Camping parties have come a long way from just s’mores and tents! This versatile party theme works for all ages, can glammed up for those who aren’t quite so rustic, and is easily hosted both inside and outside.
To help get you started, I’ve pulled together more than 30 camping party ideas for yummy food, cute decorations, and fun games to make your party a roaring success. We’ve even got real camping parties to help you see how to pull it all together.
So grab your marshmallows and light the fire – it’s time to plan the perfect camping party!
Camping Party Ideas
S'mores Icebox Cake Recipe
A s'mores icebox cake is a great recipe for a camping party because it combines the traditional campfire treat with a unique and delicious twist. The sweet combination of chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows, and cream creates an indulgent make ahead desert that is sure to please any crowd.
S'mores Cereal Bars
Want a fun s'mores themed snack without the risk of an actual campfire? S'mores cereal bars are the perfect solution. Not only do they incorporate all of the classic s'mores flavors – chocolate, marshmallow and graham crackers – but they also offer a convenient and portable snack option.
Acorn Treats Brownies
Capture the spirit of being in the woods with a tray full of acorn brownie treats. These easy no bake treats are an adorable two-bite treat that you can easily make in advance, which is great not only for your dessert table, but make your prep time easier too.
Apple Pie Spiced Pretzels
Continue the rustic treats with deliciously seasoned apple pie spiced pretzels. The warm, spicy aroma of the pretzels is perfect for a camping birthday party, and your guests are sure to keep coming back for more.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate is a must have at any party....so why not get a double dose with delicious double chocolate chip cookies. With a slightly crisp exterior and sweet, tender center, they're an easy treat that's hard to resist.
Easy Candied Pecans
Sweet and crunchy, candied pecans are an easy snack that is surprisingly perfect for a camping party. You can even add a fun outdoorsy name for them, like "Owl toes". Scatter them around your party space for guests to nibble, or use them as a party favor in mini mason jars.
Pine Cone Cheese Ball
Surprise your guests with a fun pine cone shaped cheese ball at your camping themed birthday party. Not only does it look almost exactly like a real pine cone, it's also creamy and flavorful and sure to be a hit.
Thermos Gingerbread Cookies
Every camper needs to have their own thermos, right? Why not make sure that happens and serve up some cookies that look just like mini thermoses? I love the plaid designs on these cookies, and your guests are sure to love the delicious gingerbread cookie base.
Walking Tacos Recipe (Taco in a Bag)
Walking Tacos, also known as tacos in a bag, are the easiest camping food! Set up a taco bar with plenty of toppings and allow guests to mingle while enjoying a delicious taco salad served in a bag of chips. No plate or cleanup required.
Three Easy Ways to Make a Campfire Cupcake
Campfire cupcakes are a great dessert to serve at a camping party! And with these three different methods, they're super easy to make and customize to your liking.
Campfire Pizza with Veggies
Forget delivery! Cook a campfire pizza right over a fire in a cast iron skillet. Kids are sure to love watching it get made, and you can easily adapt the toppings to suit a variety of tastes.
DIY Camping Cake
A camping themed cake is a great dessert for a camping themed party. It's easy to make at home and it looks really fun! I love how this one is decorated with edible trees, tents, and campfires, but you can get as creative as you like with the toppings.
Camping Themed Party Decor
When it comes to party decorations, the sky is the limit for a camping themed birthday bash! Here are some fun ways to dress up your party space whether you're inside or outside.
Decorate with Pine Cones and Acorns
Add a natural touch to your party decor for almost no money and use pine cones and acorns right from your own back yard. Make sure you know how to clean and preserve them so they're safe around family and friends and then let your imagination run wild with all the ideas.
Camping Party Decorations Kit
If you need to get your party decorated fast, then a decorations kit is exactly what you need. There's no need to worry about shopping for individual items. Simply use the kit to create a DIY balloon arch, add one or two other homemade show stoppers, and you're ready to party!
Rustic Wood Slice Tableware
Make your party extra special with disposable rustic wood inspired tableware. You won't find anything like this in stores, so your guests will be begging you to share where you got these plates and cups that look just like real wood.
Birch Log Tealight Candle Holder
A birch log tealight holder makes a great decoration for a camping party, as it can provide a warm, natural light and evoke the feeling of a campfire.
Not only can you place your tealights in them for a soft, glowing atmosphere, but you can also use them to creatively decorate your tablescape, by using them to hold cupcakes, or clustering several together to hold a plate or a small potted plant.
Camping Themed Cutlery Bags
These simple cutlery bags are an adorable way to keep the theme going without too much effort.
INSTANT DOWNLOAD EDITABLE Camping Birthday Party Sign - Etsy
Editable camping party signs are a great decoration for a camping party. Use them to direct guests to different areas of your party setup, or simply add them as cute decor to replicate being at a summer campground.
Camping Party Treat Bag Toppers Camping Party Favors Goodie - Etsy
Camping party treat bag toppers are a great way to bring the camping theme to life. The traditional black and white buffalo plaid pattern provides a rustic look that will add to the outdoorsy style. Of course, you can't go wrong filling them with camping inspired treats like teddy grahams, trail mix, or even s'mores supplies.
Wood-Grain 3-Tier Cupcake Stand/Tower
Continue the rustic vibe with a disposable wood-grain cupcake stand at the center of your buffet table. Don't forget - you can use it to display more than just cupcakes. Add chocolate macaroons, a s'mores bar, or party favors on it for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Camping Party Games
There are many fun and creative camping themed party games that will make your child's birthday celebration extra special.
Whether you want simple games like printable i Spy or crafty activities like a popsicle stick tent, there's something to suit every age and interest.
Campfire Pinata
It doesn't matter how old or young they are, kids love beating on a pinata at birthday parties. This campfire pinata is the perfect choice for a camping party because not only is it shaped like a campfire, but you can also fill it with camping themed goodies like marshmallows and mini flashlights. The kids will have so much fun taking turns whacking the pinata until all the treasures come raining down!
Outdoor Adventure Bingo Cards Printable Kids Games Nature - Etsy
Adventure Bingo is a fun and easy game to play with adults and kids. I love the bold graphics , which make it easy to spot when an item is called out. Plus, it's incredibly easy to plan and prepare - just print out all the materials you need beforehand and you're ready to go!
Indoor Camping Imaginative Play and FREE Printable
Include more creative play with this fun printable camp foods set. They can play fun activities like pretending to make s'mores and roast hotdogs over the pretend fire. It's a great way to bring the camping theme to life and have some fun!
Camping Printable Game Set
Plan all your games in a single go with this fun camping games set. It includes a It includes a variety of simple games like "Camping this or That", "What's Your Camping Name?", "Camping Trivia" and more. Everyone will have a blast playing these games and it will be an awesome way to celebrate!
Fork-Painted Campfire Craft
This DIY painted campfire craft is such a fun game for a camping party - especially if you have younger kids present. You can draw your own logs on a sheet of paper, or make it even easier by printing out the free printable campfire template.
Camping I Spy Printables
Free Camping Matching Game Printable
Entertain the kids at your party by playing a simple camping themed matching game. Free to download, simply print it out, hand it to the kids and let the fun begin.
10 Free Printable Camping Coloring Pages for Kids (age 3+)
Looking for a quiet activity for young kids when the party atmosphere just gets to be too much? Set out these camping themed coloring pages, some crayons or colored pencils and let them doodle away while the adults relax and catch up with each other.
Popsicle Stick Tent Craft
How cute are these little DIY popsicle stick tents? Best of all, they're super easy to make and your kiddos will love creating their own tiny camping shelters. Give each guest a flameless candle to put underneath and it's the perfect party craft turned favor.
Free Printable Nature Journal Cover
Provide a variety of journals to choose from and let the kids add these printable covers to the front so they can have a cute printable nature journal to write down all the fun things they find at your party and long afterward.
Fun Camping Scavenger Hunt Ideas & Free Printable Scavenger Hunt List
This free printable camping themed scavenger hunt list is a fun way to get kids moving around during the party. Don't forget to have a cute little prize for the first person to find everything on the list.
Real Camping Themed Parties
If you're still looking for more inspiration, these next few camping themed parties are filled with creative ideas you can copy or adapt to create a gorgeous party everyone is bound to love.
Last-minute S'mores Party
Pulled together in just one week and decorated with supplies left over from other parties, this s'mores themed first birthday party is filled with inspiration for anyone who is short on both time and money.
Elements to Recreate:
- Homemade chocolate and birthday cake flavored marshmallows
- Using tiered
One Happy Camper - 1st Birthday Party Idea
Continuing with first birthday parties, this "One Happy Camper" first birthday party has some adorable ideas that you can easily recreate...including a trail mix bar, a cute banner with buffalo plaid lettering, and a fabric scrap high chair garland.
Elements to Recreate:
- DIY trail mix bar
- Custom shirt for the guest of honor
Camping Party
Camping parties don't have to be outside! This colorful indoor camping party is filled with cute ideas that work perfectly if the weather just isn't cooperating. Don't forget to check out the creative hot chocolate bottles and those adorable teepees.
Elements to Recreate:
- Mini easels to hold small signs
- S'mores themed trail mix
Camping Party Movie Night with Free Party Printables
Take your movie night to the next level with a camping themed set up. Diana shares fun and easy dessert buffet ideas, but my favorite part is definitely the flame-free campfire!
Elements to Recreate:
- Trail mix served in brown paper bags
- Fireless tabletop 'campfire'
Camp Sunshine
Don’t let that table fool you. It looks so simple, but it pulls in just enough outdoor elements without feeling being overwhelming. The star of the show is that adorable cake, with a teepee and campfire topper. But other elements, like the trees, pinecones, and faux grass make you feel like you’re on a fun hike in the woods.
Elements to Recreate:
- Real evergreens with paper bags over the pots
- Dried pinecones
- Creative names for foods
Camp Roman James!
There are so many cute elements to this party. I love that Dena enlisted the help of her very talented friends and family to create a fantastic picnic for her son.
Elements to Recreate:
- Chalkboard party timeline
- Flashlight party favors
First Birthday Camping Party Dessert Table
Some of the really fun details of this party are hard to see, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth looking at. All that colorful fabric creates whimsical feel that is perfect for a first birthday party.
Elements to Recreate:
- Mini camping 'tent' centerpiece on top of the table
- Using nature as your backdrop instead of covering it up
Backyard Camping Birthday Party
Hosting a party for an older child? The dark brown and bright orange color palette here are less whimsical, but still have a dramatic impact.
Elements to Recreate:
- Backdrop against an old fence or old pallet
- Burlap and moss wreath
- Tackle boxes and picnic baskets used for serving and decor
Summer Camping Party
This little lakeside party looks effortless and is full of fun ideas.
Elements to Recreate:
- Wooden spoons and forks
- Galvanized steel buckets for props and serving
Camping themed parties are a fun and creative way to celebrate the outdoors – even if you can’t be in them. From scavenger hunts to DIY decorations and food, you can now confidently create a memorable experience that best suits your needs and budget.
With so many creative camping party ideas to choose from, it can be difficult to keep all the details straight. To help you stay organized and ensure that your camping themed celebration is a success, why not take advantage of our free one page party planner?
Designed to keep you both on time and on budget, it’s a simple way to help you plan the perfect party.
Don’t wait – start now to make your dream camping party come to life!
This post was originally published on July 5, 2016. It has been updated with more camping ideas and new photos.
Tamara says
Bear poop! These are so impressive. I want my kids to have a woodland creatures party one of these days, inspired by you. We’re doing Star Wars LEGO for this weekend’s big bash.
Leslie says
The Bear Poop is pretty funny. I love the creativity some people have with naming everyday foods. I would be honored if you ever did a woodland creatures party based on what I pulled together! Though I can’t wait to see what you do for a Star Wars Lego theme. I bet it will be epic…as always!
Dena says
Thank so much for including our little camping party here. What a great roundup!! xoxo
Love,
Dena @ livelovesimple.com
Leslie says
No problem! I love to share great content from other people. We always have something we can learn from one another!
Janine Huldie says
What can I say, but you outdid yourself here and I have already planned Emma’s 7th birthday, but may have to keep some of these ideas in mind for next year now!! 🙂
Jen says
That little travel trailer is the cutest! I want one for my backyard that would be permanent! These are such adorable ideas. I say go all out one giant bash, I wish we had done that! Four parties a year is crazy!
Kristen says
So many amazing ideas! I wish we had an August birthday! So fun!
Food nutters says
Beautiful roundup with so many great ideas…bear poop is extraordinary 🙂