How to Have an Outdoor Movie Night While Camping

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One of our favorite camping traditions is having an outdoor movie night on at least one of the nights we are camping. I know, I know. Camping is supposed to be a time to unplug and take a break from screen time, but there is something about gathering the kids together, breaking out the glowsticks and sugary treats, and enjoying a movie under the stars. In fact, often times, kids in other campsites will bring a chair over and partake in the fun.

Our outdoor movie nights have evolved quite a bit. We used to use a white sheet and projector, but over the years, we’ve upgraded our set up a bit. Although a white sheet works fine if you’re ever in a bind! If an outdoor movie night sounds like something your kids would love to do while camping, here’s everything you’ll need to make it happen.

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1. Outdoor Projector – A must-have for your movie night

The first thing you need is a movie projector. These will range significantly in price point, but I don’t recommend spending a ton of money on something you’ll just use here and there for camping or backyard movie nights. Something fairly basic, like this one (which comes with a screen as an added perk), will be just fine.

2. Phone Adaptor

If you don’t get a projector that has Bluetooth technology, you will need to get an HDMI adaptor to connect to your phone in order to have an outdoor movie night. Many adaptors and/or projectors will not work with streaming services, however, read the reviews and you should find some that do. I always download movie options prior so that I don’t have to worry about having wi-fi or phone service.

3. Projector Screen

When we first started with our outdoor movies, we would hang a white sheet wherever we could find a spot for it and project our movies onto that. However, we have since upgraded to a projector screen and stand, which gives us the flexibility to set up anywhere. We do often have to use stakes to hold it in place because even a nice sea breeze can blow these screens over. Most projector stands will include stakes of some sort.

4. Power Station – The secret to an outdoor movie night while camping

In order to power your projector, you’ll need some kind of inverter or portable power station. Like the projector selection, there are tons of power station or charging station options you can choose from, all varying in price point. The one I have is small and portable, and can keep us powered for a 6-night camping trip (we use it to keep two phones charged and for one to two movie nights).

5. Portable Speaker

If your projector has good volume, you might not need an additional speaker. Our first projector was very quiet, and we couldn’t hear it over the waves when we were beach camping, so we had to plug a speaker into it for the kids to hear. The projector we have now is plenty loud without an additional speaker.

6. Movies

Like I mentioned before, you might not have internet to stream movies while you’re camping, and your projector and/or HDMI cord might not allow streaming, so it’s a good idea to have some movie options downloaded to your phone.

7. Glow sticks – A fun addition to your outdoor movie night

Definitely not a necessity, but who doesn’t love glow sticks? Glow sticks are an inexpensive touch that will add even more fun to your outdoor movie night experience.

Looking for more entertainment ideas? Check out this list of my favorite camping games and my favorite campfire games for adults and families. Also, be sure to check out my list of all-time favorite family campgrounds in Southern California.