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Camping might be all about getting back to nature, but as these movies show there’s a lot of fun to be had even if you plan to just spend a night in watching a classic film. Depending on what tech you’re bringing with you, it might be a good idea to stream one of these during your next wilderness vacation.
1. The Great Outdoors – 1988
Families who like stocking up on wildlife and camping survival products will appreciate just how unprepared everyone is in this John Candy comedy. Anybody who has ever taken a camping trip to get away from the rigors of the working world will certainly appreciate how he interacts with the stock trading villain who interferes with his family’s woodland excursion.
2. Meatballs – 1979
One of the best-remembered pictures of Bill Murray’s career casts him as a zany counselor at a summer camp where he has to help a young man learn about growing up. Those who were sent away to camp as kids will certainly get a kick out of seeing the unusual sports they play.
3. Indian Summer – 1993
Few other camping films have the reunion theme of Indian Summer, which tells the story of several summer camp attendees who visit their childhood playground as adults. A combination of dramatic and comedic scenes gives it a real nostalgic feel.
4. Ernest Goes To Camp – 1987
As the second picture to feature the infamous Ernest P. Worrell character played by Jim Varney, this film promises madcap entertainment that has an almost anarchic feel to it. He has to take on everything from a group of juvenile delinquents to representatives from a mining company. It almost seems like everyone wants to ruin his new job as a campground manager.
5. Are We There Yet? – 2005
Viewers might be surprised the moment this unpredictable film sees Ice Cube and Philip Daniel Bolden suddenly pull into an off-road conservation area and functionally camp in their car. Then again, unusual twists and turns seem to be the theme as the characters end up in a wide variety of circumstances far outside of what most people would have to put up with on a family trip.
6. Friday the 13th – 1980
Those who don’t mind a more intense experience when watching a camping movie might actually think of this film before any others. Critics have long compared it to the 1978 release of Halloween, though it’s a very different beast filled with both psychological horror as well as some hidden social commentary about how people act when they’re put into uncomfortable situations.
7. Sleepaway Camp – 1983
If that last picture didn’t scare you, then Sleepaway Camp certainly will. The film’s twist ending has given it a cult following that allegedly extends to many real campgrounds. More than a few park managers have actually elected to show this movie to unsuspecting campers, especially if they decided to visit a warm weather state close to October 31st.
No matter if you enjoy camping in real life or are looking for something to watch on your next movie night, these 7 films are great ones to watch.
