When you’re packing for a camping trip, it’s easy to focus on the essentials: tents, bug spray, marshmallows—you get the idea. But one of the simplest ways to bring everyone together at the campsite is by having a variety of board games to choose from.
Whether you’re camping with family, friends, or friends who feel like family, having a mix of options can make all the difference. Here are some of the best board games for camping that deserve a spot in your duffel bag.
Camping Board Games: What You Should Keep in Mind
While the perfect camping getaway is open to interpretation, when it comes to camping board games, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.
First up: The best board games for camping are easy to pack, simple to learn, and durable enough to handle the elements. Gravitate toward games with compact boxes and minimal pieces (sorry, Monopoly lovers), and look for options that are easy to set up on uneven surfaces like picnic tables or tent floors. Low light is another camping reality, so unless you’re bringing a powerful lantern, it’s smart to avoid games with itty-bitty text or long, complicated instructions.
If you’re camping with younger adventurers, you’ll want to prioritize board games for kids camping that keep things fun without requiring a ton of setup. (It is your vacation, too, after all!) Options like Go Fish and Chutes and Ladders are portable and easy to jump into. You can also mix things up with a scavenger hunt-style game that gives kiddos the opportunity to explore the campsite. Bonus: It’s a great way to help them also burn off s’mores-fueled energy before sundown!
The Best Board Games for Camping
Choosing the best board games for camping can help set the tone for your trip. Our advice? Aim for a mix of quick, casual camping board games for laid-back afternoons, plus some longer options for late-night laughs during those endless, starlit evenings in the great outdoors.
A classic card game that’s easy to learn and quick to play, Uno is always a good idea (until you get hit with a draw four, that is). Pro tip: The laminated version is great for the outdoors—especially if your camping plans include a day on the water.
For something a little different, add Uno Spin to your lineup of camping board games. This twist on the original uses a spinner that’ll keep you on your toes until the very end. Uno Spin is unpredictable and just as fun huddled together inside a tent during a rainstorm as it is stretched out on a sunny blanket.
Yahtzee (1+ players) & Qwixx (2-8 players)
The OG of dice games, Yahtzee is simple to learn and fun for campers of all ages. Keep an eye out for travel versions that come with a cup and smaller scorecards.
Qwixx, on the other hand, is a newer dice game that’s just as addictive. Everyone plays on every turn, which keeps the energy up and makes it a versatile choice for both small and large groups.
Pictionary (4+ players)
Art skills optional, laughs guaranteed. No matter your artistic abilities, a round of Pictionary is sure to bring the fun and is among the best board games for large groups. It’s also easy to DIY. Grab a piece of paper, something to draw with, and you’re set!
Catch Phrase (4+ players)
Fast-paced and full of energy, Catch Phrase is a word-guessing game that’s perfect for passing the time around a campfire. The rules are simple: describe the word without saying it, race against the clock, and pass the device before the buzzer sounds. This one’s addictive, so pack some extra AAA batteries just to be safe.
Cribbage (2-4 players)
Cribbage isn’t just for old folks—it’s a great way for anyone to soak up camping’s quieter, more laid-back moments. Compact cribbage boards are also easy to pack, making this a solid pick when you want more relaxed board games.
Did you know? While it’s typically played with two people, cribbage can easily be adapted for up to four players.
Sushi Go (2-5 players)
If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted, Sushi Go delivers. We can’t get enough of the adorable animated characters, and its fast-paced gameplay makes it a hit with families and casual gamers alike, especially if you’re looking for board games for kids camping that are easy to learn but still engaging.
Bananagrams (1-8 players)
Think Scrabble without the bulky board. The banana-shaped case keeps everything contained, and the sturdy tiles are less likely to blow away in a breeze, making it one of the best board games for camping when space (and weather) are a concern.
Let the Games Begin at Lakedale!
At the end of the day, the best camping moments aren’t about the scenery or s’mores. They’re about the connections you make and the people you share them with—which is why we believe that the right games can turn a simple night at camp into a memory you’ll be talking about for years.
With family campsites, RV sites, luxury yurts, and so much more, Lakedale Resort has options that accommodate board gamers (yes, even the competitive ones). Give us a call at 800-617-2267 or reserve your spot online!