Intro
You’re sitting around your campsite, and you turn to your family and friends and they say this: “So, what do you want to do?” You look around, wondering what to suggest. What are you going to say? For me, I’m always going to suggest a game or activity of some kind. And here’s why…
Growing up, me and my family always played games. Whether that was around the table, out in the yard, or even at family reunions in the mountains; games were just a sure way to have fun and pass the time. So why should that change when you’re camping? There’s no better way to take in the beauty of the outdoors than by playing some games.
Below is a list of my top 6 favorite games/activities to play outdoors/camping. There are many more than that, and most games that can be played indoors can be enjoyed outdoors as well. But here are a few that I think everyone would enjoy! Along with that, I’ve listed the number of people needed to play, any equipment needed, and the basic rules of the game. Let’s get started.
1: Kick the Can
- Number of People Needed: 3+
- Equipment: A can/cup
- Rules: In this game, you designate someone to be “it” (can be more than 1 person depending on how big the group is). Everyone else goes and hides while the person who is it sets a can on the ground. Players then attempt to kick the can without getting tagged by whoever is it.
2: Capture the Flag
- Number of People Needed: 8+
- Equipment: 2 objects that can be used at “flags” (flags, bandanas, hats, etc)
- Rules: Divide your group into 2 equal sized teams. You then establish the boundaries, and a “middle line”. Each team hides their flag on their side of the line, and then attempts to cross the line to steal the other team’s flag without getting caught. If caught, you go to a “jail”, until someone on your team tags you and brings you back.
3: Chess
- Number of People Needed: 2
- Equipment: Chess Board and Pieces
- Rules: Chess is a fun, strategic game that requires more brain than anything else. There is a lot of rules, so to see the full list visit Chess Rules.
4: Cards
- Number of People Needed: 2+
- Equipment: Deck of Cards
- Rules: There are an assortment of games you can play with a normal deck of cards. For a long list, check out these games.
5: Name Game
- Number of People Needed: 8+
- Equipment: Paper and Pencils/Pens
- Rules: In this game, everyone writes down a name of a character, celebrity, famous person, and then puts their paper in a pile. One person in the is the reader, and does not write a name down. Instead they read each name once out loud to everyone. Then the game begins. You go in a circle and try to guess which person wrote which name. If you guess one right, they join your team and you get another guess. You win by guessing the last person not on your team.
6: Just One
- Number of People Needed: 3-7
- Equipment: Just One Game
- Rules: Click here for a tutorial on how to play this fun, easy, organized game!
Conclusion
These and other games are fun, entertaining, and easily cleaned up. This is just a few of many games and activities that you can do around a campsite. Really the list is endless! All you need is a little good weather, a fun group of people, and a campsite. And if you’re looking for a beautiful area and glamping experience in general, check out the Wander Camp locations!
Written by Nick Shipp