Camping already comes with costs—gas, gear, park fees, food. So when it’s time to pack a few games for those long nights around the fire, your wallet might already be aching.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to drop $50 on a flashy new box to have a blast in the wild.
There’s a growing list of cheap camping board games that come in under $20, fit easily in your bag, and still bring the laughter, strategy, or team tension that makes camping unforgettable.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best under $20 board games that are compact, fun, easy to learn, and perfect for tents, picnic tables, or backwoods shelters. These budget camping games prove you don’t need deluxe editions or designer packaging to have a night full of memories.
What Makes a Game Perfect for Budget Camping?
Before we hit the list, here are the core criteria that make a game ideal for thrifty campers:
- Low cost: MSRP under $20 or regularly discounted on Amazon
- Small pack size: Fits in a daypack or side pocket
- Low setup complexity: You’re playing by lantern, not LED chandelier
- Durability: Cards or tiles that won’t fall apart after one rough trip
- High replay value: It better earn that tiny backpack space every night
1. UNO (Classic or UNO Flip!) – The King of Budget Fun
Price Range: $7–$10
Keywords: cheap camping board game, budget camping games
Why It Works:
It’s fast, chaotic, and even kids know the rules. UNO is a universal go-to when you need laughs, lighthearted competition, and something anyone at the campsite can jump into. Try UNO Flip! for a two-sided twist that adds a new layer of madness.
Camping Bonus:
- Waterproof card versions exist
- No board, just cards
- Fits in glove compartments, backpack lids, or even cargo pockets
Pro Tip: Set house rules before play or you’ll still be arguing about Draw Four strategy by sunrise.
2. Love Letter – Deduction, Deception, and Drama in 16 Cards
Price Range: $9–$13
Keywords: under $20 board games, budget camping games
Why It Works:
This minimalist masterpiece uses just 16 cards, yet somehow delivers intense deduction, strategic plays, and dramatic reveals. You’re trying to get your letter to the princess, and each card changes how you interact with other players.
Camping Fit:
- Micro-pack friendly
- Great for 2–4 players
- Short rounds, high replay value
Why It Feels Bigger Than It Is: Because bluffing your way to royalty while sitting in a hammock feels like medieval mischief meets trail magic.
3. Sushi Go! – Fast-Paced Card Drafting with Adorable Art
Price Range: $10–$15
Keywords: cheap camping board game
Why It Works:
Pass cards, collect matching sets, and rack up points with the cutest sashimi ever printed on paper. Sushi Go! is ideal for casual groups who want fast, friendly competition without deep strategy.
Budget Camping Bonus:
- Tin box protects cards from spills and dirt
- No score pad needed—use sticks or pebbles for points
- Plays great at a picnic table or inside a tent
Extra Fun: Assign your own wild score bonuses—“most wasabi = makes breakfast.”
4. The Mind – Silent Team Play With a Time-Twisting Twist
Price Range: $12–$16
Keywords: under $20 board games
Why It Works:
No talking allowed. Players must silently play cards in ascending order—without discussing numbers. The tension? Real. The connection? Weirdly magical. Ideal for couples or tight-knit groups who want something surreal around the fire.
Why It Works for Camping:
- Pure card deck—no mess, no fluff
- Fits in your front shirt pocket
- Practically psychic gameplay in a starry-night setting
Camping Twist: Add glow-in-the-dark sleeves and play under the stars for real drama.
5. Skip-Bo – Classic Sequencing Fun for All Ages
Price Range: $10–$14
Keywords: budget camping games
Why It Works:
If you’ve got a mixed-age group or family, Skip-Bo is a fantastic card sequencing game that keeps everyone involved without confusion. Simple to learn, but competitive enough to keep adults engaged too.
Packability:
- Slim card deck
- Easy to store with rubber bands or pouches
- No table required—lap play works fine
Who It’s For: Multi-generational campers, from grandma to kids.
6. Travel Qwirkle – A Tile Game That’s Both Brainy and Beautiful
Price Range: ~$15–$20
Keywords: cheap camping board game
Why It Works:
Line up shapes and colors in patterns to score points. Think Scrabble meets dominoes, minus the vocabulary. The travel version shrinks down the tiles to fit in a zip pouch—perfect for the trail.
Outdoor Win:
- Rubbery tiles are durable and washable
- No cards to blow away
- Works well on uneven surfaces like logs or tent floors
Budget Bonus: Looks and feels like a $40 game—costs half that.
7. Anomia – Fast Wordplay Chaos in a Pocket-Sized Box
Price Range: $12–$15
Keywords: under $20 board games
Why It Works:
You flip a card. If it matches someone else’s symbol, you must name something in their category before they name yours. Chaos. Laughter. Brain freeze. Great for groups who like talking, shouting, or panicking together.
Why It Works at Camp:
- Lightning-fast rounds
- No complex setup
- Engages even non-gamers
Backpack Bonus: Fits in a jeans pocket—barely makes a dent in your loadout.
8. Zombie Dice – Press-Your-Luck Fun in a Snap-Top Tube
Price Range: ~$14–$17
Keywords: cheap camping board game, budget camping games
Why It Works:
Roll dice. Eat brains. Avoid shotguns. Zombie Dice is simple, silly, and pure luck-driven fun with a bit of push-your-luck strategy. Great for short downtime bursts or playing by flashlight.
Camp Advantage:
- Dice and cup only—zero cards or paper
- Hard plastic tube protects contents in any weather
- Can be played on a blanket, log, or camp chair
Add-On Idea: Make s’mores whenever you reach 13 brains.
9. No Thanks! – Tiny Cards, Big Decisions
Price Range: $9–$12
Keywords: cheap camping board game
Why It Works:
A pure bluffing game in a micro-deck. Everyone’s trying to avoid picking up high-point cards. But refusing a card costs you a chip. Should you take the hit or pass the pain to your neighbor? It’s fast, strategic, and addictively fun.
Perfect for Camping Because:
- Fits in your palm
- No scorepad required—use gravel as tokens
- Easy for 3–5 players, great filler game
Campfire Mood: You’ll be muttering “No thanks!” all trip long.
10. Rat-a-Tat Cat – Memory and Luck for Younger Campers
Price Range: $8–$11
Keywords: budget camping games
Why It Works:
You’re trying to get the lowest value of cards—but you don’t always know what you’re holding. It’s memory meets luck, and it’s super approachable for younger players or sleepy grownups.
Camping Perks:
- Simple rules
- Quick rounds
- Educational fun without feeling like school
Parents’ Pick: A perfect game for winding down before the kids’ bedtime.
Budget Board Game Tips: How to Stretch That $20
| Hack | Description |
|---|---|
| Buy used | Look for Amazon Warehouse deals or used on eBay/Mercari |
| Combine shipping | Buy 2–3 small games at once to save costs |
| Create your own version | Print-and-play editions often free online (especially for classics) |
| Use coupon browser extensions | Honey and Capital One Shopping can knock off 10–20% |
| Watch for Target/Amazon price drops | Many go under $10 during sales and promos |
How to Store Your Budget Camping Games Like a Pro
Don’t let your $15 card game become $0 trash after one wet night.
Packing Tips:
- Ziplock bags > Original boxes. Always.
- Use rubber bands to keep decks tight and easy to stash.
- Pack microfiber towels to act as game mats and protect cards from dirt.
- Use plastic soap cases for ultra-tiny games (like Love Letter or No Thanks!).
- Keep a dry bag game kit in your pack for rainproof fun anytime.
Final Thoughts: Budget Games, Big Memories
You don’t need deluxe tokens, fancy minis, or Kickstarter stretch goals to make your camping nights come alive. You just need:
- A good fire
- A good friend
- A good cheap camping board game that earns its place in your pack
The best games are the ones you actually bring, and when they’re under $20, you’ve got no excuse not to.
So next time you’re packing for your trip, skip the Netflix downloads and grab one of these budget camping games instead. Your wallet, your pack, and your fellow campers will thank you.
