Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Masha Eretnova
Screens off. Fresh air on. If you’ve ever tried to pull kids away from a device and out into the actual outdoors, you know it takes more than a good pep talk — it takes a plan.
A camping scavenger hunt for kids gives them something to do the moment they step outside, and the best part is that the excitement carries itself once the hunt begins. One of the coolest camping activities (in my opinion).
This free printable camping scavenger hunt works for the whole family, from preschoolers who are still learning to read to teenagers who need a little more of a challenge to stay engaged.
There are three separate games built into the set, each one calibrated for a different age and attention span.
What’s Included in This Camping Scavenger Hunt Printable
The set has three games, and each one stands on its own. You can download them all for free:
Game 1 is built for little ones.
Every item on the hunt sheet has a picture alongside the label, so preschoolers and early readers can work through it independently.
No adult interpretation required — they can look at the picture and start scanning the campsite or backyard right away.
Items include a campfire, tent, flashlight, lantern, sleeping bag, rope, mug, and more — all things kids will realistically spot on a camping trip.
Game 2 For Older Kids
Instead of a picture, players read a short poem and figure out what they’re hunting for.
One clue reads: “I’m made of wood and have branches, yet I’m not a tree. Look for me where the flames dance free.”
The answers range from campfire and lantern to stream and compass. This version works well for older kids and teens.
Game 3 is a longer checklist-style hunt with 24 items.
Players check off each one as they find it, and the first person to find everything wins.
The list includes items like a pinecone, animal track, wildflower, bird feather, spider web, wild berries, tree stump, moss, and squirrel — all the things a curious kid might stumble across on a real trail or campsite.
Older kids, teens, and adults who want a longer challenge will get the most out of this one.
Supplies You’ll Need
One of the best things about this activity is that it needs almost nothing beyond the printable itself. Here’s what to gather before you head outside:
- The printed scavenger hunt sheets (one per player or one per team). Can laminate them!
- Pencils or pens — crayons work fine for Game 1 with younger kids
- A clipboard or hard surface to write on (a hardcover book works)
- A small bag or container if kids want to collect physical items like pinecones or acorns
Print on standard 8.5 x 11 paper. Color printing makes the picture-based Game 1 sheet easier to read for little ones, but black and white works for Games 2 and 3.
How to Play
Game 1 — Picture Hunt (Best for Preschool and Early Elementary)
Hand each child a Game 1 sheet and a pencil.
Walk through the pictures together once so everyone knows what they’re looking for, then send them off.
Because the items are physical objects rather than nature finds — a lantern, a hat, a bag, a mug — this version works well even at a campsite that isn’t surrounded by a lot of wilderness. Set a loose time limit or just let the first one to check off every item win.
For preschoolers who aren’t writing yet, they can point to each picture and call it out when they find it, with a parent or sibling checking the boxes.
Game 2 — Riddle Hunt (Best for Ages 8 and Up)
Read each riddle aloud or let players read silently, then send them searching. This version works as a solo activity or in teams.
The six riddles each point to one specific answer, so there’s no ambiguity once someone figures it out. Keep the answer sheet with an adult or fold it face-down so curious eyes don’t sneak a peek.
Players can compare answers at the end, or reveal the answer key one riddle at a time as each item is found.
For a more competitive version, set a timer and see who can solve all six the fastest.
Game 3 — Checklist Hunt (Best for Older Kids, Teens, and Adults)
With 24 items on the list, Game 3 works best in a natural setting — a campsite, trail, park, or backyard with some outdoor character.
Give each player a sheet, and the first one to check every box wins. Players can work alone or split into teams, with each team sharing one sheet.
Some items on the list require a little patience and observation — an animal track, a spider web, or a centipede aren’t things you find in two minutes. That’s exactly the point. This version stretches attention spans and rewards the kids who slow down and actually look.
For family camping trips, combine all three games and run them at the same time. Younger children work through Game 1 while older siblings tackle Game 3, and everyone stays busy at the same campsite.
Tips for Making It Work Outdoors
Laminate the sheets if you’re camping for multiple days. A dry-erase marker means kids can reset the hunt and play again.
Use it as a hike activity. Game 3’s nature checklist is especially well-suited to a trail walk. Bring one sheet per child and let them check things off as they walk.
Play in teams across age groups. Pairing a preschooler with a teen gives the older kid something purposeful to do while the younger one learns from watching.
No campsite? No problem. A backyard, local park, or nature trail works for all three games. You don’t need to be on a formal camping trip to make this worthwhile.
Grab the Free Printable
The full three-game set — Game 1 picture hunt, Game 2 riddle cards and answer key, and Game 3 checklist — is available as a free printable PDF. Sign up below with your email address and it comes straight to your inbox. Print as many copies as you need.
Whether you’re heading to a campsite this weekend, planning a summer outdoor activity for a group of kids, or just looking for something to do that gets everyone off a screen for an afternoon, this camping scavenger hunt for kids is ready to go when you are.
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Masha Eretnova, born in 1991, is a Buenos Aires-based certified teacher, artist, and member of the Professional Artist Association with 20+ years of personal painting journey.
She started painting and drawing very early and is now an international abstract artist and educator passionate about acrylic painting, gouache, and crafts.
Her works are part of international exhibitions and contests, including ArtlyMix (Brazil), Al-Tiba 9 (Spain), Exhibizone (Canada), Italy, and many more.
Besides her artistic pursuits, Masha holds a post-grad diploma in Teaching Film Photography and 2 music school diplomas: piano and opera singing.