Introduction

Ah, the great outdoors! There’s nothing quite like gathering around a roaring campfire with friends or family after a day packed with hiking, backpacking, or winter camping adventures. While you’re likely familiar with the basics like building fires and campfire safety, have you ever thought of adding a pinch of revelry to your campfire evenings? Yes, I’m talking about campfire drinking games!

But before we dive into the fun, let’s take a moment to discuss fire safety.

A Note on Fire Safety

Lighting a campfire isn’t just about striking a match; it’s an art that requires preparation and safety measures. Using a trusty fire starter can make the process more straightforward and safer. Whether you’re an old hand at building fires or a first-timer, always remember to keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. After all, safety comes first, especially when alcohol is involved. Now, let’s get the party started!

Camfire Drinking Games

Thumper

How to Play: Everyone sits in a circle and assigns themselves a hand gesture. One player starts by performing their gesture and then someone else’s. That person must then do their gesture and another person’s, and so on. Mess up, and you drink!

Why It’s Fun: Thumper is fast-paced and requires quick thinking. It’s perfect for keeping everyone on their toes, especially after a long day of hiking.

Stump

How to Play: Players take turns throwing a hammer in the air, catching it, and attempting to strike a nail into a stump in one fluid motion. If you miss, you drink.

Why It’s Fun: This game combines skill and a dash of danger, making it thrilling and unforgettable. Just remember, play responsibly; we don’t want any accidents!

I’m Going to the Bar

How to Play: One player starts by saying, “I’m going to the bar, and I’m going to get [insert drink].” The next player repeats the phrase and adds another drink to the list. The game continues until someone forgets an item on the list.

Why It’s Fun: This game tests your memory and makes for lots of laughs. It’s a perfect transition from dinner-time conversations to a night of fun.

I’m Going Camping

How to Play: This is similar to “I’m Going to the Bar,” but in this version, players list items they would bring on a camping trip. Forget an item? Take a sip!

Why It’s Fun: Not only is this game relevant to the setting, but it’s also a fun way to fantasize about ideal camping trips. Plus, you might get some good ideas for your next adventure!

Key Words Game

How to Play: Decide on a list of ‘taboo’ words before starting. Anyone who says one of these words during casual conversation has to take a drink.

Why It’s Fun: This game will have everyone carefully selecting their words, making for some hilarious and awkward conversations.

Dizzy Race

How to Play: Contestants spin around a bat or a stick several times and then race to a finish line. The catch? You have to take a sip before running!

Why It’s Fun: The combination of dizziness and alcohol makes this game a riot. It’s especially entertaining if you’ve spent the day engaging in less chaotic activities like ice skating or advanced navigation techniques.

Drink, Drink, Shot

How to Play: Players sit in a circle with a shot in the center. The game starts with one player saying “Drink” and taking a sip of their own beverage. The next player can either say “Drink” or “Shot.” If “Shot” is said, everyone races to down the shot in the center.

Why It’s Fun: The anticipation of who will go for the shot keeps everyone engaged. This game is a quick way to elevate the party atmosphere.

The Rob Whitehouse Alphabet Game

How to Play: Players go around the circle saying words that start with the letter “A,” then “B,” and so on. The words must be related to a chosen category, such as “animals” or “camping gear.” Mess up? Drink up!

Why It’s Fun: It’s a great way to test your general knowledge. Plus, the categories can be as broad or specific as you like.

Roxanne

How to Play: Play “Roxanne” by The Police. Every time you hear “Roxanne,” you take a sip. Simple, but effective.

Why It’s Fun: It’s a classic drinking game and gets everyone singing along. Roxanne is especially fun if you’ve been listening to some chill camping and hiking music throughout the day.

Fuzzy Duck

How to Play: Players sit in a circle and say “Fuzzy Duck” to the person on their right. That person can either say “Fuzzy Duck” again or say “Does He?” to change direction. If someone messes up the sequence, they drink.

Why It’s Fun: This game is all about concentration and quick responses. It’s hilarious to see how people mess up such simple phrases, especially when a couple of drinks are involved.

Never Have I Ever

How to Play: One player says something they’ve never done, like “Never have I ever gone winter camping.” Whoever has done it takes a sip.

Why It’s Fun: You’ll get to know your friends in surprising ways. This game pairs well with the storytelling mood that often accompanies a campfire.

Beer Pong

How to Play: While not traditionally a campfire game, you can certainly adapt it for the great outdoors. Set up a table near the campfire, place cups filled with beer or another beverage, and take turns trying to toss a ping pong ball into the cups.

Why It’s Fun: It’s a classic party game that everyone loves. If you’ve been engaged in strenuous activities like snowboarding or skiing during the day, this game offers a nice change of pace.

G’Day Bruce

How to Play: Players sit in a circle and take turns saying “G’Day, Bruce” to each other. The catch is that you can’t show your teeth while talking! If you do, you drink.

Why It’s Fun: The challenge of speaking without showing teeth leads to lots of laughs and some truly ridiculous facial expressions.

21

How to Play: Players count off numbers in sequence, aiming to reach 21. However, you can say up to three numbers in a row. When 21 is reached, that person makes a rule (e.g., swap 5 and 10).

Why It’s Fun: It’s a mental exercise that gets increasingly difficult as more rules are added. It’s also a great game to play if you’ve spent the day focusing on survival techniques and need a mental break.

Kings

How to Play: Place a deck of cards face down around a large cup. Players draw cards in turn and follow rules based on the card (e.g., 7 is “Heaven,” and everyone reaches for the sky; last one drinks).

Why It’s Fun: The variety of rules keeps everyone engaged, and the ‘King’s Cup’ in the center adds a level of suspense.

Two Truths and a Lie

How to Play: Each player takes turns stating two truths and one lie about themselves. Others must guess the lie. Wrong guess? Take a sip.

Why It’s Fun: It’s another excellent way to get to know each other better. Plus, it offers a perfect segue into sharing hiking tips or backpacking stories around the fire.

Medusa

How to Play: Players sit in a circle with a drink in front of them. On the count of three, everyone looks up and stares at another player. If you find yourself locked in eye contact, both players must drink.

Why It’s Fun: The tension of not knowing who will look at whom makes for an exciting and unpredictable game.

Conclusion

Whether you’ve been out exploring nature all day or just relaxing by the campfire, these drinking games are sure to add a fun twist to your evening. Remember, the key to enjoying these games is to play responsibly. Always keep in mind the basics of campfire safety, especially when alcohol is in the mix.

So the next time you’re planning a camping trip, don’t forget to pack your game face along with your no-fridge, no-cook camping food and trusty fire starter. Ready to venture into more outdoor adventures? Check out our articles on camping and hiking food, advanced navigation techniques, and hiking tips to make your trips even more memorable.

Cheers to your next adventure!