Best Camping Movies of All Time

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Get ready to pitch a virtual tent, grab some popcorn, and dive into a reel adventure as we unveil the best camping movies that have captured the essence of sleeping under the stars.

Whether you’re planning your next camping trip or simply seeking inspiration from the comfort of your living room, these cinematic masterpieces are bound to ignite the flames of wanderlust and kindle the spirit of adventure within. So, buckle up, movie buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike – our journey into the best camping family movies of all time is about to begin!

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities. Camping is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. What’s one of the best ways to get in the spirit of camping? Of course, by watching some of the best camping movies with your loved ones.  

Enjoy a road trip with your family to a nearby campground and watch a camp movie.  So what are the Best Camping Movies of All Time?  We listed the best camping movies that are worth watching.

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Movies are a great way for families to bond and spend quality time together. They provide a shared experience that everyone can enjoy and discuss afterward. This can lead to meaningful conversations and connections between family members. Because they can share their thoughts and opinions on the movie.

Additionally, watching movies together can create memories that last a lifetime. Families reminisce about the fun times they had and the emotions they felt while watching the movie.

Best Camping Movies

Movies offer a great opportunity for parents to introduce their children to new ideas and experiences. Whether it’s a classic movie from their childhood or a new release that deals with important issues, parents can use movies as a tool to teach their children valuable life lessons and values. 

Watching movies together can simply be a fun and relaxing activity for families to enjoy together. It creates a sense of togetherness and unity. Movies are a great way for families to bond and create lasting memories while enjoying an entertaining activity together.

From classic comedies to heartwarming dramas, there are plenty of camping movies that are perfect for families to enjoy together.

Summer Camp Movies

Summer camp movies are a great way to get in the spirit of adventure and outdoor activities. Furthermore, they are perfect for families who are planning a camping trip or looking for some fun entertainment. In this article, we will discuss some of the best summer camp movies for families, including:

1. The Parent Trap (1961) PG – This classic film follows twin sisters who meet at summer camp. They then decide to switch places in an attempt to reunite their divorced parents. It’s a fun, lighthearted movie that the whole family can enjoy.

The Parent Trap (1998) [DVD]

 

2. Meatballs (1979) PG – This comedy follows the antics of the counselors and campers at a summer camp. It’s a great choice for families who want to laugh and enjoy some classic 70s humor.

3. The Great Outdoors (1988) PG – Starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd. This film follows a family’s vacation at a lakeside resort, where they encounter a series of comedic mishaps and challenges. It’s a great movie for families who love to camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

The Great Outdoors

 

Camp Rock Movies

The Camp Rock movies are a series of musical films that follow the adventures of a group of young musicians at a summer music camp. Specifically, these movies are perfect for families who love music and want to enjoy some fun, upbeat entertainment. In this article, we will discuss some of the best Camp Rock movies for families, including:

Camp Rock (2008) TVG – Starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, this film follows a group of aspiring musicians who attend a summer music camp and compete to be the best band. It’s a fun, high-energy movie that the whole family can enjoy.

Camp Rock [DVD]

 

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010) TVG – In this sequel, the campers return for another summer at Camp Rock, but this time they face off against a rival camp in a battle of the bands. It’s a great movie for families who love music and want to enjoy some exciting performances.

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam [DVD]

 

These movies are filled with catchy songs, exciting dance numbers, and heartwarming stories about friendship, teamwork, and self-discovery. So, if you and your family are in the mood for some musical fun on your next camping trip, grab some popcorn and get ready to rock out with these entertaining and uplifting movies.

Kids Camping Movies

For families with younger children, there are plenty of camping movies that are geared toward kids and feature fun, family-friendly adventures. Some of the best kids’ camping movies include:

The Adventures of Milo and Otis G (1986) – This classic family film follows the adventures of a kitten and a pug as they explore the great outdoors and encounter a variety of wildlife. It’s a fun, heartwarming movie that kids of all ages will love.

ADVENTURES OF MILO AND OTIS – Family Animal Fun – NEW by asanori Hata

 

Open Season (2006) PG – This animated comedy follows the adventures of a grizzly bear and a mule deer as they navigate the dangers of the great outdoors. It’s a great choice for families who love camping and outdoor activities.

Camp Nowhere (1994) PG – A comedy about a group of kids who create their summer camp after tricking their parents into paying for it.

Camp Nowhere [VHS]

 

Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) PG – A classic camping movie comedy featuring Jim Varney as the beloved character Ernest P. Worrell, who becomes a counselor at a summer camp for troubled boys.

Ernest Goes to Camp

 

Heavyweights (1995) PG- A comedy about a group of overweight boys who attend a fat camp to lose weight and take on the tyrannical owner for control of the camp.

Heavyweights

 

Troop Beverly Hills (1989) PG – A comedy about a Beverly Hills housewife who becomes a troop leader for a Wilderness Girls group and leads them on camping trips.

Troop Beverly Hills

 

Charlie Brown and Camp Cool Kids

For families who love classic cartoons and animated films, there are some great camping movies featuring beloved characters like Charlie Brown and the Gang. Specifically, these movies are perfect for families who want to enjoy some nostalgic entertainment that’s appropriate for all ages.

Race for Your Life Charlie Brown (1977) G – In this classic Peanuts film, Charlie Brown and his friends attend a summer camp and compete in a raft race against their rivals. It’s a fun, lighthearted movie that the whole family can enjoy.

Peanuts: Race For Your Life Charlie Brown

 

Best Camping Movies for Families

Camp Cool Kids (2017) PG-13 – This family-friendly movie follows the adventures of a group of kids at a summer camp, where they learn valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and self-confidence. It’s a heartwarming movie that’s perfect for families who want to enjoy some wholesome entertainment together.

Camp Cool Kids

 

More Classic Summer Camp Movies

A Walk in the Woods (2015) – Based on the popular book by Bill Bryson, this comedy features Robert Redford and Nick Nolte as two friends who decide to hike the Appalachian Trail.

Without a Paddle (2004) – A comedy about three friends who take a canoe trip to search for treasure that was lost in the wilderness.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012) – Starring Bill Murray, this is a whimsical story about a young boy and girl who fall in love and run away together, sparking a search party throughout their New England island town

The Great Outdoors (1988) – A comedy featuring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy as family members on a camping trip in rural Wisconsin filled with hijinks.

Into the Wild (2007) – This iconic movie is based on the true story of a young man named Christopher McCandless who decided to give up his worldly possessions and live in the wilderness. The movie takes you through his journey as he hikes from Alaska to Mexico, meeting various characters and encountering obstacles along the way. This movie is visually stunning, and the beautiful scenery shots are sure to inspire any nature lover.

Wild (2014) – This film is based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of the same name, which recounts her journey of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in the aftermath of a personal crisis. The movie presents a powerful story of self-discovery and redemption as Strayed challenges herself physically and mentally throughout her adventure. The Pacific Crest Trail is incredibly beautiful and diverse, and the movie captures its magic remarkably well.

Swiss Family Robinson (1960) – This classic Disney film follows a family who gets shipwrecked on a deserted island and must learn to survive in the wilderness. With stunning scenery and a heartwarming family story, this film is a great choice for families who love camping or anyone who wants an adventurous escape to paradise.

City Slickers (1991). Billy Crystal starred in this comedy-adventure film about three friends from the city, played by Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and Bruno Kirby, who embark on a two-week cattle drive in the Wild West. The film mixes comedy and drama as the friends face various challenges and learn about themselves along the way.

Old Dogs (2009). John Travolta starred in this film about two friends and business partners, played by Travolta and Robin Williams, who struggle to care for 7-year-old twins while attempting to close a major business deal during a camping trip. The comedy film features a variety of humorous mishaps and challenges as the two men try to balance their personal and professional lives while in the great outdoors.

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The Bucket List (2007) is a comedy-drama film about two terminally ill men, played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, who make a bucket list of things to do before they “kick the bucket.” The movie takes place in various locations, but not specifically in a camping setting.

Heavyweights (1995). Ben Stiller is the star of this film about a group of young boys who attend a summer camp for weight loss. They must take on the camp’s evil new owner (played by Stiller) to regain control of the camp. The comedy also features performances by Jerry Stiller, Anne Meara, and Kenan Thompson.

Friday the 13th (1980 – NOT APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS). It is a classic horror movie about a group of camp counselors who are stalked and killed one by one by an unknown assailant while working at Camp Crystal Lake. The film has spawned numerous sequels and a franchise and has become a cultural phenomenon in the horror genre. It is considered one of the most iconic camping movies of all time.

Camp (2003). This musical drama is about a group of misfit teens who attend a summer performing arts camp called Camp Ovation in upstate New York. The campers come from diverse backgrounds and are struggling to find their place in the world, but through their shared love of music and dance, they form a tight-knit community and help each other overcome their challenges.

Christian Summer Camp Movies

Camp Cool Kids (2017) – A family movie about a boy who learns important life lessons while attending a Christian summer camp.

A Week Away (2021) – A musical movie about a troubled teen who is sent to a Christian summer camp where he finds love, friendship, and a deeper connection to his faith.

Standing Firm (2010) – A drama about a family who runs a Christian summer camp and must fight to keep their land and beliefs after a neighboring farmer threatens to shut them down.

Summer of Discovery (1983) – A classic Christian summer camp story of a group of friends who attend a summer camp and experience personal and spiritual growth.

The Wild Stallion (2009) – A family film about a young girl who attends a Christian summer camp and learns to ride horses while discovering her faith.

These movies offer a mix of comedy, drama, and musical elements, all with a focus on faith and personal growth. They are great choices to watch with family or youth groups before, during, or after summer camp, or any time you want to be inspired by stories of faith, friendship, and personal development.

There are plenty of great camping movies for families to enjoy together, whether you prefer classic comedies, musicals, or animated films. From summer camp movies like The Parent Trap and Meatballs to kids’ camping movies like The Adventures of Milo and Otis and Open Season, there’s something for everyone to improve your camping experiences.

And for fans of Charlie Brown and Camp Cool Kids, there are some great options featuring beloved cartoon characters. So pack up your camping gear, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a fun family movie night that will inspire your next outdoor adventure.