19 Best Card Games for Camping

Who doesn't love playing cards while camping? But sometimes the same old card games get, well, old. So here are some new ideas in this list of the best card games for camping…

Recently, a question came up in our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group. Our member, Thien, wanted to know what types of card games other people take in their RV. 

Our members stepped up with some great answers, from classics to card games I've never heard of.

There are a lot to cover so I'm just going to jump right in!

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And we put all of these on our Amazon Store List for Books, Movies, and Games for RVers!

19 Best Card Games for Camping

Some of these are oldies but goodies while others are lesser-known options that I wish I would've known about sooner!

You can also check out the full Facebook thread and suggest card games you love to play.

1. Wilderness UNO

Lots of our RV Lifestyle members agreed that UNO is a great game to keep in your RV. This Wilderness version adds a nice touch for campers.

It's a classic card game that is fun for all ages. The main objective is to try and rid yourself of all your cards before the other players. And, of course, to shout “Uno” when you have a single card left. 

2. SET

RV Lifestyle member, Fred, suggested this fast-paced, easy-to-learn game. Using a card and board challenges your visual perception and is fun for kids and adults.  

3. Five Crowns

In Five Crowns, each player tries to end the game with the lowest score possible. It is similar to the game Rummy. Each player tries to get rid of their cards through runs and books throughout 11 rounds. 

4. Karma

Karma was another suggested game of fun. In this elimination-style game, you aim to get rid of your cards before everyone else. 

5. Quiddler

If spelling or word games are up to your alley, you will probably enjoy Quiddler. It is well-loved and has won over 20 Best Game awards!

In this card game, the object is to spell short words in a scrabble-esque card game.

6. Cards Against Humanity Family Edition

The standard edition of this card game can be a little… offensive. So, I recommend the family edition instead as one of the best card games for camping.

The dealer lays down a black card with something written on it. Then all of the other players lay down one of their funniest white cards. 

If the dealer chooses your funny white card, you get to keep the black card that was played. Whoever ends up with the most black cards at the end wins the game!

(By the way, I also have a list of 11 Fun Camping Party Games for Adults.)

7. Rook

RV Lifestyle member Dana suggested both Card Against Humanity and this game as well. This game is full of tricks and twists, and the first team to reach 300 points wins the game.

It's truly a game of strategy that's perfect for older kids and adults to play together.

8. Phase 10

If you love number card games but are sick of playing UNO, then try Phase 10. It is a Rummy-type game with a twist!

The good news is that everyone ages seven and up can enjoy it. It can take a long time to get through all 10 phases, but you can always break it down into a shorter game.

9. Frustration Rummy Scorecard

Frustration Rummy is a fun game that can be played with up to five people. It comes with its own starter rules and board with five score pegs. 

However, rules for Rummy may change from house to house. So play it your way!

10. Old Maid

A classic game for any kids in the group! This deck of cards comes with matches and one Old Maid card. If you end up with that single card at the end, you are the loser.

Kids and adults alike enjoy this fun and simple game. 

11. Go Fish

Who doesn’t love Go Fish? Of course, you can play with a standard deck of cards, but these are much cuter!

This straightforward classic does not take up much room, and most people know how to play it. It makes a great addition to your RV game cabinet. 

12. Hoyle Book of Games

Gwen had a great suggestion to buy the Hoyle Book of Games to compliment a regular deck of cards. There are all sorts of rules to games that you can play with a deck or two of cards. Great idea!

13. Monopoly Card Game

Many of us know and love the Monopoly board game. The cool thing is that they now have a card game version. 

You can have the fun of the board game, but in a way that takes up less space while on the go. 

14. Clue Card Game

This is another card game adaptation from a board game. Clue is an awesome detective-style card game that requires everyone to think things out and solve the mystery.

15. Poker

Our member, Tonya, suggested “good ole poker.” And like I always say, the classics are classics for a reason!

Poker doesn't always have to be a gamble. I remember playing poker as a kid with sugar packets and it was just as fun for me as playing with real money.

16. Black Jack

Another really fun classic game is Black Jack. I have included a link to a book for beginners that have never played it before.

All you need is a regular deck of cards. Thus, for ease's sake, it makes the list of best card games for camping.

17. Spoons

Spoons is fun for every age and reminds me of musical chairs. The main goal is to race to get a four of a kind so that you can earn a coveted spoon.

Then, when there are fewer spoons than players, one person gets eliminated until everyone is out except for the victor!

18. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

This has got to be the most hilarious game I have seen in a while. RV Lifestyle member, Ryan, said, “(my)daughter and I have fun with this game.” 

You flip cards over on a pile in the middle, chanting words in a specific order. If the card in the middle matches the word being shouted, you slap your hand on that card. 

The funny part is that it is hard to say words that do not match the cards. You constantly mess up but in a hilarious way. 

But the hilarity doesn't stop there. If a special card is played, you have to do a silly action before you slap the pile. For instance, if the gorilla card is played, you have to beat your chest like King Kong before you slap the pile.

It's truly fun for all ages, and certainly earns its spot on this list of best card games for camping.

19. Flux

Generally speaking, Fluxx is easy to play. It also only comes with a deck of cards, so it is simple to transport!

The game comprises four types of cards: Goal cards, keeper cards, action cards, and rule cards. With each type of card, you do something different. 

It can seem a little daunting to learn, but it isn't. The main rule is to pick a card and play a card. 

The cool thing is that you can play this game with a large group, like ten people. There are also many different versions of the game. If you like it, it is fun to try out different ones!

Your Best Card Games for Camping

We'd love to hear any other suggestions you might have! Please give us your input on the best card games for camping in the comments below.

Mike and Jennifer Wendland's Yellowstone Travel Guide

At the top of every RVers bucket list, it is a place so majestic, so wild, and so big that it calls us to return, to explore, to get to know the diversity of its land and animals over and over again.

Everywhere you look are waterfalls, fast-moving rivers, geysers, sheer rock faces, towering lodgepole pines, all framed by mountains under the bright blue cloudless sky.

It’s spectacular for those who love the wilderness and getting up close and personal with it. Enjoy Yellowstone for RV travel.

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