20 Fun Camping Games Everyone Loves

I’ve sat around more campfires than I can count — some quiet, some filled with stories, and others that turned into full-blown laugh-fests thanks to a simple game.

That’s what makes camping feel so special. It’s not just the hiking or the stars overhead. 

It’s those small, unforgettable moments when everyone’s belly-laughing, fully present, and totally unplugged.

I wrote this article because over the years, I’ve found that games bring people together more than anything else on a camping trip. 

Whether you’re with kids, your partner, or a group of old friends, the right game can take a quiet night and turn it into a memory you’ll carry for years.

Below are 20 camping games I’ve played and loved — no electricity, no screens, just simple fun that works around a fire, in a tent, or even under the stars.

1. Mafia

This is hands-down my go-to group game. All you need are people and imagination. 

Assign roles like mafia, townsfolk, and doctor — then try to figure out who’s secretly picking off players. Perfect for teens and adults.

2. Two Truths and a Lie

A classic icebreaker that somehow never gets old. 

Each person says two true facts and one lie about themselves, and the group guesses the lie. 

You’ll end up learning hilarious — or downright weird — things about your friends.

3. Capture the Flag

If you’ve got space, this game’s a legend. 

Split into two teams, hide your flag, and try to steal the other without getting tagged. I’ve played it in woods, open fields, even around cabins.

4. Glow Stick Ring Toss

Grab some dollar-store glow sticks, shape them into rings, and toss them onto a water bottle or stick in the ground. 

It’s easy, cheap, and surprisingly addictive once it gets dark.

5. Campfire Charades

Same as regular charades, but you’re acting in the shadows of flickering firelight. 

Something about the night makes it funnier — and a little spookier.

6. Would You Rather

You can go deep or funny with this one. 

Would you rather sleep in a haunted tent or hike barefoot for a mile? It sparks great convos around the fire.

7. Scavenger Hunt

Make a quick list of things to find — a pinecone, a feather, something blue, etc. 

You can make it solo or team-based. Kids especially love the thrill of the search.

8. 20 Questions

Someone thinks of an animal, object, or person, and the rest of the group gets 20 yes-or-no questions to guess. 

It gets surprisingly intense when someone’s down to the last guess.

9. The Name Game

Pick a theme (animals, actors, countries) and take turns saying words that start with the last letter of the previous word. 

Like: Tiger – Rabbit – Turkey – Yak. Mess up, and you’re out.

10. Sardines

Reverse hide-and-seek. 

One person hides, and everyone else tries to find them. When you do, you hide with them until one last confused soul is left alone. 

It gets hilarious fast.

11. Cards Against Humanity (or Family Edition)

I’ve laughed so hard I cried playing this with friends under the stars. 

Just make sure you bring the right version, depending on your group — some versions definitely aren’t kid-friendly.

12. Ghost in the Graveyard

Best played at night with flashlights. 

One person hides and yells “Ghost in the graveyard!” when someone finds them — then it’s a race back to home base before they tag you.

13. Uno

Never fails. 

Throw a deck in your pack, and you’re good to go. It’s fast-paced and familiar — everyone knows how to play, even if they say they “forgot.”

14. Truth or Dare

This one always brings out laughs and dares that feel way funnier in the dark with marshmallows in hand. 

Keep it light and fun — nothing too wild is needed.

15. Human Knot

Everyone stands in a circle and grabs two random hands. 

The goal? Untangle yourselves without letting go. It’s teamwork, chaos, and comedy rolled into one.

16. Marshmallow Stack

How high can you build a tower using only marshmallows and toothpicks? 

It’s silly, sticky, and surprisingly competitive — especially when s’mores are on the line.

17. Rock Balancing Challenge

Find flat stones around your site and compete to build the tallest, weirdest, or most creative stack. 

Great for slowing down and tapping into nature.

18. Telephone

Remember this from childhood? 

Whisper a message from one person to the next around the circle. The final sentence is always wildly wrong — and usually hilarious.

19. Who Am I?

Each person writes the name of a famous person or character on a sticky note and puts it on someone else’s forehead. 

Ask yes-or-no questions to figure out who you are.

20. Firewood Relay

Turn gathering firewood into a game. 

Two teams race to collect the most kindling in five minutes. Just don’t trip over tree roots — it’s more intense than it sounds.