Board Games to Take Camping
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- Hoot Owl Hoot – Cooperative board game where you help each other gets the owls back to their nests.
- Beware of the Bear – The suspense of waiting for the bear to pop up makes this game super fun.
- Pop Up Pirate – Poke the pirate and wait till he flies out.
- Sliding Bears – Kids canplay this on their own or with the family. A fun puzzle game with light strategy and teamwork.
- Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes – Cooperative game for the family. You get to sing songs, act and identify animals, food and words.
- Spot It! Jr – Animals – A tiny game for travel if you’re short on space. Spot It! is a widely popular game where you match animals.
- Throw Throw Burrito – Definitely a more energetic game, where you match cards, and when you collect sets, you can throw squishy burritos at other people.
Family Camping Guide: Best Board Games for Downtime & Rainy Days
I’ve curated my list of the best games to take camping to help you make the most of your holidays and get some rest and enjoyment. Camping with young children can have its challenges, but it is also immensely rewarding.
I still remember my first camping trip as a parent—my son was just six months old. It was quite the experience of not having everything in your house at your fingertips. As a tired mum, I just hoped we had all the essentials – nappies, baby food – and hoped for some sleep. Like anything in life, you learn through experience, and we became savvy about what to take.
As our children grew older, one of the best things we started packing was board games for some downtime, rainy days and quieter moments.
So I’ve put together a list of the best travel-friendly board games for children ages 3–9. Each is lightweight, easy to learn, and guaranteed to add joy to your camping adventures.
Please note these games aren’t small games, so if you’re short on space, I recommend Spot It. This comes in a small packet or tin and is loved by all. Heaps of versions available too.
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The Best Board Games for Family Camping Trips (Ages 3+)
- Age: 4+
- Players: 2–4
- Play Time: 15 minutes
This cooperative game encourages kids to work together to help the owls fly back to their nest before the sun rises. It’s one of our favorites because it teaches teamwork while being simple enough for younger players. A perfect first strategy board game for kids.
- Age: 4+
- Players: 2–4
- Play Time: 10–15 minutes
The suspense is what makes this one a hit. Players sneak treats from the bear’s basket, hoping not to wake him. When the bear pops up, the squeals are guaranteed. It’s a fun outdoor-themed camping board game that matches the wilderness vibe.
Tip: Play this on a mat and have a checklist inside the lid of the pieces this board game contains so you dont loose any when packing up.
- Age: 4+
- Players: 2–4
- Play Time: 15 minutes
A classic family favorite, super simple luck based game. Players take turns sliding swords into the pirate’s barrel until—POP!—he flies out.
It’s compact, quick, and never fails to surprise. Perfect for bursts of excitement between walks or campfire snacks.
This game can be enjoyed with younger children as long as an adult is supervising. It’s likely rated 4+ due to small parts that could pose a choking hazard, but the concept is so simple that even a 2-year-old could grasp it.
Other version – Pop T Rex , Minature Pop Up Frog and Pop Up Bluey
- Age: 5+
- Players: 1–4
- Play Time: 20 minutes
Help the Bears Cross the Ice
Bring your family together for an adventure as you guide the baby bears safely across melting ice floes before they disappear. This exciting puzzle game blends teamwork, strategy, and fun—making it a standout among camping board games.
Slide, Jump, and Strategize
First, slide the ice tiles tactically like in a sliding puzzle. Then, jump the bears between floes, use the wind to overcome obstacles, and work together to find the shortest path to safety.
Play Solo or as a Team
Whether you’re on a family camping trip or enjoying game night at home, you can play cooperatively or solo. It’s perfect for families and young players who are learning teamwork and strategy in a fun way.
Multiple Challenges for Endless Fun
With six different scenarios, each offering unique obstacles and levels of difficulty, your family can enjoy a new experience every time you play.
Perfect for Young Gamers
Designed for 1–4 players, ages 5 and up, and with a quick 20-minute playtime, this game is easy to pack, quick to set up, and a great addition to any camping board games collection.
- Age: 3+
- Players: 2–4
- Play Time: 20 minutes
- No Reading Required – Cooperative Game
Team up with Pete the Cat and his friends to recover the missing cupcakes from Grumpy Toad! In this colorful board game, players collect cupcakes while singing songs, acting out fun movements, and identifying favorite animals, foods, and words.
Blending luck, memory, and cooperation, every round offers a fresh experience—making it a fabulous cooperative game kids will want to play over and over again.
Video to watch – Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes
- Age: 4+
- Players: 2–8
- Play Time: 10 minutes
Spot It! Animals Jr. is the perfect travel game and a must-have for any camping board games collection.
Designed for ages 4 and up, it comes in a handy small tin—ideal for packing on trips. Inside you’ll find 30 cards featuring 31 adorable animal symbols, with six symbols per card to make matching easier for younger players.
Get ready to roar, chirp, and growl as kids match the cute animals across five fun mini-games that build focus, visual perception, fine motor skills, and animal recognition. With two formats available, this compact game delivers endless on-the-go fun for the whole family.
Spot It! is very popular family game with lots of versions. Here is the classic version, rated 6+. Other versions—Mandalorian Bluey, Dinosaur (4+), Educational Games for Preschools—include Spot It! 123 (3+).
- Age: 7+
- Players: 2–6
- Play Time: 15 mins
A fast, silly outdoors party game where you collect matching cards and, when special cards appear, you grab giant inflatable burritos and (gently—hopefully) toss them at each other. Find me a child who doesn’t enjoy being able to throw something at their parents in a consented way. I will admit this isn’t travel size, but it’s perfect for the outdoors and creates so much laughter. So if you have the space, it’s highly recommended. Plus, with these blow-up burritos, it’s definitely one of the best games to take camping instead of playing around the house.
How to play Throw Throw Burrito – Outdoors
- Set the two big burritos in the middle of a clear space (great for a campsite field or beach).
- Everyone draws and discards cards at the same time, racing to make sets of three for points.
- Reveal a special burrito set and a battle begins:
- Burrito Brawl: neighbors face off.
- Burrito War: everyone scrambles!
- Burrito Duel: two players back-to-back, step, turn, toss.
- Get hit? Take a penalty token. Finish the round; most points wins.
Camp-friendly tips: Mark a safe play area, remove trip hazards, aim below the shoulders, and keep throws gentle. Quick to learn, loads of laughs, and ideal for burning off energy before campfire time
Best Family Camping Games for 3–9-Year-Olds
Make your next outdoor adventure smoother and more memorable with the best family camping games. These super easy board games are specifically curated for the 3–9 age group, ensuring every family member can join in the fun. Whether you’re sheltering from a rainy day inside the tent or winding down under the stars, these screen-free family activities are essential for your packing list.
Why Pack Board Games for Camping?
Skill Building: These titles spark imagination while developing memory, teamwork, and fine motor skills.
Compact & Portable: Designed for life on the road, our picks won’t take up precious space in your gear.
Unplugged Fun: The perfect way for younger children to unwind and reconnect without screens after a busy day of hiking and exploring.
Versatility: Great for keeping kids entertained during travel or as a quiet evening activity by the campfire.
Find Your Perfect Match
From quick-play classics to new 2026 favorites, these camping board games for kids create lasting memories and help maintain a calm, enjoyable atmosphere at the campsite.
- Tight on Space? Check out our Travel Game Recommendations for the most compact options.
- Tiny Games or Wallet Games By Button Shy Games
- Cat Lover? Check out our range of Cat Board Games
- Need camping games for older chidren? Discover our full range of Outdoor Adventure Games here.
- Short on time – 10 Minute Board Games can provide quick connections and reset for the family.
- Card games for families – Are all travel-friendly
- Dice games can be portable too
- Want to teach sharing or turn taking? Check out these board games.
