11 Best Camping Games: Buying Guide to Outdoor Entertainment

The best camping games give you something fun to do once the tent is pitched, dinner is finished, and nobody feels like walking another five miles.

The right choice depends on your group, available campsite space, and how much equipment you want to pack.

For this guide, we researched 11 outdoor and campsite games ranging from portable cornhole and Kubb to waterproof playing cards. We compared portability, setup, player numbers, space requirements, age suitability, and how practical each game is around a real campsite.

You do not need to turn your campsite into a sports complex. One good outdoor game and a compact backup can provide plenty of entertainment.

At a Glance: Our Best Camping Games

• Best Overall: GoSports Portable Cornhole Set. A familiar game with portable 3 x 2 ft targets that pack into a carrying case.
• Best for Families: GoSports Classic Ladder Toss. Simple rules, soft rubber bolos, quick assembly, and built-in scoring.
• Best Active Game: Spikeball 3 Ball Original Roundnet Game Set. A faster two-on-two option for campers with plenty of open space.
• Best Relaxed Game: Franklin Sports Recreational Bocce Set. Straightforward, social, and suitable for grass or sand.
• Best Compact Game: Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards. Takes up very little room and gives you dozens of possible games from one deck.

What Are the Best Camping Games?

The best camping game should fit the way you camp. Car campers can reasonably pack a cornhole set or badminton net. If storage is tight, a deck of waterproof cards makes much more sense.

Camping Game	Best For	Game Type	Space Needed	Portability
GoSports Portable Cornhole	Best Overall	Bean bag toss	Medium	Good
GoSports Classic Ladder Toss	Families	Target throwing	Medium	Good
GoSports Kubb Viking Clash	Strategy	Throwing/strategy	Large	Good
Kan Jam Original	Disc games	Disc throwing	Large	Very good
Spikeball Original	Active groups	Roundnet	Medium	Very good
GoSports Slammo	Roundnet alternative	Roundnet	Medium	Very good
Franklin Sports Bocce	Relaxed play	Ball game	Medium to large	Fair
Franklin Volleyball & Badminton	Larger groups	Net sports	Large	Fair
Mattel Toss Across	Younger kids	Bean bag game	Small to medium	Good
Hoyle Waterproof Cards	Compact packing	Card games	Very small	Excellent
Exploding Kittens	Campsite card game	Card game	Very small	Excellent

If you are still building your campsite kit, our camping equipment section covers gear for shelter, cooking, comfort, recreation, and general campsite use.

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1. GoSports Portable Cornhole Set, Best Overall Camping Game

The GoSports Portable Cornhole Set gets our Best Overall position because it keeps the familiar appeal of cornhole without asking you to transport two heavy wooden boards.

The portable version uses 3 x 2 ft targets constructed from PVC frames and fabric playing surfaces. According to GoSports, the complete set weighs under 15 lb, includes eight bean bags and packs into a carrying case.

That combination makes more sense for camping than regulation wooden boards.

Assembly is also straightforward. GoSports states that the targets can be assembled in under a minute. That matters when you want something you can bring out after dinner without spending 20 minutes assembling poles and untangling ropes.

There is a compromise.

The fabric surface does not behave exactly like a traditional wooden cornhole board. Bags can bounce and slide differently, so serious cornhole players may prefer rigid boards.

For campsite entertainment, we would take portability over tournament authenticity.

Best for: Families, couples, groups, RV campers and car campers wanting an easy outdoor game.

Pros:

• Portable alternative to wooden cornhole boards
• Under 15 lb according to the manufacturer
• Eight bean bags included
• Carrying case included
• Quick assembly
• Familiar rules

Cons:

• Fabric surface plays differently from wood
• Requires more storage room than compact games
• You still need a reasonable throwing area

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2. GoSports Classic Ladder Toss Game Set, Best for Families

The GoSports Classic Ladder Toss is our family pick because the basic concept is easy to understand and the equipment packs down for transport.

Players throw bolos toward three horizontal ladder rungs, with different points awarded depending on where the bolo lands.

The GoSports Ladder Toss includes two targets, six soft rubber bolos, built-in score trackers and a carrying case. GoSports states that assembly takes under two minutes.

The soft rubber bolos are particularly relevant when choosing a recreational family set. They are a more campsite-friendly choice than hard golf-ball-style bolos found with some ladder games.

Built-in score trackers are another small detail we like. Nobody needs to remember whether the score was 17-14 after someone disappeared to check the burgers.

You still need a clear throwing lane. Guy lines, vehicles, cooking areas and neighboring campsites should stay well outside the playing area.

Best for: Families and mixed-age groups looking for simple campsite entertainment.

Pros:

• Simple rules
• Six soft rubber bolos
• Two targets included
• Built-in scorekeeping
• Carrying case
• Fast assembly

Cons:

• Needs a clear throwing area
• Larger to transport than cards or compact games
• Small components need to be kept together

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3. GoSports Kubb Viking Clash, Best Strategy Lawn Game

GoSports Kubb Viking Clash is the game we would choose when simple target throwing feels a little too simple.

Kubb combines accuracy with strategy. Rather than repeatedly throwing at the same target, teams attempt to knock down opposing wooden blocks before targeting the king.

The GoSports Kubb set includes 10 kubb blocks, six throwing batons, one king, four boundary stakes and a carrying case. GoSports sells backyard and regulation versions.

Kubb works particularly well for groups because players can learn the basic objective quickly while still having tactical decisions to make.

The disadvantage is space.

This is not our first choice for a small developed campsite where your tent, vehicle, picnic table and neighboring pitches leave only a narrow patch of grass. Kubb makes more sense when you have access to a larger recreation area or open field.

You also need to keep track of considerably more wooden pieces than you do with Kan Jam or Spikeball.

Best for: Groups who enjoy strategy and have access to a decent patch of open ground.

Pros:

• More strategic than basic target games
• Suitable for team play
• Complete set supplied
• Carrying case included
• Backyard and regulation options available

Cons:

• Needs plenty of playing space
• More components to transport
• Less practical on cramped campsites

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4. Kan Jam Original Disc Game, Best Disc Game

Kan Jam takes a flying disc and gives you something more structured to do with it.

The game uses two cylindrical goals and team-based throwing. One player throws toward the opposing goal while a teammate can redirect the disc.

According to Kan Jam, the Original set uses two 20-inch-high, 16-inch-wide goals and a 168 g flying disc. Standard play works toward 21 points.

The goals are lightweight and relatively simple to set up, which helps for car camping and RV trips.

The real consideration is playing space.

A flying disc can travel considerably farther than a bean bag that misses a cornhole board. We would only set Kan Jam up where there is enough clear ground around the game.

That means keeping well away from parked vehicles, tents, campfires and neighboring pitches.

When you have the space, Kan Jam gives four players a good balance between accuracy, movement and team play.

Best for: Teenagers and adults who enjoy flying-disc games and have access to an open recreation area.

Pros:

• Lightweight goals
• Simple equipment
• Team-based gameplay
• Quick setup
• Good combination of accuracy and activity

Cons:

• Requires plenty of clear space
• Flying discs are less suitable around crowded campsites
• Wind can affect play

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5. Spikeball 3 Ball Original Roundnet Game Set, Best Active Camping Game

Spikeball is our pick for campers who would rather chase a ball than sit around a picnic table.

Standard roundnet uses two teams of two around a central net. Players strike the ball onto the net and attempt to prevent the opposing team from returning it.

The format creates considerably more movement than cornhole, ladder toss or bocce.

The Spikeball Standard Kit is designed for portable play and works on surfaces including grass and sand.

That makes it particularly interesting for camping trips that include access to a recreation field or beach.

Do not underestimate the space requirement.

Roundnet involves players moving around the net rather than standing behind a fixed throwing line. A campsite filled with tent pegs, guylines, chairs and cooking equipment is a poor place to play.

Use an open recreation area instead.

For active groups with suitable space, though, Spikeball provides much more physical gameplay than most products in this guide.

Best for: Active teenagers and adults, beach camping and groups with access to open ground.

Pros:

• Fast, active gameplay
• Portable format
• Suitable for grass and sand
• Team-based
• Packs smaller than many lawn games

Cons:

• Needs clear space around the entire net
• More physically demanding
• Less suitable for young children or campers wanting relaxed entertainment

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6. GoSports Slammo Game Set, Best Roundnet Alternative

GoSports Slammo follows a similar roundnet format but includes an interesting feature for beginners: a larger training ball.

The Slammo set includes two 9 cm competition balls, one larger 12 cm training ball, the round target, rules and a carrying case.

That larger ball gives new players an easier way to learn the game before moving to the smaller balls.

GoSports recommends the standard set for ages 12 and older.

As with Spikeball, the main issue for camping is not transporting the game. It is finding somewhere sensible to play.

Players need room to move around the target. Use a campground recreation field, beach or other clear area rather than trying to squeeze the game between tents.

Best for: Groups interested in roundnet who value a larger beginner training ball.

Pros:

• Three balls included
• Larger training ball
• Carrying case
• Portable target
• Active team gameplay

Cons:

• Requires open space
• Not suited to crowded pitches
• Less appealing if you prefer slower games

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7. Franklin Sports Recreational Bocce Set, Best Relaxed Camping Game

Bocce is difficult to beat when you want a social outdoor game without turning your afternoon into a workout.

The objective is simple. Players throw or roll their bocce balls toward a smaller target ball, with points awarded according to proximity.

The Franklin Sports set uses 90 mm polyethylene bocce balls and is intended for recreational use on surfaces including grass and sand.

Bocce has another camping advantage. Your playing area does not need to resemble a sports field.

A slightly irregular grass surface can make recreational games more interesting. Just choose an area without obstacles that create a safety or nuisance issue.

The disadvantage is weight.

Eight substantial bocce balls will never compete with a deck of cards for packing efficiency. Car campers probably will not care. Backpackers certainly will.

Best for: Adults, families and groups who prefer relaxed games over running around.

Pros:

• Straightforward rules
• Social rather than highly physical
• Suitable for grass and sand
• Works for different age groups
• No complicated assembly

Cons:

• Heavier than many portable games
• Balls take up storage space
• Requires suitable ground for enjoyable play

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8. Franklin Sports Volleyball and Badminton Set, Best for Larger Groups

The Franklin Sports Volleyball and Badminton Set gives you two familiar activities from one camping kit.

According to Franklin Sports, the package includes a 20 x 1.5 ft net, adjustable poles, four badminton rackets, two birdies, a volleyball, pump, stakes, guy ropes and carrying bag.

That is a substantial amount of equipment, but you get more variety than you do from a single-purpose lawn game.

Badminton works well with smaller groups. Volleyball gives larger groups something they can play together.

The compromise is campsite practicality.

A 20 ft net plus room for players on either side requires a large clear area. The poles and guy ropes also need secure setup positions.

We would treat this as recreation-field equipment rather than something to erect beside the tent.

Wind also matters. Badminton birdies are easily pushed around in breezy conditions.

Best for: Family gatherings and larger camping groups with access to an open recreation area.

Pros:

• Volleyball and badminton in one set
• Four badminton rackets
• Volleyball included
• Adjustable poles
• Carrying bag

Cons:

• Needs considerable playing space
• More setup than smaller lawn games
• Wind affects badminton
• Bulky compared with compact campsite games

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9. Mattel Toss Across, Best Camping Game for Younger Kids

Mattel Toss Across takes tic-tac-toe off the page and turns it into a physical throwing game.

Players throw bean bags at rotating targets, attempting to turn the panels to X or O and create three matching symbols in a row.

Mattel recommends Toss Across for children ages five and older.

That simple concept gives younger children something more engaging than sitting down with traditional tic-tac-toe while avoiding the faster movement involved in games such as Spikeball.

There is still skill involved. Players need to hit particular targets rather than simply throw as hard as possible.

The unit is larger than a deck of cards, so this is primarily a car-camping or RV option.

Best for: Families camping with younger children.

Pros:

• Familiar tic-tac-toe concept
• Adds physical activity
• Recommended from age five
• Straightforward gameplay
• Does not require a huge field

Cons:

• Less interesting for older groups
• Takes more storage room than card games
• Bean bags need to be kept together

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10. Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards, Best Compact Camping Game

Sometimes the sensible camping game is simply a deck of cards.

Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards take up very little storage space, require almost no setup and support dozens of different games.

The difference between these and an ordinary paper deck is the material.

According to Hoyle, the cards use waterproof plastic construction and can be washed. They also come with a reusable plastic case.

That is genuinely useful for camping.

Picnic tables get damp. Drinks get knocked over. Dirty fingers happen. Standard paper cards do not particularly enjoy any of those things.

A deck also works when your campsite does not have enough room for lawn games. You can play at a picnic table, inside an RV or under suitable campsite shelter when the weather turns poor.

The limitation is obvious. If your group wants to run around outside, cards are unlikely to satisfy them.

For entertainment per cubic inch of packing space, though, they are difficult to argue with.

Best for: Campers with limited storage, couples, families, RV users and rainy-day backup entertainment.

Pros:

• Extremely compact
• Waterproof plastic construction
• Washable
• Reusable case
• Supports many different games
• Minimal setup

Cons:

• You need to know or learn card games
• Small cards are easier to lose around camp
• Does not provide much physical activity

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11. Exploding Kittens Original Edition, Best Camping Card Game

Exploding Kittens is worth considering when you want a compact card game without relying on everyone knowing the rules of poker, rummy or another traditional game.

The Original Edition supports two to five players and is recommended for ages seven and older.

According to Exploding Kittens, a typical game takes around 15 minutes and the standard edition contains 56 cards.

Short rounds suit camping well. You can play after dinner without committing the rest of the evening to one game.

The compact deck also disappears into a camping storage box far more easily than bocce, cornhole or a badminton net.

There is one important difference between this and the Hoyle deck.

Exploding Kittens gives you one dedicated game. Standard playing cards provide dozens. Which is better depends on whether your group wants variety or a specific game with its own rules and theme.

Best for: Families, couples and small groups wanting a dedicated campsite card game.

Pros:

• Compact
• Two to five players
• Short playing time
• Recommended for ages seven+
• Straightforward campsite entertainment

Cons:

• Less versatile than standard playing cards
• Limited to five players without expansions or additional versions
• Provides no physical activity

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How Do You Choose the Best Camping Games?

Choose camping games according to the number of players, available space and how much equipment you are willing to transport.

A great backyard game can become annoying at a campsite if the equipment fills half the trunk or every missed throw lands next to somebody else’s tent.

Packed Size and Weight

Start with how you travel.

For RV and car camping, weight is rarely the biggest concern. Portable cornhole, bocce and net games become realistic options.

Storage still matters. A vehicle already carrying tents, sleeping bags, camp furniture, food, coolers and cooking equipment can fill surprisingly quickly.

For backpacking, most of the products in this guide are too bulky to justify. A deck of cards is the obvious exception.

Number of Players

Check how many people can participate at once.

Games such as Spikeball work particularly well with four players. Exploding Kittens supports two to five players in its standard format. Larger camping groups may get more use from volleyball, badminton, cornhole or Kubb.

Also consider downtime.

A game designed around two players can leave the rest of a large group sitting around waiting.

Available Playing Space

Do not assume your campsite will have a large empty lawn.

Developed campsites can contain tents, RVs, picnic tables, trees, fire rings, tent pegs and guylines. Neighboring campers may be only a short distance away.

Throwing and striking games need a clear area.

If space looks tight, take the game to a designated recreation area where available.

Setup Time

A game that takes seconds to start will probably get used more often than something involving a complicated assembly process.

Cards win here.

Cornhole and portable target games are also relatively straightforward. Volleyball and badminton require more work because the net, poles, stakes and guy ropes need setting up.

Think about how you actually camp. If you regularly change campsites, fast setup matters more.

Age Range

The best family camping games need rules that the intended players can understand and equipment they can reasonably handle.

Mattel recommends Toss Across for ages five and older. Exploding Kittens starts at seven according to the manufacturer, while GoSports recommends its standard Slammo set for ages 12+.

Manufacturer age recommendations provide a useful starting point. Your child’s coordination, understanding of the rules and supervision still matter.

Activity Level

Decide whether you want entertainment or exercise.

Spikeball and badminton involve considerably more movement than cards, cornhole or bocce.

That difference matters if your group includes different generations or people with varying mobility.

Sometimes sitting around playing cards after a day of hiking sounds considerably better than sprinting after another ball.

Playing Surface

Check where the game works.

Bocce suits grass and sand. Spikeball can also work on those surfaces. Other target games need reasonably stable ground for their frames.

A game that works beautifully on a manicured lawn may be less cooperative on a sloping campsite full of roots.

Weather Resistance

Outdoor equipment will eventually meet damp grass, dirt or an unexpected shower.

Water-resistant or washable materials are useful, particularly for items that spend time on picnic tables or directly on the ground.

That does not mean leaving games outside overnight.

Pack equipment away when you finish and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.

Which Camping Games Are Best for Families?

Ladder toss, portable cornhole and Toss Across are strong family options because the basic objectives are easy to understand.

Age still matters.

Younger children may find Toss Across easier because it combines familiar tic-tac-toe with bean-bag throwing. Older children and adults can get more competition from cornhole or ladder toss.

Kubb is worth considering when your family enjoys games involving more strategy.

For families with large age differences, we would prioritize a game that allows people to participate without requiring speed or significant physical effort.

Bocce works particularly well in that situation.

What Camping Games Work Best When Packing Space Is Limited?

Playing cards are the easiest choice when storage space matters.

Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards occupy a tiny fraction of the space required by cornhole, bocce or a volleyball net while providing access to numerous games.

Exploding Kittens is another compact option if you prefer a dedicated game.

Compact games also make useful backups even when you bring something larger.

You might spend the afternoon playing cornhole outside and switch to cards after dark or when rain arrives.

If you are looking for other recreational equipment for your campsite, our activity gear section covers camping games and other outdoor activities.

Are Lawn Games Practical at a Campsite?

Lawn games are practical when you have enough clear space and the campground permits them.

Check your surroundings before starting.

Tent guylines and pegs are easy to overlook when concentrating on a flying disc or ball. Cooking areas, fire rings, parked vehicles and neighboring campsites also need plenty of clearance.

Noise matters too.

A campground full of people trying to relax is not the place for an increasingly competitive volleyball tournament beside somebody else’s tent.

Where available, designated recreation fields are the better choice for larger games.

Smaller games such as Toss Across and cards require far less room and work better when campsite space is restricted.

Which Camping Games Work in Bad Weather?

Card games are the most practical choice when rain stops outdoor play, provided you have a suitable sheltered place to use them.

Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards have another advantage because their plastic construction tolerates moisture better than ordinary paper cards.

Exploding Kittens also takes up very little space, although you should protect the cards from rain and damp conditions.

Outdoor lawn games become less practical once the ground turns wet or wind picks up.

Wind particularly affects lightweight equipment such as badminton birdies and flying discs.

Do not assume that moving an outdoor throwing game inside a tent solves the problem. Tent fabric, poles, lanterns and sleeping equipment are poor targets.

Cards win rainy evenings for a reason.

How Many Camping Games Should You Bring?

For most car-camping trips, one larger outdoor game plus one compact game is enough.

For example:

Portable cornhole plus waterproof cards gives you an outdoor daytime activity and something to play around the table later.

Spikeball plus Exploding Kittens does the same thing for a more active group.

Packing five large lawn games sounds fun while loading the vehicle. It feels less sensible when they compete with your cooler and sleeping equipment for space.

Camp Equipment Plus has more than 16 years of camping experience, and one lesson that applies across camping equipment is that unnecessary gear accumulates quickly. Review what you actually use after each trip and leave repeatedly unused non-essential equipment at home next time.

Which Camping Game Should You Choose?

For most car campers, the GoSports Portable Cornhole Set provides the strongest balance of familiar gameplay, portability and broad appeal. The lighter portable design makes more sense around a campsite than hauling traditional wooden boards.

Families should also consider the GoSports Classic Ladder Toss, particularly if straightforward rules and quick setup matter.

Choose Spikeball if your group wants something energetic and you know you will have access to open ground. Choose Franklin Sports Bocce if you want the opposite: slower, social play without much running.

For campers short on storage, the answer is simpler. Take the Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards. A deck takes almost no room and still gives you plenty to do when rain sends everyone back under shelter.

There is no reason to choose only one type of entertainment, either. A compact card game makes an excellent backup to a larger outdoor game.

Just resist the temptation to pack half the sporting-goods aisle.

Your tent would probably prefer the trunk space.