Every camper knows the drill: You pack light. You think smart. You weigh every ounce in your backpack or every inch of your RV cabinet. So when it comes to game night around the fire or in the tent, bulky boxes with 300 pieces just don’t make the cut.
What you need is a card and board game combo—something compact, multi-use, and ready to entertain in unpredictable outdoor conditions. Whether you’re solo backpacking, camping with kids, or hanging with a crew, a good travel game set can deliver a whole evening’s fun without taking up more space than a camp mug.
And if it’s a magnetic travel board game? Even better. Wind-proof. Bump-resistant. Road-trip ready.
This guide is packed with genius hybrid sets, multi-game systems, and durable, magnetic board combos that save space while maximizing fun.
Why Game Combos Make Sense for Campers
Before we dive into the best picks, let’s talk about why combination game sets matter so much for camping:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Space-saving | One combo game replaces 2–6 full games |
| Less to carry | Fewer boxes = more room for real essentials |
| Multi-group flexibility | Works with solo, two-player, or large groups |
| More value per ounce | Stretch that pack weight or RV drawer real estate |
| All-weather options | Magnetic travel board game sets resist wind and spills |
1. Magnetic Travel Chess + Checkers + Backgammon Set
Keywords: magnetic travel board game, travel game set
Why It’s Great for Camping:
This is the OG of travel game combos. One foldable magnetic board gives you three classic games in one: chess, checkers, and backgammon. The magnetic pieces stick to the board, so you won’t lose a bishop to the breeze or a checker in the dirt.
Camp Benefits:
- Folding board = built-in storage
- Magnetic = great for bumpy RVs or gusty picnic tables
- Small enough to fit in daypacks
Use Tip: Store dice in a small film canister or pill bottle to prevent rattling.
2. Playing Cards + Dice = Infinite Games
Keywords: card and board game combo, travel game set
Why It’s a Must-Have:
A single deck of cards and five dice unlocks hundreds of game options: Poker, Rummy, Solitaire, Yatzy, Liar’s Dice, Blackjack, Euchre, Kings in the Corner, Farkle, Pig—you name it.
This combo is pure value: games for all group sizes, all ages, and all moods.
Camping Bonus:
- Takes up zero space (fits in cargo pocket)
- Works in tents, trails, or around the fire
- Waterproof or plastic card decks available
Pro Tip: Laminate a one-page rule sheet with 10 game options and keep it with the deck. Boom—your own personal card-based travel game set.
3. Gamewright’s “Cardventures” Series
Why It Works:
These games mix storytelling, light strategy, and card-based decision-making into pocket-sized adventures. Each title (like Stowaway 52 or Jump Ship!) plays differently, giving you replayable narratives with tiny components.
What You’re Getting:
- Mini box, ~30–40 cards
- Solo or group play
- Ideal for low-light, quiet tent nights
Perfect For: Solo campers, storytelling lovers, or early night wind-downs.
4. Jaques Magnetic Travel Game Compendium (8-in-1)
Keywords: magnetic travel board game, travel game set
What’s Included:
This premium-feeling metal tin contains a board and pieces for eight classics:
- Chess
- Checkers
- Snakes & Ladders
- Nine Men’s Morris
- Ludo
- Tic Tac Toe
- Backgammon
- Solitaire
Why It’s Ideal for Campers:
- All pieces are magnetic
- Foldable board, secure case
- Ideal for rainy day RVs or bunkhouse downtime
Best For: Campers with families, RVers, or anyone who appreciates game night variety in one container.
5. UNO + DOS Travel Combo Pack
Keywords: card and board game combo, travel game set
Why It’s a Smart Add:
Mattel now sells UNO and DOS in a combo pack with a travel-size case. You get two full games for different group moods: UNO for chaotic fun, DOS for number-matching variation with a little more thought.
Camping-Friendly Because:
- Super compact
- No board required
- Bright cards, even by campfire light
Bonus Idea: Use for campground tournaments. Winner picks dessert.
6. Sushi Go! + Point Salad = Two Card Drafting Games, One Tin
Why This Combo Works:
They’re both quick, easy-to-learn, and built for 2–5 players. Both are lightweight, card-only games. And if you ditch the original boxes and store them in one repurposed metal tin, you’ve got two hit games in one compact setup.
Storage Hack:
Use snack-size Ziplocks for each game deck and one laminated rule card for each. Store both inside the Sushi Go tin with some padding.
Camp Worthy:
- Ideal for food-themed fun at the picnic table
- Rounds are short—play between meals or during prep
- Easy for kids and adults alike
7. The Ultimate Campfire Games Combo Pack
Why This Isn’t Sold in Stores (But Should Be):
Here’s a DIY combo you can pack yourself:
| Game | Items Needed |
|---|---|
| Charades | Blank cards or slips of paper |
| Mafia/Werewolf | Notecards or sticky notes |
| Word Association | Mouth and brain |
| 21 Questions | No tools required |
| Contact | Verbal game only |
Why It’s Perfect:
- No physical components required
- Great for large groups
- Fuel for conversation and connection
Make It Official: Use a cloth drawstring bag labeled “Campfire Games” and include everything above in one kit.
8. Rory’s Story Cubes + Dixit Mini Deck
Keywords: card and board game combo
Why They’re a Match:
Both are storytelling games, but Rory’s Story Cubes use dice while Dixit mini decks (or promo cards) use surreal imagery. Combined, you’ve got a full storytelling game system with almost endless prompts.
Camping Genius:
- Pack of 9 dice + small card deck = one compact pouch
- No points, just creativity
- Great for campfire storytelling
For Families: Perfect for kids or creative adult campers.
9. Pocket-Sized Tile Games: Qwirkle Travel + Bananagrams
Why Combine These?:
Both games use tactile pieces: Qwirkle with shape tiles, Bananagrams with letter tiles. If you mix them into one canvas pouch, you get both a word game and a pattern-matching puzzle.
Pack Hack:
- Ditch the original packaging
- Use a canvas tool pouch or small dry bag
- Bring a laminated rule sheet for both
Space-to-Fun Ratio: Very high. Perfect for glamping families or rainy tent days.
10. Catan Dice Game + Roll Through the Ages
Keywords: card and board game combo
Why It Works:
These are both roll-and-write civilization games, where you use dice and fill in scoresheets. Play them solo or with a partner.
Best Part? Ditch the boxes. Pack dice and laminated score sheets in a single pouch. Use a dry-erase marker and you’ve got two deep-strategy games in one soft case.
Great For: Fans of Catan or empire-building, especially in the RV or camper van world.
Bonus: Magnetic Dry-Erase Travel Boards for DIY Games
Want endless replay value? Pick up a magnetic dry-erase board (under $10 on Amazon) and turn it into:
- A custom chess/checkers board
- A scoreboard for any card game
- A drawing pad for Pictionary-style games
- A base for DIY tile or magnet games
Camping Combo Idea:
Add sticky magnets to the back of small game tokens and cards for an instant magnetic travel board game kit you can customize over and over.
Packing Tips: Build the Ultimate Game Combo Pouch
Use one zip pouch or dry bag and include:
- 1 deck of cards
- 5 dice
- 1 dry-erase marker
- 1 laminated sheet of 5+ rule summaries
- Rory’s Story Cubes or token set
- Mini notepad + pen
This creates a 10+ game travel set that fits in your glove compartment, backpack brain, or drawer next to your spork.
Final Thoughts: Travel Light, Play Heavy
Camping teaches you what really matters. What earns its place in your bag or RV drawer? What brings connection and joy without taking over your limited space?
A great card and board game combo does exactly that.
It invites laughter around the fire.
It transforms downtime into storytime.
It brings out personalities, rivalries, and teamwork.
And it fits in your palm.
So whether you’re packing for a solo hike, a family glamp trip, or an off-grid couple’s escape—ditch the clutter and bring one compact travel game set that earns its space every single night.
