Best Outdoor Games and Activities for RV Family Trips

By Jake Morris — RV Gear Expert & Contributing Editor· June 11, 2026· 8 min read

Written by Jake Morris Senior RV Gear Writer at ShopRVGear

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Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…

8 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 11, 2026

Short Answer: The Best Outdoor Games for Real-World RV Trips

If you only add a few games to your RV, make them cornhole, ladder toss, a flying disc game (Kan Jam or disc golf), and a simple ball set (soccer or football). Compact sets like GoSports Portable Cornhole, GoSports Ladder Toss, Kan Jam Original Disc Game, and a basic size-4 soccer ball give you fast setup, small storage, and work on everything from gravel pads to grassy sites.[5][2] Pair these with no-gear activities—scavenger hunts, capture the flag, geocaching, and nature walks—and you’ve got a full playbook for kids, teens, and adults that still fits in one basement compartment.[2][5]

What follows is a no-nonsense guide to the best outdoor games and activities for RV family trips: which ones are worth packing, which versions to buy, and what to skip if your storage is tight.

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How to Choose Outdoor Games for RV Family Trips

Before you start throwing games in the Amazon cart, filter them with an RVer’s checklist:

Key criteria:

• Storage footprint: Does it fit in one tub or under a dinette? Foldable/soft-sided sets win.
• Setup time: Under 5 minutes or it won’t get used after a long drive.
• Surface flexibility: Works on grass, gravel, and packed dirt—most RV sites aren’t manicured lawns.[5]
• Age range: Can kids, teens, and adults all play without separate gear?
• Durability: PVC or composite that can handle UV, dust, and being tossed in the pass-through.
• Noise & space: Some campgrounds pack rigs close together; avoid anything that sends balls flying into other sites.

If a game fails two or more of these, skip it unless your family really loves it.

Best Overall Pick: Cornhole (Portable Sets)

Cornhole is the workhorse RV game: easy rules, good for all ages, and works on most surfaces.[5] Classic boards are heavy, but modern portable / collapsible sets fix the RV problem.

Cornhole basics: two angled boards with a hole; teams toss beanbags to score points for bags on the board or through the hole.[5]

Why Cornhole Belongs in Every RV

• All-ages friendly: Toddlers can toss; grandparents can play seated.
• Low-impact: Great for mixed-ability groups and short play windows between hikes.[5]
• Flexible space: Can be played in a roomy campsite, pavilion, or open parking area.
• Social: Easy to talk, supervise littles, or tend the grill while playing.

What to Buy (and What to Avoid)

Look for:

• Foldable or fabric boards (for small rigs) or 2x3 wood/composite (for larger RVs)
• Weather-resistant bags
• Carry case with shoulder strap

Skip:

• Full-regulation 2x4 solid-wood sets unless you have a large fifth wheel or toy hauler; they eat storage.

Pros

• Simple rules and scoring[5]
• Works for kids and adults together
• Great evening or rest-day activity
• Packs reasonably flat in portable versions

Cons

• Cheap fabric boards can sag on uneven ground
• Full-size sets are bulky and heavier

Best for Competition: Ladder Toss (Ladder Golf)

Ladder toss (also called ladder golf) uses two plastic ladders and bolas (two golf balls connected by a rope) thrown to wrap around the rungs for points.[2][5]

Why RVers Love Ladder Toss

• Competitive but quick: First to 21 wins; easy to run small tournaments.[2][5]
• Compact: The ladders break down into straight pieces for tube-style storage.[2][5]
• Adjustable difficulty: Move the ladders closer for kids, farther for adults.

Pros

• Packs smaller than solid cornhole boards[2][5]
• Easy to learn
• Fun for teens and adults, still playable by older kids

Cons

• Bolas can tangle if stored loosely
• Needs some clear space so bolas aren’t thrown into neighboring sites

Skip if: You’re traveling with toddlers; swinging bolas can be a bit much for very young kids.

Best Flying Disc Game: Kan Jam or Disc Golf

If your crew likes frisbees, step up from casual throws to a structured game.

Kan Jam

Kan Jam uses a large plastic cylinder (“kan”) with a slot; teams take turns throwing a frisbee, scoring if it hits or goes into the kan.[2][5]

Why it works for RV trips

• Vertical target: Good for narrow sites where long throws aren’t possible.[5]
• High energy: Great for teens and active adults.
• Portable: Kans nest together; only one disc to store.[5]

Pros

• Very quick setup and takedown[5]
• Encourages teamwork (thrower + deflector)
• Works on grass, dirt, or sand

Cons

• Needs a bit more buffer space to avoid hitting other rigs
• Learning curve for consistent throws

Portable Disc Golf

Some RV parks and public parks have disc golf baskets; you can also buy a portable target or just pick trees/poles as baskets.[3]

Pros

• Encourages walking laps around the campground
• Scales from casual to serious play

Cons

• Easier to lose discs in wooded or brushy sites
• Full sets of discs add weight vs a single frisbee

Best Simple Ball Sports: Soccer, Football, and Catch Games

You don’t need fancy gear for solid campsite fun. A single ball covers a lot of ground.

What to Pack

• Size 3–4 soccer ball – easier to pack, works for kids and adults
• Junior or composite football – better grip and easier throws for all ages
• Soft foam ball – quiet, good for crowded campgrounds or little kids

Playing classic catch, small scrimmages, or simple kicking games requires little space and keeps kids moving between hikes and swims.[5]

Pros

• Extremely versatile
• Very durable and cheap to replace
• Minimal storage (one ball + small pump)

Cons

• Space-limited in tightly packed campgrounds
• Can drift into roads or other sites—needs active supervision

Skip: Full-size baseball bats and hardballs on most RV trips; too risky and space-hungry for typical campgrounds.

Classic Yard Games That Pack Well

Bocce Ball

Bocce uses weighted balls you roll underhand toward a small target ball (jack); points for balls closest to the jack.[6]

Pros

• Works surprisingly well on gravel and dirt[6]
• Good for mixed ages and abilities

Cons

• Full sets are heavy
• Harder for very young kids to control the weighted balls

Look for resin or lighter-weight sets and a soft carry bag.

Horseshoes (and Safer Alternatives)

Traditional steel horseshoes are fun but heavy and can be dangerous for kids and close quarters.[6]

• If your family loves it, consider rubber or plastic horseshoe sets designed for kids and beach use.

Pros

• Classic campground feel

Cons

• Metal versions are heavy and not kid-friendly
• Need clear space and soft-ish ground to stake in

Unless it’s a family favorite, this is one many RVers can skip in favor of lighter, safer games.

Washers

Washers is a toss game combining elements of horseshoes and cornhole using small boxes and metal or plastic washers.[5]

Pros

• Compact boxes are easy to stow[5]
• Works on gravel pads or pavement

Cons

• Metal washers can be noisy on quiet evenings

Best No-Gear Activities for Campsites

Some of the best RV outdoor “games” require no gear at all—perfect when storage is tight or you’re boondocking.

1. Scavenger Hunts

Create lists of natural items or campground features for kids to find: specific leaves, birds, trail signs, or RV brands.[1]

• Can be done on foot or bikes
• Easy to adapt for different ages (pictures for younger kids)

2. Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag splits players into two teams, each defending a flag while trying to capture the other’s and return it to their base.[3]

• Great for larger family groups or multi-RV trips[3]
• Works best in open fields or lightly wooded areas

3. Geocaching

Geocaching uses GPS to hunt for hidden containers (caches) in parks and public areas.[2][5]

• Many campgrounds and nearby parks have established caches[5]
• Good way to add a sense of adventure to regular walks

Pros

• Virtually no extra gear (phone/GPS)
• Builds navigation skills and curiosity[5]

Cons

• Requires enough cell/GPS signal in the area[2]

4. Nature Walk Bingo

Create bingo cards with wildlife, plants, or features you might see (e.g., pinecone, red truck, camp host sign, hawk).[3]

• Keeps kids engaged on otherwise “boring” walks
• Easy DIY with a printer or even a quick handwritten grid

Rainy-Day or Evening Games (That Still Feel Outdoorsy)

Even on outdoor-focused trips, rain and quiet hours happen. Compact indoor games that still feel campy earn their place in the RV.

Compact Board & Card Games

• Playing cards: Endless games like Crazy 8s, Go Fish, Gin Rummy, Spades.[5]
• LCR (Left Center Right): Tiny dice game; players pass chips left, right, or to the center; last with chips wins.[2][5]
• Yahtzee / travel dice games: Easy to play on small tables.[5]
• Monopoly Deal or other card-based versions of big games: Lower footprint than full boards.[5]

These pair well with a rainy-day craft like rock painting or shell decorating collected from earlier walks.[4]

Packing Strategy: How to Build a “Games Bin” That Actually Gets Used

Step 1: Start with One Bin

Use a single lidded plastic bin or soft duffel labeled “Games.” If it doesn’t fit in the bin, it doesn’t go.

Step 2: Prioritize the Workhorses

Aim for:

1. Cornhole (portable set) – your primary social game.[5]
2. Ladder Toss or Kan Jam – pick one for variety.[2][5]
3. One ball – soccer or football.
4. Card/dice pack – cards, LCR, and a dice game.[2][5]

Step 3: Add Age-Specific Extras

• Young kids: Foam balls, simple scavenger hunt cards.
• Teens: Disc golf discs, Kan Jam, competitive ladder toss.[3][5]
• Adults: Washers, bocce, trivia cards.

Step 4: Pre-Plan No-Gear Games

Keep a note on your phone or a paper list of:

• Scavenger hunt lists
• Capture the Flag rules
• Geocache locations near your route[2][5]

So when the kids say “I’m bored,” you’re not starting from a blank page.

What to Skip (In Most RVs)

Unless your family is obsessed and you have the storage, think twice about:

• Full-size metal horseshoes – heavy, ground-dependent, not kid-friendly.[6]
• Multiple duplicate toss games – e.g., cornhole + washers + two different ring toss sets; pick one or two.
• Fragile lawn games with lots of small plastic parts – they don’t survive road life.
• Anything that needs perfect grass – many RV parks are gravel or mixed dirt.[5]

Your goal isn’t to recreate a backyard; it’s to have a small toolkit of reliable games that work almost anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many outdoor games should I pack in an RV?

For most families, 3–5 core games plus a handful of no-gear activities is plenty: one toss game (cornhole or ladder toss), one disc game (Kan Jam or frisbee), one ball sport, and a small stack of cards/dice for evenings.[2][5] More than that tends to sit unused and eats storage.

What outdoor games work best in tight or crowded campgrounds?

Focus on low-flight, low-noise games: portable cornhole, washers, bocce, and simple card/dice games at the picnic table.[5][6] Kan Jam and football can work, but only if you have clear space and aren’t throwing toward neighboring rigs.[5]

Are there good outdoor games for mixed ages and abilities?

Yes. Cornhole, bocce, ladder toss, and simple scavenger hunts all scale well from kids to grandparents.[1][5][6] You can move targets closer, change scoring goals, or pair younger kids with adults to keep everyone involved.

What’s the easiest outdoor game to set up after a long driving day?

Portable cornhole and card/dice games like LCR or Yahtzee are fastest: under 5 minutes to set up, simple rules, and very little walking required.[2][5] They’re ideal for that first night in a new site when you’re tired but still want to do something together.

All Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		GoSports Portable Cornhole Sets, 8 Styles – Choose 4 x 2 ft or 3 x 2 ft - Boards Include 8 Bean Bags, Travel Case, and Game Rules	$99.99	★★★★☆ (29,745)	View on Amazon
#2		GoSports Ladder Toss Indoor & Outdoor Game Set with 6 Soft Rubber Bolo Balls and Travel Carrying Case - Choose Pro or Classic	$34.49	★★★★★ (13,842)	View on Amazon
#3		Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set with Carrying Case, Simple to Assemble, Red/Blue	$36.21	★★★★★ (4,201)	View on Amazon
#4		Himal Portable Cornhole Board Set with 8 Toss Bags and Carrying Case, Foldable 3 x 2 Ft Outdoor Lawn Toss Boards for Backyard, Camping, Tailgating and Beach Activities	$36.99	★★★★☆ (7,418)	View on Amazon