Planning a summer escape to the great outdoors? Whether you’re pitching a tent or embarking on an RV journey, setting the perfect mood with a classic outdoor adventure film can enhance your experience. While new cinematic releases grace screens every year, certain camping movies have achieved legendary status and are absolute must-watches. Our curated selection below features highly-rated films beloved by cinephiles and outdoor enthusiasts alike, compiled from various reputable internet film guides.
- RV (Sau Runaway Vacation) (2006)
- The Great Outdoors (1988)
- The Long, Long Trailer (1954)
- The Parent Trap (1961)
- Meatballs (1979)
- Camp (2003)
- City Slickers (1991)
- Into the Wild (2007)
- Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)
RV (Runaway Vacation) (2006)
Witness the comedic genius of Robin Williams as a work-obsessed dad, thrust into an oversized recreational vehicle with his family. The film promises ample laughter with its larger-than-life situations and inexplicable bicycle stunts. Supported by a stellar cast including Cheryl Hines, Josh Hutcherson, Kristen Chenoweth, Jeff Daniels, and Will Arnett, this PG-rated movie is a delightful watch for all ages, chronicling a family’s hilariously disastrous road trip.
The Great Outdoors (1988)
An quintessential 80s comedy from the mind of John Hughes, this film stars comedy legends John Candy and Dan Aykroyd as Chet and Roman, two brothers-in-law with wildly different approaches to a family vacation. Their week at a lakeside cabin is packed with unforgettable moments: encounters with a grizzly bear, a ludicrous water skiing incident, a high-speed boat chase, and a famously stomach-churning steak-eating challenge. Featuring Annette Bening, this movie is a riot from start to finish.
The Long, Long Trailer (1954)
Directed by Vincente Minnelli, this 1954 classic starring the incandescent Lucille Ball and her real-life husband Desi Arnaz is an essential entry on any list of camping-themed films. The scene where Lucy attempts to cook a meal while Desi navigates a winding road is an absolute comedic masterpiece. Anyone who has ever towed a large trailer up a steep incline will deeply relate to the couple’s trials, even if their mode of transport is a Mercury convertible! This timeless film remains unrated.
The Parent Trap (1961)
While the original 1961 classic set the stage, the 1998 Disney remake, featuring a young and spirited Lindsay Lohan (in a dual role before her notorious years!), is the version often recalled. This charming story sees twin sisters, separated at birth and reunited at a summer camp, conspire to bring their estranged parents back together. Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson deliver wonderful performances as the twins’ parents, making this a heartwarming and adventurous tale perfect for a new generation of campers. Classified PG.
Meatballs (1979)
Bill Murray’s first starring role shines in this 1979 comedy, where he plays Tripper Harrison, the head counselor at the underwhelming Camp North Star. Part madcap comedy and part poignant coming-of-age story set at a summer camp, Murray’s character forms a touching bond with a shy 11-year-old camper named Rudy (Chris Makepeace). This film perfectly captures the anarchic fun and emotional growth of a 70s summer camp experience.
Camp (2003)
If you’re seeking the spirit of a performing arts academy without committing to a full series, “Camp” delivers. This film follows a group of diverse teenagers attending Camp Ovation, an interpretive arts summer camp, where they navigate the complexities of adolescence. They grapple with insecurities, explore their sexual identities, and most importantly, belt out their hearts in song. A young Anna Kendrick provides an absolutely show-stopping rendition of “Ladies Who Lunch” that is not to be missed.
City Slickers (1991)
This film is a winning combination: a compelling narrative, stunning landscapes, and a hilarious cast! Seeking a much-needed dose of masculinity and adventure, three friends (Billy Crystal, Bruno Kirby, and Daniel Stern) escape their mundane lives for an annual week away, opting for a supervised cattle drive through the American Southwest. Their grizzled trail boss, Curly (Jack Palance in an Oscar-winning performance), guides them on a journey that unexpectedly turns perilous. Along the way, the men forge deeper friendships and confront their fears about aging. A truly magnificent film!
Into the Wild (2007)
This poignant drama and biography chronicles the true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who, after graduating from Emory at the top of his class, rejects societal norms. He divests himself of his possessions, donates his savings to charity, and leaves his affluent parents behind to embark on a transformative journey through South Dakota, California, and ultimately, the Alaskan wilderness. The vibrant characters he encounters along his path shape his worldview, yet his solitary life in the vast North takes tragic and unforeseen turns.
Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)
Understand what I mean, Vern? While Jim Varney’s character Ernest might occasionally exasperate adults, children consistently find him endearing. In this installment, Ernest P. Worrell, a handyman at a summer camp, finds himself responsible for a group of unruly juvenile delinquents. The film delivers heartwarming messages as Ernest and the children band together to protect their camp from a nefarious businessman. Football fans will also enjoy seeing NFL great Lyle Alzado in the role of a menacing foreman. Classified PG.
