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Camping books are an amazing way to get toddlers excited about a camping trip. They are like a secret map into a world that is currently unexplored. They are not just stories – they are mini-adventures that get everyone excited about the possibilities of the next adventure. We have had camping trips where we looked for lions (because one of the books suggested lions were in the trees) and camping trips where every campfire had a toddler yelling “Pancakes” all excited. Your toddler gets excited about camping even before you leave your home because the characters you already know and love are ready for these adventures.
Before we go camping we like to prepare our 4 kids through play and reading. There are different skills that are great to have when you go family camping, like lighting the fire or preparing food. All of that looks different than it will in the comforts of home. Here are 10 of my favorite toddler books about camping. If you are unsure how to go camping with a toddler, you can read all of our tips here.
Benefits of Camping books for toddlers
While being prepared for a camping trip is a benifit that outweighs them all, there are a few other things that makes camping books such a great choice for a gift for your child.
Language development: While there are many things we say on a campground that is very natural to us, these words might be new to your toddler. Having a book helps them hear some of the new words again and again before you leave for your next big trip.
Love for nature: Choosing camping and nature books to bring on your next trip really nurtures a love for nature early on. Some books have clues of how to look at nature and some books leave you with great ideas for a simple activity that might be on the agenda this year.
Bonding: While there might be many great short videos about camping online, having a book and talking about the different things that happen is a great time for bonding with your toddler before a trip.
Tips for Selecting Toddler-Friendly Camping Books
While you can choose to look at a camping book as a read at home experience, there are some things to think about if you would like books that can be brought with you on your camping trip. Think about the durability of the pages of your book. Are they waterproof so that they can handle the sometimes harch environment that is being a companion to a toddler?
Look for engaging books, maybe even some that have interactive elements. This will maybe be the difference between some time to do other things or having to assist your toddler throughout the reading of the book.
You can probably find most of the suggested toddler camping books, at your local library. For your convenience we’ve added links straight to amazon. Should you choose to make a purchase through these links, we will receive a small commission, this will help us keep this site going, thank you so much for your support!
10 Amazing camping books for toddlers:
Curious George Goes Camping
We absolutely love Curious George in our house. He is fun-loving and clumsy like our toddler, making it the perfect story to talk about what camping is and how we should prepare for it.
Join Curious George and the man with the yellow hat as they camp under the open sky. George’s helpful intentions lead to solo adventures in the woods, where a cute forest friend sets off a chain of funny mishaps. From pitching tents to marshmallow fun, “Curious George Goes Camping” is a heartwarming tale of laughter, surprises, and discovering the joys of nature.
Embark on a wild camping escapade with Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, in “A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee.” What starts as a serene camping trip takes a hilarious turn when an adventure-loving bear joins the fun. Before they know it, Mr. Magee and Dee are on a thrilling ride down a mountain, cruising along a river, and even teetering on the edge of a waterfall!
Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement and laughter as they navigate their way out of this slippery situation, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Mr Magee and his dog, Dee goes camping, but all of a sudden things go crazy. While there are quite a few words on every page my toddler loves this one. It has some cute rhyming text and charming illustrations. Another perfect pre-camping read.
Maisy and her friends goes camping. This one is really simple to read and understand. It’s all about sleeping in a tent, or under the stars if you choose to bring an elephant… Join Maisy and her pals on a camping trip turned hilarious mishap. As Maisy and her friends head to the great outdoors, their plans for a simple camping adventure take a twist.
From tent-taming challenges to squeezing everyone in, including a gigantic elephant named Eddie, it’s a laugh-out-loud slapstick comedy. But as the night unfolds, a mysterious popping sound adds to the chaos. Get ready for a side-splitting camping escapade that will leave you in stitches!
This is another cute little one that talks about many of the things we’ll do on the campsite, like pitching a tent and cooking. Share in the heartwarming adventures of a father and son duo in this cherished tale. From serene canoe trips to casting lines into the water and crafting campfires together, the bond between parent and child shines through.
A wonderful choice for Father’s Day or any occasion, this story captures the essence of shared moments and treasured connections that will resonate with both kids and grown-ups alike.
A good way to prepare, for the day in the woods, and all of its sounds, is a brave little camper. You will talk about this book for days!
Join Little Camper and his lovable woodland companions on a magical nighttime forest exploration! As the sun sets, the forest comes alive with new sights and sounds. Gather ’round the virtual campfire and embark on an exciting adventure as Little Camper braves his first night in the woods.
Enhance the experience by pushing the interactive audio button to hear friendly forest sounds that bring the story to life. Strengthen fine motor skills and create a sensory-rich adventure that your little one will adore. This enchanting tale is a must-pack for your next family camping escapade!
My toddler loves pippa the pig! That makes this book a perfect read before a trip! Pippa goes camping in an RV and camps out under the stars making the book perfect preparation for both kinds of camping. This is another one of those great camping books for toddlers.
Get ready to join Peppa Pig and her little brother George on an unforgettable camping escapade! Adventure awaits as they hit the road in a camper van full of surprises. With a roof that lifts up to reveal cozy beds and even transforms into a boat for river fun, their vacation is packed with excitement.
Nature becomes their playground, from swimming ducks to spotting wildlife on walks, building campfires, and setting up a vintage tent. But the real magic happens at night, when shooting stars light up the sky as they drift off to sleep. It’s a camping trip bursting with laughter, discovery, and dreamy moments under the stars!
There are so many different, but awesome ways to go camping. This book takes you through quite a few of them, with cute little rhymes. It might be a little long but it is a good one.
This book, sneaky snacky squirrel, is not a camping book. But it’s just too cute and it will teach you all about squirrels. We love it, and its very much related to going camping.
That was a lot of great camping books for toddlers, what are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
And remember, that camping with a toddler is a great adventure with or without books. Whats most important are the stories you share about camping and the time spent away together.
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