Updated January 12th, 2024 by Stacy Bressler
There’s no better way to connect and smile than singing camping songs as a family, whether that be actually around the campfire or while doing something fun like going on a nature hike! This list of the best campfire songs include options for the whole family – classics, kid songs, and even some bonus songs especially for guitar players or scouts.
So start warming up your singing voice and check out these 53 classic campfire song melodies
Classic Kids Camping Songs
Are you gearing up for a camping trip with the family (or camp week at school!) and wondering what some fun camping songs there are to sing? Well, let me help you out! I have compiled a list of the top 19 fun campfire songs that are sure to have everyone singing along.
This list focuses on familiar songs that, while they may not be about camping, are fun to sing because most kids have either heard these once or twice already or it’s just an easy song to get the hang of. Perfect for summer camp
- “The Campfire Song Song” by SpongeBob SquarePants: Probably the most popular with my kids! Most kids have watched Spongebob, or at least seen the snippets, so it always generates some excitement!. Watch it here.
- “A Camping We Will Go”– Based on a classic children’s rhyme, I LOVE this song because it’s easy to learn and has tons of movement opportunities! To see some movement ideas, check out Mr. Mike TV here
- “Going on a Bear Hunt” – Active, adventurous, and with tons of material and such that has been created for this song, it is a great song for elementary age kids! Watch it here.
- “Kumbaya”: A traditional spiritual song that brings a sense of unity and peace (and a preschool staple for me) Pete Seeger sings a classic version – here’s the link.
- “This Land is Your Land”: A classic American folk song that teaches about the beauty of our land. Watch it here.
- “Home on the Range”: An old western folk song that sparks imagination about life on the prairie (and is especially fun if you’re camping somewhere out in the wilderness… “on the range”) Check it out here.
- “The Ants Go Marching”: An educational song that can also be a fun activity as kids mimic the marching ants (and a great hiking song to keep kids minds occupied) Watch it here.
- “Down By the Bay”: My kids LOVE this song as the tune is easy to sort of add your own things that are “by the bay”. And even if you don’t add anything, it’s so fun to sing together! Here’s the absolute best version by Raffi here!
- “If You’re Happy and You Know It”: An interactive song that encourages kids to express their happiness. For fun, add some camp/outdoor themed movement to replace the clapping (such as growl like a bear, hop like a rabbit etc) Watch it here.
- “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree” – Originally an Australian song, it’s a simple but cute tune that pairs extremely well with someone who knows some guitar (like Terry’s Kid Songs here)
- “Baby Shark”: Great for the youngest of campers to hear a song they know (As a parent, I have many great memories of this song through the years with my own 3 kids!) Check it out here.
- “John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt – One of many old favorite scouting songs that gained popularity in the early 1930s, it’s still sung today. It’s a simple song with four lines that repeat over and over, so it’s easy to learn.
- “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain”: A class song with an easy to follow rhythm, perfect for clapping along. Watch Gene Autry sing it here.
- “(Bumping Up and Down in My) Little Red Wagon” – Everything Raffi is great, but young children really love this one!
- “B-I-N-G-O”: Try replacing the BINGO with SMORE (There was a camper who loved a treat and SMORE was it’s name-o!). Here’s the link to the classic version.
- “Five Little Ducks”: A great way to practice counting with young campers – as always, get creative and replace it with something camping themed! Check it out here.
- “Five Little Speckled Frogs” – Another fun way to practice basic counting skills with repeat after me style lyrics! Watch it here.
- “Boom Chicka Boom”: Easy for kids as it’s a “repeat after me” style – just make sure whoever is leading it plans ahead of time for optimal fun! Watch it here
- “The Bear Went Over the Mountain”: Another predictable and fun song that’s easy for kids to catch onto. Watch it here.
- “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” – A Scottish song that’s as old as time… and once you sing it you’ll see why! It’s an endearing, sweet song… check it out here
- “Camp Grenada” – One of the old favorites (1963!) from Alan Sherman this song still cracks me up to this day! I don’t know if it is more for kids or adults to sing, but I know all find it funny!
- “The Road Goes Ever On” : A bit more serious and harder to learn if you don’t know it already, but this a beautiful, adventurous song from The Hobbit! Teens might enjoy this camp song since it doesn’t sound so “kiddy”. Listen to it here.
- “American Pie” – Another classic that, while more serious and not “kiddy” will likely be appreciated by the tween, teen and above aged campers. I love singing along to this one too and I am 33. Here’s Don McLean singing it with lyrics!
- “Green Grass Grew All Around” – A perfect song for young kids with a fun repeat after me style! I love this version from Rock N Learn.
Bonus: Free Printable Campfire Song Lyrics
A favorite for people 30 and under, this classic song was in alot of peoples childhoods (mine included – I was 10 when it came out!) Download the lyrics for this popular song now!
Top Classic Campfire Songs for Adults
I don’t know about you, but even though I do reallly love camping with my kids, I definitely crave that adult time after they all go to sleep!
Some of these campfire songs would probably be fine to sing when they’re awake, but they are definitely not “kid themed” camp songs like the rest of the ones I’ve been talking about!
These campfire songs are pretty simple, well known, and over all easy going (who wants to listen to sad songs while camping?)
Here we go with the best campfire songs for the grown ups
- What I Got – Sublime– Laid back, simple and has reggae sound to it. “I don’t practice Santeria, I ain’t got not crystal ball”… you know the rest!
- Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show – This catchy folk song brings to mind rural landscapes and is perfect for a sing-along. I’ve had many good times with this song living in Virginia and attending some bluegrass shows!
- Take Me Home Country Roads – John Denver – This song’s nostalgia for home is something almost every adult can relate to.
- Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffet – Day drinking, sunny days, water and sand come to mind for this song. And such an easy going feeling <3
- Wonderwall – Ryan Adams Cover – Everyone knows the original (especially if you are a guitar player) so I thought I’d recommend this cover that is especially popular. It adds a super soulful, acoustic touch to this long time classic!
- Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band – A feel-good country song that celebrates the simple pleasures – great for a casual camping atmosphere.
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond – The perfect song to sing around the campfire as just about everyone knows it. For good reason – it’s catchy!
- House of the Rising Sun – The Animals – A classic folk ballad that adds a touch of melancholy to a night under the stars.
- Let It Be – The Beatles – An iconic Beatles song that encourages peace and acceptance, perfect for a harmonious camping experience.
- Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd – This rocking tune is great for livening up the camping mood (and great for karaoke!)
- Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers – A soulful song that can be enjoyed during a cloudy day in the woods or any time you feel like “getting in your feelings” about missing a special someone.
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison – Though this isn’t a new song and the original release was in 1967, it remains a long time favorite. It sounds so upbeat and lovey dovey!
- Jackson – Johnny Cash – A lively, upbeat song that’s excellent for a group sing-along around the campfire. This is an especially fun one to sing together with someone (for June Carter’s parts!)
- Time of Your Life – Green Day – A timeless, reflective song that encourages living in the moment (this was my highschool graduation song in ’08, and I still see it being used for graduations especially!)
- Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan – This philosophical song encourages deep thoughts and contemplation, great for a quiet evening in the wilderness.
- Love Song – The Cure – A romantic song to enjoy with your significant other under the starry night sky.
- You are My Sunshine – Many, many artists (this one is from Johnny Cash because he’s awesome) – A cheerful tune that can brighten up any camping day, rain or shine.
- True Colors – Cyndi Lauper – A song about authenticity and acceptance, great for fostering camaraderie among campers.
- Hotel California – The Eagles – A classic rock song that adds a mysterious, classic vibe to the campsite.
- Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol – Perfect for the type of camp trip that feels like a get a way (especially if you have someone special to lay and sing it with!)
- Leaving on a Jet Plane – Frank Sinatra – A song about travel and goodbyes, a great closing song for the camping trip.
- Hallelujah – Pentatonix – An emotional song that can provide a moment of tranquility amid the sounds of nature (and maybe a few tears)
- Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash – An upbeat song that is sure to get everyone stomping along the campfire circle!
- Daydream Believer – The Monkees – A cheerful, upbeat song that’s a perfect soundtrack for a day of hiking or fishing.
- Come As You Are – Nirvana – This alt rock classic is great for adding some edge and attitude to the camping trip.
- Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding – A soulful tune that feels perfect for a lazy afternoon by the lake or river.
- Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd – An admittedly sad song about longing and nostalgia, perfect for a reflective moment in the great outdoors.
- Wonderwall – Oasis – There is NO WAY you are an adult and haven’t heard this song – love it or hate it… MANY people know it!
- Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head – BJ Thomas – A cheerful, upbeat song that encourages you to keep trying, no matter if the “raindrops” keep falling! Also slightly funny to use during a rainy day of camping =P
- Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel – An iconic song that’s perfect for a group of friends reminiscing about memories while on the road.
- Free Fallin – Tom Petty – A classic rock song that screams adventure and freedom, perfect for a road trip to the campsite.
- Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) Harry Belafonte – A catchy Caribbean song that’s great for setting the mood and getting everyone dancing around the bonfire.
Other Types of Camp Songs
Whether you’re looking for something specific to the Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Bible Camp, or other goals such as educational/callback, here are some good resources I found!
- Scout Songs – An extremely thorough list of common boy and girl scout songs in alphabetical order. I think this must all of them throughout history, because there are ALOT listed (including links to their lyrics!)
- Acoustic Guitar Friendly – If you’re looking at some easy camp songs to learn yourself, then this Youtube is a great resource!
- Top Camp Songs (on Spotify)– Hipcamp did this really interesting roundup of songs that appear most often on peoples “camping” playlists. There are some surprising ones there!
Know a Great Campfire Song I Forgot?
Share your best campfire songs in the comments so I can add them to the list! I think it’s so fun to see the joy kids get from singing along with the group (my son’s favorite lately is singing down by the bay and making up super silly things he saw there!)
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I used to own an old banjo
But it’s no good no more .:.
Learned in girl guides but don’t remember the rest of the words and am looking for them .
I have been lookin g for the lyrics to a song we sang. I remember a few verses and we called it when polly was a baby. First verse was when polly was a baby a baby a baby when polly was a baby a baby was she. She went this was and that way and this way and that way when polly was a baby a baby was she (this part was emphasized this was done by making a rocking a baby motion to the right and left. At one point pollyy is a teacher who shakes her finger this way and then that. There are school girl that i dont remember…not sure i know she is a wife. Mother etc. At the end she is a ghost and then you sing a ghost a ghost SHE WENT BOO. But i cant find the lyrics.
Dang Deb, not sure if I know that one! I’ll ask around though because that sounds like a nice song (and it’s always nice to remember those childhood songs!) – Stacy
I think some people say: “when Sally was a baby” I know a clap along song similar to the one you refer to with Sally in it. Hope that helps.
Like listening to the sounds of the fire crackling and enjoying a cold drink with friends telling stories and joking around.
Wow, never knew there were so many camping songs, Now need the tunes to go with them.
DOWN BY THE BAY
Those songs are all so cute. We don’t sing when we go camping. We usually tell scary stories or funny stories or just reminisce.
What fun to sing songs around the campfire. Love what you did with the lyrics.
Singing around the campfire is great fun.
I spent many summers at Girl Scout Camps, as a camper and a counselor, I love to sing songs I learned at camp
my favorite campfire song is how great thou art
mmm, I can hear the crackle of the fire !
The Campfire Song by Spongebob would be a good one. But trust me no one wants to hear me sing.
Love how you made the lyrics go to songs most people know all ready!
Like that you have adult songs too !!!
We like to cook smores or roast hot dogs around the campfire. We don’t really do much singing.
Love, Love, Love this!
I love what you did to the songs. I think anyone would enjoy singing along around the campfire.
Anyone would enjoy singing these songs….campfire or not!
Home home on the range… A cowboy campfire song
We would probably listen to music instead of sing. We love all kinds of music.
Rain on the tent song during first day of rain… By the 3rd day of rain, not so much. lol
I really enjoy the lyrics to these songs. Cute!
I love roasting marshmallows and singing Sweet Home Alabama. My family likes to do a special twist on s’mores by incorporating a dab of peanut butter on top of the chocolate squares. YUM!
That sounds so fun CB! And holy cow that sounds amazing! -Stacy
A Great group of Campfire Songs !!!
This would be nice to win
Can’t believe that there is a Sponge-Bob campfire song. Wow.
My nieces would probably enjoy singing these songs. I will have to let them check them out.
A lot of great songs there! My husband and I generally don’t sing, but Let It Be is definitely a favorite for me!
A guitar is great to have when singing around the campfire,
These campfire songs for kids are definitely catchy and fun! Might even be fun to include instruments like the guitar or harmonica.
I love Margaritaville! Always a favorite!
Happy Easter to everyone.
I don’t know what else to say, but you did an amazing job with the lyrics!
I’ve always loved Take Me Home Country Roads!
This is the cutest! Thank you for sharing the printable – will have fun with these on road trips and camping.
It’s great to see all the lyrics to these old and new songs.
I don’t like to listen to music much
Here Comes the Sun – an oldie, but goodie but always fun to sing is a favorite!
I would enjoy sitting around a fire singing along.
These songs would sound great around a Solo Stove Ranger! LOL
I have always loved Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Love the change to childhood songs. Brillant!
So much fun to sing along.
How about a similar list of Campfire Recipes !
Oh what fun for kids as well as adults!
I love The Eagles and Hotel California has been a favorite for a long time!
Don’t remember any songs from my camping, but I love all of these songs to teach my grandchildren. We love sitting out by the campfire. It’s a great family activity,
Not in your list.. But “I love a rainy night” is one of my favorite songs !
I like a lot the songs I loved when I was a teenager in the 70’s. Jackson Browne especially had some great songs that are great to sing along to! They bring back great memories of evenings spent at his concerts singing along to every song!
How cute to change the lyrics…..it’s awesome!
Thanks Laura! I thought I’d make campfire time more fun for my kiddos (and they learn it easier =P) – Stacy
Chicken Fried is a great song.
I love that song Peter! It’s so fun to sing with friends! – Stacy
All I need now is the solo stove, so we can have our own sing a long.
Where is the “Solo Stove” song ? LOL
I like “oldies” – songs from the 70’s that I loved as a teenager and always sung along to – then and now!
All these are so amazing. I will be sharing them with family and friends.. Thanks..
Bravo………job well done!
Good Luck to all entering the Solo Stove Contest ! Hope the winner enjoys the prizes!
I love the songs I grew up with as a high school student in the 70’s. Those are my go-to favorites because I remember all the words!
I like to hang out by the campfire, by the lake and cook up some campfire burgers and hotdogs.
Enjoying some cold beverages and just hanging out with friends,, camping is one of my favorite things to do, and I hope to get some camping in this year 🙂