9 Picture Books about Camping

Summer is here!  It's the season for outdoor activities like camping, going to the beach, fishing, and more.  This post features nine stories about camping.  Stay tuned for future posts about other activities. 

1. Arthur Goes to Camp, by Marc Brown

We are reading this book a lot lately as there is a day camp goer in our household.  Arthur's reluctantly goes to sleep-away camp.  He runs away from camp after several discouraging experiences but coincidentally saves the day when he turns on his flashlight to light his way.

2. Just Me and My Dad, by Mercer Mayer

This is a favorite book in our household, and the subject is about camping.  The book also makes a great Father's Day gift.

3. Stella and Roy Go Camping, by Ashley Wolff

Young and older children will find this story engaging.  We have read this book in the library but have not borrowed it.

4. Bailey Goes Camping, by Kevin Henkes

We are fans of Kevin Henkes' tender stories.  We have not read this one but know that Bailey is afraid of outdoor camping so his parents make camp indoors.  Have you read this book?

5. Into the Outdoors, by Susan Gal

We previewed this book on Google Books (here) and can't wait to borrow it from the library.  The illustrations are fantastic!  (Hat tip: Preschool Theme: Camping on Pinterest)

6. A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, by Chris Van Dusen

Another one for our to-read list!  We own Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee and it's well read.  We imagine that this book will have rhythmic prose and gorgeous illustrations, and be funny, too.  (Hat tip: Best Books About Camping for Preschoolers)

7. Curious George Goes Camping, by Magret and H. A. Rey


Speaking of funny, anything starring Curious George is bound to provide lots of laughs.  This tale is classic Curious George and he manages to do good (he puts out a forest fire).

8. Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping, by Peggy Parish with illustrations by Lynn Sweat

This book will also work for younger and older children.

9. Maisy Goes Camping, by Lucy Cousins

Wouldn't you like for Maisy and her friends to accompany you on all your adventures and milestones?!

Extra: Got an older child who is going to sleep-away camp? Check out Lunch lady and The Summer Camp Shakedown, by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. (Hat tip:

All book images via Amazon.com.

P.S. Read our popular Nature Children's Books post.

Update, June 29, 2013: Christy Peterson of Tweets & Tree Frogs recommends The Bear Scouts by Stan & Jan Berenstain.