Your guide to this review today is by product expert
Published February 25, 2021
CONTENTS
Searching for Fun Things to Bring Camping?
Few things in life are as much fun as camping, if you ask us. Especially when you're with the people you care about, a trip to the wilderness can be relaxing, refreshing, and a ton of fun. However, it is important that you bring along some things to encourage that fun. After all, there's undoubtedly going to be some downtime. With our recommendations, you'll have something to do to fill those gaps.
Check out our list below and you'll find a wide variety of different activities, from games that can be played around the campfire to river adventure vessels. It won't matter if you and a few friends are looking to spend a weekend away, or you're going on a massive family trip. We believe you'll find something below that suits your needs. After our list, be sure to stick around and check out our buying guide. It should be useful in helping you find even more fun things to bring camping!
10 Fun Things to Bring Camping
Cornhole is a game that has been around in some form or another since the 19th century. However, the popularity of this lawn game continues to grow and grow. It's known by many names, from the aforementioned cornhole to simply bags. The game is beautiful in its simplicity, and our recommendation for cornhole is this set from GoSports. While it's a pretty large item to fit in the car for a camping trip, you would be surprised at just how tightly it fits when in the carrying case.
You'll have access to hours of fun with this kit. Cornhole is the ultimate four-person game, featuring teams of two. The rules are simple, and the basics boil down to throwing the bag into the hole of the board on the opposite side. This set in particular has a stylish retro finish, and comes with everything you need to play. We're confident you'll have an awesome time playing this game with family or friends on your next camping trip.
Key Features:
Includes Eight All Weather Bags
Retro Wood Design
Comes With Carrying Case
Regulation Size
Specification:
Brand: GoSports
Model: B07S1PYYTV
Weight: 30 lbs.
Looking for some fun water-based recreation, and don't mind spending a bit more for it? Check out this amazing kayak courtesy of manufacturer Pelican. It's on the cheaper end of the spectrum for kayaks, but you won't be sacrificing much in terms of quality. This lightweight vessel is great for rivers, lakes and more. It even offers comfort in the form of seat padding, a back rest and adjustable footrests. A paddle is not included, but as long as you pick one up you'll be able to have a phenomenal adventure out on the water. Just make sure you pick up a second kayak if you have a partner coming along!
Key Features:
Twin Arched Multi Chine Hull
Padded Back Rest
Adjustable Footrests
Front Storage Hatch
Specification:
Brand: Pelican
Model: B0845GT2W2
Weight: 36 lbs.
Next up, we have a card-based party game that's perfect for all ages to play together around the campfire. It has an atmospheric spooky theme, but it won't get too scary for young kids. There is a slight learning curve for this game, but after a round or two everyone should get the hang of it!
Ultimate Werewolf is what's referred to as a 'secret role' game. The way it works is that everyone gets dealt a card, which they keep to themselves. The cards each have a role on it, and explain what that role does. You'll either be on the team of the villagers, or the werewolf team. The villagers want to discover who the werewolves are and eliminate them during the day phase, while the werewolves continue picking off villagers one-by-one during the night phase.
The game is tons of fun, and stays that way no matter how many times you play. It's available at an incredible price, and we highly suggest giving this game a try. It can be played with anywhere from 5 to a whopping 75 players, making it great for almost any social situation, especially camping.
Key Features:
Up to 75 Players!
Includes Expansion Pack
Easy to Learn
Perfect for Around the Campfire
Specification:
Brand: Bezier Games
Model: B00MHWUJA0
Weight: 9.8 oz.
Poker is a classic game, and as long as you've got a table to play on and a little bit of light to see, it can be played just about anywhere. Plus, there are so many different varieties of poker that you can feel free to switch around as often as you'd like, or even make it dealer's choice. Texas Hold 'Em has taken over as a favorite over the last 15 years, and there are no signs of popularity slowing down. Feel free to bring this amazing set along the next time you head out camping for a few hours of fun, and maybe a little bit of friendly gambling!
Key Features:
500 Piece Set
4 Chip Colors
Aluminum Carrying Case
Two Decks of Cards
Specification:
Brand: Trademark Poker
Model: B000HX1K36
Weight: N/A
Do you anticipate spending some time out on the water during your trip? If so, you can pick up this inflatable dual tube to spend some quality time with someone you care about! Whether you're going on a trip down a river, or just want to spend some time floating in the lake, this raft is easy to use, and includes a useful cooler in the center. It's one of our favorite ways to spend a warm afternoon, and we think you'll love this raft. It's a hit with customers, and all signs point towards a nice, relaxing day on the water.
Key Features:
Large Central Cooler
Two Heavy-Duty Grab Handles
Five Air Chambers
Mesh Bottom
Specification:
Brand: Intex
Model: B00OHRU4XK
Weight: 11 lbs.
If you've got young kids coming along camping and need a game that can occupy everyone, Hedbanz is an excellent choice! The game is a family-friendly take on a classic guessing game, and the rules are very simple and easy to explain to kids. This set is very affordable, and won't take up much room at all in the car. Talk to your kids (or whoever the kids are coming along) and find out if this is something that they'd like to try out! It's an organized game that allows them to get silly, something that most kids love.
Key Features:
Fun for Ages 8 and Up
2-6 Players
Simple to Learn, Fun to Play
Includes Headbands, Timer, Cards and More
Specification:
Brand: Spin Master
Model: B085B23JHC
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Looking for something a little more educational, but still fun? Check out Quibbler! Think Scrabble, but using cards and a series of rounds that add a bit of urgency to the game. It's quick-paced, a blast to play, and even allows kids to practice their work skills! This is a game that's even fun for adults to play, just like other word games. When we say this game is made for people of all different ages, we truly mean it. Plus, it's easy to play just about anywhere, including a campsite.
Key Features:
1-8 Players
Fun for All Ages
Fast-Paced Game
Easy to Teach Kids and Great for Learning
Specification:
Brand: SET Enterprises
Model: B00000IV95
Weight: N/A
If you're eager for some fun physical activity on your camping trip, both badminton and volleyball can be strong activities to choose. With this simple kit, you'll be able to play both games to your heart's content! Set up should only take a few minutes, and then you'll be ready to play. As long as you have the room in your budget, and you're confident the other people you're with will be down to play with you, this can be a truly great addition to any outdoor trip.
Key Features:
High-Quality Set
Tournament Quality Nylon Net
Simple Set Up
Includes Everything Required for Badminton and Volleyball
Specification:
Brand: Baden
Model: B003DJKW9E
Weight: N/A
This next suggestion is great for competitive families or groups of friends looking for something fun to do in the water. Everyone gets on top of their respective inflatable log and tries to use the inflatable cane to knock the other people into the water. It's a blast, and a good way to kill some time as long as you're okay with some light pushing. It's a physical activity and works in a pool, lake, river and any other safe source of water. These are some fun things to bring camping if you're looking for a little adventure!
Key Features:
57" x 14" Rafts
Simple and Fast to Inflate and Deflate
Great for Swimming Pools, Lakes and More
220 lbs. Weight Capacity
Specification:
Brand: TURNMEON
Model: B08QXFKPLQ
Weight: 4.1 lbs.
Horseshoes are a classic game, and though it's not as popular as it once was, it's still a strong pick for an outdoor group game. Make sure you have a safe place to set up, and go ahead and start throwing! This kit has everything you need to play. We encourage you to pick it up and pass down the knowledge of this game to the next generation to keep it alive!
Key Features:
Two Red and Two Blue Horseshoes
Rust-Resistant Steel
Also Features Two Stakes and Carrying Case
Great for Family Reunions, Camping Trips and More!
Specification:
Brand: GoSports
Model: B08779PP82
Weight: 14 lbs.
Fun Things to Bring Camping Buying Guide
If you're here reading our site, you probably love spending time outdoors just as much as we do. Then again, maybe you're looking for a way to pass the time because you expect to be bored for most of the trip. Either way, we want to help you find what you're looking for! In this buying guide, you'll find some general advice on how to best utilize the products we shared with you, as well as some parting advice for other fun things to bring camping. By the time you're through, you should be fully prepared to have an amazing trip!
Choose the Right Activities for Your Group and Location
This should go without saying, but not all camping groups are the same. Therefore, it's important to pick the right fun things to bring camping depending on who you'll be with. For example, if you're with your immediate family, including kids, it's probably best to bring along plenty of family-friendly games and activities. On the other hand, don't forget that the adults will need something to do when the kid are busy.
It pays off to bring a variety of different activities, but don't bring too much (we'll have more packing tips for you a little further on). It's not a bad idea to talk to the people you'll be camping with to see if they have any ideas, or to ask how they feel about what you've got so far.
Additionally, if you have activities at your campground or nearby, don't bring anything too redundant. For example, there's no point in bringing a volleyball net along if there's already one at your site! Similarly, look to see if there are any bodies of water nearby before you go packing along a kayak.
Teaching Others How to Play Games
If you bring along any game, there's a solid chance that at least a few people you're with won't know how to play. That leaves it up to you to teach them! We have a few tips that should help this process. First, make sure you know the game well yourself. It can be tough to attempt to play a game together when nobody quite knows the rules yet. While it's certainly possible, you'll be doing yourself a favor by learning the game ahead of time.
There are also plenty of video tutorials online, depending on the popularity of the game. While we generally discourage folks from using tech too much while out camping, it won't hurt to show a quick video to your friends or family on how to play.
Our last piece of advice is to be very patient! Some folks get stressed out when learning an unfamiliar game. Make sure the process stays fun for everyone, or else what's the entire point of playing?
Day vs. Night
Not all games are suited for all hours of the day. Make sure that when you're selecting what fun things to bring camping that you're choosing a variety of games and activities for day and night. For example, water activities are pretty much relegated to daytime. However, card games can usually be played anytime, as long as you have a source of light. Consider each item you're thinking about bringing, and double check that you have a solid selection!
Other Ideas to Pass the Time
There was only room for 10 items on today's list, but there are obviously countless different fun things to bring camping. Whether you keep it simple and bring along something like the classic game of checkers, or you feel like going all-out with something like a kayak, there's no end to the possibilities. Our recommendations today are just a starting point, featuring some of our favorite things to do. Text the family or friend group chat and see what ideas everyone else has, and use our list for inspiration.
Party games are always a good time, and there's nothing like some friendly competition brought on by horseshoes or cornhole. If you and your friends are in the mood for some light gambling, why not bring along a poker set? Additionally, there are tons of games you'll be able to play with a set of cards, so it's never a bad idea to bring some along. You'll probably be spending a lot of your time doing fun camping activities, but it pays off to prepare for those dull moments as well.
Pack Efficiently
One thing that is an important step for any trip is the packing process. If you're going car camping, you want to ensure you don't get overambitious and bring too much. At the same time, it's easy to over-adjust and bring too little. The real trick is finding the right balance, bringing enough to fill the time without over-complicating your trip.
There are two main tips we have for you here. First, pack thoughtfully. Keep things as compact as you can. For example, it's not a bad idea to grab a single cardboard box or small plastic tub and fill it with games and activities. Just make sure to get the most out of the space you have!
Our second tip is to bring along items that you'll get the most use out of relative to the space they take up. Emphasize bringing small items over large items, especially if it's questionable whether that large item will get that much use. By following these tips, you shouldn't have a difficult time loading up your car and setting up camp!
Final Thoughts on Fun Things to Bring Camping
At Campr Click, we're all about making your next camping trip as great of an experience as possible. Our goal with this guide was to get your brain juices flowing with regards to some fun things to bring camping. We shared some of our favorite options with you, and provided tips that will hopefully help out in the long run. If you have any other recommendations that you'd like to share with the community, leave them for us in the comments down below. Good luck and happy camping!
