15 Fun & Easy Camping Crafts for Kids

Last Updated on 04/19/2025 by Nell Marie

Camping with kids is always an adventure—full of fresh air, starry nights, and plenty of s’mores. But let’s be honest, keeping little ones entertained between the hikes and hammock time can take a bit of creativity.

That’s where camping crafts come in!

These hands-on activities are a great way to keep kids busy, spark their imagination, and make lasting memories all at once.

Using simple supplies and natural treasures found right at your campsite, kids can create everything from pine cone critters to leafy nature crowns.

These crafts don’t require fancy materials or a lot of prep, just a bit of curiosity and a sense of fun.

They also give kids a chance to slow down and truly connect with the outdoors in a creative way.

So if you’re looking for some fresh inspiration for your next camping trip, here are 15 fun and easy crafts that kids will love!

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Camping Crafts for Kids

With the campfire crackling and the great outdoors all around, there’s no better time to get crafty. These simple and fun ideas are perfect for keeping kids entertained while making the most of your time in nature.

Ready to get started? Here are 15 creative camping crafts that are easy to set up, kid-approved, and sure to become part of your favorite camp memories.

Nature Collage

Have kids collect leaves, flowers, twigs, and even small stones to glue onto paper or cardboard for a beautiful nature-themed collage. It’s a fun way to explore and create.

Painted Rocks

Bring some washable paint or paint pens and let kids decorate rocks they find at the campsite. They can make animals, silly faces, or patterns and leave them around as surprises for others to find.

Stick Frames

Use sticks, twine, and glue to make rustic picture frames. Once you’re back home, add a favorite camping photo to make a sweet souvenir.

Leaf Rubbing Art

Place leaves under paper and use crayons to gently rub over the top to reveal the leaf’s texture and shape. It’s simple but always magical for kids.

Nature Bracelets

Wrap a piece of masking tape (sticky side out) around your child’s wrist and let them stick flowers, grass, and leaves onto it to make their own nature bracelet.

Pine Cone Creatures

Use pine cones, googly eyes, felt, and pipe cleaners to turn the cones into animals or silly monsters. Great for imaginative play afterward!

Campfire Story Stones

Paint or draw simple pictures on small stones—like a moon, bear, tent, or tree. Then use them to inspire or tell stories around the campfire.

DIY Walking Stick

Kids can find their own stick and decorate it with string, paint, feathers, or washi tape to make a personalized walking stick for hikes.

Nature Crowns

Use a strip of cardboard or paper to make a headband, then glue or tape flowers, leaves, and twigs to it for a forest crown fit for a woodland king or queen.

S’mores Necklaces

Craft a cute necklace using mini felt pieces or paper cutouts shaped like graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Add beads and string for extra fun!

Firefly Jars (Glow Stick Jars)

Crack open glow sticks (with adult help), and shake them into a plastic jar with glitter for a magical “firefly” glow. Make sure to seal the lid tightly!

Camping-Themed Coloring Pages

Print out camping-themed coloring sheets ahead of time and bring crayons or markers for a relaxing activity at the picnic table.

Nature Paintbrushes

Tie leaves, pine needles, or grass to sticks to create natural paintbrushes. Use them to paint on paper for cool textured designs.

Tin Can Lanterns

With adult supervision, help kids poke holes in clean tin cans using a hammer and nail. Add a tea light inside and enjoy the glowing lantern at night.

Shell or Rock Necklaces

If you’re near a beach or river, collect small shells or flat rocks, drill a hole (ahead of time if needed), and string them on yarn or twine to create necklaces.

Final Thoughts

Camping is all about making memories, and these simple crafts add an extra layer of fun to your outdoor adventures. They give kids a chance to explore, create, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a hands-on way.

With just a few basic supplies and a little imagination, you can turn ordinary moments into something magical. So next time you pack up for a weekend in the woods, don’t forget to bring along a few craft ideas—you’ll be glad you did when the smiles start rolling in.