15 Fun Campground Activities for Families

FunFlicks outdoor movie party at a campground

From exploring nature to gathering around a cozy fire, there's nothing quite like camping with your family. It's the perfect chance to escape the daily distractions of life while creating unforgettable memories together. If you're looking to enjoy a special time with your kids, there are tons of fun campground activities and games that’ll keep everyone engaged.

With decades of experience helping families across the United States plan amazing outdoor events, we've compiled a ranked list of the 15 best campground activities to ensure your family has the most memorable camping trip.

Camping movie night with a FunFlicks inflatable screen

15) Camping Movie Night

After a long day of adventure and exploration, watching a favorite movie together is an enjoyable way for families to wind down before bed, especially to distract younger kids who might be afraid of the dark. Make it even more special by transforming your movie night into a cinematic experience under the stars. Simply download the movie onto a laptop and bring a white sheet, ropes, projector, mini speaker, and portable power station. At the campsite, tie the sheet between trees and project onto the display.

For a more professional setup, FunFlicks® offers cutting-edge audiovisual equipment and onsite technician support at an affordable price, bringing the movie theater to your campground. Plus, if you want to enjoy a camping movie night without loud noise disturbing others, we can provide high-def wireless headphones for each guest (available in select locations).

Movies to Watch While Camping

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Steller's Jay

14) Bird Watching

Teach your kids patience and observational skills with bird watching on your camping trip—an easy activity that allows all ages to appreciate nature. Encourage your children to use all their senses: listening for movement in the trees, hearing bird calls, and observing birds with their eyes. Bring a local species guidebook and binoculars to help identify the birds you find. To find the most birds, set out at dawn when they’re most active in searching for food. You can even sprinkle bird feed in an area and hide at a distance to lure them in. Make it a fun family game by seeing who can spot the most birds and keeping track of each person's findings.

Deck of cards

13) Playing Card Games

Card games are an easy-to-arrange and entertaining activity for the family during downtime. A deck is compact enough to pack in your hiking bag or even fit in your pocket, making them perfect for camping trips. Some of our favorite family-friendly card games include:

  • Mafia
  • Apples to Apples
  • Uno
  • Go Fish
  • Rummy

Find a flat surface and bring a lantern for evening games. To add some excitement, consider awarding a prize for the winner—something as simple as an extra s'more around the campfire will do. Card games are a great way to relax, bond, and create lasting memories together while camping.

Water gun being shot

12) Water War

Declaring a water gun war is one of the most fun campground activities for large groups, especially on a hot summer day. To set it up, find a spot away from tents and campfires, and clearly define the boundaries to prevent players from getting lost. Divide everyone into teams and choose a game mode like team deathmatch, capture the flag, ground war, or free-for-all. Set up refill stations with a water source, such as a hose, bucket, or even a nearby creek, lake, pond, or stream. Once everyone is ready, explain the rules clearly to ensure safety and maximize fun.

Bocce balls

11) Playing Bocce Ball

How to Play Backcountry Bocce

Backcountry bocce is a minimalist version of the game that embraces its historical roots, using rocks and natural surroundings, making it perfect for families to play while camping. Start by establishing a 30 by 10-yard court—it doesn't have to be flat; slopes and obstacles like trees can add to the fun. Divide your group into teams of 1-4 players each. Instead of traditional wooden balls, use eight softball-sized rocks and one golf ball-sized rock (the pallino). Players take turns tossing their rocks at the pallino from a distance, with the winning team being the one with the most rocks closest to the pallino.

Click Here Follow Backpacker Magazine’s Backcountry Bocce Guide

Skipping Rocks

If you’re camping near a body of water, skipping rocks is a fun activity for families to enjoy alongside bocce. Simply find a flat, smooth stone and, with an underhand flick of the wrist, watch it bounce across the water. Turn it into a game by seeing who can get the most skips in a single throw.

Campfire on the beach

10) Story Telling

Storytelling around the campfire is a tradition that dates back to prehistoric times, where oral tales, spiritual beliefs, and knowledge were passed down through generations. Keep this ancient tradition alive during your family camping trip by giving everyone a chance to share their stories and join in the fun.

Man stargazing in the wilderness

9) Stargazing

Evenings in the wilderness provide excellent stargazing opportunities. Take advantage of the clear night skies to explore stars and planets with the whole family. Use a constellation guide or app to identify constellations overhead, sharing their origins and fascinating facts to make astronomy engaging for everyone. For a closer look at the stars, bring a telescope to the campgrounds. Stargazing sparks curiosity of the universe, making it a perfect educational activity that both parents and kids can enjoy together.

Water-coloring artwork

8) Drawing & Watercoloring

Drawing and watercoloring are ideal downtime activities for a family camping trip, with the natural surroundings providing plenty of inspiration for creative projects. Be sure to pack essential materials, including pencils, brushes, watercolor kits, paper, and cups for water. Find a flat surface, like a picnic table, or use an old book as a makeshift workspace. After completing your artwork, allow it to dry completely to prevent smudging.

Mushrooms growing on a mossy log

7) Mushroom Hunting

If you're exploring the wilderness with your family, add an extra layer of adventure with mushroom hunting. Fungi thrive from intricate underground networks that support the forest ecosystem and come in a wide variety, making them fascinating to learn about with the kids. Mushroom hunting can become a fun game as family members search for them along the trail. However, exercise caution, as some mushrooms can be highly toxic. Avoid touching or consuming any mushrooms without proper identification from a mycologist. If you're curious about the mushrooms you encounter, take pictures and use guidebooks or online tools for identification—just remember, these methods aren’t foolproof.

Meal being cooked over a campfire

6) Campfire Cooking

There’s nothing quite like cooking a meal over a campfire. It’s a must-do activity that everyone in the family can enjoy and participate in. There are three main preparation methods, but it’s important to get the fire going right first.

How to Start a Campfire

  1. Depending on where you’re camping, make sure to learn the park rules before starting a fire. It should generally be made in a flat area not close to vegetation, tents, or other flammable objects.
  2. Sometimes, campsites will have designated areas for fires. Otherwise, you’ll need to make your own by laying down a ring of rocks.
  3. Gather fuel wood, kindling, and tinder for your fire. Fuel wood consists of larger logs that sustain the fire, which can be cut with an axe or bought from a store beforehand. Kindling includes smaller sticks found in the wilderness that help the fire grow once ignited. Tinder is used to start the fire and can range from dry leaves to paper.
  4. Arrange the materials by placing the tinder in the center of the fire ring. Surround the tinder with kindling, arranged in a teepee shape. Finally, place the fuel wood around the kindling.
  5. Finally, ignite the tinder at several spots and let the fire grow. Always monitor the fire for safety and to decide if more wood is needed. Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish the fire when you're finished.

Meal-on-a-Stick

From hot dogs to kebabs, countless meals can be cooked over a campfire using a stick. Start by finding long, sturdy sticks suitable for skewering food, with hardwoods like oak being the best choice. Use a knife to carve a sharp end and evenly thread the food onto the stick. Hold the skewer over hot coals rather than directly over the flames to avoid burning. Once the food is cooked, carefully remove it from the stick with a knife onto a plate and enjoy.

Foil Packets

If you're looking to cook up a flavorful meal, foil packets are the way to go. Simply seal your ingredients—like meats, veggies, oils, and spices—in tin foil, and place the packets directly on your campfire's hot coals. This easy method delivers delicious, well-cooked meals with minimal effort.

Cast-Iron Skillet

Using a cast-iron skillet is essential for campfire cooking, as it withstands high heat and distributes it evenly. Place your skillet over hot coals and let it heat for a few minutes before adding oil or butter. You can cook fish, bacon, quesadillas, scrambled eggs, pancakes—almost any stovetop meal—right over the campfire, infusing it with a unique charcoal flavor that just can’t be replicated in the kitchen.

Redwood forest

5) Going on a Scavenger Hunt

Make exploring the wilderness fun for the whole family by organizing a scavenger hunt. Create a list of natural items found in the area, like plants, bugs, birds, or rocks, and have everyone mark them off as they’re discovered. This activity not only entertains but also teaches kids about the local wildlife and fosters an appreciation for nature.

Family fishing on a calm lake

4) Fishing with Dad

If you're seeking fun campground activities that let parents relax while kids learn, fishing is a top choice. It's a classic outdoor pastime where dad can bond with the kids, teaching them an enjoyable skill on the lake or river. Before heading out, ensure you have fishing poles, bait, and tackle for everyone, as well as water to stay hydrated. Choose a spot away from other fishermen to avoid tangled lines and disturbance. Teach the basics of fishing and safety, then show them how to cast. Before heading out, remember to leave the area with no trace left behind.

S'mores being roasted over a campfire

3) Making S’mores

The s'more is a timeless camping treat that’s fun for the whole family to make and tastes delicious. Originally dubbed "Some More," likely due to its irresistible flavor, the treat first appeared in a 1927 Girl Scouts publication. Since then, it has become a staple of camping in the United States and is still widely enjoyed today. S'mores are easy to make, requiring only marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. Simply roast a marshmallow on a stick over a campfire until golden, place a piece of chocolate on half a graham cracker, and top it with the roasted marshmallow. Press the other half of the graham cracker on top, and there you have a classic campfire s'more.

Father teaching his son how to start a campfire

2) Family Bushcrafting

Teaching your family traditional wilderness survival skills sharpens problem-solving abilities and fosters a greater appreciation of nature through self-sufficiency. Bushcraft activities such as using tools, starting a fire, foraging for food, navigating the wild, building a shelter, and purifying water require a shared effort that everyone can participate in. These skills enhance the outdoor experience and create excitement for future camping trips.

For younger kids, starting with basics like identifying plants sets the stage for learning how to gather wood or food. Hands-on activities like tying knots or starting a fire are enjoyable and help them feel valued in their efforts. Applaud their progress and maintain patience as they learn. Instilling values that reflect respect for nature in every activity preserves the environment and allows them to pass on their knowledge to future generations who share the same curiosity.

Man stopped along the trail

1) Hiking

Hiking is the best camping trip activity for families, offering both exercise and adventure in nature. Before setting out, choose a trail that suits everyone’s abilities, considering its intensity, distance, and time to complete. Research trails beforehand to ensure they are suitable for your group. Be sure to pack all the essentials, including water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Depending on the location and season, you may also need items like sun hats for a hot day, bug spray in a dense forest, or rain ponchos for stormy weather. Enjoy the journey by engaging with the kids, pointing out beautiful sights, and keeping everyone together.

Adults raising their giving cheers around a campfire

Fun Campground Activities for Adults

There are plenty of fun campground games and activities for adults. Start your day with an intense hike at the crack of dawn—early mornings are perfect for hiking, offering cooler temperatures, active wildlife, and fewer people on the trails. At the campsite, enjoy games like poker, cornhole, horseshoes, and bocce ball. In the evening, unwind with drinks around the campfire for a classic camping experience.

Man hiking through the snow

Fun Campground Activities in the Winter

For those who love winter camping, with its serene beauty and fewer crowds, it’s important to first check that your chosen camping area is open for the season. Be mindful of potential road blockages caused by black ice and snow, which could reroute your journey. Once there, enjoy a range of activities like snowball fights, skiing, sledding, and building snow forts, making the most of this special time of year.

Camping Movie Night Rentals

FunFlicks® Inflatable Movie Screen Rentals

Inflatable movie screen rental drive-in

FunFlicks® inflatable movie screens are professional quality at an affordable price. There's a size for everyone, whether you're throwing a massive film festival with thousands in attendance or a small birthday with family at your house. To make sure everything runs smoothly, a local FunFlicks® event technician will arrive at your location on time, set up the screen, oversee the technology, and pack it all away at the end of the screening. Booming high-definition sound, crystal-clear laser projection, and a larger-than-life display are all included when you book an event with us.

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Backyard 16'
12'x7' Display
100 Guests
20 Cars

Premiere 21'
16'x9' Display
250 Guests
50 Cars

Blockbuster 26'
20'x12' Display
500 Guests
75 Cars

Elite 32'
26'x15' Display
750 Guests
100 Cars

Epic 40'
30'x17' Display
1500 Guests
150 Cars

Xtreme 50'
40'x22' Display
3000 Guests
250 Cars

FunFlicks® LED Screen Rentals

LED screen rental event among palm trees

FunFlicks LED screens are perfect for day or night display in almost any environment. Utilizing electroluminescent technology, our LED screens generate light effectively at any time of day. Each panel is rated IP65, meaning they are both rain and dustproof. Day or night, rain or shine, you get to decide when the magic happens. All of our mobile LED trailers have onboard generators for portable power. Therefore, no power supply is needed. Similar to our inflatable screens, our fleet of LED screens comes in a variety of dimensions for a variety of crowd sizes. Local event technicians across the country are available to bring our LED trailers anywhere for you to enjoy video games, live sports, movies, advertisements, or almost everything else!

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8'x5' LED Trailer
75 Guests
15 Cars

12'x7' LED Trailer
100 Guests
20 Cars

15'x8' LED Trailer
250 Guests
50 Cars

17'x10' LED Trailer
500 Guests
75 Cars

23'x13' LED Trailer
750 Guests
100 Cars

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