Keep the Night Alive: 10 Engaging Family Campfire Games

Camping is a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. But when the sun goes down and the campfire is lit, the fun doesn't have to stop. In fact, some of the most memorable moments of a camping trip can happen after dark.

To keep the night alive here are:

1) 5 engaging games to play while camping at night even if you didn't pack anything in advance.

2) 5 engaging games that don't take up a lot of space when packing for your next camping trip.

Why Play Games While Camping at Night?

Playing games while camping at night not only adds to the fun and excitement of the trip, but it also brings people together. It's a great way to bond with family and friends, create new memories, and pass the time while waiting for the stars to come out. Plus, it's a great alternative to staring at screens and allows everyone to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors.

Give these campfire games a try. The laughs and stories generated from these games are likely to become memories that stay with you forever!

Camping and Campfire Games

Campfires are a staple of camping, and they provide the perfect setting for some fun and engaging games. While warming up the campfire and the crowd, try these colorful fire starters.

5 Campfire Games You Can Play Without Packing Anything in Advance

What are fun campfire games?

A fun campfire game is a conversation starter. Camping games pull the group together and get the laughter roaring. Memories are made with campfire games. Here are five fun campfire games that don't require any packing in advance.

• Campfire charades
• "I'm Going Camping" game
• Telephone game
• Flashlight tag
• Nighttime scavenger hunt

Campfire Charades

Charades is a classic game that can be played anywhere, including around a campfire. To play, one person acts out a word or phrase without speaking, and the others have to guess what it is. To make it more challenging, you can use camping-related words or phrases, such as "pitching a tent" or "roasting marshmallows."

I'm Going Camping Game

This is a family favorite around our campfires. It's fun with larger groups of people, especially if a few have never played the "I'm Going Camping" game before.

One person starts and says, "I'm going camping and I'm going to take "Donuts". This would be a good example for someone with a name that starts with "D", like David or Debbie. You don't say why you are taking "donuts". Others around the campfire will say "yes, you can go camping".

If a person says they are going camping with an item that doesn't start with the first letter of their name, you say "no you can't go camping" and move on the to the next person. Players around the campfire will try to figure out what they can take camping ... and you will hear the 'ahh, I got it!' responses when they figure it out!

Telephone Game

All kids, and kids at heart, love the 'Telephone Game'. One person around the campfire starts by whispering a phrase or sentence to the person beside them (to the right or the left). Then each person has to repeat the phrase or sentence they heard to the next person, until it goes all around the campfire circle.

The last person, beside the person who started the game must repeat what was heard. It most often, is NOT what was started.

Flashlight Tag

Flashlight tag is a classic game that is perfect for playing in the dark. To play, one person is designated as "it" and has a flashlight. The other players have to hide, and the person who is "it" has to find them by shining the flashlight on them.

Once a player is tagged with the light, they become "it" and the game continues. This game is not only fun but also a great way to explore the campsite at night.

Nighttime Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the campsite at night and keep everyone entertained. Before it gets dark, hide some items around the campsite and give each player a list of things to find. These items can be anything from natural objects like rocks and leaves to camping-related items like a flashlight or a tent. The first person or team to find all the items on the list wins.

5 Campfire Games that are Easy to Pack

What are games to play around a campfire?

A campfire game is something that brings the entire group together. They are often ice-breaker games to get the conversation going and the laughs started. Here are five family-friendly campfire games that are easy to pack and take with you.

• Glow Stick ring toss
• Try Not to Laugh Challenge (Book edition)
• Tosy Flying Disc (with LED lights)
• Basecamp Cards
• Charades for Kids
  • BONUS: Camping Charades

Glow Stick Ring Toss

For a fun and easy game to play at night, try glow stick ring toss. All you need are some glow sticks and a few bottles or sticks to use as targets.

Simply activate the glow sticks and place them in the bottles or stick them in the ground. Then, take turns trying to toss the rings (made from glow sticks) onto the targets. This game is perfect for all ages and can be played in teams or individually.

Try Not to Laugh Challenge "Would You Rather?" Campfire Edition: A Camping-Themed Interactive & Family Friendly Question Game

This book, Campfire Edition of "Would You Rather", is filled with over 230 hilarious questions that the whole family can enjoy. It covers various topics related to camping, hiking, Bigfoot, bugs, wildlife, and glamping. It's a great way to spark conversations and have a good laugh while spending time in the great outdoors. So, grab a copy of this book and get ready for some crazy funny stories around your next campfire!

TOSY Flying Disc

The TOSY Flying Disc is a game-changer to spice up your favorite disc bottle and tossing games. It features 36 super bright LEDs. This disc looks super cool, especially when thrown outdoors at night.

One of the great features of the TOSY Disc is that it is rechargeable so it can be charged by day and played at night. In addition to its impressive features, the TOSY Disc is highly durable, waterproof, and premium quality. It is a must-have for your camping gear if you are looking for something fun to play after dark.

Basecamp Cards: Kids Edition Conversation Starters 

Basecamp Cards: Kids Edition is a family-friendly card game that's easy to play and an entertaining way to have fun while camping. This camping game is designed to be simple and enjoyable with no complex rules or risk of putting players in awkward situations. The cards were created with the help of teachers, child therapists, camp counselors, and kids themselves, ensuring that they are suitable for all ages.

So, if you're looking for a campfire game that everyone can enjoy, Basecamp Cards: Kids Edition is a great choice.

Charades for Kids - The 'No Reading Required' Family Game

Charades for Kids is a fun game that everyone can play. These easy to read cards, with images for non readers, makes it easy for everyone in the family to play this charades game. Simply choose 1, 2 or 3 on the card and act out the word. It's a game that is sure to get lots of laughs.

Pass the deck around the campfire circle. One person holds the timer and one person acts out the word or image on the card. Keep the 'stage area' away from the fire. It's fun for all ages.

Camping Charades – A Family Fun Game for Acting Out in The Wild

BONUS: We couldn't decide between these last two charade games, so we are including both of them!

Camping Charades is a fantastic way to entertain the entire family during camping trips. It's a simple game where you draw a card, act out the camping related word or phrase on the card, and have fun. It's a great way to bond with your loved ones and create lasting memories. So, let your imagination run wild and enjoy the game!

Tips for Playing Games While Camping at Night

Playing games while camping at night can be a lot of fun, but it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.

Safety First! Before playing any games, make sure to review campfire safety rules with everyone. This includes keeping a safe distance from the fire, not throwing anything into the fire, and always having a responsible adult present.

Use Appropriate Lighting

When playing games at night, it's important to have enough light to see but not so much that it ruins the ambiance. Flashlights, headlamps, and glow sticks are great options for providing enough light without being too bright.

Consider the Noise Level

While having fun is the main goal, it's also important to be respectful of other campers nearby. Keep the noise level to a minimum, especially if you're playing games late at night.

Be Mindful of the Environment

When playing games, be mindful of the environment and leave no trace. This means cleaning up after yourself and not damaging any plants or wildlife.

Fun Games to Play While Camping at Night

Camping at night doesn't have to be boring. With these ten engaging family-friendly games, you can keep the night alive and create fun lasting memories with your loved ones. Just remember to prioritize safety, use appropriate lighting, be respectful of others, and leave no trace.

So, the next time you're camping, don't forget to pack some games and keep the fun going after dark.

Happy Camping!

Your FavReviews Team

PS - you may also like our reviews on other camping games for the entire family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Campfire Games

What is a good bonfire game?

One popular bonfire game is 'Truth or Dare'. Originating back to 1712, this game involves a player choosing between answering a truthfully asked question or performing a ‘dare’ that they are given. Another popular choice is 'Two Truths and a Lie', where each participant shares two true statements and one false statement about themselves, while others guess which one is the lie. For a more laughter-filled experiences, try "Telephone" or "I'm Going Camping and I'm Taking". Read more in our article "Keep the Night Alive: 10 Engaging Family Campfire Games"

What are good camping activities?

Camping offers an array of fun and engaging activities. During the day, exploring nature trails, bird watching, fishing, swimming and canoeing are great ways to enjoy the outdoors. As night falls, settling around the campfire for storytelling, stargazing, and playing group games can create memorable moments. Some favorite campfire games include 'I'm Going Camping', 'Telephone', 'Would you Rather', or camping charades, all perfect for family bonding. Don't forget to pack some glow sticks and Basecamp cards!

What are some fun games to play while camping at night?

Nighttime camping brings unique opportunities for fun games. A classic is '20 Questions', where one person thinks of something, and the rest of the group gets 20 questions to guess what it is. If you're looking for something more energetic, flying discs with LED lights add an exciting twist to the night. For a more relaxed vibe, 'Would You Rather' Campfire Edition is a great conversation starter, posing dilemmas like "Would you rather camp on the beach or in the mountains?". Whichever camping games you choose, remember to respect nature and keep noise levels down for nearby campers.

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