Beyond s’mores: The best camping games for adults after dark

The campfire crackles, the stars are brilliant against a truly dark sky, and the last of the gooey s’mores have been devoured. It’s a perfect camping moment. But what comes next? Too often, the energy dips and everyone retreats to their tents. But the fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. In fact, for adults, the night is the perfect backdrop for some of the most memorable camping experiences. Forget the kid-friendly singalongs; it’s time to explore a world of engaging, hilarious, and sometimes spooky camping games designed for a grown-up crowd. This guide will take you beyond the classics and introduce you to the best after-dark activities to make your next camping trip unforgettable.

Classic campfire games with an adult twist

The best games are often the simplest, requiring nothing more than a lively imagination and a good group of friends. These classics are perfect for settling in around the fire, fostering conversation and laughter without needing any special equipment. They are fantastic icebreakers for groups where not everyone knows each other well, turning a quiet evening into a night of surprising revelations and shared stories.

• Two truths and a lie: This timeless icebreaker takes on a new life by the flickering light of a campfire. Each person states three “facts” about themselves, two true and one false. The rest of the group must then debate and decide which statement is the lie. The dim lighting and shadowy faces make it harder to read people, adding to the challenge and mystery. You’ll be amazed by the wild truths and clever lies your friends can come up with.
• Never have I ever (camping edition): Give this popular party game a wilderness spin. Instead of the usual risqué questions, tailor them to your surroundings. For example, “Never have I ever been woken up by a wild animal,” or “Never have I ever had to use a leaf as toilet paper.” It’s a hilarious way to share past camping triumphs and failures. You can play the traditional way or a non-alcoholic version where players lower a finger for each thing they’ve done.
• Werewolf or Mafia: The darkness is your greatest ally in this game of deception and deduction. In this roleplaying game, a small, informed minority (the werewolves or mafia) secretly “eliminates” an uninformed majority (the villagers). A narrator guides the game through cycles of night and day. At night, the werewolves choose a victim. During the day, the surviving villagers debate and vote to lynch someone they suspect is a werewolf. The spooky ambiance of the woods at night makes this game incredibly immersive and thrilling.

Games that embrace the darkness

Once the conversation is flowing, you might be ready for something a bit more active. Instead of seeing the dark as a limitation, these games use it as a core element of the fun. They encourage you to get up from the campfire and interact with your environment in a completely new way, blending physical activity with the unique thrill of playing in the great outdoors at night.

A simple set of headlamps or a good lantern is all you need to transform your campsite into a playground. Consider games like glow-in-the-dark ring toss or bocce ball. These familiar lawn games become visually stunning and more challenging in the dark. The glowing objects sailing through the night create a mesmerizing effect. For a more adrenaline-fueled experience, a game of flashlight tag or manhunt can be an exhilarating throwback to childhood. Set clear, safe boundaries and a home base, then let the chase begin. The suspense of hiding in the shadows and the sudden beam of a flashlight cutting through the dark creates a heart-pounding and unforgettable experience.

Strategic board and card games for the tent

Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, or the group is simply feeling a quieter, more cerebral vibe after a long day of hiking. This is the perfect time to break out the portable board and card games. With a lantern or a few headlamps, your tent or picnic table can easily become a gaming hub. These games provide a different kind of engagement, focusing on strategy, wit, and teamwork.

Games like Cards Against Humanity are famously portable and almost guaranteed to generate laughter. For a creative twist, try Telestrations After Dark, a hilarious game of drawing and guessing that gets progressively funnier as interpretations go astray. If your group prefers teamwork and strategy, Codenames is an excellent choice. In this game, two teams compete to identify their secret agents first based on one-word clues from their spymaster. It’s a game of clever word association that is easy to learn but offers deep strategic possibilities, making it perfect for a relaxed yet competitive evening.

Choosing the right game for your group

The perfect camping game is not one-size-fits-all. The best choice depends entirely on your group’s size, energy level, and personality. An active game of flashlight tag might be a hit with one group but a total dud with another that would prefer to sit and strategize over a card game. Before you start packing, think about who you’re camping with. Are they highly competitive? Do they enjoy storytelling? Are they looking to relax or burn off some energy? Considering these factors ahead of time will ensure you bring activities everyone will genuinely enjoy. To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the games we’ve discussed.

Conclusion

As the embers of the campfire burn low, your camping night doesn’t have to fade with them. Moving beyond the simple tradition of s’mores opens up a world of connection, laughter, and lasting memories. We’ve explored how you can liven up your evenings with everything from no-equipment-needed conversational classics like Two Truths and a Lie to active, darkness-embracing adventures like flashlight tag. We also covered how strategic card and board games can provide a cozy and engaging alternative for quieter nights. By considering your group’s energy and interests, you can choose the perfect activity to elevate your trip. So next time you pack your gear, toss in a deck of cards or a glow-in-the-dark game and get ready to discover that the fun truly begins after dark.