Great Movies About Camping & Outdoors

For those times when you find yourself having to stay in, instead of heading out on an outdoor adventure, check out one of these great films about camping and the outdoors!

Moonrise Kingdom (PG-13)

Set in 1965 on an island in New England, two 12 year old pen pals fall in love and make a secret pact to run away into the wilderness. With the film’s many nods to camping, scouting, plus the old-school camping gear can make anyone feel like an adventurous kid again. The film’s whimsical cinematic style and unique brand of storytelling makes this Wes Anderson film a must see. Plus, the cast is stellar and stars Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, and Bill Murray.

Honey I Shrunk The Kids (PG)

Rick Moranis plays an absent minded inventor who’s shrinking ray accidentally shrinks all of his children. The kids have to make their way through the forest that is their front lawn, back into the house so they can be un-shrunk.

Stand By Me (R)

This coming of age story about a group of young boys who search for a dead body in the woods is one of the most classic films about camping, friendship, and the adventures we create as youngsters.

Into The Wild (R)

Into the Wild is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a unique young man who truly wanted to live completely off the grid. Jon Krakauer’s incredible book is a strong reminder of how important it is to stay safe and be prepared when camping in the wilderness. McCandless’ story is inspiring because of his genuine desire for becoming a part of the wilderness instead of simply observing it. Emile Hirsch’s performance of McCandless earned him multiple nominations and awards for the role in 2007.

Wild (R)

After divorcing her husband and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed sets out on an ambitious hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Whether to detox herself from self-destructing behavior or to come to terms with the losses in her life, Strayed hikes over a thousand miles of the PCT alone to figure herself out in a dramatic way. The film itself offers a stunning look at one of the toughest through-trails in the United States.

Benji (G)

Benji is the story of a lovable stray dog from Texas that gets into a lot of adventure in this classic film originally released in 1974. When the children of Benji’s adoptive family are kidnapped, it’s Benji who comes to the rescue. Many critics said that the dog, Higgins, should have won an award for his remarkable acting. The film was shot in Texas and the scenery serves as a beautiful background for this heartwarming story.

The Blair Witch Project (R)

The Blair Witch Project continues to shock and horrify audiences since its release in 1999 for its realistic presentation as a documentary of found footage. Four kids disappear in 1994 while investigating the Blair Witch incidents in the backwoods of Maryland. The kids lose their map and desperately try to find their way out of the woods. All the while hearing horrific sounds and seeing strange and scary sights that seem to indicate that the Blair Witches are still lurking and all while captured “on tape.” You probably want to watch this one with the lights on.

The Great Outdoors (PG)

Everything that can go wrong does in the comedy, The Great Outdoors starring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy. The story takes place on a Wisconsin Lake, when the Ripley’s family vacation is crashed by their in-laws. From invading bears to pesky raccoons, annoying neighbors and general hijinks, this hilarious film by writer John Hughes reminds us to have a laugh when things go awry when camping.

Without a Paddle (PG-13)

Three childhood friends reunite for a camping trip after the death of one of their other friends. They take a trip to a place their past friend had always wanted to take them. A great film for anyone who likes “friends on a road trip” movies and crazy shenanigans that friends can get into together.

Heavyweights (PG)

This very funny Disney comedy about a sleep-away camp captures all of those classic summer-camp moments like, the big dance with the girls camp and the apache relay against the rival camp across the lake. However, the camp is taken over by a corrupt fitness fanatic who wants to turn the place into a weight loss camp and he puts everyone, including the staff, through miserable exercise routines and extreme diets. The campers band together to take back their beloved sleep-away camp in this hilarious family comedy.

What’s your favorite movie about camping or the outdoors? Let us know in the comments!