In honor of October being National Book Month, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of our favorite books for kids to take camping (check out our list of books for adults to take camping here). Whether you’re searching for a camping-themed bedtime picture book, a middle-grades classic story of survival, or an activity book to keep the kids occupied, there is something on this list for everyone.
Picture Books
Who says you have to ditch the bedtime routine while camping? These camping-themed picture books make wonderful bedtime stories and will get your kiddos excited for the outdoor adventures to come.
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee By: Chris Van Dusen
A favorite of our family, this book will surely bring out the smiles and the giggles. Follow along with Mr. Magee and his little dog Dee as they encounter some interesting wildlife and overcome obstacles on their camping trip. The fun illustrations and rhyming text make this an excellent campsite read for all ages.
S is for S’Mores: A Camping Alphabet By: Helen Foster James
Are you looking for a fun read that’s also educational? This book is about more than just a themed alphabet. It’s also an informational guide to help campers (both young and old) make the most of their wilderness adventures. You can read just the rhyming phrases for little ones or add in the descriptive side bars for older kiddos.
Wolf Camp By: Andrea Zuill
Here is a silly, adorable book for the dog lovers in the family. Follow along as Homer the dog heads off to wolf camp to learn how to live like a wolf for a week. The wolfy shenanigans that follow are sure to make your kiddos laugh, and maybe even put new campers at ease as the pups navigate new experiences.
Bluey: Camping By: Penguin Young Readers
Bluey lovers rejoice (come on, you know you like it too)! Bluey and her family of Heelers head off for a camping trip and meet some new friends along the way. She navigates a language barrier with her new friend while they have fun exploring the outdoors together.
Curious George Goes Camping By: Margret and H.A. Rey
Will the classic curious little monkey stay out of trouble while camping with the man in the yellow hat? Likely not! Follow along as George attempts to be helpful, leading to an outrageous chain of events that will be sure to make this camping trip one he never forgets. This classic is well-loved by many young readers.
Middle-Grade Classics
They may have been written for middle-grade readers, but you may just find yourself getting lost in these classic tales of bravery, overcoming obstacles, and adventuring in the great outdoors.
The Swiss Family Robinson By: Johann David Wyss
This must-read is wonderful as a family read-aloud around the campfire or as a solo read for middle-grade kids. After getting stranded on a tropical island in the East Indies, the Robinson family must use everything at their disposal to survive and create a new life on the island. The original illustrations bring the book to life and there’s even a fun quiz at the end to test your knowledge.
My Side of the Mountain By: Jean Craighead George
My older son loves this book, and he refers to it on almost every one of our camping trips. It follows Sam Gribley, a boy who's tired of life in New York City and decides to run away to live alone in the Catskill Mountains. His year in the wilderness changes his life, teaching him lessons on bravery, danger, and independence. This is a perfect camping read for middle-grade kids who are seeking adventure.
The Call of the Wild By: Jack London
One of literature’s most beloved classics, “The Call of the Wild” follows a domesticated dog that is put to the ultimate test. Stolen from his family in California, Buck is shipped off to the frozen Yukon to become a sled dog. Buck must awaken his primitive instincts to survive and lead in an unforgiving landscape. This is also great as an audiobook for those longer drives to the campground.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn By: Mark Twain
In search of a better life, Huckleberry Finn wants to be free and escape the constraints of an abusive family. This selection can be a tough read for sensitive readers but can bring about wonderful discussions on racism and morality. The version linked here includes illustrations from the original 1885 edition, but this book is also wonderful on audio.
Hatchet By: Gary Paulsen
Last but definitely not least, this Newberry Honor-winning book is one of the best-loved tales of survival. It follows 13-year-old Brian as he struggles to survive in the Canadian wilderness after becoming the sole survivor of a plane crash. With only the clothes on his back, a windbreaker, and a hatchet, he must conquer his fears and despair to overcome the many obstacles that await him. If your kids love this one, check out the rest of the series following Brian’s adventures in the wild.
Activity Books
Bringing along an activity book or two is a great way to immerse your kids in the camping experience and keep littles occupied while setting up camp.
Camping Activity Book for Kids By: Amelia Mayer
This activity book contains 35 activities to encourage kids to explore the great outdoors while also learning wilderness skills and fun games to play. It includes projects and ideas to spark a love of nature along with camping tips and checklists for parents to help make family camping a success.
Junior Ranger Activity Book By: National Geographic Kids
Whether you plan to camp in a National Park or your own backyard, this book is jam-packed with fun activities for kids! Inspired by the National Parks Junior Ranger Program, they will discover all 59 U.S. National Parks through trivia, games, fun facts, jokes, and more.
Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping By: Jennifer Pharr Davis and Haley Blevins
If you have an outdoor-loving tween or teen, this is the book for them. It contains a plethora of knowledge on topics including navigation, survival skills, extreme weather, and more. There are immersive activities, journaling prompts, and ideas to take their adventures to the next level. You may even find yourself flipping through the pages for tips and tricks for hiking and camping.
Creative Spark Camping Stickers and Coloring Book By: Creative Spark
For the sticker-loving littles out there, this book is sure to keep them occupied while setting up camp or relaxing around the campsite. It includes over 500 camping-themed stickers and scenes to use them on. There are also coloring pages included to give your little ones some variety while enjoying the great outdoors.
Camping Coloring Book By: Blue Wave Press
You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned coloring book to pass the time. This simple one includes 38 camping-themed scenes for little ones to color and enjoy. The pages are single-sided to prevent markers and pens from bleeding through, and the durable cover can withstand the inevitable jostling and dirt of camping.
What are your favorite nature-filled kids’ books to take camping? Do you have a favorite that’s not on this list? Let us know by sending us a message or commenting on our social media!
Rebecca is a transplant Coloradoan living in Virginia with her husband (Derek) and their two boys. She’s a teacher turned freelance writer/ homeschool mom working towards exploring as much of the east coast as possible before the next move takes her family elsewhere. You can follow her family hiking, kayaking, SUPing, geocaching, camping, and all things outdoor adventuring on Instagram @frazzlednaturemom .
