If you’re planning a camping trip with kids, or just want to get them excited about the outdoors before you go, this list of books for kids about camping is such a fun place to start. From silly campfire adventures to sweet stories about first hikes and nights under the stars, these kids books about camping bring the magic of the outdoors right into your home (or RV!). Whether you’re looking for toddler board books, early readers, or picture books for your next read-aloud, these camping books for kids are perfect for sparking curiosity, easing first-time camping nerves, and getting everyone excited for your next family adventure.
1. Let’s Go on a Hike! A bilingual children’s book by Katrina Liu
This cheerful rhyming story follows a family heading out on a sunny hike, discovering the beauty and excitement of the natural world along the way. Along with celebrating time outdoors, the book also introduces readers to Traditional Chinese characters with Pinyin and English, making it a fun way to mix language learning with a love of nature.
2. Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq
In this lively story, Fatima and her family head to a Midwestern state park for their very first camping trip. Between pitching tents, building a campfire, and facing a not-so-scary spider, Fatima discovers confidence, adventure, and the magic of spending a night in the great outdoors.
3. Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Thermes
This inspiring true story introduces kids to Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, who set out at age 67 to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. With determination, resilience, and the help of kind strangers along the way, she proves that adventure, and courage, have no age limit.
4. Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty
When campers leave delicious food behind, Bear happily helps himself, until a park ranger puts up a big “Don’t Feed the Bear” sign. What follows is a hilarious back-and-forth battle between Bear and Ranger that teaches a funny but important lesson about wildlife and camping etiquette.
5. Froggy Goes to Camp by Jonathan London
Froggy heads off to summer camp and quickly finds himself in the middle of all kinds of silly adventures. From campfire stories to kayaking mishaps, his week at camp is packed with laughter, chaos, and classic Froggy fun.
6. Forest Baby by Laurie Elmquist
This gentle board book follows a baby and caregiver on a peaceful walk through the forest. Along the trail they notice rustling leaves, curious wildlife, and sparkling details of nature, creating a calm and sensory introduction to the outdoors for very young readers.
7. The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw
When Fox discovers a mysterious plant in his botany book, he sets off on a mountain hike to find it. Along the way he observes plants, meets forest friends, and learns that sometimes the real joy of an adventure is simply experiencing the beauty of nature.
8. Gather Round by David Covell
A child and her father build a campfire in the woods, and soon travelers and animals alike gather around its warmth. This beautifully illustrated story celebrates the timeless way a simple fire can bring people, and stories, together.
9. The Hike by Alison Farrell
Three adventurous friends set off on a hike through the forest, each exploring nature in their own way: sketching, writing poetry, and collecting treasures along the trail. Their journey highlights curiosity, friendship, and the excitement of discovering the outdoors.
10. Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell
A young girl and her family set out on their first hike up a nearby mountain, spotting plants, animals, and beautiful views along the way. It’s a simple, joyful story about the wonder of experiencing nature for the first time.
11. Leo on a Hike by Anna McQuinn
Leo and his dad spend the day exploring a nature trail together, stopping to notice bugs, flowers, and all kinds of small outdoor discoveries. This sweet board book captures the curiosity and excitement little kids feel when exploring the world outside.
12. We’re Going Camping by Patrick Bochnak
This upbeat story follows a family adventure filled with classic camping activities like fishing, hiking, stargazing, and roasting marshmallows. It’s a fun introduction to the outdoors that highlights spending quality time together while exploring nature.
13. Pete the Cat Goes Camping by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete heads out on a camping trip full of outdoor fun, but things get a little spooky when he hears stories about Bigfoot. With his signature cool attitude, Pete learns to face his fears and enjoy the adventure, making this a great early reader for kids just starting out.
14. Goodnight, Campsite by Olga Shevchenko
This cozy bedtime-style story takes readers through a peaceful night at the campground, featuring everything from tents to RVs. With rhyming text and warm illustrations, it’s a sweet way to wind down after a day of outdoor adventures.
15. Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe by Vera B. Williams
This beautifully illustrated story follows a family as they paddle down a river on a multi-day camping trip. Along the way, readers experience the rhythm of life on the water and the simple joys of nature.
16. Toasting Marshmallows by Kristine O’Connell George
Told through a collection of vivid poems, this book captures the little moments that make camping special, from chilly mornings to late-night campfire conversations. It’s a nostalgic and sensory-rich look at outdoor adventures that both kids and adults will appreciate.
17. Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Melanie Watt
Scaredy Squirrel would much rather stay safe in his tree than venture into the wild, but a simple plan to enjoy camping from afar turns into an unexpected outdoor adventure. This funny and relatable story shows kids that stepping outside their comfort zone can lead to exciting discoveries.
18. C Is for Camping by Greg Paprocki
This colorful alphabet book introduces little ones to camping through A–Z themed illustrations, from campfires to wildlife. With its retro art style and simple format, it’s a fun and engaging way for toddlers to start learning about the outdoors.
19. S Is for S’Mores by Helen Foster James
This A–Z camping guide explores everything from gear and destinations to outdoor traditions and national parks. Packed with fun facts and activities, it’s both educational and inspiring for kids curious about camping adventures.
20. P.J. Funnybunny Camps Out by Marilyn Sadler
When P.J. and his friends head out on a camping trip without the girls, they quickly realize camping isn’t as easy as they thought. This story mixes humor with a subtle lesson about teamwork and challenging stereotypes.
21. Maisy Goes Camping by Lucy Cousins
Maisy and her friends set off on a camping trip that quickly turns into a chaotic (and hilarious) adventure as they try to pitch a tent and all squeeze inside. It’s a playful story full of silly moments that young readers will love.
22. Flashlight by Lizi Boyd
This beautifully illustrated wordless book follows a child exploring the woods at night with only a flashlight to guide the way. As hidden animals and details come to life in the beam of light, it turns nighttime into something magical instead of scary.
23. Curious George Goes Camping by H. A. Rey
George heads out on a camping trip with the Man with the Yellow Hat, but his curious nature quickly leads to a series of unexpected mishaps. Along the way, he explores the woods, meets wildlife, and ultimately finds his own way to be helpful.
24. Bailey Goes Camping by Kevin Henkes
When Bailey is told he’s too little to go on a real camping trip, he’s understandably disappointed, but his parents come up with a creative backyard camping experience instead. This sweet story shows that you don’t have to go far to enjoy the fun of camping.
25. Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parish
Amelia Bedelia heads out on her very first camping trip, and, true to form, hilariously misunderstands just about every instruction she’s given. Her literal take on outdoor tasks turns the trip into a laugh-filled adventure that early readers will love.
26. Nana the Great Goes Camping by Lisa Tawn Bergren
A camping trip with Nana turns into a heartwarming adventure filled with hiking, campfire cooking, and meaningful moments in nature. This story highlights the special bond between grandparents and grandkids while celebrating the joy of slowing down and exploring the outdoors together.
27. Camp Tiger by Susan Choi
On a familiar family camping trip, a young boy begins to notice changes as he grows up, and imagines a mysterious tiger in the woods. This beautifully written story blends imagination and reality, capturing the magic of childhood and the emotions that come
28. Peppa Pig and the Camping Trip
Peppa and her family set off on a camping adventure in a camper van packed with fun surprises. From spotting wildlife to roasting marshmallows and watching shooting stars, this playful story is full of classic camping moments little readers will recognize and enjoy.
29. The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
Ernestine is excited for her very first camping adventure, but quickly realizes the outdoors comes with a few unexpected challenges. From setting up a tent to sleeping under the stars, this story captures the mix of nerves and excitement that comes with trying something new.
30. Bluey: Camping
While camping with her family, Bluey meets a new friend and discovers that you don’t need to speak the same language to have fun together. This sweet story highlights friendship, imagination, and the memorable connections made on family trips.
31. Fred and Ted Go Camping by Peter Eastman
Fred and Ted take on a camping trip in their own very different ways, leading to plenty of funny and surprising moments. This simple early reader uses humor to introduce kids to opposites and problem-solving.
32. Llama Llama Loves Camping by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama heads out on his first camping trip and learns that things that seem a little scary at first can turn out to be a lot of fun. It’s a relatable story for kids who might feel unsure about trying new outdoor experiences.
33. A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
What starts as a relaxing camping trip quickly turns into a wild adventure when Mr. Magee and his dog encounter an unexpected bear. With rhyming text and over-the-top action, this story is full of humor and excitement.
34. Hello, World! Let’s Go Camping by Jill McDonald
This bright and simple board book introduces young readers to the basics of camping, from tents and campfires to stargazing. It’s an easy, engaging way for little ones to learn about outdoor adventures.
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