Get ready for your next outdoor adventure with our top 17 camping card games that promise unforgettable fun for the whole family! From classic favorites like Go Fish and Old Maid to more challenging options such as Texas Hold’em and Bridge, these games are perfect for evenings around the campfire or rainy days inside the tent.
So grab a deck of cards, gather your friends and family, and let’s dive into this ultimate list of camping card games that will keep you entertained on any camping trip.
Why Play Card Games While Camping?

Playing card games while camping is a great way to promote social connections, provide entertainment, and can be a perfect way to boost cognitive skills.
Promotes Social Connections
Camping card games offer a fantastic opportunity for campers to foster social connections with family and friends.
For instance, imagine playing Crazy Eights with your children while on a fishing trip at one of the national parks. Or picture an epic game night where you team up with your buddies for some classic Texas Hold’em or Bridge action under the stars.
Provides Entertainment
Camping trips offer countless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from hiking and fishing to exploring national parks. However, there will invariably be downtime or rainy days when you need an alternative source of entertainment.
This is where card games come into play. One of the best things about card games is their versatility – there’s a game to suit any group size and skill level, from classic two-player games such as Gin Rummy to large group favorites like Texas Hold’em.
They’re also compact and easy to carry in your camping gear, making them the perfect companion for evenings around the campfire or lazy afternoons relaxing on camp chairs by the picnic table.
Boosts Cognitive Skills
Playing card games during your camping trip not only creates lasting memories but also offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance cognitive skills for both children and adults alike.
Engaging in these fun activities strengthens mental abilities such as problem-solving, critical thinking, memory, attention span, and concentration. For instance, a classic game like Rummy requires players to strategize their moves by reading their opponents’ cards and anticipating their next plays while Spades demands the ability to memorize the number of cards played in each suit.
Moreover, little kids can improve visual skills when trying to differentiate between various shapes and colors in games like Crazy Eights or Go Fish. Teens further develop social skills such as communication and cooperation through friendly competition while playing Hearts or Texas Hold’em with friends around the campfire.
Top 17 Camping Card Games For All Ages

Below we will be breifly going over the top 17 camping card games that can provide endless entertainment for campers of all ages: Crazy Eights, Go Fish, Uno, Old Maid, Rummy, Spit, Slapjack, War, Blackjack, Gin Rummy, Egyptian Rat Screw,Predident , Asshole,Texas Hold’em,Bridge , Hearts,and Spades.
Crazy Eights
Crazy Eights is a classic game that’s perfect for camping trips. To play, you need a standard deck of cards and at least two players. The game objective is to get rid of all your cards by matching them with the card on top of the discard pile in either suit or rank.
If you don’t have a match, you can play an eight which serves as a wild card and allows you to choose any suit before passing the turn to the next player. It’s easy to learn and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Go Fish
Go Fish is a classic, easy card game that has been enjoyed by many generations. This is the perfect game for camping trips as it can be played with just two players or a large group of people.
The rules are easy to understand – each player starts with five cards and takes turns asking other players if they have a specific rank of card (e.g., any twos or any queens).
If the asked player has the requested card, they must give it to the requester, and if not, they tell them to “Go Fish” and draw from the pile in the center.
Go Fish is an excellent way for families or friends to bond during their camping trip while having fun. It’s also great for younger kids learning how to play card games since it boosts their visual skills as they try to memorize which cards are where.
Parents will love playing Go Fish because it’s one of those games that can be played repeatedly with the entire family without getting old quickly.
Uno
Uno is an easy and fun game that can be played by everyone, making it a perfect card game for camping trips. The objective of the game is to get rid of all your cards before the other players do.
To start, each player gets seven cards, and the first person plays a card that matches either the number or color of the top card in the discard pile. If they don’t have a matching card, they must draw from the deck until they can play one.
However, beware of wild cards like “Draw Four” which has opponents drawing four additional cards.
Some suggestions to make playing Uno more enjoyable during camping trips include ensuring that you pack durable waterproof decks since camping grounds are usually exposed to harsh weather conditions like rain or strong winds; this ensures that you have long-lasting fun even during wet seasons.
You could also designate a specific area where everyone can gather around to play without any distractions such as picnic tables or camp chairs so people can focus on enjoying themselves without worrying about their surroundings.
Old Maid
Old Maid is a classic card game that can be enjoyed by all age groups during camping trips. The objective of the game is to avoid being left with the lone “Old Maid” card, which usually features a comical depiction of an elderly woman.
The cards are shuffled and dealt evenly among players, who then take turns drawing cards from each other’s hands in search of matching pairs to discard.
One great thing about Old Maid as a camping activity is that it requires only a standard deck of cards, making it easy for campers to pack light while still enjoying hours of entertainment.
Additionally, since the rules are relatively simple and straightforward, even younger children can participate in this fun-filled game.
Rummy
Rummy is another classic card game that’s perfect for camping trips. It’s a simple and fun game that can be played with a standard deck of cards. The goal of the game is to get rid of all your cards by creating sets or runs, which consist of three or more cards in sequential order or the same rank.
For example, you can make sets like three 7s or runs like Ace, 2, 3. Rummy also requires some strategy and planning since players can continue to build on each other’s sets and runs.
Spit
Spit is a fast-paced card game perfect for camping trips with friends or family. The goal of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards by playing them onto two piles in the middle at once while also trying to block your opponent from doing so.
According to some experts, Spit is one of the best card games for camping due to its portability and simplicity as all you need is a standard deck of cards. Even if there are just two players, this game can be played by dealing out five or six cards each and placing just one pile in the middle.
Slapjack
Slapjack is a fast-paced and fun card game that can be played with two or more players. To start the game, each player takes turns to deal the cards until all of them have an equal number of cards.
Slapjack is one of those classic games that never gets old, making it perfect for camping trips. It’s easy to pack and requires no special equipment or set up, just a deck of cards and some eager players ready for some friendly competition.
War
War is a classic game that can easily be played with just a standard deck of cards, making it great for camping trips. The goal of the game is to collect all the cards by having the highest card value in each round.
It’s a simple and fast-paced game that is perfect for kids and adults alike. To play, each player draws one card from their deck at the same time, and whoever has the highest number wins that round and takes both cards.
If there’s a tie, then players go to “war” by placing three cards face down before facing off again with another card draw. This continues until someone collects all of the remaining cards and becomes the winner.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a simple yet exciting card game that can be played during camping trips. It only requires a standard deck of cards and can be enjoyed by two or more players.
The goal of the game is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. Each player receives two cards, and they can choose to hit (receive another card) or stand (stick with their current hand).
Aces are worth either 1 or 11 depending on the player’s preference, while face cards are worth 10.
Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy is a classic card game that can provide hours of entertainment during camping trips. It’s a two-player game that requires strategy and skill as players try to create sets or runs of cards in their hands.
The object of the game is to score points by forming these combinations before your opponent does.
Gin Rummy is also a great way to improve visual and memory skills as players must remember which cards have been discarded and which ones are still in play. It’s the perfect choice for those who enjoy friendly competition with their campmates, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed activity after a long day spent hiking or exploring national parks.
Egyptian Rat Screw
One of the most exciting card games to play while camping is Egyptian Rat Screw. This fast-paced game involves quick reflexes and sharp visual skills, making it a great choice for both kids and adults.
The goal of this game is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards by slapping down on the card pile when specific combinations appear. For example, if two players consecutively place down cards with the same rank, then whoever slaps down on the pile first wins that round and gets to collect all the cards in that round’s draw pile.
President
One of the most exciting card games to play during camping trips is “President”. This game involves players competing to get rid of all their cards and become the President, while others become Vice President, Treasurer, and Scum.
The first person to get rid of all their cards becomes the President in the next round, while the player with only one remaining card becomes the Scum. This game is perfect for larger groups as it can accommodate up to 10 players or more.
Asshole
“Asshole” is a popular drinking card game that can add excitement to your camping trip. This fast-paced card game involves players racing to get rid of their cards and be the first one to become the President, while the last player becomes the Asshole.
The President gets to call the shots, such as giving out drinks or making other players do ridiculous tasks.
This card game can be enjoyed by large groups and is perfect for adding some friendly competition during campfire nights. It also requires only a standard deck of cards, making it an easy and portable option for camping trips with friends or family.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is a popular card game that can be enjoyed by camping enthusiasts of all ages. This fast-paced game involves strategy, skill, and luck. The goal of the game is to have the best hand of cards or convince other players to fold their hands.
It’s a great way to bring together a large group of friends or family members for some friendly competition during camping trips. One advantage of Texas Hold’em is that it requires only one deck of cards, making it easy to pack and play on-the-go.
Bridge
Bridge is another popular card game that can be enjoyed by all ages while camping. It is a trick-taking game that requires strategy and teamwork to win. The goal of the game is to score points by taking tricks, which are sets of cards played during each round.
Bridge can be played with four players, but there are also versions for two or three players. This classic card game has been around for over 100 years and continues to be a favorite among many campers.
Hearts
Hearts is a classic card game recommended for camping trips that can be played by three to six people. The object of the game is to avoid taking any heart cards or the queen of spades, which are worth points, while also trying to eliminate your opponents’ cards.
Players must stay alert and strategic as they try to outsmart each other in this fast-paced game.
Spades
Spades is a classic four-player card game that can make any camping trip more enjoyable. To start, each player is dealt 13 cards and the goal of the game is to be the first team or player to reach 500 points by winning tricks with spades as the trump suit.
It’s a perfect choice for large groups because it can accommodate up to eight players if two decks are used. Spades requires strategy and coordination between teammates, making it an excellent way to promote social connections while enjoying some friendly competition around a picnic table or campfire.
Tips For Playing Card Games While Camping

Pack a waterproof and durable deck, create a designated playing area, keep score with a notepad or app, ensure everyone is familiar with the rules, and change up games to keep everyone engaged.
Pack A Waterproof And Durable Deck
It’s important to pack a waterproof and durable deck of cards for your camping trip. After all, you don’t want soggy or damaged cards ruining your game night! Look for decks made from plastic or coated in a protective layer that can withstand the elements.
For example, Copag playing cards are known for their durability and resistance to water damage.
Having a reliable deck means you won’t have to worry about replacing them mid-trip or missing out on some good old-fashioned fun with friends and family.
Create A Designated Playing Area
To ensure that your camping card games are as enjoyable as possible, it’s important to create a designated playing area. This area should be flat and free of any debris or obstacles that can interfere with gameplay.
Another great idea is to use the Sasquatch Foldout Poster, which has a waterproof and durable surface perfect for creating an impromptu gaming table. By having a dedicated space for your card games, you’ll avoid lost cards and provide everyone with enough room to play comfortably.
Keep Score With A Notepad Or App
Keeping score is an important part of any card game, especially when playing with a group of friends or family members. To make sure everyone knows how they are doing during the game, it’s a good idea to keep a notepad handy or use an app on your phone.
This way, you can track each player’s progress and determine the winner at the end of the game.
One popular app for tracking scores during card games is Scorekeeper XL, which allows you to customize scoring for different games and keeps track of all past games played.
Another option is using a traditional pen and paper to jot down points as you go along.
Ensure Everyone Is Familiar With The Rules
To ensure that everyone has a great time playing card games while camping, it’s important to make sure that all players are familiar with the rules of the game. Before starting any game, take some time to explain how to play and go over any specific rules or variations.
One way to avoid confusion is by starting with simple games like Go Fish or Old Maid and working your way up to more complex games like Blackjack or Bridge. Another helpful tip is to assign an experienced player as the “rule enforcer” who can answer questions and help guide less experienced players through each round.
Change Up Games To Keep Everyone Engaged
To keep everyone entertained during a camping trip, it’s important to change up the card games being played. This not only ensures that everyone stays engaged but also adds variety and excitement to the experience.
For instance, you can switch from playing an intense game like Texas Hold’em to a lighter game such as Go Fish or Crazy Eights.
Remember, variety is key. The same card game played repeatedly can quickly become boring, but changing things up with new games keeps things fresh and engaging for all ages.
Another fun idea could be coming up with your own versions of card games by adding your own rules or twists to them.
Conclusion:
Make your next camping trip unforgettable with these fun and easy card games that promote social connections, provide entertainment, and boost cognitive skills for all ages.
Make Your Next Camping Trip Unforgettable With Fun And Easy Card Games.
Card games are a great way to make your next camping trip more entertaining and unforgettable. With at least 17 card games to choose from, you can find a game that suits every age group and skill level.
Not only do card games provide entertainment during downtime or rainy days but they also promote social connections among family members or friends. They require strategy, quick thinking, and visual skills which can boost cognitive function as well.
Plus, many of these recommended card games only need a standard deck of cards making them affordable and easy to bring along on any camping trip.
We keep a deck of Uno cards in the boot for when we are camping. When we remember that its there, we get hours of fun!