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The words summer camp bring back so many memories – some good, some not-so-good – but all of them unforgettable.
That’s part of the reason I decided to write a post about some of the best books set at summer camp.
From historical fiction to thrillers and everything in between, there’s just something special about camp stories.
I think camp is one of those rites of passage everyone should experience.
It’s a time for growth, new friendships, and making memories with people you might never forget.
I know I met a good number of my friends at camp.
What’s funny is that the people I thought would become my best friends weren’t always the ones who stuck around – sometimes the most unexpected friendships turn out to be the best.
This list is really close to my heart, and I genuinely believe you’re going to enjoy every single book on it.
The Clover Girls by Viola Shipman
This story made me think a lot about how friendships change over time.
Four best friends from summer camp, once called the Clover Girls, drifted apart after a rough final summer.
Now, years later, life hasn’t turned out quite as they hoped, and one of them sends a letter that brings them back together at the camp that meant everything to them.
It’s touching, a little sad, but full of heart.
I love how it shows that healing, forgiveness, and rediscovery are possible – even when it feels too late.
It made me want to reach out to old friends again.
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
Ever’s parents think they’re sending her to a serious study program in Taiwan, but it turns out to be more about parties than school.
It’s fast-paced, full of fun drama, and a sweet journey of figuring out who you really are.
I loved how it showed the push and pull between freedom and expectations, and I really rooted for Ever as she learned to take control of her life.
It’s definitely a book that shows how messy, exciting, and meaningful summer can be.
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
This book felt big and honest and a little bit heartbreaking.
It follows a group of creative teens who meet at a summer arts camp and stay friends into adulthood.
I kept thinking about how our dreams change, and how friendships stretch (or break) under the weight of life.
Some of them become famous, others don’t, and that contrast really got to me.
I loved how the story explored jealousy, success, and who we become over time.
It made me pause and wonder what talent really means and how much of our future depends on luck.
You Have a Match by Emma Lord
Abby takes a DNA test and finds out she has a secret sister.
They then meet at summer camp, and while they’re super different (Savvy is like the Instagram version of Abby), their bond grows in the most real, sweet way.
Add in a messy camp romance with her best friend, a ton of awkward feelings, and a mystery about their parents, and I was hooked.
It reminded me that family isn’t always simple, and sometimes the best connections are the ones you never expected.
Dad Camp by Evan S. Porter
This was such a heartwarming read.
It’s about a dad, John, who’s trying so hard not to lose his bond with his preteen daughter.
He takes her to a summer camp for dads and daughters, and everything goes hilariously wrong but also, really right.
It made me tear up a little, because you can feel how deeply he loves her.
Watching them work through their changing relationship was so real and touching.
I liked how it showed that growing up doesn’t mean growing apart and that even embarrassing dads can be heroes.
The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Four women try to save the summer camp that shaped their lives, while also dealing with big personal changes.
I loved how it balanced their past and present, and how much the camp meant to all of them.
The friendships were messy but beautiful, and it really hit me how special those childhood bonds can be.
It reminded me that even when everything else feels like it’s changing, some places – and people – will always feel like home.
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman
I loved the combo of glitz and heart in this one.
Katee was once a pop star, but everything fell apart after a scandal with her best friend’s boyfriend.
Years later, she’s given a second chance – on a Broadway stage – with the same guy who ruined it all.
There’s tension, chemistry, and so much feeling.
I really liked how it showed that even when we mess up, we still deserve love and another shot.
It’s a story about music, forgiveness, and finding your voice again.
Plus, the romance? So good.
I’ll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie
Years ago, a girl was found badly hurt at summer camp and no one ever figured out what happened.
Now, the siblings who ran the camp return after their parents’ deaths, and they must solve the mystery before they can move on.
I loved the tension, the secrets, and how every character had something to hide.
It felt like peeling back layers of a long-forgotten summer.
If you like stories that keep you guessing and show how the past never really stays buried, this is such a good pick.
Until Next Summer by Ali Brady
Jessie and Hillary were childhood besties at summer camp, but they drifted apart.
Now, they reunite as adults for one last summer at the same camp – this time with grown-up crushes, campfire fun, and second chances.
I loved watching their friendship rebuild and seeing how the camp brought out their younger, happier selves again.
It reminded me that it’s never too late to fix something broken or chase something new.
This story is cozy, romantic, and full of that magical summer forever feeling.
Flamer by Mike Curato
This graphic novel broke my heart and put it back together.
Aiden is at summer camp, struggling with how he feels about himself and where he fits in.
He doesn’t want to be different, but the bullying and shame are getting to be too much.
The story is raw, emotional, and told with such honesty.
I loved the drawings, and I felt every single word.
It made me wish every kid had a safe place to just be who they are.
Flamer is beautiful, brave, and a book I think everyone should read at least once.
Whether you’re heading to summer camp and feeling a little nostalgic, or you’ve never been but want a glimpse into the experience, these books are a great place to start.
If you’ve read any of them and loved them, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
And if any of these titles are calling your name, let me know which ones you’re adding to your TBR – I’m always curious to see which stories resonate most.
