Cheap and Easy Camping Games

Posted: Nov 09, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Not many people consider chess to be one of the better camping games. But I happen to like the combination of outdoor activity and mental activity. Of course, bringing a big board and pieces is one thing if you are camping next to your car or in your RV, but that's a bit much to carry for a backpacking trip.

My own solution was to buy a three-dollar chess set to get the light plastic pieces, and then make a chess board from a white handkerchief, using a permanent marker. I carry the whole set in a small plastic bag and it weighs just three ounces - perfect for my lightweight style of backpacking.

As suggested, you can carry almost any games if you are camping in a recreational vehicle or with your car always at your side. Having a football or flying disc for use in the campground is nice, for example, and you can bring several board games. Just take whatever you have around the house. But if you are hitting the trail you need to think smaller and lighter. Add cheap to that (because it is my preference and perhaps yours), and we have the criteria for the following camping games.

Pine Cone Games

For the cheapest, and lightest games, carry nothing at all. Just use what is out there. Pine cones are a great example. You can use them in throwing games. Just pick a target and see who can make the most hits out of ten or a hundred throws. Or see who can be the first to throw a pine cone into a tree and have it get stuck there.

Pine cones work for mental games as well. Scratch a tic-tac-toe board into the sand or dirt and use pine cones as pieces (a different kind or size for each player). Make a ten-by-ten board in the dirt and see who can get the first four-in-a-row.

Card Games

If you do decide to carry something with you for entertainment, the best choice may be a deck of cards. It is small and weighs only a few ounces, but provides the possibility of a hundred different camping games. Even if you are traveling solo you can play solitaire.

Identification Games

If you and the others in your group have an interest in plants, you can bring a small identification guide and make a game of pointing out particular species. You might make the contest one in which you all try to be the first to find any edible plant. You could also compete to see who is the first to spot a particular plant species. If you want a little more creative thinking involved, see who can come up with the most uses for a plant (I could name a dozen uses for a cattail).

Dice Camping Games

If you know the basics of craps or other dice games, they are good ones for camping as well. A pair of dice might weigh an ounce, and you can even invent your own games. Small, light, and definitely cheap - dice meet all the criteria.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/cheap-and-easy-camping-games-3635847.html

    Article Tags:

    camping games

    ,

    games

    ,

    camping

    ,

    backpacking

    My Camping Tents

    This article is a guide to selecting the right camping tent for your needs. It's important to get a camping tent that will meet your expectations. The following considerations will help you determine the best tent for your needs. A good camping tent will give you many years of outstanding use.

    By: My Camping Tentsl Travel> Campingl Feb 10, 2011 lViews: 138

    Are you interested in taking a camping vacation with your romantic partner, your friends, or your family? If you are, have you already started planning your camping vacation? If you have yet to start planning your camping vacation, you may want to think about doing so soon.

    By: Jillian Smithl Travel> Campingl May 23, 2008

    If your idea of a great vacation is being pampered, wilderness camping is not for you. Since these camps generally offer a variety of high excitement activities with not much in the way of modern conveniences pampering is not an option. However, during a week or two at a wilderness camp, children can

    By: Julius Ellisonl Sports and Fitnessl May 23, 2010

    Some Backpacks are Designed to Hold Special Gear Such as Laptops or Mp3 Players. Laptop Backpacks Should be Well Padded to Absorb Any Shock Should the Backpack Hit the Floor While the Computer is Inside. Higher Quality Backpacks Also Have a Separate Padded Sleeve to Slip the Laptop Into Before Putting it Into the Backpack. Gadget Backpacks are Often Designed With Specific Pouches or Compartments to Carry Small Electronic Devices Such as Mp3 Players or Handheld Gaming Systems.

    By: Joanna Brownl Home and Familyl Mar 18, 2009 lViews: 987

    Bringing along the right camping supplies and gear is a vital part of any successful camping trip. The following camping checklist is a general guide for the average family camping weekend. Your camping supply list may differ, depending on the climate, location, and type of camping facilities you are

    By: Conrad Nguyenl Sports and Fitnessl Jul 01, 2010

    Backpacking with children involves special challenges, but a lot of fun too. Here are six tips for a better trip.

    By: Sarah J Holtl Travel> Campingl Nov 15, 2007

    Rafting, as it is known, is one of the most challenging outdoor activity that employs the usage of a raft to navigate across a river body. In the age of mediocrity, we are drawn towards a more materialistic world.

    By: Khaideml Travel> Campingl May 27, 2012

    As an intern people gets opportunity to travel to new places, learn new languages and cultures, interact with the locals and make new friends.

    By: Volunteering Solutionsl Travel> Campingl May 25, 2012

    The beautiful stretches of bluegrass and horse farms of Kentucky attract numerous campers all through the year. There are several RV campgrounds and parks in this state offering a host of outdoor opportunities to make your vacations unforgettable.

    By: Jason Martinl Travel> Campingl May 25, 2012

    The County of Kent has often been called the ‘Garden Of England'. This is certainly a tag that is not without justification, considering the many open gardens and well maintained parks that you can find here. But what about those of you who are looking for a more varied holiday experience and do not fancy visiting these gardens or spending your time in them.

    By: Amanda Williamsl Travel> Campingl May 24, 2012

    Similarly surprised and also fearful due to its damaging power, funnel clouds is definitely the basis. Indisputably, along the route, you will be aware tips on how to stay away from should the radio's issuing warnings where there could well be seem like a freight train increases around the range.

    By: Luisl Travel> Campingl May 23, 2012

    A look at the potential value of crazy ideas and how to have them regularly.

    By: Steve Gillmanl Business> Entrepreneurshipl Feb 14, 2011

    A look at some of the ways you can concentrate more effectively on whatever you're working on.

    By: Steve Gillmanl Self Improvement> Self Helpl Feb 07, 2011

    Some guidelines to help home buyers find a house that suits their needs and doesn't cost too much.

    By: Steve Gillmanl Finance> Personal Financel Feb 04, 2011

    A look at the three basic ways to make money; generating instant cash, paying the bills, and creating a business.

    By: Steve Gillmanl Finance> Personal Financel Feb 03, 2011

    A simple way to make money with almost any hobby, by sharing what you know with others.

    By: Steve Gillmanl Finance> Personal Financel Feb 02, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast