There are many memories to be had while camping, including viewing wildlife, cooking over a campfire, and stargazing. Get pupils thrilled to return to nature with some of our greatest camping books for kids, whether they want to pitch their tents atop the mountain, in the forest, at a favorite campsite, or even in the backyard.

1. Penny & Jelly: Slumber Under the Stars by Maria Gianferrari (PreK–2)

Until she finds she can’t bring her cherished puppy, Jelly, along, Penny can’t wait for Slumber Under the Stars night at the neighborhood community center. Before finding the perfect answer to her camping dilemma, she attempts several original methods.

2. Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty (K–2)

Hilarity results when a bear and a park ranger argue over a sign in the forest asking campers to share their goodies with the locals.

3. Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Melanie Watt (K–2)

While Scaredy Squirrel would like to avoid the dangers of camping, when it becomes necessary to cross the “campground,” he creates a detailed action plan. He learns to enjoy the modest joys of nature thanks to an unexpected challenge.

4. Bradford Street Buddies: Backyard Camp-Out by Jerdine Nolen (K–2)

Jada and Jamal, twins, decide to have a backyard camping trip with their neighborhood pals after discovering their parents’ old tent in the garage. A loud surprise is revealed by a rustling in the bushes.

5. Flat Stanley Goes Camping by Jeff Brown and Lori Haskins Houran (K–2)

Stanley is depressed about being flat, but his distinctive form saves the day on multiple occasions during the campout.

6. A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen (K–3)

In this wild rhyming classic, Mr. Magee and his small dog Dee pack up the camper and travel to the mountains. Their tranquil camping excursion quickly turns hectic due to a bear searching for marshmallows.

7. Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parish (K–3)

Amelia Bedelia has enough trouble figuring things out at home, but when she and the Rogers family head out on the road for a camping trip, she faces new challenges.

8. S is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James (K–3)

This well-liked alphabet book series volume addresses important facets of camping, whether your preferred campsite is on the beach, in the woods, or in the desert.

9. Humphrey’s Creepy-Crawling Camping Adventure by Betty G. Birney (1–3)

The endearing little Humphrey’s class hamster goes home with Heidi for a backyard camping trip. Whose prank will be the craziest among the boys camped out next door?

10. When We Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs (K–4)

This story celebrates the joy of a day spent camping, including waking up to the morning chill, silently observing wildlife like water striders and deer, boating, swimming, gathering berries, and cooking over a campfire. Rich texts and beautiful paintings capture everything.

11. Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O’Connell George (K–5)

From “Mosquito Song” to “Moose Brunch” to “Two Voices in a Tent at Night,” this book presents a variety of literary genres describing several iconic camping experiences.

12. Our Great Big Backyard by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager (1–4)

When Jane’s parents tell her they are taking a great American road trip, she initially looks forward to spending the summer playing computer games. In some of the most well-known national parks in the country, camping under the stars turns out to be more exciting than watching a movie on a screen.

13. Mouse Scouts: Camp Out by Sarah Dillard (2–4)

Miss Poppy, a bold (and tyrannical) leader of the Mouse Scouts, leads them on a camping trip. Thank heavens the scouts have their manuals and survival techniques ready when she abruptly vanishes.

14. The Three Little Pigs Go Camping (After Happily Ever After) by Tony Bradman (2–4)

The three pigs go camping after putting their encounters with the Big Bad Wolf behind them. The third pig sticks to his well-planned route until his brothers teach him the importance of being open to a little adventure.

15. Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look (2–4)

When his dad considers going camping, apprehensive Alvin has a lot to be concerned about, including getting lost, famine, bears, and other things. Alvin conquers the wide outdoors with extreme forethought and a Batman ring with comforting secret abilities.

16. The Lost Lake by Allen Say (1–5)

Luke and his father hike for days to discover the ideal undisturbed camping place. This reflective tale demonstrates the special opportunity for connection provided by time spent outside.

17. Cool Backyard Camping: Great Things to Do in the Great Outdoors by Alex Kuskowski (1–6)

How about creating a shadow puppet show or a glow stick ring throw game for your upcoming camping trip? This manual will significantly increase the fun you have when camping.

18. Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger (2–5)

Sam, Lucy, and Grandpa load up the vehicle and drive to the forest to go camping. Their journey is chronicled in various poetry forms, from traditional cinquain and haiku to less popular forms like the what-if and charming poems. A long and interesting manual on creating poetry is included in the back matter.

19. Campfire Chef: Mouthwatering Campfire Recipes by Tyler Omoth (2–8)

Here is a children’s cookbook devoted to FOOD, which is one of the nicest aspects of camping. Burritos wrapped in foil, pizza baked in a dutch oven, and even blueberry muffins baked within orange halves are just a few of the easy recipes that demand an outdoor taste test.

20. Ranger Rick Kids’ Guide to Camping: All You Need to Know About Having Fun in the Outdoors by Cherie Winner (3–7)

This handbook provides the necessary information for kids who prefer to know everything before they do, from tent installation to the proverbial “Where do I go to the bathroom?” Encourage incoming campers to feel ready and thrilled.