Ultimate guide to camp games

11 Dec 2025

5 minutes

The best camping games for Aussie families (that don’t need Wi-Fi)

There’s something about camping that makes games feel better. Maybe it’s the salty air, maybe it’s the lack of screen time, or maybe it’s just that everyone’s already relaxed and open to a laugh. Whatever it is, a good camping game can turn a normal arvo into a full-blown family tradition.

To make it easy, we’ve rounded up the best camping games for Australian families. These are simple to pack, easy to learn, and suited to beach days, grassy campsites, and those slower moments between swims, walks and laid-back dinners. Lets get to it...

Campsite lawn legends

Finska

What it’s all about: Finska is a log-tossing game where players try to hit numbered wooden skittles and score points — but the trick is you have to land on exactly 50 to win. That keeps it close and exciting right to the end, even if someone’s been way ahead. It’s part skill, part strategy, and a sneaky way to get kids doing quick maths without noticing.

Best for ages: Officially recommended for around 8+, but younger kids can play with shorter throws or a smaller setup.
Where to buy: Planet Finska (the original), plus lots of Aussie retailers online and in store.

Bean bag toss / Cornhole

What it’s all about: Set up two boards, grab a handful of bean bags and aim for the hole. It’s one of those games that works for everyone because you can make it as competitive (or as silly) as you want. Great for chilled afternoons, and kids love seeing their aim improve over the weekend.

Best for ages: 4+ with a close board for little ones; all ages for proper play.
Where to buy: Easy to find at Kmart, BIG W, and outdoor/game stores.

Spike game set (Spikeball-style round net game)

What it’s all about: Think volleyball meets four-square, but on a little round net you set on the grass. Teams bounce the ball onto the net so the other side has to scramble and return it in up to three hits. It’s fast, a bit chaotic in the best way, and a guaranteed energy-burner for kids who still have fuel in the tank. Great for open grassy sites and works even better once a few neighbouring campers wander over for a turn.

Best for ages: 8+ is the sweet spot, but younger kids can have a go with softer serves and relaxed rules. Teens and adults get properly competitive with it.
Where to buy: Sports stores like Rebel, Decathlon and BCF often stock Spikeball-style sets, and you’ll find plenty of options online too.

Botchy / Bocce

What it’s all about: A classic roll-and-aim game where you’re trying to get your balls closest to a smaller target ball (the “jack”). It’s low-key, calming, and perfect when you want something slower after a big day outside. Also ideal on sand if the campsite lawn is busy.

Best for ages: 5+ for a casual family version; older kids and adults will get into the strategy side.
Where to buy: BCF and other camping/outdoor retailers stock portable sets.

Beach games that burn energy (in a good way)

Beach/ grass cricket

What it’s all about: The ultimate Aussie holiday game. A bat, a ball, a set of stumps and a patch of sand is all you need. It’s flexible, doesn’t need proper teams, and always ends up with kids, parents and a few random neighbours playing together.

Best for ages: All ages. Especially good for mixed groups because you can adapt the rules on the fly.
Where to buy: Rebel Sport, BCF, and cricket stores have beach kits and soft-ball sets.

Beach footy

What it’s all about: Zero setup and pure fun. Use a soft footy, pick a couple of “try lines” and make your own rules. It’s perfect for that golden hour on the sand when everyone’s got energy to burn.

Best for ages: 5+, but really works for everyone if you keep it non-tackle and lighthearted.
Where to buy: Any sports store, BIG W/Kmart, or even those coastal town shops when you arrive.

Beach volleyball

What it’s all about: This one’s great when you’ve got a bit of space and a few people keen to join in. You can play proper rules with a net, or just keep it simple with a “don’t let it hit the sand” family rally. It’s teamwork, movement, and plenty of laughing dives.

Best for ages: 5+ for casual play; older kids and teens love it once they get the hang of bump-set-spike. Junior beach volleyball programs commonly start around these ages too.
Where to buy: Sports stores and camping retailers carry nets and balls.

Torch tag / glow-stick hide and seek

What it’s all about: When the sun goes down and kids get their second wind, this saves the night. Keep it safe and simple: boundaries, torches, and glow sticks on everyone so you can see where they are.

Best for ages: 5+, with adults nearby.

Frisbee

What it’s all about: The simplest multi-use camp toy ever. Play catch, do distance challenges, or make your own target game with a tree or towel.

Best for ages: All ages.
Where to buy: Kmart, BIG W, sports stores.

Pocket-size favourites for rainy days or quiet moments

Connect 4 (classic or travel version)

What it’s all about: An easy, low-fuss strategy game where you try to line up four of your colour in a row before the other person does. It’s quick to set up, rounds are short (so no one gets bored), and it’s the perfect “wind-down” game after a big day outside. Also great for one-on-one time — sibling vs sibling, kid vs parent, or even a sneaky adults-only rematch once the kids are in bed.

Best for ages: 6+ for proper play, but younger kids can still join in with a bit of help.
Where to buy: Most big retailers like Kmart, BIG W and Target have the standard set, and you can grab a compact travel version online or from toy stores.

Spot It!

What it’s all about: A fast, funny card game where every two cards share one matching symbol, and the race is to spot it first. It’s quick to learn and short to play, which makes it perfect for camping when attention spans are a bit all over the place.

Best for ages: Most sets are 6+, and it suits a wide range because the rules can be made easier or harder.
Where to buy: BIG W, Target, and most toy shops.

UNO

What it’s all about: The campsite classic. Match colours or numbers, play wild cards, and try not to get stuck holding a fistful at the end. It’s simple enough for kids and still genuinely fun for adults (especially once house rules kick in).

Best for ages: Standard UNO is generally 7+, but younger kids can join with help , or you can grab UNO Junior for little ones.
Where to buy: Kmart, BIG W, Target, supermarkets, basically everywhere.

A couple more easy add-ons

Go Fish / Snap / Old Maid — great for younger kids learning turn-taking and matching.
Exploding Kittens (family edition) — a cheeky one for older kids and teens when you want bigger laughs.

A few no-gear extras worth packing (or making up)

Nature scavenger hunt

What it’s all about: A kid-magnet, especially on the first morning. Write a list like: “something spiky, something smooth, something red, a feather, a tiny shell…” and let them roam (within campsite boundaries). It keeps them moving and noticing the little things.

Best for ages: 3–12, but older kids will still play if you turn it into a photo challenge.
Gather the family and check out the scavenger hunt in the latest edition of the Outsider magazine and head for page 83.
Hayley Bunting from Gather.ed has some great hacks for extra family time.

The easy “grab-and-go” camping game kit

If you want to keep packing simple, this combo covers pretty much every kind of day:
One lawn game (Finska or bean bag toss), one beach energy burner (cricket or footy), one tiny card game (UNO or Spot It!). Done.

The final take

Because honestly, the best camping games aren’t the fancy ones, they’re the ones that pull everyone into the same moment. To get the low down on the game rulkes likely to start a family dispuate, check out our family game night peacekeepers here.

Sandy feet, snack breaks, a bit of friendly rivalry, and that happy tiredness at the end of the day when you realise you’ve all been out there together for hours.