Throw a Kids Camping Birthday Party (Camp Themed Ideas)

Planning a camping birthday party brings the magic of the great outdoors to your child’s imagination. So here I’ve outline everything you need to know for a camping birthday party.

From setting up little tents to roasting marshmallows, this theme creates unforgettable camping experiences for young party guests.

Kids love the adventure of camping, even if it’s just for a few hours during a birthday celebration. Party activities can include everything from nature scavenger hunts to making their own s’mores around safely managed campfire flames.

Transform your space into a cozy campsite with sleeping bags, glow sticks, and themed decorations that make little campers feel like they’re deep in the wilderness. Set up picnic tables for birthday party food and create a special dessert table filled with campfire cupcakes and trail mix treats.

Whether you’re hosting in summer or bringing the camping theme indoors during colder months, these party ideas help create magical memories. Let’s explore how to plan the perfect camping-themed birthday party that will have kids talking about it long after the last marshmallow is toasted.

a wooden shelter with a framed photograph of a young child. In front of the shelter, there's a table set up with various food items. A banner with the words 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' hangs above the table

Camping Birthday Party Ideas and Activities

1. Create a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of items kids can find in your yard or campsite, like pinecones, specific leaves, or smooth rocks. Give each child a brown paper bag to collect their treasures. Offer small prizes for those who complete their list first.

2. Set Up a S’mores Station

Arrange graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows on a picnic table. For indoor parties, use a microwave or electric s’mores maker. Include different chocolate varieties for kids to experiment with flavors.

3. Build a Trail Mix Bar

Let kids create their own trail mix combinations using small bowls of nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, and cereal. Provide paper bags or plastic cups for mixing and munching.

4. Organize Tent-Building Races

Divide kids into teams and have them race to set up small play tents. Make it fun by hiding “camping supplies” they need to find first.

5. Host Flashlight Tag or Glow Stick Games

Once it gets dark, organize games using glow sticks or flashlights. Hide glowing objects for a special nighttime scavenger hunt.

6. Lead Campfire Storytelling

Share funny or mildly spooky stories around the campfire. Let each child add a sentence to create a group story.

7. Create Camp Crafts

Paint rocks, make friendship bracelets, or decorate walking sticks. These double as take-home party favors.

A group of children camping outdoors. They are seated around a blue tent, with some lying on the grass

Camping Birthday Party Food and Drink Ideas

1. Build-Your-Own Hot Dog Bar

Offer hot dogs with various toppings like chili, cheese, diced onions, and relish. Include both plain and whole wheat buns for options. Keep dogs warm in a slow cooker if not using a campfire.

2. Trail Mix Station

Set out separate bowls of nuts, M&Ms, dried fruit, pretzels, and cereal. Let kids create their own mix in paper bags with their names on them.

3. S’mores Making Station

Provide graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Include fun variations like peanut butter cups or strawberry marshmallows for unique combinations.

4. Campfire Walking Tacos

Individual bags of Fritos or Doritos topped with taco meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Easy to eat and fun for kids.

5. Bug Juice Punch

Blue raspberry lemonade with gummy worms floating in it. Serve in clear cups so kids can see the “bugs.”

6. Campfire Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes decorated with orange and yellow frosting to look like flames, topped with pretzel stick “firewood.”

7. Forest Fruit Kebabs

Fresh fruit skewers with strawberries, grapes, and pineapple chunks. Healthy and colorful.

8. Dirt Cups

Chocolate pudding topped with crushed Oreos and gummy worms. Serve in clear plastic cups.

9. Camping Snack Mix

Pre-made mix of Teddy Grahams, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and honey roasted peanuts.

10. Fire-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Corn wrapped in foil with butter and seasonings, cooked over the campfire or grill.

An outdoor setting, possibly a park or a picnic area, with a wooden shelter overhead. On the shelter's wall, there's a framed photograph of a young girl

What To Do If Your Camping Birthday Party Gets Rained Out

Don’t let rain ruin your camping party when you’re already at the campground. Most campgrounds have covered picnic areas or community buildings perfect for hosting your party guests until the weather improves.

Move essential party activities like opening presents and eating birthday cake to the covered area. Set up fun indoor activities in the camping theme, like making bracelets or playing card games. Many campgrounds also have game rooms where little campers can stay dry and entertained.

Keep watching the weather – often summer storms pass quickly. Have a backup plan for key activities like s’mores making (many camp lodges have fireplaces). If you planned outdoor campfire games, adapt them for indoor play using glow sticks instead.

Most importantly, embrace the adventure! Real camping often includes dealing with weather changes, and these unexpected moments often become favorite memories of the camping party.

An outdoor setting with a tent-like structure adorned with colorful balloons. The balloons are arranged in a cascading manner

Throwing a Camping Birthday Party in Your Backyard

A backyard camping party brings the fun of a camping trip close to home. Set up a few tents in your yard and create different activity zones for crafts, games, and eating.

Start by hanging a homemade camp sign at your entrance and decorating with items from Dollar Tree like lanterns and camping-themed decorations. Create pathways between activities using rope lights or solar stakes to make it feel like a real campsite.

The great thing about backyard parties is having easy access to bathrooms and kitchen supplies while still enjoying the outdoor experience. Set up a fire pit if allowed in your area, or use a portable propane fire pit for a safer option with little campers.

Remember that timing matters – choose a time of year when the weather is mild. Early evening parties work well, giving kids time to play games in daylight before enjoying night activities like stargazing or flashlight tag.

An indoor setting with a tent-like structure adorned with colorful balloons

Camping-Themed Birthday Parties in Your House

Indoor camping parties can be just as exciting as outdoor adventures. Transform your living room into a cozy campsite using small pop-up tents, blanket forts, and fairy lights strung across the ceiling to create a starry sky effect.

Create a camp sign to hang at the party entrance, and use Dollar Tree supplies to add woodland decorations like paper trees and cardboard animals. Set up different activity stations around your house – maybe the living room becomes the main campsite while the dining room transforms into the mess hall.

Make the party feel authentic with camping-themed games like indoor scavenger hunts or sleeping bag races. An electric s’mores maker or microwave s’mores station keeps the camping spirit alive without real flames.

The best part of an indoor camp-themed party is that weather never interferes with your fun ideas. Kids can still enjoy all the excitement of camping while parents appreciate the convenience of having bathrooms and kitchen facilities close by.

Final Thoughts

A camping-themed party is an excellent way of creating lasting memories of fun and adventure. Whether roasting hot dogs over campfire flames or playing lawn games in your backyard, these activities bring friends together in a unique way.

Send tired but happy campers home with party favors. Use cellophane bags filled with teddy grahams and gummy worms. Include some mini marshmallows and graham crackers so they can make their own s’mores at home.

Remember that the best birthday parties come from focusing on the little things that make each child feel special. From personalizing wooden tags for their treat bags to letting them build their own trail mix bar, it’s these details that transform a regular party into an unforgettable camping adventure.

With some creativity and planning, you can create a magical outdoor celebration that becomes one of their favorite things to remember. After all, there’s something special about gathering around a makeshift campfire with friends to sing happy birthday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do campgrounds allow birthday parties?

Most campgrounds allow small birthday parties if you reserve space in advance. Many have group areas with picnic tables perfect for serving birthday party food and cake.

Just check the campground’s rules about guest limits and quiet hours. Some might restrict the number of party guests or have special requirements for large gatherings. Usually, a regular campsite works fine for small groups of little campers.

Consider hosting during off-peak times when campgrounds are less crowded and more accommodating to celebrations.

Can guests just come for the party and not camp overnight?

Yes, most campgrounds allow party guests to visit during the day without staying overnight. Many campsites have day-use fees for visitors who join the camping party for just a few hours.

Check the campground’s rules about visitor hours and parking. Some might require day guests to leave by sunset. For little campers who want the full experience but can’t stay overnight, plan afternoon activities like campfire games and making s’mores.

What are the best camping birthday party activities?

Keep little campers entertained with a mix of classic camping activities and party games. Set up a nature scavenger hunt, teach basic campfire safety, and let kids roast their own s’mores.

Create a fun obstacle course using camping gear, or organize team challenges like setting up small tents. Glow stick games after dark are always a hit. End the evening with campfire games and storytelling around safely managed campfire flames.

Remember to include some quieter activities too, like decorating wooden tags or making trail mix.