21 Camping Scavenger Hunt Riddles + Printable PDF (2024)

Picture this – your kids think they’re going on the average camp trip and then… BOOM! You’re cracking riddles that turn your trip into a treasure hunt. Sounds cool, right?

This isn’t just any camping trip – with these fun camping riddle clues, it’s a team effort brainstorm to find the treasure that’s sure to make some awesome memories. So, grab your camping gear, dust off your thinking cap, and get ready for some clue-solving at camp!

How to Host A Riddle Based Scavenger Hunt

Before we get to the fun stuff, let us go over how to host a fun riddle based scavenger hunt at camp. It’s important to plan, as you may not have an applicable spot or item for each clue provided in the templates below (not that you couldn’t create your own as you go, of course!)

1. Plan Ahead: Prior to your camping trip, design your riddle-based scavenger hunt. Create clues that are challenging and fun, and relate them to your camping environment. Think about the unique features in your camping area that can make the riddles more exciting (or use a pre made set like mine!)
2. Choose a Theme: To make the scavenger hunt more engaging, consider creating a theme. It could be related to camping, nature, mystery solving, or treasure hunting.
3. Write Your Riddles: Your riddles should be challenging, but solvable. They could involve deciphering codes, understanding puns, or using some pre built ones if you struggle with thinking of good ones.
4. Scatter the Clues: Once you’ve arrived at your camping site, hide your riddles around the area. Make sure they’re in safe and approachable locations. It’s a good idea to keep a map of where you’ve hidden everything, just in case!
5. Explain the Rules: Before the hunt begins, gather everyone together. Explain how the hunt works, what they’re looking for, and how to solve the riddles. It’s all about the fun, so encourage everyone to participate and enjoy the process. Younger kids or mixed age kids may enjoy working together as a team.
6. Begin the Hunt: Once everyone understands the rules, let the scavenger hunt begin!
7. Celebrate the Completion: Once all the riddles have been solved, it’s time to celebrate! Maybe the winners get double s’mores that night, or maybe they win the coveted camp king/queen crown!

Camping Themed Riddles

Here are some fun riddles I’ve thought of – some are more difficult than others! I have tried to include enough so that there are atleast 5-8 applicable clues for every type of camp out.

Please don’t use these as your own – my brain sacrificed what felt like a month of its life trying to brainstorm them! =P

• I am with you on every trail, ensuring your footing doesn’t fail. With extra traction and better laces, together we go fun places! (Hiking Shoes)
• In my fabric, campers sway. Between two trees is where I spend my days. (Hammock)
• I am a barrier between you and the sun. Slather me on for safer fun! (Sunscreen)
• Some camp discomforts lead to fussing, but if you use me, there will be less swatting and buzzing! (Bugspray)
• I’m a shelter in the wild, under me, you’ve smiled. What am I?(Tent)
• I’m a dwelling that moves with ease, under the stars, amongst the trees. What am I? (Tent)
• Getting the fire going can be the hardest, but if you use me, I can help get it started! What am I? (Firestarters/Flint)
• I light up the night, but I’m not a fire. I’m used when lights are out and the situation is dire. What am I?(A Flashlight)
• I dance in the dark, crackle with cheer, keeping you warm as the stars appear. What am I?(A Campfire)
• What needs to be fed, but will die if you give it a drink? (A Campfire!)
• I’m not sweet, but I meet with them in a delightful treat. In a campfire feat, I make s’mores complete. What am I?(Graham Crackers)
• I’m meltey and brown, one of three ingredients in the tastiest treat ever found. What am I? (Chocolate)
• I’m puffy and light, but I’m not a cloud, I taste so right, and am especially good when browned. What am I? (Marshmallow)
• I have no legs, but I can do a flip. I’m best served hot with a side of sweet dip. What am I? (Pancake)
• I’m thin, yet I’m warm, a cocoon in the storm. Rolling me up for storage is the norm. What am I?(Sleeping Bag)
• I’m made of fabric, yet I’m a solid place to rest, under the stars, I’m simply the best. What am I? (Camp Chair)
• I may not be a recliner or a sofa so grand, but in the great outdoors, I’m quite in demand. What am I? (Camp Chair)
• I cook your food while outdoors, but wood doesn’t help my heat grow more. What am I? (Propane Stove)
• I guide but do not talk, I show but do not walk. With me in your hand, you’ll never feel lost in any land. What am I?(Map)
• Here I wait, in a pile with others for my fate. I am kept dry until needed at night! What am I? (Firewood)

How to Use My Set of Printable Camping Themed Riddle Clues

There are duplicates of some clues (so that you can pick the best one for who’s involved) and you’ll need to remember where each of the clues are! When you get your PDF, there will be 3 pages of clues for you to choose from as well as instructions on how to set up your own camp treasure hunt.

1. Learn How to Double Side Print – This will save you on cardstock paper that I recommend for the clues. My Brother printer needs the master printed page to be inserted face up, feet down to make the print on the other side be oriented correctly, if that helps. Your printer may have a double sided print function if you’re lucky =P
2. Print and Cut Out the Scavenger Clues – I recommend printing on thicker paper so that they don’t rip as easily in the elements. Decide which clues work for your scavenger hunt (there are doubles, and may be items/places you don’t have) and cute them out.
3. Sequence Your Clues – Before actually hiding them, it’s a good idea to lay them out in the order to be found and write down the order and location of the answers. I always have a notepad when I’m planning it out – I don’t want too many clues found in the same spot, so it’s nice to plan.
4. Hide your Clues – You can simply fold up the clue cards, or do something more elaborate such as laminate and hole punching them so that they can be tied to things (and last longer!). Whatever you do, make sure to take down any unused clues after so that they don’t become trash.

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Looking For Some More Camping Fun?

Whether it’s for pretend camp play or to make your family camp trip more fun, here are some other fun camping activity ideas

• Campfire Made From Food
• Campfire Crown
• Camping Scavenger Hunt
• Glamping Themed Scavenger Hunt
• Camping Charades
• Camping Songs Everyone Loves
• Camping Games for the Family
• Happy Camper Printable Footprint Craft