Bonfires, s’mores, flashlight games and stars overhead. A camping birthday party brings the outdoors to life and is a winner with kids of all ages. Whether you set up a tent in the backyard or create a cosy indoor camp, this theme is packed with easy wins for decorations, games and food.
Camping party ideas work beautifully for birthdays because you can scale them to suit your space and your guests. Add a few themed touches, some rustic treats and you have a memory-making celebration without the stress.
I love this theme for boys and girls who are outgrowing TV character parties. It feels a bit more grown up while still being playful. Adults enjoy it too which makes hosting easier and more fun.
Our Real Party Story: Donte’s 9th Birthday Camp Out
When my son Donte turned 9 we threw a camping themed birthday in our backyard. It was his first sleepover with a few of his closest friends and he was so excited. The boys set up a tent, cooked simple dinner by the fire, toasted marshmallows and played spotlight with torches. It had all the camping vibes with the comfort of home close by.
We kept the colour palette mostly green to echo nature. Using one main theme colour across tablecloths, plates, napkins and signage is my favourite trick for a cohesive look without overthinking every detail.
If your child is not quite ready for a sleepover, you can still set up a daytime tent, create a safe faux campfire with battery candles, or cook on the barbecue. The magic is in the theme, not the bedtime.
Camping Birthday Cake Hack
I made a simple campfire cake using two stacked Coles Mud Cakes with chocolate icing. Around the base I pressed Maltesers to mimic river stones. I set a tea light in the centre and arranged wafer sticks and chocolate twirls on top to look like firewood. When the candle was lit the cake looked like a tiny glowing bonfire. It took minutes to assemble and the kids loved it.
For more simple desserts, check out my easy birthday cake hacks.
Easy Camping Party Food Ideas
Theme your snacks with simple labels. No cooking needed which keeps hosting relaxed.
- Trail Mix – mixed nuts and sultanas
- Bear Poo – Maltesers
- Twigs – wafer sticks
- Logs – chocolate twirls
- Grizzly Bears – Tiny Teddys
- Bait – sour worms
We also served cupcakes topped with mini camp icons like a tent, tree and bonfire. If you want more easy options, try my wafers dipped in sprinkles in green tones or rainbow jelly in forest colours.
DIY Camping Party Games
Since Donte was turning 9 he wanted fewer structured games but we still added a classic that always delivers. He chose a DIY pinata and it was a hit. I made it with a cardboard box, brown paper and a printed tent graphic to match the theme.
See the tutorial here: DIY cardboard pinata hack.
Other camping party games:
- Musical chairs around the campfire
- Camping scavenger hunt
- Pin the tail on the bear
- Sack races
- Water balloon games
Camping Party Decorations You Can Personalise
Ready-made designs save time and look polished in photos. Explore our boys camping party decorations or girls camping party decorations with pink accents. Most items are personalised with your child’s name and age.
Choose banners, bunting, posters, stickers, labels, loot bags and invitations. Our party supplies are waterproof and durable for indoor or outdoor setups. We ship Australia wide, to New Zealand and the USA.
Camping Party FAQs
What are easy camping party decorations?
Use a tent, fairy lights, rustic baskets, pinecones and a personalised camping banner for instant theme.
Can I host a camping party indoors?
Yes. Create an indoor campsite with a teepee, blankets, fairy lights and a faux campfire.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
Plan Your Camping Party
- Shop Boys Camping Decorations
- Shop Girls Camping Decorations
- Sleepover Party Themes
- Easy Party Food Ideas
For more inspiration and real party ideas, visit Parties by Katie J or subscribe for updates and new designs.
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