Family Adventure: Explorer’s Lost Camp Printable Escape Room

If your family loves puzzles, mysteries, and the thrill of solving clues together, Explorer’s Lost Camp by MysteryLocks Home Escape Rooms might just be your next favorite game night adventure.

We tried it on a rainy Saturday afternoon, and it turned out to be one of those surprisingly immersive activities that kept both kids and adults equally engaged — scissors in hand, heads bent over clues, cheering each other on as we pieced together the final mystery.

In this review, I’ll walk you through what the game is, how to set it up, how it plays, and whether it’s worth the (very small!) investment for your next family night in.

What Is Explorer’s Lost Camp?

Explorer’s Lost Camp is a printable escape room designed to be played right at home. It’s a mix of brain teasers, riddles, and hands-on paper crafting. The story puts you in the shoes of explorers who stumble upon a long-lost camp deep in the jungle — and you have to solve all the puzzles to uncover its secrets before time runs out.

It’s designed for up to four players, but you can easily adapt it for larger groups by printing multiple copies. What makes it great is that everything happens offline: no apps, no devices — just pure teamwork and paper-based puzzles that make you feel like a real adventuring team.

Game Setup Experience

I’ll be honest — setup is half the fun (and half the challenge!). It was a pretty lengthy process, so I would not suggest trying to do the set-up right when you are ready to play.

You’ll need:

• The printable game file

• Scissors and glue or tape

• A bit of patience for cutting and folding

The setup instructions are very clear, and everything you need is included in the PDF. You’ll print pages for puzzles, envelopes, and a few 3D elements like a log and a tent that you assemble yourself.

We ordered the printed version to be delivered, which comes on card stock and makes the 3D elements much sturdier. I’d recommend budgeting 45–60 minutes to get everything cut, folded, and ready to go.

Pro tip: Pre-fold the edges before gluing to make the 3D shapes cleaner. We used glue sticks, but found that scotch tape was much faster and more secure. It may not look as nice, but it made the set-up process easier. instead of tape for a more polished look.

How the Game Works

Once everything is set up, you’ll start with the Introduction Card and follow the story from there. The game is divided into envelopes, each containing a puzzle that leads to the next. Every time you solve one, you unlock a new clue — just like in a real escape room.

The puzzles vary: some are logic-based, others visual or pattern-focused. A few require you to combine information from multiple cards or use the 3D elements in clever ways.

You’ll definitely need teamwork and communication to succeed. We played as a group of four — two adults and two kids — and everyone contributed something different. Even the younger ones helped spot patterns and assemble the paper pieces.

Difficulty Level and Playtime

The game is designed to be family-friendly, but I’d say the difficulty level is moderate — not too easy, not too hard. Some puzzles might require adult assistance for younger kids (ages 8–10), but teens and adults will find it just the right amount of challenge. There are several hints available for each card, the first one gets you on the right path, and you can get more and more hints until you get the correct solution. This allows you to keep playing without frustration if the group gets stumped by a particular puzzle.

For us, setup took about 45 minutes, and the gameplay itself lasted roughly 75 minutes. We used a couple of hints along the way, which are available in the printable materials. We took some breaks and gave the kids lots of time to explore their ideas throughout the game.

Rating:
⭐ Challenge Level: 7/10
🕒 Setup Time: 45 min
🎯 Playtime: 60–90 min

Family Fun Factor

This is where Explorer’s Lost Camp really shines. It’s interactive, cooperative, and surprisingly tactile for a print at home game. It’s not just a sit-and-think puzzle game.

Our kids loved the physical aspect of cutting, folding, and arranging the 3D objects. The story felt adventurous enough to keep them interested, and the moment we cracked the final code? Let’s just say there was a lot of cheering and high-fiving.

It’s also a great educational experience. The game subtly builds problem-solving, logic, and collaboration skills while keeping everyone entertained. It reminded me of why I love printable games — they pull everyone away from screens and into a shared moment of creativity.

Reusability and Replay Value

One of the best features is that this game is reusable. Because you don’t write directly on the puzzles, you can easily put the materials back into the starting envelopes and play again or share the set with friends.

You can even set it up for a new group (for example, cousins or classmates) and act as the “Game Master” guiding them through it. It’s cost-effective compared to a real escape room outing — and no one has to drive anywhere!

Final Verdict

Explorer’s Lost Camp is a fantastic printable escape room for families, homeschool groups, or anyone who loves a good challenge with a creative twist.

Pros:
✔ Beautiful, immersive artwork
✔ Clear instructions and smart puzzle design
✔ Engaging for both kids and adults
✔ Affordable and reusable

Cons:
✘ Setup takes a bit of time (especially cutting)
✘ Younger kids will struggle without adult guidance

Overall Rating: ⭐ 4.5 / 5
A creative, affordable, and hands-on escape adventure you can enjoy from the comfort of your living room!

Where to Get It

You can purchase and download Explorer’s Lost Camp directly from MysteryLocks:
👉 www.mysterylocks.com

If your family enjoys puzzle-solving nights, this one’s absolutely worth printing and playing — it’s proof that you don’t need fancy tech or props to create an unforgettable adventure at home.