Heading out on a family camping trip? Grab this free printable camping scavenger hunt – two versions, one for early readers and one for older kids who need more of a challenge.
The weather is getting warmer, and camping season is almost here!
The first time we handed the kids a scavenger hunt at the campsite, they wandered the whole area looking for pinecones and bird feathers while my husband and I pitched the tent. Every two minutes or so, one of them would come running back with another find to show us. By the time the tent was up, they’d checked off half the list and started inventing their own items to add.
It turned the setup hour, which is usually the most chaotic part of any camping trip, into something we all kind of looked forward to. Just make sure there is always an adult watching the kids. Safety first!
If you’re heading out on a family camping trip and want a simple way to get the kids exploring, this free printable camping scavenger hunt is so much fun. There are two versions in the download – one for preschoolers and early readers with picture clues, and one for older kids who want more of a challenge.
What’s Included in the Free Camping Scavenger Hunt
When you download the printable, you’ll get two scavenger hunt sheets in one PDF:
- Version 1: Picture + word hunt. Designed for ages 4-7. Every item has a picture next to the word, so kids who can’t read yet can still play along. Big, simple icons. Easy wins.
- Version 2: Advanced camping hunt. Designed for ages 8 and up. More items, harder finds, plus a few observation challenges (find something that makes a sound, spot two different animal tracks, etc.). Great for kids who would roll their eyes at the easy version.
Both versions fit on one page, print on regular letter-sized paper, and work for backyard, campground, or hiking use.
How to Use the Camping Scavenger Hunt
There’s more than one way to play, depending on the trip and the kid:
At the Campsite While You Set Up
This is our go-to. Hand the printable to the kids the second you arrive and let them start exploring the area while the adults set up camp. They’ll be busy finding pinecones, spotting birds, and noticing things you’d never see if you were just unpacking – and you get the bonus of seeing the campsite through their eyes when they keep running back with finds.
On a Family Hike
Take the scavenger hunt with you on the trail. It gives kids something to focus on while they walk, and you’ll be amazed how much further they’ll go when they’re searching for the next item. We’ve had hikes where the kids led the way the whole time, on the hunt for one last find.
In the Backyard for a Camping-Themed Playdate
If you’re not actually going camping, you can still use this. Set up a tent in the yard, pull out the camp chairs, and let the kids run the scavenger hunt around your own backyard. Works great for summer playdates, birthday parties with a camping theme, or rainy-day-rescheduled outdoor plans.
Tips for Different Ages
The two versions cover most kids, but here’s how to stretch each one further:
For preschoolers and early readers (Version 1):
- Read the word out loud and have them point to the picture. Builds word recognition without making it feel like a worksheet.
- Skip the “find” part for the youngest kids and just turn it into a picture-talk activity. What color is the lantern? Do we have a tent? What’s that animal?
For older kids (Version 2):
- Add a stopwatch. Whoever checks off the most items in 20 minutes wins.
- Make them photograph each find with a kid’s camera or phone. The photos become a camping memory book later.
- Add your own items to the bottom. Local birds, the campground sign, the lake — make it specific to your trip.
How to Make the Printable Last All Summer
If you camp more than once a season (or you’re using this at home and at the campground), it’s worth making the printable reusable instead of printing fresh copies every trip:
- Slide it into a clear page protector and clip it to a clipboard. Kids can use a dry-erase marker on the outside of the protector and wipe it clean.
- Or laminate it if you have a laminator at home. Same dry-erase trick, sturdier for outdoor use.
- Print extras and keep them in the car’s glove box. Surprise activity, ready to go.
What to Pack for a Camping Trip with Kids
While we’re talking camping prep, here’s the short list of stuff I always pack for the kids specifically — separate from the family gear:
- A clipboard (cheap, lightweight, makes the scavenger hunt feel official)
- A pencil and a few crayons in a Ziploc
- A small flashlight or headlamp they can call their own
- Bug spray and sunscreen kept in a kid-accessible bag so they can grab it without you
- A water bottle they’re in charge of refilling
- One small “campsite toy” — a deck of cards, a magnifying glass, or a bug catcher
The clipboard and pencil are the only ones tied directly to the scavenger hunt, but the rest will save you from a lot of “Mom, where’s my…?” moments.
Download Your Free Camping Scavenger Hunt
Click the image above to grab both versions of the camping scavenger hunt. Print one for each kid, throw them in your camping bag, and you’re set.
More Free Printables for Camping and Summer Fun
If you liked this one, here are a few other printables and activity ideas that pair well with summer trips:
- Free Printable Summer Charades Game for Kids – perfect for around the campfire
- Free Printable Fall Scavenger Hunt – for camping trips later in the season
- Free Printable Earth Day Scavenger Hunt – another outdoor hunt option
- 4th of July Trivia Questions and Answers – for camping over the long weekend
Happy camping! And if your kids end up adding their own ridiculous items to the list (mine always do), I’d love to hear what they came up with.
Thanks