When you’re off-grid, surrounded by trees, fresh air, and no screens in sight, the best entertainment comes from connection—laughing, playing, and being present together. Whether you’re at a rustic campsite or deep in the backwoods, these camping games are a fun way to make memories.
Here are 25 of the best off-grid camping games to try, with easy instructions and links if you want to learn more.
Active Outdoor Games (Perfect for Daylight Hours)
- Capture the Flag – Split into two teams, each with a flag. Steal the opponent’s and bring it back without being tagged. How to play »
- Scavenger Hunt – Create a list of natural items to find (pinecone, feather, mushroom). First to complete the list wins.
- Flashlight Tag – Just like regular tag, but in the dark with flashlights!
- Kick the Can – Classic game: one player guards the can, others hide and try to kick it without being caught.
- Nature Bingo – Make bingo cards using local wildlife, plants, and sounds. Printable version »
- Frisbee Golf – Mark trees or stumps as targets and toss your disc golf-style.
- Sack Races – Hop in sleeping bag covers or sacks and race across the campsite.
- Water Balloon Toss – Pairs toss a balloon back and forth, stepping farther apart each time.
- Obstacle Course – Use logs, rocks, hills, and anything natural to build a fun physical challenge.
- Tree or Animal ID Game – Use a guidebook or offline app to identify species and test each other.
Campfire & Quiet-Time Games
- Charades – Act out a word or phrase without speaking; others guess.
- Would You Rather – Pose two quirky or difficult camping-themed choices and see what others pick.
- Two Truths and a Lie – Each person shares two truths and one lie—others guess which is the fib.
- 20 Questions – Think of a thing; others ask up to 20 yes/no questions to figure it out.
- Story Building – Take turns adding a sentence to a group story. Gets silly fast!
- Name That Sound – Close your eyes and guess the sound someone makes using nature or gear.
- Campfire Songs & Sing-Alongs – Guitar optional. Bring the group together with classic campfire tunes. Song ideas »
- Shadow Puppets – Use a flashlight against the tent wall to create animal shapes.
Card & Tabletop Games for Campers
- UNO – Match colors or numbers, play action cards to win. Uno rules »
- Go Fish – Ask for cards to make pairs; simple and fun for kids. Go Fish rules »
- Exploding Kittens / Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza – Hilarious, fast-paced, and perfect for older kids. Exploding Kittens » Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza »
- Pass the Pigs – Roll tiny pigs like dice and score based on how they land.
- Deck of Cards – Use for Rummy, Crazy Eights, Solitaire, Poker—you name it. Card game ideas »
No-Gear, All-Fun Nature Games
- Alphabet Game – Name a camping- or nature-themed word for each letter of the alphabet.
- “I Spy” With a Twist – Use senses instead of sight: “I spy something that smells like pine” or “feels rough.”
Free Camping Games Checklist (Download)
Want to bring this list with you on your next off-grid camping trip? We’ve got you covered!
Download the printable version here:
This checklist is perfect to:
- Keep kids engaged
- Help groups plan activities
- Offer variety across multiple days
- Encourage screen-free fun!
Print a few copies and tuck them into your camping gear for instant ideas.
Why Games Matter When Camping Off-Grid
When you unplug and go off-grid camping, you rediscover the joy of simple play. Whether it’s a game of flashlight tag through the forest or cards by the campfire, these moments bring us closer to each other—and to nature.
At our family-run off-grid campground in Northern Ontario, we see it all the time: laughter echoing through the woods, new friendships forming around the fire, and families reconnecting with each other (and the wild).
So pack light, play hard, and let nature take care of the rest.
