My LEGO Adventure: Building Memories on Camping Trips

I used to think camping and hiking were all about disconnecting from the modern world.

No tech, no distractions—just trees, trails, and the occasional squirrel trying to steal your trail mix.

But last spring, during a trip that was supposed to be a "total digital detox," I had a realization that completely changed how I approach outdoor adventures—and it had everything to do with a pound of LEGO bricks and a group of restless kids.

Turns out, the best camping memories aren’t just about surviving the wild.

They’re about what you do when the sun goes down and the rain won’t quit.

"I just want the ability to keep them stored, safe, and movable, until I want to pull them out and indulge my inner child."

That hit home for me after my second muddy evening under canvas.

Why I Believed the "Nature Only" Camping Myth

For years, I was that person who scoffed at bringing anything remotely "indoor" on a hike or camping trip.

Board games? Too bulky. Books? Maybe one paperback, max. Anything else felt like cheating—like I was missing the point of being outside.

I’d roll my eyes at families hauling out giant tubs of toys or gadgets at the campsite.

Why bother coming to the woods if you’re just going to play with plastic?

Honestly, I thought the only things you needed were:

A sturdy tent
A reliable flashlight
Enough bug spray to fumigate a small village
Maybe a deck of cards if you got desperate

That worked fine when it was just adults, but the first time I took my niece and nephew, I realized my minimalist approach was... optimistic. (Read: completely naïve.)

The Misconception Falls Apart — Literally

Let me set the scene: last June, deep in the Adirondacks, rain pounding on the tent roof like a drumline. The kids had already played every game I could remember from my own childhood, and we still had six hours until bedtime.

That’s when disaster struck. I tried to entertain them by building a tiny fort out of sticks and stones inside the tent. It ended with mud smeared everywhere and a snapped tent pole when my nephew tripped over the makeshift wall. Classic.

The next day, I tried the "nature scavenger hunt" approach. We made it five minutes before the rain started again. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve never seen two children go from excited to mutinous so quickly.

Cue the second failure: desperate, I pulled out my phone to show them animal photos, only to discover zero signal and a battery at 8%. They were not impressed. I was less impressed with myself.

I realized I needed something—anything—that would:

Survive a soaking
Entertain for hours
Not require batteries or WiFi
Pack down small

That’s when I remembered a friend’s tip: bring a bag of LEGO on trips. I’d laughed at the idea. Not anymore.

The Shift: LEGO in the Wild

A week later, I picked up a pound of authentic LEGO bricks—random pieces, no instructions, just pure creative chaos. I paid about $13 for this bulk lot and tossed it in a zip bag.

On our next camping trip, the weather turned again. This time, instead of panic, I dumped the bag of LEGO onto a waterproof mat inside the tent.

It was a game changer.

The kids went quiet—focused, not bored. They started building tents, campfires, even little hikers. I joined in, and suddenly we were making up stories about our mini LEGO campers braving the storm.

It wasn’t just about keeping them busy. It was about sharing something, making the tent feel less like a prison and more like a clubhouse.

Storage? I just used a small plastic bin, easy to toss in the car or backpack. Someone once said, "Are there any posts of missing of people with really compact set ups? Thanks!" That’s exactly what this was: compact, mess-proof, and zero stress if a piece rolled under the sleeping bag.

The best part? When the sun came out, the LEGO became props for imaginary outdoor games. It bridged the gap between inside and outside, and it felt like the opposite of cheating.

What I Wish I’d Known (And How You Can Try It)

Here’s the truth: camping and hiking aren’t about suffering through boredom or pretending you’re on a survival reality show. They’re about finding ways to connect—with nature, with each other, and yes, with your own inner child.

If you’re worried about space, I get it. I’ve heard, "I'm limited to just my bedroom, and I'm running out of shelf space for sets, box storage and loose piece storage, and would love some suggestions from people who don't have a dedicated place to put your collection."

That’s why a small bag or bin of mixed LEGO is perfect. It fits anywhere, and you can scale up or down depending on your group size. I’ve tried alternatives—card games, magnetic puzzles, even origami paper—but nothing matched the versatility or fun factor.

LEGO bricks don’t care about weather
You can use them alone or as a group
Cleanup is quick, even in a tent
They’re just as fun for adults as for kids

If you’re looking for a way to make your next camping trip memorable (and actually relaxing), try bringing a pound or two of authentic LEGO bricks. For about $13, you get a bag of creativity that outlasts any rainstorm and never needs charging.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Own Adventure

Stop thinking camping means giving up all your comforts or creativity. Whether you use this LEGO bulk lot or just raid your own collection, try bringing something playful and open-ended on your next trip.

If LEGO isn’t your thing, try a deck of cards, a travel-sized board game, or even a sketchpad. The point is to have a go-to activity that makes bad weather—or just downtime—something you look forward to, not dread.

Don’t let the old "nature only" rule rob you of fun or connection. Whether you grab a pound of bricks or something else that sparks joy, just give yourself permission to build new memories—wherever you pitch your tent.

My LEGO Adventure: Building Memories on Camping Trips