You’ve made it. The tent’s up (mostly straight), the s’mores are gooey perfection, and everyone’s riding that sweet “first-night-at-camp” high. But fast-forward to Day Two and—yep—it happens. The kids are restless, someone’s whining about being bored, and you’re two seconds from handing over your phone just for some peace. 
But hold up—before you surrender to screen time in the great outdoors, let’s talk camping crafts for families. These genius little projects are pure gold when you need a break from hikes and hot dogs. They’re fun, mess-friendly (mostly), and give your kids something creative to do using stuff you probably already packed—or can find around the campsite. Pinecones, meet paint. 
We’ve rounded up over 30 easy, adorable, actually-doable crafts that’ll keep the whole crew entertained (yes, even the “I’m too cool for crafts” teens). Plus, we’re linking up the craft gear families *actually* use—nothing fussy, just tried-and-true picks that are camping bag–approved.
Ready to turn your picnic table into a mini art studio? Let’s get into it!
Must-Have Craft Supplies for Campsite Fun
Waterproof Craft Caddy – Keeps everything organized, even when your toddler insists on “helping” 
Shop Waterproof Craft Caddies- Non-Toxic Washable Paints – Because nature is the canvas, and your kids will paint *everything* Shop Washable Paints
- Wood Slices & Craft Sticks – Great for nature signs, ornaments, and “mystery stick creatures” Shop Wood Slices
- Nature Scavenger Hunt Cards – Perfect starter for crafty inspiration Shop Scavenger Hunt Cards
- Glue Dots & Kid-Safe Scissors – No mess, no drama, just stick-and-snips fun Shop Craft Glue Dots
Nature-Inspired Camping Crafts
1. Pinecone Pets
Collect pinecones on your nature walk, then transform them into little forest critters with googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and a bit of glue. It’s like building your own woodland crew—no batteries required.
Grab Googly Eyes & Pipe Cleaners
2. Rock Painting Station
Set up a mini paint station and let everyone go wild decorating rocks—funny faces, rainbow hearts, or even secret kindness rocks to hide around camp for others to find.
3. Leaf Rubbing Art
Old-school and still the best—place a leaf under a sheet of paper, rub over it with crayons, and watch the textures appear like magic. Bonus: makes a cool nature journal page.
4. Twig Frame Keepsakes
Use twigs, string, and a little glue to craft a rustic picture frame. Add a photo or drawing from your trip and boom—instant campercore wall art.
5. Campfire Story Stones
Paint simple images on small rocks (a tent, a bear, a star), toss them in a bag, and draw them one by one to tell a goofy or spooky story around the fire. Kids LOVE this.
DIY Gear Decor (a.k.a. Bling Out Your Campsite)
6. Painted Walking Sticks
Pick a sturdy stick, then decorate it with colorful paint, washi tape, or yarn for a hiking buddy with personality. Bonus: no one will mix up their sticks again!
7. Custom Lantern Jars
Grab a mason jar, fill it with battery fairy lights, then decorate the outside with stickers, tissue paper, or even pressed leaves. Instant cozy glow, made by your littles!
8. Personalized Name Tags for Gear
Cut shapes from foam sheets or wood slices, add names with markers, and tie to backpacks or water bottles with string or carabiners. No more “Whose bottle is this?” drama.
Camp Keepsakes They’ll Treasure
9. Nature Memory Collage
Let the kids collect leaves, bark, pebbles—whatever catches their eye—and glue them into a “trip collage” on cardboard or a journal page. Add labels or dates for an extra-sweet touch.
10. DIY Camp Bracelets
Use embroidery floss, string, or paracord to create friendship-style bracelets. Add beads or charms that remind them of the trip—like trees, tents, or fireflies.
11. S’mores Recipe Booklet
Let everyone invent their own signature s’mores recipe and illustrate it in a folded paper “cookbook.” Think peanut butter cups, cookies, banana slices—the wild ones are always the winners!
Just-for-Fun Crafts That Kids Go Crazy For
12. Firewood Friends
Glue googly eyes and draw silly faces on small logs or firewood chunks. Give them names like “Blazey” or “Sir Burn-a-Lot” and use them in camp stories at night.
13. Camp Flag Banner
Cut out triangles from felt or cardstock, decorate them with names or camp slogans, then string them together for a banner to hang by the tent. Insta-vibes, no sewing required!
14. Glow-in-the-Dark Slime
Make campsite-friendly slime with glow-in-the-dark glue and a pinch of camp magic. It’s gooey, glowy, and guaranteed giggles—especially after dark.
Bonus: Genius Craft Storage & Prep Tips
Use silicone food bags to sort craft supplies—paintbrushes, beads, and more stay dry and organized
Pack a collapsible bin to create a pop-up “craft table” anywhere, even on the ground
Bring a portable craft organizer—you’ll thank yourself when nothing goes missing
Toss in a pack of biodegradable wipes for fast cleanup that won’t mess with nature
Wrapping Up: Crafty Memories = Camp Magic
Camping crafts aren’t just a way to pass the time—they’re how memories are made. These simple, screen-free moments are what your kids will remember years later: laughing over painted rocks, proudly hanging their camp flag, showing off their pinecone pet collection like it’s a zoo exhibit.
Plus, let’s be real—it gives you a little breather between hikes, snacks, and untangling fishing lines. 
So go ahead, pack that craft bin and embrace the mess a little. Because when the glue dries and the glitter settles, you’ll have way more than art projects—you’ll have stories, laughter, and a campsite full of magic.
Have a favorite camping craft your family swears by? Drop it in the comments—we love stealing your genius ideas! 
