17+ Best Movies About Camping (List)

Camping movies provide fun and entertaining insights into a popular outdoor activity that allows people to connect with nature, unwind, and create lasting memories.

Whether you are an avid camper or simply enjoy the idea of spending time in the great outdoors, movies about camping can provide a unique perspective on this beloved pastime.

From heartwarming family adventures to thrilling survival stories, there are numerous films that capture the essence of camping.

Best Movies About Camping

Camping movies often blend adventure, comedy, and the beauty of the great outdoors. Below is a list of movies that involve camping, each offering a unique take on outdoor escapades:

“The Great Outdoors” (1988)

Directed by Howard Deutch

A comedy about a man’s camping trip with his family, which is interrupted by his annoying brother-in-law.

“Wild” (2014)

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée

A woman embarks on a solo hiking trip across the Pacific Crest Trail to find self-discovery and healing.

“Stand by Me” (1986)

Directed by Rob Reiner

Four friends go on a camping trip to find a missing boy’s dead body.

“Into the Wild” (2007)

Directed by Sean Penn

A man abandons his possessions and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness.

“The Parent Trap” (1998)

Directed by Nancy Meyers

Twin sisters meet at a summer camp and plan to reunite their divorced parents.

“Without a Paddle” (2004)

Directed by Steven Brill

Three friends go on a camping trip in search of lost treasure.

“Moonrise Kingdom” (2012)

Directed by Wes Anderson

Two young lovers run away together, leading to a local search party to find them.

“The Blair Witch Project” (1999)

Directed by Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez

Three film students vanish after traveling into a Maryland forest to film a documentary on the local Blair Witch legend.

“A Walk in the Woods” (2015)

Directed by Ken Kwapis

An aging travel writer hikes the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail with a long-estranged high school buddy.

“127 Hours” (2010)

Directed by Danny Boyle

A mountain climber becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah.

“Camp Nowhere” (1994)

Directed by Jonathan Prince

Kids create a summer camp with no parents, no counselors, and no rules.

“The Kings of Summer” (2013)

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Three teenage friends spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land.

“The Way” (2010)

Directed by Emilio Estevez

A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the “El camino de Santiago,” and decides to take the pilgrimage himself.

“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (2016)

Directed by Taika Waititi

A national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.

“Leave No Trace” (2018)

Directed by Debra Granik

A father and his thirteen-year-old daughter are living an ideal existence in a vast urban park in Portland, Oregon, when a small mistake derails their lives forever.

“Troop Beverly Hills” (1989)

Directed by Jeff Kanew

A soon to be divorced Beverly Hills socialite is determined to prove to her husband and herself that she can finish what she starts out to do.

“Camping” (2006)

Directed by Fabien Onteniente

A French comedy about the adventures and relationships of campers.

“Camp Rock” (2008)

Directed by Matthew Diamond

At a music camp for gifted teens, a popular teen idol overhears a girl singing and sets out to find who the talented voice belongs to.

These films, ranging from heartwarming to thrilling, capture various aspects of the camping experience, from the beauty of nature to the challenges and unexpected adventures that can arise in the great outdoors.

Below we look deeper into some of the best movies about camping, highlighting their key features and why they are worth watching.

Table of Contents

The Great Outdoors (1988)

Directed by Howard Deutch, “The Great Outdoors” is a classic comedy film that follows the adventures of the Ripley family during their vacation in the wilderness.

Starring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy, this movie combines humor and outdoor escapades to create an entertaining experience for viewers.

From encounters with a mischievous bear to hilarious mishaps on the lake, “The Great Outdoors” offers a lighthearted portrayal of camping that will leave you laughing.

Into the Wild (2007)

Based on a true story, “Into the Wild” is a thought-provoking film directed by Sean Penn.

It tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who decides to abandon his comfortable life and embark on a journey into the Alaskan wilderness.

This movie explores themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the pursuit of freedom.

With stunning cinematography and a powerful performance by Emile Hirsch, “Into the Wild” offers a captivating portrayal of the transformative power of nature.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Directed by Wes Anderson, “Moonrise Kingdom” is a whimsical coming-of-age film set in the 1960s.

It follows the story of two young lovers, Sam and Suzy, who decide to run away together and camp in a secluded cove on a fictional New England island.

This movie beautifully captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, as well as the magic of outdoor exploration.

With its unique visual style and heartfelt storytelling, “Moonrise Kingdom” is a must-watch for fans of camping and adventure.

Wild (2014)

Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, “Wild” is a biographical drama directed by Jean-Marc Vallée.

The film chronicles Strayed’s solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, a challenging and transformative journey that she undertakes to heal from personal loss and find herself.

With Reese Witherspoon delivering a powerful performance as Cheryl Strayed, “Wild” offers a compelling exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the healing power of nature.

Camp Rock (2008)

For those who enjoy a mix of camping and music, “Camp Rock” is a Disney Channel original movie that combines both elements.

Starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, this musical film follows the story of Mitchie Torres, a talented young singer who attends a summer music camp.

With catchy songs, energetic dance numbers, and a heartwarming storyline, “Camp Rock” is a feel-good movie that celebrates the joy of camping and the power of music.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, “The Blair Witch Project” is a found footage horror film that revolutionized the genre.

The movie follows a group of student filmmakers who venture into the Black Hills Forest to document the legend of the Blair Witch.

As they camp in the woods, they encounter eerie phenomena and become increasingly terrified.

“The Blair Witch Project” is known for its innovative storytelling technique and realistic portrayal of fear, making it a must-watch for fans of camping and horror.

Stand by Me (1986)

Based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body,” “Stand by Me” is a coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner.

Set in the 1950s, the movie follows four young friends who embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy.

As they hike through the Oregon wilderness, they face various challenges and learn valuable life lessons.

With its heartfelt performances and nostalgic atmosphere, “Stand by Me” captures the essence of friendship, adventure, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

FAQs – Best Movies About Camping

1. What are some other notable movies about camping?

Aside from the movies mentioned above, there are several other notable films about camping that are worth watching. Some of these include:

“Deliverance” (1972) – A gripping survival thriller set in the Appalachian wilderness.
“The Parent Trap” (1998) – A heartwarming family comedy that features a camping trip as a pivotal plot point.
“The Way Back” (2010) – A drama based on a true story about a group of prisoners who escape from a Soviet gulag and embark on a treacherous journey through the wilderness.
“A Walk in the Woods” (2015) – A comedy-drama that follows two old friends as they attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail.

2. Are there any horror movies about camping?

Yes, there are several horror movies that take place in a camping setting. In addition to “The Blair Witch Project,” mentioned earlier, some other notable examples include:

“Friday the 13th” (1980) – A slasher film that takes place at Camp Crystal Lake.
“Sleepaway Camp” (1983) – A cult classic horror film set at a summer camp.
“The Burning” (1981) – Another slasher film that centers around a group of campers.

3. Are there any documentaries about camping?

Yes, there are several documentaries that explore various aspects of camping and outdoor adventure. Some notable examples include:

“180° South” (2010) – A documentary that follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
“Mile… Mile & a Half” (2013) – A documentary that chronicles the journey of a group of artists as they hike the John Muir Trail in California.
“Valley Uprising” (2014) – A documentary that delves into the history and culture of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park.

4. Are there any animated movies about camping?

While there are not many animated movies specifically about camping, there are a few that feature camping as part of the storyline.

One example is “Brother Bear” (2003), a Disney animated film that follows the journey of a young Inuit hunter who is transformed into a bear and must find his way back home.

The movie includes scenes of camping and outdoor exploration.

5. Are there any movies about camping for children?

Yes, there are several movies about camping that are suitable for children. Some examples include:

“The Jungle Book” (1967) – An animated Disney film that tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the jungle.
“Camping Out” (1934) – A classic comedy short film featuring the popular comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.
“The Princess and the Frog” (2009) – A Disney animated film that includes a camping scene as part of the adventure.

6. Are there any movies about camping for outdoor enthusiasts?

Yes, there are several movies that cater specifically to outdoor enthusiasts and showcase various outdoor activities. Some examples include:

“180° South” (2010) – A documentary that combines surfing, climbing, and outdoor adventure.
“Meru” (2015) – A documentary that follows a team of climbers as they attempt to conquer the Shark’s Fin route on Mount Meru in the Himalayas.
“North Face” (2008) – A German film based on a true story about a group of climbers attempting to conquer the Eiger’s north face in the Swiss Alps.

7. Are there any movies about camping that focus on survival skills?

Yes, there are several movies that focus on survival skills and the challenges of outdoor survival. Some examples include:

“Cast Away” (2000) – A drama film that follows the story of a FedEx executive who becomes stranded on a deserted island and must learn to survive.
“127 Hours” (2010) – A biographical survival film based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a mountaineer who becomes trapped in a canyon and must make a life-or-death decision.
“The Edge” (1997) – A survival thriller that follows two men stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash.

8. Are there any movies about camping that explore the theme of friendship?

Yes, many movies about camping explore the theme of friendship and the bonds that are formed through shared experiences. Some examples include:

“The Sandlot” (1993) – A coming-of-age film that follows a group of young friends as they navigate the challenges of growing up and playing baseball.
“Troop Beverly Hills” (1989) – A comedy film that tells the story of a group of Girl Scouts and their troop leader as they go on a camping trip and learn valuable lessons about friendship.
“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) – A comedy-drama that follows a dysfunctional family as they embark on a road trip to support their daughter in a beauty pageant.

9. Are there any movies about camping that are based on true stories?

Yes, several movies about camping are based on true stories or real-life events. Some examples include:

“Wild” (2014) – A biographical drama based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir about her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.
“Into the Wild” (2007) – A film based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness.
“The Way Back” (2010) – A drama based on the memoir “The Long Walk” by Slavomir Rawicz, which recounts his escape from a Soviet gulag and his journey through the wilderness.

10. Are there any movies about camping that are suitable for the whole family?

Yes, there are several movies about camping that are suitable for the whole family. Some examples include:

“The Parent Trap” (1998) – A heartwarming family comedy that features a camping trip as a pivotal plot point.
“Camp Nowhere” (1994) – A comedy film about a group of kids who create their own summer camp.
“Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown” (1977) – An animated film featuring the beloved Peanuts characters as they participate in a river rafting race during a summer camp.

Whether you are looking for a comedy, drama, horror, or documentary, there is a movie about camping that will suit your preferences.

These films offer a unique perspective on the joys and challenges of camping, and they can inspire you to embark on your own outdoor adventures.

So grab some popcorn, gather around the campfire, and enjoy these captivating movies that celebrate the beauty of nature and the spirit of adventure.

Summary – Best Movies About Camping

Camping is a beloved outdoor activity that offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

Movies about camping provide a unique perspective on this experience, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in thrilling adventures, heartwarming stories, and thought-provoking journeys of self-discovery.

From the lighthearted comedy of “The Great Outdoors” to the introspective exploration of “Into the Wild,” these films offer something for everyone.

Whether you are a camping enthusiast or simply enjoy a good movie, these films will transport you to the great outdoors and inspire your sense of adventure.

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