A Camping Day at school is one of the best end of the year theme days to instantly spark excitement and imagination. Before the tents, flashlights, and camping-themed activities come out, camping books are the perfect way to set the scene. Stories about campfires, forest adventures, and nighttime critters invite students to explore the outdoors—whether they’re enjoying a silly camping mishap in a fiction story or learning real facts about animals and nature in nonfiction. In this post, I’m sharing a mix of fiction and nonfiction camping books for kids that pair perfectly with a classroom Camping Day and help keep students engaged, learning, and excited right up until the final days of school!

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End of the Year Camping Day in the Classroom

After sharing a variety of fiction and nonfiction camping books, it’s the perfect time to turn that excitement into a memorable classroom experience!

Hosting a Camping Day Escape Room is an easy way to celebrate the end of the year, while still keeping students engaged, learning, and working together.

With “The Case of the Camping Caper,” students complete 6 or 8 different camping-themed challenges to eliminate suspects and uncover who stole the s’mores!

This camping mystery fits seamlessly into a classroom Camping Day and gives students meaningful opportunities to collaborate, problem-solve, and stay focused—all while having fun with a camp-inspired theme. It’s a great option if you want your Camping Day to feel special without letting things get chaotic.

Teacher tip: If running a full mystery feels like too much, you can easily skip the it and use the activities as stand-alone camping-themed centers instead. They’re just as engaging and make for a low-stress, high-interest camping day in the classroom.

Grab the Camping Day Escape Room centers & activities here!

Fiction Camping Books for Camping Day

Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark by Jonathan Stutzman

Tiny T. Rex and his best friend Pointy are excited for a backyard campout—because that’s what best friends do! But when bedtime comes and their night-lights aren’t around, the darkness suddenly feels extra dark… and maybe even a little spooky. Luckily, Tiny has a top-secret plan to help keep the scary shadows away. Filled with heart and humor, this charming adventure shows that with a good friend by your side, even the biggest fears can feel a lot smaller.

S’more is Enough by Brenda S. Miles

Meet S’More—a sweet little treat who’s feeling a bit unsure of himself. Is he too squishy? Too sticky? Not fancy enough? As he thinks about what makes him special, S’More discovers an important truth: he doesn’t have to be perfect to be enough. Just as he is, he’s already wonderful.

Make More S’mores by Cathy Ballou Mealey

Roscoe’s campfire is crackling, and he’s carefully toasting the perfect marshmallow. He slides it onto a graham cracker, tops it with a square of chocolate, and sandwiches it with another graham—the ultimate s’more—just as Grizzly Bear shows up. Roscoe happily welcomes Grizzly…and then bear after bear! With a gooey forest feast in full swing, he keeps his hungry (and grumbly) guests happy by sharing s’more after s’more. And really…what else is there to do but make s’more?!

1, 2, 3 Make a S’more with Me by Elizabeth Gauthier

Count, laugh, and make a s’more! In 1 2 3 Make a S’more with Me, little readers follow along as they add marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers—learning numbers one silly, sweet step at a time. Perfect for preschoolers and early learners who love camping, treats, and playful counting fun!

The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann

Ernestine can hardly wait for her camping trip! She follows her packing list to the letter—new sleeping bag, shiny flashlight, and a special trail mix made with Dad—so she’ll be ready for the weekend. But she quickly discovers that nothing could have prepared her for the challenges of setting up a tent, falling asleep under the stars, or swimming in a lake…especially when there are fish involved—eep! Will Ernestine be able to embrace the wilderness, or is this adventure just a bit too far out of her comfort zone? In this lively, illustrated story about a first sleepover under the stars, acclaimed author-illustrator Jennifer K. Mann shows that stepping into new experiences—even the tricky ones—can lead to unforgettable memories (and maybe even a newfound love of s’mores).

The Hike by Alison Farrell

Three brave young explorers head into their local forest, each discovering the outdoors in her own unique way. Wren carries a sketchbook and a flag, El brings her poetry notebook, and Hattie gathers feathers while keeping Bean the dog on leash. Along the way, they get a little lost but use maps to find their way, spotting deer tracks, drawing wildlife, and even glimpsing a real deer—before it darts away. At last, they reach their destination, celebrating the adventure and the discoveries they made along the way.

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen

In this exciting camping book, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee set out for a calm camping trip—but their peace is quickly interrupted by a lumbering, marshmallow-loving bear! Before they know it, the pair is tumbling down a mountain, speeding along a river, and balancing on the edge of a waterfall. How will Mr. Magee and Dee escape this wild, slippery adventure?

Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty

Mac and cheese, carrot cake, meatball stew—Bear loves it all when campers leave him treats. The park ranger, however, does not. Smack! Smack! He hammers a sign into the ground: DON’T FEED THE BEAR! Disappointed—no more chewy cookies or juicy burgers—Bear quickly crosses out the “don’t,” and soon the park is caught up in a hilarious tug-of-war. But when both Bear and the ranger end up missing out, will they finally call a truce?

Biscuit Goes Camping by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Woof, woof—this way, Biscuit! It’s time for a camping adventure. Biscuit is excited to explore the great outdoors, discovering tents, flashlights, frogs, and fireflies while sleeping under the stars. But when rain clouds roll in, Biscuit has to figure out how camping plans might change in this must-read camping book for kids.

Pete the Cat Goes Camping by James Dean

Pete the Cat Goes is off on his first camping adventure! As Pete looks forward to hiking, fishing, and making s’mores, he starts to wonder about the mysterious Bigfoot—and whether he’s real. This lighthearted story gently explores first-time jitters and curiosity about the outdoors, all while supporting early readers with simple sentences and familiar words, making it a great choice for beginning readers at home or in the classroom.

Curious George Goes Camping by H.A. Rey and Margret Rey

Join Curious George for a fun-filled day of camping as he sets up a tent, roasts marshmallows, and—of course—gets into a little mischief along the way. When George and the man with the yellow hat head out on a camping trip, George’s good intentions lead him on a solo adventure through the woods, where a surprise encounter with a friendly forest creature sparks a series of silly events and helps George discover how he can be helpful after all.

Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Melanie Watt

Scaredy Squirrel is the perfectly relatable character for kids who feel a little nervous about new experiences. He loves the safety of his nut tree and would prefer to experience camping from the comfort of his couch—far away from mosquitoes, dirt, and wild animals. But when Scaredy has to leave his tree to plug in his TV, his carefully planned solution leads him into an unexpected outdoor adventure.

Flat Stanley Goes Camping by Jeff Brown

Flat Stanley Goes Camping by Jeff Brown follows Flat Stanley and his family on a fun‑filled camping trip into the woods. Stanley—the paper‑thin boy who can slip under doors and even fly like a kite—goes exploring with his brother Arthur, but an unexpected encounter with a skunk sends them sprinting toward the edge of a cliff. Along the way, Stanley discovers that his flatness can be an asset, making this Level 2 I Can Read camping book a humorous and exciting adventure for early readers.

Humphrey’s Creepy-Crawly Camping Adventure by Betty G. Birney

Everyone’s favorite classroom pet is now the star of his very own chapter book! Humphrey has had plenty of adventures in Room 26, but nothing like this—he’s going on a backyard campout with Heidi and her friends! There’s stargazing, marshmallow roasting, and exploring for creepy-crawlies. But the prank-loving boys next door are out to prove the girls are scaredy-cats. Humphrey knows better—he doesn’t think girls are scaredy-cats… or like cats at all! Can this tiny, brave hamster show them how it’s done with a clever, hairy-scary trick of his own?

Good Night Campsite by Adam Gamble

Grab your tent and sleeping bags—it’s time to head to the campsite! This sweet camping book invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore a favorite camping spot, complete with hiking, swimming, woodland animals, and marshmallows by the campfire.

Piggy and Dad Go Fishing by David Martin

Piggy is going fishing with his dad for the very first time! He eagerly digs up the worms but can’t bring himself to put one on the hook, so they get creative and use part of their sandwiches as bait instead. Waiting for a fish to bite feels like forever, and Piggy’s patience is quickly tested. When he finally catches a fish, he can’t bear to keep it—so, just for fun, Piggy and his dad feed their catch some sandwich treats instead.

Little Critter: Exploring the Great Outdoors by Mercer Mayer

Little Critter: Exploring the Great Outdoors by Mercer Mayer follows everyone’s favorite character, Little Critter, as he and his classmates head out on a field trip into the woods to explore nature. Along the way they discover bugs, big trees, animal tracks, and plenty of outdoor surprises, making for a fun and engaging adventure in the great outdoors.

Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parish

Join the classic, literal-minded Amelia Bedelia in this camping book as she heads out on her very first camping trip. Trying her best to follow instructions, Amelia’s interpretations lead to plenty of silly mix-ups—from pitching a tent to catching a fish the wrong way—turning a simple camping trip into a laugh-out-loud outdoor adventure.

Ruby’s Sleepover by Kathryn White

Ruby’s Sleepover by Kathryn White is a playful backyard camping story about two friends, Ruby and Mai, who set up a tent and settle in for a sleepover under the stars. As night falls, their imagination brings all sorts of “scary” creatures—like dragons and ogres—toward their tent, and Ruby uses her magical backpack treasures to help the girls feel brave and safe.

Bradford Street Buddies: Backyard Camp-Out by Jerdine Nolen

Camping should be fun… or should it? Jada and Jamal Perkins are having their very first backyard campout, along with their best friends, Carlita Garcia and Josh Cornell. But the backyard is dark, and strange noises are coming from the bushes—Crunch! Crunch! Crunch! Scrunch! Scrunch! Scrunch! Will an unexpected visitor spoil the Bradford Street Buddies’ adventure under the stars? Grab a flashlight and join the fun in this exciting camping book for kids.

Pony Scouts: The Camping Trip by Catherine Hapka

It’s the first day of summer vacation, and the Pony Scouts are off on a camping adventure! Meg quickly realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about camping, but along the way, she discovers that learning new skills can be part of the fun. Packed with pony-focused plots, rich details, and a “Pony Pointers” vocabulary page at the end, the Pony Scouts series is perfect for young horse lovers.

The Berenstain Bears Go to Camp by Stan Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears Go to Camp by Stan and Jan Berenstain follows Brother and Sister Bear as they leave Bear Country for the very first time to attend Grizzly Bob’s Day Camp. During their time at camp, they enjoy classic outdoor activities like playing soccer, swimming, kayaking, and making crafts, all while learning what summer camp is like and easing any worries about being away from home.

Llama Llama Loves Camping by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama Loves Camping by Anna Dewdney is a camping book about everyone’s favorite little llama going on his first camping adventure. In this story, Llama Llama heads out into the great outdoors with his family to try camping for the very first time. Along the way he encounters things that seem a little scary at first, but he learns that with curiosity and support, what felt frightening can turn into a super-duper fun experience.

The Little Book Of Camping by Laurie Friendman

Camping doesn’t have to be complicated. The Little Book of Camping provides a simple, engaging introduction to camping for young boys and girls, helping preschoolers and toddlers learn what to expect and how to enjoy the outdoors.

Nonfiction Camping Books for Beach Day

Outdoor Explorers: Take A Hike Field Journal Activity Nature Book with Stickers for Adventurous Kids by Carmen Crowe

This interactive nature book invites kids to explore the world around them, from forest trails and ponds to their very own backyard. Packed with fun facts, hands-on activities, and observation logs, young readers can record what they see just like real explorers. With scavenger hunts, games, crafts, reflection prompts, and even a magnifying glass and stickers, this spiral-bound book is designed to be taken outside and used in real time, making nature study engaging, active, and fun.

The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids: 500 Wild Facts! by Ginjer Clarke

From frogs and foxes to scorpions and sharks, The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids is packed with 500 amazing animal facts kids will love discovering. With full-color photos on every page and fascinating details about mammals, amphibians, insects, birds, and more, this kid-friendly animal encyclopedia keeps young readers engaged for hours. It’s a great choice for a camping day, too—perfect for sparking curiosity about the animals children might see (or hear!) outdoors and encouraging thoughtful conversations about wildlife while exploring nature.

Nature Activity Book for Little Ones by Samantha Lewis

Introduce your little one to the wonders of nature with this activity book filled with 100+ outdoor learning. Designed for children ages 2–5, it offers simple, playful activities that encourage observing, exploring, creating, and playing outside. Whether you’re spending time in the backyard, visiting a local park, or heading out on a nature hike, this camping book provides plenty of inspiration for meaningful outdoor experiences together.

The Backyard Bug Book for Kids by Lauren Davidson

Crawl into the fascinating world of bugs with this colorful, kid-friendly introduction to insects for ages 3–5. The Backyard Bug Book for Kids combines simple stories, vibrant photographs, and hands-on activities to help preschool and kindergarten children learn about the bugs they’re most likely to spot outside, like ladybugs, grasshoppers, and dragonflies. With fun facts, close-up photos, and interactive challenges, it’s an engaging choice for a camping day or outdoor learning—perfect for encouraging little explorers to slow down, observe, and appreciate the tiny creatures all around them.

Stargazers by Gail Gibbons

Using simple text and bold illustrations, Stargazers explains what we see when we look up at the stars, from constellations and their ancient names to modern tools like telescopes. With kid-friendly vocabulary, fun facts, and a short timeline of major astronomy discoveries, it’s an engaging and accessible introduction to space—making it a perfect read for a camping day, especially when kids can connect the book to real-life stargazing under the night sky.

Survival Skills for Kids by Peter Myers

While most kids may never face extreme outdoor situations, learning basic survival skills can help them feel safe, confident, and capable in nature. Survival Skills for Kids introduces practical skills that build problem-solving abilities, self-reliance, and resilience. Designed to be used alongside real-life practice, this guide helps families feel more prepared as they explore the outdoors together.

Bugs! by Shira Evans

With engaging text features like a vocabulary tree and a wrap-up activity, this National Geographic Reader introduces new words in meaningful concept groups, helping kids make connections and build a deeper understanding of the world. Combined with brilliant photographs and a fun, approachable reading style, it’s a favorite with kids, parents, and educators—and a great choice for building background knowledge during a camping day or nature-themed day.

All About Nature: Animals, Insects, Plants, and More! by Huda Harajli

This engaging picture book introduces children ages 3–5 to the world of nature all around them. Through simple questions and fun facts, young readers explore land, water, air, and animals big and small as they notice sunshine, birdsong, colorful leaves, rocks, and stars. Designed to spark curiosity and a love of the outdoors, it encourages toddlers to discover their inner explorer while learning about the natural world.

Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival by Denise Long

Anyone can get lost while camping or hiking, and Survivor Kid helps young adventurers learn what to do if that ever happens. Written by a search-and-rescue professional and lifelong camper, this book shares practical, kid-friendly advice on staying safe in the wild, from building shelters and signaling for help to finding water, navigating, and avoiding injuries. With hands-on projects like building a simple shelter, practicing navigation with a treasure hunt, and studying animal tracks, it’s a great choice for a camping day and for building confidence and outdoor awareness.

Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids’ Guide by Lynn Brunelle

From bear bags and wilderness showers to figuring out the temperature by counting cricket chirps, this book is packed with fun and practical camping know-how. Whether you’re planning a backyard campout or a weekend in the wilderness, it covers the basics—gearing up, choosing a campsite, and even building a tarp tent. Kids will also love the outdoor recipes (including solar oven pizza, chili, and s’mores), along with ideas for keeping a field journal, exploring the night sky, sharing campfire stories, and learning how to leave no trace. It’s a great all-in-one guide for a camping day or for inspiring young campers to head outdoors with confidence.

In the Forest for Shira Evans

In the Forest by Shira Evans is a nonfiction early reader that introduces young children to life in the forest. It uses engaging National Geographic photos and fun facts to show what kinds of animals and plants live among the trees, how forests change, and ways people can help protect these habitats. Written in simple, age‑appropriate text, it’s great for emergent readers who are curious about nature and wildlife.

More End of the Year Activities

Make counting down to the last day of school fun and stress-free with these FREE ABC Countdown Calendars!

If you loved this end of the year Camping Day, check out this ultimate collection of end of the year theme days featuring a Glow Day, Ice Cream Day, Beach Day, and more!

Countdown to Summer with these ABC countdown to summer ideas and be sure to grab the FREE ABC countdown calendar at the bottom of the post!

Another great end of the year activity you and your students might love is creating this end of the year memory book!

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