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I might be biased, but I think the best thing you can do while camping is open a book.
Now, some other people may choose to go into the wild and do everything you’re supposed to do while camping.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good book out in nature.
Or even from the comfort of your home while glamping and daydreaming about the great outdoors.
If you fall into either of these categories, then this list is just for you.
Here, you’ll find some of the very best books about camping, survival, being in the wild, and all that good stuff.
Trust me – you’re going to love them because I’ve read them all, and they’re honestly so good!
Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark
Miranda travels to her grandparents’ old home by the bayou, only to discover secrets tucked away in shadowy corners and dusty memories.
It’s a beautiful mix of mystery and hope.
And I think it’s perfect for reading while camping – especially if you’re near water or surrounded by woods.
The Southern setting, the old house, and the sense of discovery really match the stillness and wonder of nature.
Follow Me by Kathleen Barber
If you’re glamping with WiFi (or even just thinking about your phone), this thriller will definitely make you want to double-check your privacy settings.
Audrey seems to have it all – glamorous job, perfect social media, and a bunch of followers until one starts following her in real life.
The suspense builds like a crackling fire, and it’ll have you looking over your shoulder.
It’s a fun, creepy read to enjoy inside a cozy camper or under the stars with a flashlight in hand – just don’t read it alone at night.
Heights of Madness by Jonny Muir
Jonny Muir’s journey across the UK’s tallest peaks is full of adventure, beauty, and a bit of madness (in the best way).
He climbs 92 summits in 92 days – can you imagine?
Reading this while camping makes the outdoors feel even more magical.
Whether you’re on a quiet forest walk or sipping tea beside your tent, this story inspires you to look up at hills and wonder what it’d be like to climb them all.
It’s the perfect combination of wild challenge and peaceful reflection.
Out There: A Voice from the Wild by Chris Townsend
This book feels like sitting around the campfire with someone who’s spent their whole life exploring mountains and forests.
Chris Townsend has walked all over, and he writes about nature with so much love and calm wisdom.
His stories feel honest and peaceful, so they are perfect to read when you’re camping and surrounded by the very wild places he talks about.
It’s one of those books that makes you slow down and just breathe in the world around you.
Trek by Paul Stewart
This is a gripping true story of four strangers driving from Kenya to London – through the Sahara Desert – in the 1950s.
It starts out as a fun trip, but things quickly turn serious when they face danger, survival, and the power of the desert.
Reading this while camping makes you really appreciate a comfy sleeping bag and clean water.
It’s the kind of story that makes your heart race and your imagination soar.
If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and true survival, this is such a good pick.
Running Hard: The Story of a Rivalry by Steve Chilton
This book tells the true story of two runners, Kenny Stuart and John Wild, and their fierce but respectful rivalry.
Their races through mountains and trails are intense and inspiring.
I love reading stories like this while camping because the open air makes you feel connected to their wild, natural tracks.
It’s about pushing your limits, staying grounded, and chasing goals – all things that feel even more powerful when you’re out in nature.
Around the Coast in Eighty Waves by Jonathan Bennett
Jonathan Bennett spent 14 months in a little camper, surfing around Britain’s coast – even through freezing winters.
His journey is full of humor, heart, and the love of wild, open places.
Reading this while camping or glamping feels like sharing a travel tale with a friend who’s brave, funny, and just a bit reckless.
The idea of living in a van and chasing waves feels so dreamy when you’re sleeping under the stars.
It’s the perfect story to read by the beach or anywhere with a hint of sea breeze.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
This one’s so heartwarming.
Coyote and her dad live in a school bus, driving across the country, trying to escape pain from the past.
But when Coyote needs to return to something important, she hatches a wild plan.
Along the way, they meet a beautiful mix of people, each with their own story.
I think this book is perfect for camping because it’s about road trips, change, and how home isn’t always a place – it’s a feeling.
It’s sweet, funny, and full of hope.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
I absolutely could not resist adding this classic book, because it’s definitely made for the outdoors.
It follows Buck, a gentle dog stolen from a comfy home and forced into the wild world of Alaska.
He faces harsh weather, rough people, and even tougher choices as he learns to survive.
There’s something about reading this old tale of nature and instinct while sitting by a fire or listening to birds that just fits.
It reminds you of the raw, wild beauty of the world and the strength in every heart, even a dog’s.
Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener
This memoir takes you straight into Silicon Valley – a place full of big dreams and bigger tech companies.
Anna leaves publishing to work in tech, hoping to find meaning, but instead finds a world that feels both exciting and a little scary.
Reading this while glamping offers a fun contrast: you’re in nature, she’s in a digital whirlwind.
It’s thoughtful, sharp, and surprisingly emotional.
I think it’s the kind of story that makes you reflect – especially when you’re unplugged and surrounded by quiet.
You can go camping any month of the year, but I personally think summer is the very best time to do it.
And these books? They’re perfect for cracking open – whether you’re out under the stars or curled up in your living room.
That said, are you going camping anytime soon? And are you planning to read any of these lovely books?
Let me know in the comments below!
