12 Best Camp Movies and TV Shows For Kids in 2022

Are you looking for some kid-friendly movies about camping to help get your little ones excited about a big adventure?

Or maybe you are looking for something to keep their interest in camping going year-round, or to help beat the winter blues?

These movies and TV shows feature lots of scenes in the great outdoors to keep little ones interested in all of the fun things that happen on a camping trip, and some of the less-fun things that shouldn’t – like wild animals driving lawn mowers.

These movies and TV show episodes will make your family want to start planning your next camping trip!

The Parent Trap (1961) and The Parent Trap (1998)

Rated G

The good news about this movie is that you have two options for watching – the classic 1960s version starring Hayley Mills, or the updated 1990s version starring Lindsay Lohan.

Both movies follow the same sweet storyline of identical twins separated at birth and accidentally reunited at a summer camp, then plotting to get their parents to reunite.

Summer camp and lots of outdoor activities are featured, with a semi-disastrous but hilarious camping trip happening in the second act.

If you are having a hard time deciding between them, why not watch both?

Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)

Rated PG

This silly, action-packed movie from the 80s features a lot of over-the-top slapstick moments with Ernest experiencing life in the great outdoors.

Ernest takes a job as a handyman at a camp that is in danger or closing, and he has to work to save it while inspiring the campers to work hard and cocoperate.

There is enough goofy action to keep the youngest viewers entertained, but a message about kindness will resonate with the whole family.

Troop Beverly Hills (1989)

Another 80s classic starring Shelley Long, this movie shows the goofy results of a posh Beverly Hills woman taking charge of a Wilderness Girls group.

It answers some pressing questions that you might not realize that you have, such as “What happens if I try to go camping in a hotel?

Can you camp without ruining your manicure?”

There are lots of very funny situations that happen, especially once the troop has to endure the real wilderness.

The whole family will find this one enjoyable, especially if you like to rough it in the backcountry!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) and

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)

Older kids will love watching the adventures of Harry Potter through all eight movies, but if you are looking for scenes that depict Harry and his friends camping, then these two movies are your best bet.

The Goblet of Fire features everyone camping out at the Quidditch World Cup, while the Deathly Hallows movie shows Harry and his friends camping on the run from Voldemort and his followers.

Camping would be a lot more fun for everyone with a magic tent that has all those amenities!

Alabama Moon (2009)

Rated PG

11-year-old Moon has grown up in the outdoors and now he has to learn how to live in the modern world.

His whole life so far has been like a camping trip, and there is plenty of outdoor adventure in this family-friendly movie.

Kids will enjoy the drama of watching Moon learn all about the modern conveniences they take for granted.

This movie might make kids look differently at camping, and at their everyday lives, too.

It is easy to take modern conveniences for granted, but seeing them with new eyes make kids appreciate the wonder of being outdoors, too.

Just Me and My Dad (1993)

Not Rated

If your kids loved the adorable Little Critter books, this animated TV special is a delight, since it brings the pages to life.

Little Critter and his dad go camping with predictably funny and disastrous results.

When Little Critter and his dad get to their campsite, they find that it is already occupied!

The woods they’re in might also be occupied by someone else – could it be the mysterious Bigpaw?

This episode is sure to be popular with young children.

Garfield In The Rough (1984)

Rated G

This short 30-minute episode shows the funny consequences of Jon taking Garfield camping.

As you can imagine, Garfield is less than thrilled to be away from his precious bed and pans of lasagna.

Jon is overly optimistic about how much Garfield will enjoy the experience.

As always, hilarity ensues! This episode is especially good for younger kids.

Cheaper By the Dozen 2 (2005)

Rated PG

This heartwarming tale is especially fun for large families to watch together. Being outside together as a family can bring wonderful memories, but it is not without its challenges!

The family is wishing they could afford nicer accommodations and enters into a competition with a rival family for a better camping spot.

Kids might enjoy knowing that they do not have to compete with another family to enjoy a good time on vacation.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Boyz in the Woods (1992)

Rated TV-PG

Imagine Uncle Phil, Will, and Carlton going camping together. What could go wrong? (If you said ‘everything,’ you would be right!) It can be a challenge to take on the wilderness, especially when you are more used to having every convenience at your fingertips, but the obstacles can also bring families closer together.

This funny episode will make you believe that every one of your camping trips has gone well.

For Better or Worse: The Last Camping Trip (1992)

Not Rated

Based on Lynn Johnston’s comic strip, this made-for-TV episode brings the comics to life.

When Michael has to go on a camping trip against his wishes, he ends up enjoying himself and finding out that camping is a lot more fun than he thought it would be.

If you enjoyed reading this comic, you will love watching it come to life in this episode.