Camping Crafts to Rock Your Next Campout!

These camping crafts are perfect for kids of all ages – and even adults! Use these ideas for the best campout both indoors and out.

Skills Required: None. All of these ideas are perfect for beginners, as well as children of any age. I believe adults will have just as good of a time making these as the kids will.

Camping craft ideas

Something a lot of people donโ€™t know about me: I have an undergrad degree in Forestry. So yes . . . basically camping with a little math thrown in.

Iโ€™ve always loved the great outdoors, even before I knew what I wanted to study. Growing up, I spent hours outside wandering through trees, collecting leaves, and making up my own little adventures. Thatโ€™s where my creativity really started.

My family didnโ€™t camp much, but once I got older, that changed fast. Road trips, tents, random campsitesโ€”I was all in. Thereโ€™s just something about slowing down, spending time outside, and appreciating the beauty of nature that never gets old.

Thatโ€™s exactly why I love putting together lists like this. These camping crafts are perfect whether youโ€™re at a campsite, planning a trip, or just bringing those outdoor vibes home.

Most of these craft projects are beginner-friendly and use simple supplies like glue, yarn, acrylic paint, or items you can gather outside. Theyโ€™re easy, creative, and honestlyโ€ฆ just plain fun.

Scroll through and pick a few to try this summer. Iโ€™d love to hear your favorites!

1
DIY fireflies
Katie Sterneugle
DIY Fireflies
Create glowing fireflies using simple supplies for a magical evening effect. This is a fun way to recreate outdoor moments at home.
Get the Tutorial
2
toilet paper tube binocular craft for kids
Amy Anderson
Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
Turn cardboard tubes into binoculars for exploring your surroundings. Great for pretend play and spotting birds around the campsite.
Get the Tutorial
3
leaf rubbing collages
mamapapabubba.com
Leaf Rubbing Collage
Collect leaves and create textured rubbings using crayons. A relaxing activity that highlights the beauty of nature.
Get the Tutorial
4
godseye0-640x960-1.jpg
honestlywtf.com
Godโ€™s Eyes
Wrap yarn around sticks using a simple knot technique. This classic craft is colorful, calming, and full of nostalgic charm.
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5
bandb-2018-Camp-Lantern-2.jpg
barleyandbirch.com
Flameless Lantern
Make a soft-glowing lantern using a jar, tissue paper, and Mod Podge. A safe alternative that still captures that cozy camp feel.
Get the Tutorial
6
Camping-Themed-Story-Stones
www.playdoughtoplato.com
Story Stones
Paint rocks with simple images to create storytelling prompts. Use craft paint to build scenes inspired by outdoor adventures.
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7
buggyandbuddy.com
Glowing Campfire Craft
Create a pretend fire using paper and lights. Itโ€™s perfect for imaginative play and great for fire safety discussions.
Get the Tutorial
8
bandage lightning bugs
Allison McDonald
Bandage Lightning Bugs
Use bandages and small details like googly eyes to create cute bugs. A quick craft with surprisingly fun results.
Get the Tutorial
9
popsicle stick tents
gluedtomycraftsblog.com
Popsicle Stick Tent
Glue sticks together to form a mini tent shape. Simple to assemble and great for building small camping scenes.
Get the Tutorial
10
How-to-Make-Pretend-Smores-for-Play.jpg
www.pre-kpages.com
Pretend S’mores
Layer craft materials to recreate classic camp treats. A simple project that captures the fun without needing a real fire.
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11
DIY rock dominoes
thehousethatlarsbuilt.com
Rock Dominoes
Paint rocks and turn them into a matching game. Durable, portable, and great for relaxing downtime outside.
Get the Tutorial
12
pine cone owls
craftsbyamanda.com
Pinecone Owls
Use pinecones, glue, and small accents to create owls. Add big eyes for extra personality and charm.
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13
thecrazyoutdoormama.com
Water Bottle Lantern
I love that this was made from a recycled bottle! You can add a flameless tea light to make it glow – either way, it's pretty dang cute.
Get the Tutorial
14
popsicle-stick-tent-HERO.jpg
glamperlife.com
Paper Tent Craft
Create simple tents using paper and sticks. A quick craft that pairs well with storytelling or pretend play.
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15
www.craftcreatecook.com
No-Sew Doll Sleeping Bag
Use fleece to make a cozy sleeping bag for dolls. Soft, simple, and perfect for indoor camping setups.
Get the Tutorial
16
firstdayofhome.com
Pretend Campfire Set
Sew or assemble a soft campfire using fabric pieces. A reusable option thatโ€™s safe and great for imaginative play.
Get the Tutorial
17
plastic bottle garland
www.aroundtheworldl.com
String Lantern Lights
Create hanging lights using bottles and string. A fun way to decorate your campsite or backyard space.
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18
rock painting ideas
Painted Rocks
Learn how to paint rocks with this simple tutorial. You probably have all of the supplies needed on hand already!
Get the Tutorial
19
thecrazyoutdoormama.com
Camp Necklaces
Make simple necklaces using cord and small pieces. Add beads or charms to remember your trip.
Get the Tutorial
20
diy camping journal
DIY Camping Journal
Grab a hole punch and some paper and make your own journal to document your camping trip! You can add natural materials to personalize.
Get the Tutorial
21
diy sit upon
theresjustonemommy.com
Duct Tape Sit Upon
Create a padded mat using duct tape. Useful for sitting on the ground comfortably during outdoor activities.
Get the Tutorial
22
bandana tote
www.projectwhim.com
No-Sew Bandana Tote
Fold and tie a bandana into a tote bag. Use it to carry small finds or supplies around your campsite.
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23
popsicle-stick-smores-kid-craft-2-768x1152
gluedtomycraftsblog.com
Popsicle Stick S’mores
Assemble mini sโ€™mores using craft sticks and simple materials. A playful project that captures the camping experience.
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24
www.simplesimonandco.com
DIY Camp Chairs
Build small folding chairs using PVC and fabric. A slightly advanced project thatโ€™s functional and perfect for imaginative outdoor setups.
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25
Steve Carrell
Travel Spice Kit
Turn a pill organizer into a compact spice kit. Perfect for cooking at your campsite without carrying bulky containers.
Get the Tutorial

Whether youโ€™re planning a trip or just want to bring a little outdoor creativity inside, these camping crafts are an easy place to start.

Theyโ€™re simple, low-cost, and a great way to slow down and enjoy the process. Plus, they help build appreciation for the outdoors in a hands-on way.

If you try any of these, let me know which ones you loved . . . or if thereโ€™s a favorite I should add!

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2 Comments

  1. These are some seriously cool projects. I’m a city girl married to a country boy, so I’m not full of camping savvy. Thanks to you tho, the next four weekends are gonna make me a star in the eyes of my children. I’ll have to eventually fess up to my source, but I want them to be impressed, that I at least looked up how to cool camp. Thank you so much for sharing these awesome things to do while camping. Yuppie the star to me.

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