The Best Group Games for Camp: Fun That Brings Everyone Together
Camp is more than cabins and campfires—it’s a place where strangers become best friends, and the best memories start with someone saying, “Let’s play a game.”
Whether you’re leading a day camp, youth retreat, or overnight adventure, group games are the heartbeat of the experience. They break the ice, burn energy, spark connection, and keep campers smiling long after the sun goes down.
At The Best Group Games, we believe every great camp runs on laughter, teamwork, and just the right amount of chaos. Here are the top group games to make this your most fun, most memorable camp season yet.
Day-One Icebreakers (That Actually Work)
Campers show up unsure, quiet, maybe even a little nervous. These games kickstart friendships fast.
Name 5
Split into teams and race to name five things in a given category—like “campfire snacks” or “animals that live in the woods.” It’s fast-paced, competitive, and perfect for getting everyone shouting (in a good way).
The Voting Game: Camp Edition
Create custom prompts like “Who’s most likely to get caught sneaking snacks?” or “Who would win a log-rolling contest?” It’s a hilarious way to get to know each other and build inside jokes early.
Would You Rather: Camp Style
“Would you rather shower in a cold lake or wear the same socks all week?” These wild comparisons break the ice and spark instant connection.
Outdoor Favorites with Big Energy
Take advantage of those wide open campgrounds with games that get everyone moving.
9 Square in the Air
A camp favorite for a reason. This fast-paced game combines volleyball vibes with four square rules. Players rotate through the grid trying to stay in the center square as long as possible. It’s active, social, and perfect for big groups.
Relay Races + Obstacle Challenges
Create team relays with whatever you’ve got—cones, ropes, water buckets, even sleeping bags. Add campy challenges like crab walks, dizzy spins, or crawling under picnic tables.
Capture the Flag – Glow Edition
Play the classic version during the day, then bring it back at night with glow sticks, flashlights, and glow-in-the-dark face paint. It’s always a camp highlight.
🌧 Rainy Day & Chill Cabin Games
Rain happens. These games save the day when you need high fun and low mess indoors.
Sing It or Wing It
Get a word prompt and make up a song on the spot—or completely wing it. Campers love the silliness and creativity, and it works great for talent nights or rainy afternoons.
Charades – Camp Edition
Act out camp-specific themes like “mosquito attack,” “ghost story,” or “trying to zip your sleeping bag.” Perfect for cabins, dining halls, or fireside fun.
Hedbanz or Heads Up!
Classic guessing games with a camp twist. Add your own cards with cabin names, counselor catchphrases, or “mystery lunch items.”
New & Next-Level Camp Games
If your campers have played it all, try something unexpected.
You.Fo
Imagine disc golf meets ultimate frisbee—with a UFO-shaped flyer. You.Fo gets campers moving, communicating, and laughing as they try to launch and catch the air-borne ring. It’s great for open fields, team play, or introducing something totally new.
Story Chain
Start a group story with one sentence—then go around the circle and keep it going. You never know if the ending will involve a counselor, a canoe, and a raccoon with a flashlight.
Counselor Impressions
Let campers (kindly!) imitate their favorite counselors. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and great for talent shows or group bonding.
Camp-Wide Competition Ideas
End the week with something big. These group games build hype, spirit, and memories that last.
Cabin Showdown Challenge
Create a multi-round competition: Name 5 speed rounds, relay races, You.FO toss contests, and trivia. Track points and crown a champion team by the end of camp.
Scavenger Hunt with a Twist
Send teams searching for camp-themed clues or challenges. Include silly tasks like “sing to a counselor,” “recreate a camp meal using only sticks,” or “trade for a pinecone.” It’s structured chaos, and campers love every minute.
Games Are the Glue of Camp Life
At camp, the best moments often aren’t the scheduled ones—they’re the spontaneous games that bring the group together, spark creativity, and make kids feel like they belong.
From high-energy field games to hilarious late-night challenges, The Best Group Games help turn every hour at camp into something unforgettable.
So whether you’re planning your first camp or your fiftieth, fill your days with games that campers will still be talking about when school starts again.
Let the games begin.