Not everyone loves the great outdoors. For some, the thought of bugs, unpredictable weather, and no WiFi is less than appealing. But fear not—these 10 games will bring the fun, strategy, and excitement of board gaming to your campsite, keeping even the most reclusive homebody entertained. Whether you’re huddled under a tarp during a rainstorm or relaxing by the fire, these games will turn your camping trip into a holiday to remember.
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1.Roll for it
A fantastic alternative to Yahtzee, Roll For It! is perfect for large groups and simple enough for all ages to join in.
In this casual dice-and-card game, each player starts with six dice of their color, while three target cards are laid face-up on the table. On your turn, you roll your available dice and assign matching dice to target cards based on the combinations shown (e.g., two 3s or three 6s). If you complete a target, you claim the card and its points, then draw a new card to replace it.
The first player to score 40 points wins! Its portability, easy setup, and engaging gameplay make it an instant camping favourite.
2.Timeline
Leave your phones behind—Timeline will challenge your knowledge and wits in the best way possible.
This highly portable card game features historical events, each printed with a date on one side. The challenge? Arrange your cards in chronological order alongside others on the table. Think you know when peanut butter was invented or when fire was discovered? Guess right, and you’re one step closer to victory.
With loads of expansions and themes, Timeline is perfect for players of all ages and might even teach you a thing or two for trivia night.
3.Codenames
If there’s one game that’s a must-bring for any trip, it’s Codenames.
In this clever word-association game, two teams compete to identify their secret agents hidden among 25 codewords. Spymasters give one-word clues to point teammates toward the right words while avoiding the opponent’s agents—or worse, the assassin.
The compact size and addictive gameplay make it ideal for travel, whether you’re playing around a campfire or in a cozy cabin. Codenames pairs perfectly with a glass of wine (if you’ve brought one) and hours of laughter.
4.Kingdomino
For big-box game fans who crave a portable option, Kingdomino is your go-to.
For those that don’t want to lose the experience of playing a big box game but just dont have space this is the game for you.
This domino-inspired game puts a clever twist on kingdom-building. Each turn, you connect a domino to your existing territory, ensuring at least one side matches the terrain type. Crowns on tiles multiply your kingdom’s worth, so plan strategically to maximize your points.
Kingdomino is quick to learn and perfect for playing on limited space, making it a great choice for camping enthusiasts who still want a full gaming experience.
5.Love Letter
Small, portable, and endlessly fun, Love Letter is the ultimate travel-friendly card game.
With only a small amount of cards involved this game is perfect not just for camping but you can take it everywhere you go.
In this game of deduction and luck, players vie to deliver their love letter to Princess Annette while blocking rival suitors. With only 16 cards in the deck, each turn is a mix of strategy and chance. Will you play it safe or risk it all?
Its compact design and quick rounds make Love Letter ideal for slipping into your backpack and playing anywhere, from picnic tables to tents.
6.Archaeology: A New Expedition
If you’re tight on space but love variety, Archaeology: The New Expedition is a must-have.
This fantastic little card game has multiple variants making each game feel like a completely different one. Great for moments when you a suck for space in your backpack but don’t want to play the same board game over and over all weekend.
This card game lets you hunt for treasure, dodge sandstorms, and outsmart opponents to sell valuable artifacts. With multiple variants and strategies, every game feels fresh and exciting.
Perfect for moments when you want to pack light but still enjoy a game that keeps you thinking, Archaeology is a treasure trove of fun for any camping trip.
7. Skip-Bo
Looking for a simple yet engaging card game to replace the classics? Skip-Bo is your answer.
In this family-friendly game, players race to empty their stockpiles by playing cards in sequence on shared piles. Strategy comes into play as you plan your moves, manage your hand, and try not to set up your opponents for a big turn.
Skip-Bo is lightweight, portable, and easy to play on a camping table, making it a great addition to your game night rotation.
8.Hive
For minimalist campers or wilderness enthusiasts, Hive is the perfect game.
If you go camping with as little on you as possible or if you enjoy heading into the complete wilderness then Hive is the game for you. Not to mention, it keeps in line with the nature theme as it is all about bugs. This is a game for two people and requires a bit of strategic thinking. Therefore, it is likely to keep you entertained for quite a while. While it is best played with adults, it will not take long for someone over the age of ten to catch onto the rules of the game.
The great thing about Hive is that all you really need is the twenty-two pieces belonging to the game and a flat surface to put them down. Even if you are outdoors, with just the ground to rely on, you will be able to make do. It is just a matter of making sure that you have all of the pieces with you.
All of the pieces are composed from plastic which makes them perfect for any camp setting. Whether you are dealing with wind, rain, or mud, there is no need to fear your game getting ruined.
9.Blokus
Love Tetris? You’ll adore Blokus.
Looking at the pieces in Blokus you may be reminded of an old Tetris game brought to life. This game can be played with between two to four players. A typical game should last around half an hour, meaning the game will not stretch on for too long. Blokus can be played by most ages as long as they understand the concept of the game. Although it is an abstract game, it does not require too much strategic thinking.
Now, there are quite a few pieces to this game – eighty-four in all. They are brightly colored and relatively large which makes them difficult to lose. The board is quite compact and all of the markers are really light. Carrying this game around will not be a chore. A small flat surface should suffice to play this game.
All of the pieces and the board are made of hardy plastic. As such, it will stand up well against the elements and it is perfectly fine if it gets a little dirty. You just have to make sure that all of the pieces are kept together and not lost during the trip, however.
10. Trouble
When it comes to camping games, Classic Trouble reigns supreme.
Even if you have never played Trouble you have probably played a game of Ludo at one point or another. Well, think of Classic Trouble as a fuss-free version of Ludo, then. The concept is the same, it is just that the board makes it more difficult for the pieces to be upset. Therefore, you don’t really need a table or even solid ground to play this game on!
This really is a great camping game because all of the markers fit into snug little slots. Even the dice is placed in a little capsule so that it cannot escape. Also, all of the pieces are quite large and brightly colored, making it unlikely that you will misplace them. The board and the pieces are incredibly light and not difficult for you to carry. Furthermore, its size makes it great for travel and to set up even on the smallest of surfaces.
The entire board and all of the pieces are completely made of plastic. This means that this board can survive rain and wind without anything messing up your game. Classic Trouble really can be crowned the official camping board game with ease.
What Did We Miss?
Have a favourite camping game that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments below! And if you loved this roundup, be sure to spread the fun by sharing it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s make camping trips unforgettable for everyone—indoorsy types included!
WOW this is awesome! Haven’t heard of most of these games before!