A backyard camping birthday party can be as simple as a tent, a few friends, easy food and games with torches. For Donte’s 9th birthday, we brought the camp out to our own backyard for his first sleepover.
Here are our real party photos, the campfire cake I put together and the themed snacks and games we used. You can borrow the same ideas for an afternoon party or move the campsite indoors if the weather changes.
Jump to: Our party | Cake | Food | Games | Party plan | Favours
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.
If you’re recreating the campfire look, use cake candles in food-safe holders rather than placing a household tea light directly on the cake. Remove candles and any non-edible decorations before serving.
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 in a clear space away from the campfire
- A camping scavenger hunt: spot a leaf, a bird, a tent and something round in the backyard
- Pin the tail on the bear
- Sack races
- Water balloon games
A Simple Backyard Camping Party Plan
You don’t need to fill every minute. Leave plenty of time for the kids to enjoy the tent and make up their own games. Here’s one way you could organise the afternoon and evening:
- Arrival: show guests the campsite, where to put their bags and which areas are in bounds.
- Afternoon: start with a scavenger hunt or the cardboard-box pinata, followed by snacks.
- Dinner and cake: serve an easy meal, bring out the campfire cake and take a few birthday photos.
- After dark: try a supervised torch game or stories in the tent, then wind down for bed.
For an afternoon-only party, bring the games, food and cake forward and send guests home before bedtime. If rain is forecast, have an indoor space ready with blankets and a pretend campfire.
Easy Camping Party Favours
A small bag of themed treats makes a simple take-home favour. Use the same camping labels as your food table, or choose a small notebook for a nature journal. If you’re giving out trail mix, check allergies first and offer a suitable alternative where needed.
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. Check each product listing for its material and suitability for outdoor use. 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.
More Ideas for Your Party
- Easy iced biscuits you can decorate in your camping colours.
- DIY lolly bar ideas including the snack table from this party.
- Sleepover party themes and decorations if you’re planning an overnight celebration.
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