Camping Birthday Party Ideas (Tent, S'mores & Easy Decor)
Part of our guide: Kids Birthday Party Theme Ideas: The Complete Guide
A camping birthday party is easy to pull off in a backyard. You need a tent, some blankets, string lights, a s’mores bar, and a few games. These camping birthday party ideas cover the colors, the decor, the food, the games, the safety rules, and exactly how much you need for 10 kids.
At DecorWillow, our top tip is to spend your money on the tent area and the s’mores bar. Kids spend most of the party in those two places, so a small garland and some lights are enough for the rest.
- Theme: camping / backyard campout
- Best for: ages 4 to 10, up to 10 kids
- Palette: forest green, warm orange, cream, wood brown
- Budget: about $114 budget version, about $142 full version for 10 kids (tents and fire pit borrowed)
- Setup time: about 2 hours
Top Decor Picks for this Setup
Curated essentials on Amazon with top customer reviews to help you recreate this setup easily.
Forest Green, Orange & Cream Balloon Garland Kit
The garland along the fence is the main color piece of the campsite.
Canvas Teepee Play Tent
The teepee tent is where the kids sit, read and play.
Warm White Globe String Lights
Strung over the tent and the table for the evening glow.
Glass Jars with Lids for the S'mores Bar
The jars that hold the marshmallows on the s'mores bar.
Table of Contents
- The camping color palette
- Decoration ideas
- Tent and seating setup
- Before and after
- S’mores bar and food ideas
- Games by age
- A 3-hour party plan
- Fire, bugs, and allergy safety
- Exact quantities you need
- Budget breakdown
- Worth it vs skip
- Small space and rainy day version
- Setup and shopping timeline
- Favor ideas
- Party checklist
- Helpful safety sources
- FAQ
- Related articles
The camping color palette
Stick to colors you would see at a campsite:
| Color | Where to use it |
|---|---|
| Forest green | Balloons, paper trees, cups |
| Warm orange | Balloons, bandanas, the “fire” color |
| Cream | The tent, plates, base color |
| Wood brown | Table, logs, roasting sticks |
| Plaid | Blankets and napkins |
Green, orange, and cream with wood and plaid cover everything you need for the look.
Decoration ideas
You do not need much. Pick three or four of these:
- A balloon garland in green, orange, cream, and brown. Here is how to make a balloon garland without a kit.
- Two strands of warm white string lights over the tent and the table. See our fairy light ideas.
- Paper pine trees and a “Camp Happy Birthday” sign on the fence or wall.
- A felt or fabric banner. You can make one with our DIY party banner ideas.
- Paper lanterns or battery lanterns on the table. See our paper lantern ideas.
For other backdrop options, see our party backdrop ideas.
Tent and seating setup
The tent is where the kids will want to be, so set it up first.
- Plan on 2 tents for 10 kids, because each teepee or pop-up tent fits 4 to 5 kids sitting. Borrowed ones work fine.
- Put plaid blankets and cushions inside so kids can sit on the floor.
- Give each child a flashlight and let them hang a small paper lantern inside.
- Keep the opening facing the party table so adults can see in.
- Put 2 or 3 picnic blankets on the grass too, so kids can switch between the tents and the blankets.
Blankets, cushions, flashlights, and small lanterns turn a tent into the best seat at the party.
Before and after
You only need one corner of the yard. Here is the same corner before and after. The changes are a tent, two blankets, a table with the s’mores bar and cake, two strands of lights, and a garland on the fence. It takes about 2 hours.
One corner of the yard becomes a campsite.
S’mores bar and food ideas
Make the s’mores bar the main attraction:
- A s’mores bar with marshmallows in jars, graham crackers, chocolate pieces, and roasting sticks. Each full graham cracker sheet breaks into 4 squares, which makes 2 s’mores, and each chocolate bar breaks into 6 pieces.
- Hot dogs cooked on the grill or on sticks over the fire pit.
- A trail mix bar. Use a nut-free mix with pretzels, cereal, raisins, and chocolate chips.
- A log-shaped chocolate cake, or cupcakes with a pine tree topper.
- Juice boxes or lemonade in a cooler.
Jars of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate set out on a wooden table are all the bar needs.
Games by age
| Age | Game | How long |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 | Nature scavenger hunt (find a leaf, a rock, a stick, a pine cone) | 20 minutes |
| 4 to 6 | “Catch the fish”: paper fish with paper clips and a magnet on a stick | 15 minutes |
| 7 to 10 | Flashlight tag at dusk | 20 minutes |
| 7 to 10 | Tent building race in teams of 3 | 20 minutes |
| All ages | Stargazing and a short, silly campfire story | 10 minutes |
How to play two of them:
- Catch the fish: Cut 20 paper fish and clip a paper clip on each one. Tie a magnet to a string on a stick, and let each child catch 2 fish. Write a small prize on the back of each fish.
- Tent building race: Make teams of 3. Give each team 2 blankets, 4 chairs, and 6 clothespins, and 10 minutes to build the best tent.
A 3-hour party plan
Start at 4 p.m. for a sunset finish. Move the times if your sun sets earlier.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0:00 to 0:15 | Kids arrive, pick a flashlight, and explore the tent |
| 0:15 to 0:45 | Scavenger hunt or fish game |
| 0:45 to 1:05 | Flashlight tag or tent race |
| 1:05 to 1:50 | Hot dogs and trail mix |
| 1:50 to 2:10 | Cake and singing |
| 2:10 to 2:50 | S’mores, led by an adult |
| 2:50 to 3:00 | Favors and goodbyes |
Fire, bugs, and allergy safety
- Fire: Only an adult should roast the marshmallows. Keep the fire pit at least 10 feet from the house, the tent, and the balloons (and follow the distance in your fire pit’s manual), keep kids 3 feet back, and keep a bucket of water nearby. Never leave it alone.
- No fire pit? Use an electric s’mores maker, or put the graham, chocolate, and marshmallow on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching the whole time.
- Allergies: Ask parents about nuts, gluten, and dairy. Graham crackers have gluten, chocolate often has nuts, and marshmallows have gelatin, so offer a plain option.
- Bugs: Use kid-safe bug spray before the party, and put a small fan near the food table, since bugs do not like moving air.
- Flashlights: Check the batteries and bring spares. For indoor flashlight tag, use a dim room rather than a dark one, and clear the floor first.
Exact quantities you need
For 10 kids:
- Tents: 2, each fits 4 to 5 kids sitting. Borrow them.
- Balloons: 60 to 80 for a 6-foot garland in green, orange, cream, and brown, plus 10 spares.
- String lights: 2 strands of 25 feet.
- Picnic blankets: 3, plus 10 cushions.
- Flashlights: 10, plus 2 spares.
- Roasting sticks: 10, plus 2 spares.
- S’mores (2 per child): 20 large marshmallows, 10 full graham cracker sheets (2 s’mores per sheet), and 4 chocolate bars of 1.55 ounces (6 pieces each, so 24 pieces).
- Hot dogs: 15 hot dogs and 15 buns.
- Drinks: 20 juice boxes or cups.
- Trail mix: 2.5 cups (1/4 cup per child).
- Cake: one log cake or 12 cupcakes.
- Favors: one per child, plus 2 spares.
Budget breakdown
This assumes 10 kids, a garland you make yourself, and a borrowed tent and fire pit. Pick the column that fits you:
| Item | Budget version | Full version |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon garland (about 70 balloons, strip, glue dots) | $20 | $20 |
| String lights (2 strands) | $12 | $12 |
| Signs, paper trees, felt flags | $4 (homemade) | $8 |
| S’mores bar supplies (20 s’mores, jars) | $22 | $22 |
| Roasting sticks (10) | $5 | $8 |
| Hot dogs, buns, drinks, trail mix | $22 | $26 |
| Cake | $8 (homemade) | $14 (bought) |
| Flashlights with batteries (kids keep them) | $15 | $20 |
| Favors (bandana or trail mix bag) | $6 | $12 |
| Total | $114 | $142 |
Prices are approximate, exclude tax, and vary by store and location. If you need to buy a tent, add $30 to $60 for each one. With no fire pit, an electric s’mores maker costs about $25.
Worth it vs skip
- Worth it: the tent and the s’mores bar. They take up most of the party time, so they are where the money should go.
- Skip: printed plates and a big backdrop. Plain cream plates and one garland cost less and look better.
Small space and rainy day version
No yard, or rain in the forecast? Build a blanket fort in the living room with a bedsheet and some chairs. Hang string lights across the ceiling for stars, put the flashlights and cushions inside, and make the s’mores in the oven. Hot dogs can cook on the stove, and the games move indoors: scavenger hunt in the house, flashlight tag in a dim room, and a “fishing” game on the rug.
Setup and shopping timeline
- 2 weeks before: Borrow a tent, order the cake or plan to bake, and send invitations with a note about allergies.
- 1 week before: Buy balloons, lights, and s’mores supplies. Test the tent in the yard.
- 1 to 2 days before: Build the garland and prep favors.
- The day of: Set up the tent and blankets, hang the garland and lights, set the table, and put the fire pit in place. Plan on 2 hours.
Favor ideas
- A mini flashlight or a headlamp.
- A bandana in the party colors.
- A small compass.
- A bag of trail mix with a pine tree tag.
- A s’mores kit in a paper bag.
Party checklist
- Tent and picnic blankets
- Balloon garland and string lights
- Paper trees and a camp sign
- Flashlights with fresh batteries
- S’mores bar and roasting sticks
- Hot dogs, buns, and trail mix
- Log cake or cupcakes
- Fire pit, a bucket of water, and an adult in charge
- Allergy check and bug spray
- Rain plan
- Favors
Helpful safety sources
A few trusted places for the safety points in this guide:
- HealthyChildren (AAP): choking prevention: Why balloons and broken balloon pieces are a choking risk for young children.
- FARE: hosting parties with food allergies: Tips for labeling food and planning a party for guests with food allergies.
FAQ
How do I set up a camping birthday party at home?
Set up a tent or teepee, add plaid blankets and cushions, hang two strands of string lights, and put a balloon garland on a fence or wall. Add a s’mores bar and a table for the food. For 10 kids you need 2 tents (each fits 4 to 5 kids), 3 picnic blankets, and about 2 hours to set up.
What food do you serve at a camping birthday party?
Hot dogs, a s’mores bar, a nut-free trail mix, juice boxes, and a log-shaped chocolate cake or pine tree cupcakes. For 10 kids plan 15 hot dogs, 20 s’mores, and 2.5 cups of trail mix.
How many s’mores do I need for a camping party?
Plan 2 s’mores per child. For 10 kids that is 20 large marshmallows, 10 full graham cracker sheets (2 s’mores per sheet), and 4 chocolate bars. Add a few extra marshmallows because some will burn.
How much does a camping birthday party cost?
A camping birthday party for 10 kids costs about $114 for a budget version with a homemade cake, or about $142 for a full version with a bought cake. That includes flashlights the kids keep and assumes you borrow the tents and fire pit. Buying a tent adds $30 to $60 each.
What games work for a camping party?
For ages 4 to 6, try a nature scavenger hunt or a paper fish game. For ages 7 to 10, try flashlight tag or a tent building race. Each game takes 15 to 20 minutes, so plan 3 or 4 games for a 3-hour party.
How do I do a camping party indoors or in a small space?
Build a blanket fort in the living room, hang string lights on the ceiling, and give each child a flashlight. Make the s’mores in the oven by broiling them for 1 to 2 minutes while you watch, and move the games indoors.
Is it safe to roast marshmallows with kids?
Yes, if an adult does the roasting. Keep the fire pit at least 10 feet from the house and tent, keep kids 3 feet back, and keep a bucket of water nearby. Without a fire pit, use an electric s’mores maker or the oven.
What if it rains on the day of the party?
Move the party inside with a blanket fort, string lights, and flashlights. Make the s’mores in the oven and keep the same games. A rain plan makes the day easy, so decide on it a day ahead.
Related articles
- Space Birthday Party Ideas
- Backyard Party Decoration Ideas
- Kids Party Favor Ideas
- Farm Birthday Party Ideas
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Recreate This Look: Complete Supply Checklist
Every prop, decor item, and material identified in our styled photos, linked directly to top-rated supplies on Amazon.
Inflates the 60 to 80 garland balloons quickly.
Holds the balloons together to build the garland.
Fix small balloons and paper trees in place.
The plaid blankets inside the tent and on the grass.
The cushions for sitting in the tent.
One flashlight for each child, which they keep as the favor.
The roasting sticks in the metal bucket.
The marshmallows for 20 s'mores.
The graham crackers on the s'mores bar.
The chocolate pieces on the wooden board.
The lantern on the table, with no open flame.
The small paper pine trees on the table and the lawn.
Wood slices under the cake and jars, as in the photos.
The bandana in the flat-lay, also a good favor.
The compass in the flat-lay and a favor idea.
Holds the roasting sticks on the s'mores bar.
The fire bowl in the poster photo (for adult use only).
Optional bug spray from the safety tips, not shown in the photos.
