor Yahtzee
One of your favorite indoor family games has been turned into a fun outdoor game. Team up and play a fun game of Yahtzee! Find the giant dice and dry-erase scoreboard on Amazon. ($30)
Forget the hot dogs—check out our top easy camping recipes.
Connect Four for the Win
Have younger kiddos? Connect Four is a great game that all ages can play. Good news—it has been turned into a life-size family camping game. Enjoy the yard game version ($90) with your whole crew! These 31 items will make a great glamping experience.
Stay on Top of Vocab AND Have Fun
I’m eager to pass on my love of MadLibs to my daughter. It’s fun and a great way to stay on top of your vocabulary and English during the summer months. Try this Best of Mad Libs book ($7) on your next trip! These 10 camping gadgets make life outdoors oh so sweet.
Enjoy Scavenger Hunts
Family camping games can also help you explore the area around your tent. Vania Macias-Jenny of Nevada sends her 7-year-old son on a scavenger hunt when they camp together. “He has a list of things to take a picture of,” she says. You can DIY or buy simple scavenger hunt cards on Amazon ($7) for younger kids.
Play Cards on Dreary Days
Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. Becky Rak of Indiana notes that when it rains, her kids like to play card games like War or Uno. Grab this Mattel tin ($15) with three games for kids of all ages.
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