You’ve got your boards. You’ve got your bags. You can play cornhole. But the right accessories turn a basic cornhole setup into something that looks, plays, and feels significantly better.
Some of these are genuine game-changers. Others are more “nice to have.” A few you might look at and think “I never knew that existed, but now I need one.” That’s the spirit.
Here’s everything worth considering, organized by how much they’ll improve your experience.
Must-Have Accessories
LED Board Lights
Playing cornhole after dark is one of the best experiences in the game — but only if you can actually see the boards. LED light kits mount around the hole and the perimeter of each board, creating a glowing target that looks incredible and is completely functional.
Most kits are battery-powered, waterproof, and install in minutes with adhesive clips. They come in every color imaginable, including color-changing options. The Brightz TossBrightz kit is one of the most popular with thousands of positive reviews.
If you play at evening events, night tournaments, or just like hanging out in the backyard after sunset, LED lights are the single best accessory you can buy.
Price range: $15-$30 per set (covers 2 boards)
Carrying Case
Hauling two regulation cornhole boards without a case is a recipe for scratched boards, a sore back, and a frustrating trip to the car. A quality carrying case protects your boards, makes transport easy with padded shoulder straps, and keeps everything organized.
Look for cases with thick padding, shoulder straps (not just handles), and pockets for bags and accessories. Some sets come with cases, but aftermarket cases are almost always better quality.
Price range: $25-$50
Board Covers
If you store your boards in a garage, shed, or car trunk, covers protect the playing surface from scratches, dust, and UV damage. Even if your boards came with a carrying case, covers add an extra layer of protection between games.
Simple nylon covers slip over each board and cinch tight. They’re inexpensive insurance for boards you want to last.
Price range: $15-$25 per set
Game Enhancement Accessories
Score Tower with Drink Holders
A score tower does two critical things: it keeps score so you don’t have to remember it, and it holds your drink so you don’t have to set it on the ground. The combination is pure genius.
Most score towers use magnetic markers on a metal scoreboard attached to a wooden or metal post with cup holders. They stand beside the board and keep the game flowing without the “wait, what’s the score?” pause every round.
If you run a league, these are borderline essential. For casual play, they’re a luxury that feels like a necessity once you’ve used one.
Price range: $25-$60
Check out our Scoreboard Buyers Guide for recommendations.
Magnetic Scoreboard (Board-Mounted)
If a full score tower is overkill for your setup, a simple magnetic scoreboard mounts directly to the side of your board. Slide colored magnets up the score track as points are scored. Small, cheap, and solves the “who’s winning?” problem.
Price range: $10-$20
Board Stabilizers (PUCS)
On uneven ground, boards rock and shift during play. PUCS (or similar stabilizer products) are rubber pads that level your boards and prevent movement. They stick to the underside of the board legs and grip any surface.
This is a niche product, but if you play on concrete, patios, or sloped yards, it’s a game-changer. Stable boards play significantly better than wobbly ones.
Price range: $20-$40
Check out our review of the PUCS Elite Package
Bag Tote / Bag Caddy
A small tote or caddy that holds your 4 bags at the throwing position keeps things organized and prevents the “walking back to pick up bags” shuffle between throws. Some attach to the side of the board, others are freestanding.
Minor convenience, but it speeds up gameplay and looks professional — especially for league play.
Price range: $10-$25
Fun / Novelty Accessories
Custom Board Wraps and Decals
Transform plain boards into personalized works of art with vinyl wraps or decals. Show off your favorite team, add a family name, or go with a custom design. Wraps are removable, so you can change the look whenever you want.
Your existing page on wraps and decals covers this in detail, but it’s worth mentioning here because a fresh set of wraps is one of the most visually impactful upgrades you can make.
Price range: $25-$60 per set
Airmail Box (Bag Catcher)
An airmail box attaches behind the hole on your cornhole board and catches bags that go through. No more crawling behind the board to retrieve sunken bags. It’s especially useful on hard surfaces where bags can slide far after passing through.
A niche accessory, but anyone who’s spent a whole game bending over behind the board to grab bags will appreciate it instantly.
Price range: $30-$50
Weather-Resistant Finish / Sealant
If you’ve built your own boards or have unfinished wood boards, applying a weather-resistant polyurethane or spar varnish extends their life dramatically. Even pre-finished boards benefit from an occasional re-coat to maintain a smooth, consistent playing surface.
Marine-grade spar varnish is the top recommendation — it handles UV, rain, and temperature changes without degrading slide quality.
Price range: $15-$25 per can
The Accessory Priority List
If you’re building out your accessory collection, here’s the order we recommend:
- LED lights — Extends your playing time into the evening. Biggest impact.
- Carrying case — Protects your investment and your back.
- Score tower or scoreboard — Eliminates arguments and adds structure.
- Board covers — Cheap insurance for long board life.
- Everything else — Stabilizers, bag caddies, wraps, airmail boxes — add as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cornhole lights? The Brightz TossBrightz LED kit is the most popular and well-reviewed option. It covers the hole and board edges for two boards, runs on batteries, and is waterproof. Color options range from solid colors to multicolor changing.
Do I need a cornhole carrying case? If you transport your boards regularly (to tailgates, friends’ houses, events), yes. A padded case with shoulder straps protects your boards and saves your back. If your boards live in the backyard permanently, covers alone are sufficient.
What’s the best way to keep score in cornhole? A magnetic scoreboard (mounted on the board or on a score tower) is the most reliable method. For leagues and tournaments, the Scoreholio app handles digital scoring, standings, and player ratings. For casual games, a simple whiteboard or the honor system works fine.
How do I protect my cornhole boards from weather? Store boards indoors or under cover when not in use. Use board covers for storage. For boards left outdoors, apply marine-grade spar varnish to the playing surface for UV and moisture protection. Avoid leaving boards in direct rain for extended periods.
Need boards and bags to go with your accessories? Check our Best Cornhole Sets and Best Cornhole Bags guides.
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