Camping is one of our family’s favorite activities and we try get out often. Finding the best camping toys for kids has been the secret to a (more) happy outdoor adventure, allowing you to actually enjoy the free-time while the little ones are also enjoying free-time.
Whether you are looking to ditch the electronics for some screen-free fun or need portable camping toys that won’t take up to much space, I’ve rounded up the my current favorite for 2026. From toddler-friendly nature kits to toys geared for older kids, here is a list of my favs.
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Watercolor Paint Set: My friend brought this on a recent camping trip and it was a hit. The kids loved painting and it was such a fun way to change up our normal camping and outdoor activities. It would make a great outing to bring the water colors and draw something you see in nature with your kids.
Spot it: This is a simple but fun game that even adults enjoy. It says ages 6 and older but my 4 year old can play it just fine and gets faster every time. It comes in a round tin that is super portable and won’t get destroyed when you toss it in your bag.
Sand Shifter: This is a great camping toy, especially if you are close to a river or water and kids can filter out rocks from the water. Also great for sand and dirt, one of our favorite camping toys.
Waterproof Remote Control Car: Remote control cars are always a hit in our family, but they’re not all made equally. This car is super durable. It can handle crashes, navigating all terrain surfaces, and even being driven through puddles. The waterproof aspect has been so fun for camping.
Sand Toys and Bag: Sand toys are great for the beach but also the desert. I like this set because it doesn’t have a million pieces and everything packs up into the little bag and then you can shake all the dirt/sand out before storing.
Rummikub: A full sized set, but come in an awesome portable tote. One of my favorite adult games, but easy enough my kids like to play it too. This is an easy game to play outside because the pieces are so easy to wipe down after potentially sticky little hand have play it.
Portable Race Track: This 15 foot race car track is great for inside or outside. My kids love to race cars and it’s great for bringing out on camping adventures. Just suction it to your car window, the door, anywhere and watch them race.
Hot Wheels 8 Car Set: Hot wheels are always such a hit with all my kids, and this set has some nice variety and enough cars that all my kids can have a few to play with. They love sending them down the portable track!
Stomp Rocks: This is a campground favorite. Really easy to set up and the kids can play with totally independently for a long time. It’s always fun to use this in large spaces!
Stainless Steel Safety Knife: This is a kid geared folding pocket knife that has a rounded safety tip. I think it will be a great intro knife for my son and help him learn how to start whittling with sticks we find camping as well as cutting up foods or whatever he’s wanting to.
Kids Cutting Gloves: Great for using with the whittling knife. We have a family friend that have these for their kids when they help prepare dinner. The kids can cut up vegetables, fruit, or whatever they need and wear these without worrying about knicking themselves.
Bug Catcher: Great for butterflies, ladybugs, worms, and any thing else my kids will catch. Also been known to store special rocks and leaves, this little bug catcher is always a great camping toy to take with us.
Fishing Pole: Our 4 year old started showing interest in fishing this year after he tried it at a friends house so we got him his own fishing pole with tackle box and it’s been so fun! We love to just take this up to the mountains and let him toss lines in the rivers. It has a button to cast so it’s easy for him to control. It telescopes down and comes with it’s own carrying case making it super easy to store and keep in the car.
Butterfly Nets: I got my toddler a bug net last spring and it came with us on every hike for months. He loved going on a bug hunt and we had so much fun talking about the different critters we might see on the trail. It’s been fun to add to our camping toys, and all the kids use for different adventures.
LED Bike Wheel Lights: These lights were also a gift from friends and they were an immediate hit. My husband put the lights on including this Spoke Light she got us for his wheel. Our son loved them and was so excited to ride his bike in the evening. Not only are they fun and colorful for kids, but they also make them so much more visible to cars or other people around making it much more safe for them to ride bikes at night.
Yoto Mini Player: You know we’re all Yoto Fans. The mini is usually keep in my car, so the kids know it’s always available to listen to when we’re camping. I love being able to refresh the cards and the kids looking forward to using it again and again.
P.S. I did a whole review with a discount code if you buy directly from their site! Check it out here.
Uno Junior: This Jr. version is geared towards younger kids, but we love having a classic card game on hand.
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