Card games are a fantastic way to bring people together and add fun to your camping trip. Here are five card games that are perfect for camping, along with their rules and gameplay instructions. Pack a deck and get ready for some enjoyable and competitive fun!

1. Uno

Description: Uno is a vibrant and engaging card game where players aim to be the first to get rid of all their cards. The game uses a special deck with coloured cards and action cards that can change the flow of the game.

Rules:

Setup: Each player is dealt 7 cards. The remaining cards form a draw pile with the top card turned face-up to start the discard pile.
Gameplay: Players take turns matching a card from their hand to the top card on the discard pile by colour or number. If a player can’t match the top card, they draw from the draw pile.
Action Cards: Special cards like “Skip,” “Reverse,” “Draw Two,” and “Wild” can alter the course of the game. For instance, “Wild” allows a player to choose a new colour for the discard pile.
Winning: The first player to get rid of all their cards wins. Players must shout “Uno” when they have only one card left. Failure to do so results in a penalty.

Why It’s Perfect for Camping: Uno’s simple rules and exciting gameplay make it easy for everyone to learn and enjoy, and its compact deck is easy to pack.

2. Crazy Eights

Description: Crazy Eights is a classic card game where players try to get rid of all their cards by matching the rank or suit of the top card on the discard pile.

Rules:

Setup: Each player is dealt 5 cards (7 cards if there are 2 or fewer players). The remaining cards form the draw pile, and the top card is placed face-up to start the discard pile.
Gameplay: Players take turns playing a card that matches the rank or suit of the top card on the discard pile. Eights are wild and can be played on any card, allowing the player to choose the next suit.
Drawing Cards: If a player cannot make a move, they must draw a card from the draw pile. If the drawn card can be played, the player can do so immediately; otherwise, their turn ends.
Winning: The first player to discard all their cards wins. The game continues until one player wins or the draw pile is exhausted.

Why It’s Perfect for Camping: Crazy Eights is easy to play with a standard deck of cards, making it convenient for camping trips. It’s simple to understand and keeps everyone engaged.

3. Go Fish

Description: Go Fish is a fun and straightforward game where players collect sets of four matching cards by asking other players for specific cards.

Rules:

Setup: Each player is dealt 5 cards (7 cards if there are fewer players). The remaining cards form the draw pile, with the top card placed face-up to start the discard pile.
Gameplay: Players take turns asking other players for a specific rank. If the player asked has the card, they must give it to the asking player, who then gets another turn. If not, the asking player must draw a card from the draw pile and their turn ends.
Forming Sets: Players place complete sets of four matching cards face-up on the table.
Winning: The game continues until all sets are collected. The player with the most sets at the end wins.

Why It’s Perfect for Camping: Go Fish is ideal for kids and families, offering easy rules and engaging gameplay. It’s easy to pack and set up, making it a great choice for family fun at the campsite.

4. Rummy

Description: Rummy is a game where players try to form sets or runs of cards to score points. The goal is to lay down all your cards and declare “Rummy.”

Rules:

Setup: Each player is dealt 10 cards (7 cards if there are 4 or more players). The remaining cards form the draw pile, and the top card is placed face-up to start the discard pile.
Gameplay: Players take turns drawing a card from the draw pile or the discard pile and then discarding one card. Players aim to form sets (three or four cards of the same rank) or runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit).
Melding: Players can lay down their sets and runs during their turn. Players can also add cards to existing sets or runs on the table.
Winning: The first player to lay down all their cards wins the round. The game continues until a set number of rounds are played, or a player reaches a certain score.

Why It’s Perfect for Camping: Rummy offers strategic gameplay and can be played with a standard deck of cards. It’s great for groups who enjoy a bit more challenge and depth.

5. Hearts

Description: Hearts is a trick-taking game where players aim to avoid certain cards that carry penalty points. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins.

Rules:

Setup: Each player is dealt 13 cards. The game is played in tricks, with players playing one card each round.
Gameplay: The player with the 2 of Clubs starts by playing this card. Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise, they can play any card. The highest card of the leading suit wins the trick.
Avoiding Penalties: Hearts are worth penalty points, and the Queen of Spades is worth 13 points. Players should avoid winning tricks that contain these cards.
Winning: The game continues until one player reaches a predetermined score (usually 50 or 100 points). The player with the fewest penalty points at the end of the game wins.

Why It’s Perfect for Camping: Hearts offers strategic depth and is best suited for players who enjoy trick-taking games. It’s easy to set up and play with a standard deck of cards, making it ideal for camping.

Final Thoughts

These five card games are perfect for adding fun and entertainment to your camping trip. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced game like Uno, a strategic challenge like Hearts, or a simple game for kids like Go Fish, these options provide something for everyone. So pack your deck of cards and get ready for some memorable game nights under the stars!