As a mom of three kids, I just *have* to share this fun emerging trend for campground camping – hiding and finding Campsite Critters! There’s a Facebook group for it as well as more and more people participating by the day – so keep reading to see how you can get involved!
What are Campsite Critters?
Campsite Critters are small cute animal toys (usually with a note!) hidden around campsites for kids to find. If you have kids, then you KNOW how hyped up finding something like this will make them!
People use a variety of different critters – everything from keychain style deer to a mini bear figurine or stuffy. Some especially talented people also do things such as painted rocks (featuring cute animals of course!) and crocheted/knitted things.
For more information, check out the Campsite Critters Facebook Page!
Where Have Campsite Critters Been Found?
Are you curious about campsites that have been “crittered” so that you and your kids have something to look for? Here is a list I have started based on the Facebook Group – I’m sure, as the trend takes off, the list will eventually get too big… but it’s fun to see!
- George P Cossar State Park, Enid, MS.
- Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion, IN
- Obannon State Park, IN
- Castle Rock Lake Campground, Friendship, WI
- Cave Run Twin Knobs Campground, Morehead KY
- Conley Bottom in Monticello, KY
- Crooked Run Campground, Patton, PA
- Tim Ford State Park, Winchester, TN
- Clinton State Park, Lawrence, KS
- Cedar Point State Park, Clayton, NY
- Denali National Park, AK
- Waterside Campground, Morganton GA
- Prado Campground, Chino CA
- Greensport RV Park & Campground, Ashville, AL
If you got #campcrittered, make sure to join the group and post a picture – it’s so fun to see critters get found!
Make One With Me!
Cute Ideas for the Camp Critters
Here are some ideas for your own camp critters! Remember, try to hide them in place you know they will be found – we don’t want to end up leaving “trash”. Many people pay attention to what campsites are occupied, and just hide them somewhere easy near the campsite when they notice the campers are gone.
The printed note you see through out these pictures is a template you can download once in the group (I did not create that, so I cannot share it!)
Join the Fun With These Free Printables!
As mentioned before, you can head to the official group to download their version of the printables. Of course, I couldn’t resist making some of my own too =P. Print and cut out the notes, and there’s an option for your kiddos to include their own message and picture as well!
Please remember, these are for personal use only and are not to be shared with others or resold. <3
Download the Camp Critter Slips
Also, here is a good set of North American “forest animals” you can use as your camp critters!
Here’s Some More Kid Camping Ideas!
If you’re here, you likely enjoy making kids camp trips even more fun!
- Learn about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles the fun way!
- Make a campfire with food – and learn campfire safety too!!
- Kill some time exploring camp with a campground scavenger hunt
