Our Favorite Camping Songs for Young Kids (With Lyrics!)

There’s just something magical about music and the outdoors—especially when young children are involved. Whether you’re heading out on a real camping trip, setting up a pretend campsite in the backyard, or building a camping unit study at home or in a classroom, camp songs for preschool are a great way to bring the theme to life.

While it is literally months from warm weather where we live, my family is already getting our summer plans in order! Now that we are homeschooling, I am so excited for some outdoor camping unit studies to be a part of our summer plans… and I don’t know about you, but that immediately makes me recall all the old cheesy camping songs we would sing around the fire.

The best camping songs for young kids are simple, repetitive, and playful. They support language development, encourage movement, and help young minds connect learning with fun. And bonus: many of these family-friendly campfire songs work just as well around the kitchen table (or circle time, or in the car, or on a random Tuesday…) as they do under the stars.

Below is a curated list of classic campfire songs, action songs, and silly favorites that preschoolers (and the whole family) will happily sing again and again.

Why Camping Songs Are a Great Way to Learn

Songs are one of the easiest ways for younger kids to learn without even realizing it. Camping songs in particular:

• Encourage participation through repetitive chorus and movement

• Build memory, sequencing, and listening skills

• Support social-emotional development in group settings like summer camps or family gatherings. These types of activities help give kids that sense of belonging that we all need.

• Create positive associations with outdoor activities and nature

For little campers, music helps turn camping experiences (whether real or pretend) into meaningful moments.

Classic Campfire Songs Preschoolers Love

These traditional folk songs and well-loved classics have stood the test of time for a reason. Most use a simple melody, simple lyrics, and lots of repetition.

Also! If you are not familiar with the rhythm of any of these songs, search the title on YouTube! You’ll have the beat down in no time.

1. Boom Chicka Boom

A favorite at summer camps, Girl Scouts, and preschool circle time.
This fun song is call-and-response, making it perfect for young children. You can easily add your own lyrics to match animals, camping gear, or emotions.

Boom Chicka Boom Campfire Song Lyrics:

Get lyrics here

2. Going on a Bear Hunt

Often shortened to just “Bear Hunt,” this song is an ideal action song.
Preschoolers love acting out the motions—swishy grass, squishy mud, and tip-toeing through caves. It’s also a great way to get wiggles out before quieter activities.

Bear Hunt Lyrics:

We're going on a bear hunt
We're going on a bear hunt
I've got my binoculars
I've got my binoculars
I'm not scared
I'm not scared

Ooh, look at that tall, wavy grass
It's so tall
We can't go over it
We can't go over it
We can't go under it
We can't go under it
We're just gonna have to go through it
We're gonna have to go through it
Swish, swish, swish, swish

We're going on a bear hunt
We're going on a bear hunt
I've got my binoculars
I've got my binoculars
I'm not scared
I'm not scared

Uh-oh, there's a big river
Ooh
We can't go over it
We can't go over it
We can't go under it
We can't go under it
We're just gonna have to swim it
I hope it's not too chilly
Splash, splash, splash, splash

We're going on a bear hunt
We're going on a bear hunt
I've got my binoculars
I've got my binoculars
I'm not scared
I'm not scared either

Eww, look at all that mud
Ugh, so muddy
We can't go over it
We can't go over it
We can't go under it
We can't go under it
We're just gonna have to go through it
Ugh, if I have to
Squirsh, squirsh, squirsh, squirsh

We're going on a bear hunt
We're going on a bear hunt
I've got my binoculars
I've got my binoculars
I'm not scared
I'm not scared

Uh-oh, what's that?
It's a cave
We can't go over it
We can't go over it
We can't go under it
We can't go under it
We're just gonna have to go into it
Are you sure?
Step, step, step, step

We're going on a bear hunt
Ooh, we're going on a bear hunt
I-I've got my binoculars
I've got my binoculars too
I'm not scared
I'm a little scared

It sure is dark in here
What's that in the corner?
I feel two big ears
I feel two big ears
I feel one wet nose
I feel one wet nose
I feel two sharp teeth
I know what that is!
What?
It's a bear!
Let's get outta here!

Let's run back through the cave!
Step, step, step!
OK, quickly, back through the mud!
Squish, squish, squish!
OK, let's cross the river!
Splash, splash, splash!
And, quick, through the tall grass!
Swish, swish, swish!

And, quick, through the yard!
Up the stairs!
Into the house!
Close the door!
Whew!
Uh, we're safe
That was a close one
Let's now go bear hunting anymore

3. Baby Bumblebee

Silly, sensory-based, and full of giggles.
This song’s catchy tune and predictable rhythm make it a favorite with young kids, especially during camping or nature-themed lessons.

Baby Bumblebee lyrics:

I caught myself a baby bumblebee.

Won't my mommy be so proud of me?

I caught myself a baby bumblebee

Ouch! He stung me!

I'm talking to my baby bumblebee.

Won't my mommy be so proud of me?

I'm talking to my baby bumblebee.

"Oh," he said, "I'm sorry."

I'm letting go my baby bumblebee.

Won't my mommy be so proud of me?

I'm letting go my baby bumblebee,

Look, he's happy to be free!

NOTE: If you read these lyrics and find them being a little bit different from the song you sang as a kid, it’s because this is a slight variation. The original version talks about squishing the bumblebee, which never sat well with my tender-hearted toddler. I love that you can incorporate some social-emotional conversations with this version!

4. Green Grass Grew All Around

This is technically a long song, but preschoolers thrive on its pattern.
The stacking structure builds memory and listening skills, making it a great choice for group singing.

Silly & Fun Camping Songs for Young Kids

Sometimes the best campfire songs are the ones that make absolutely no sense—and kids love them for it.

5. The Princess Pat / Boom Chicka Remix

A playful spin on classic camp songs that keeps young minds engaged with the repetition

The princess pat, (the princess pat)
Lived in a tree, (lived in a tree)
She sailed across, (she sailed across)
The seven Seas, (the seven seas)
She sailed across, (she sailed across)
The channel two, (the channel two)
And she took with her, (and she took with her)
A rick-a-bamboo, (a rick-a-bamboo)
A rick-a-bamboo, (a rick-a-bamboo)

Now what is that? (now what is that?)
Its something made, (its something made)
By the princess pat, (by the princess pat)
Its red and gold, (its red and gold)
And purple too, (and purple too)
Thats why its called, (thats why its called)
A rick-a-bamboo, (a rick-a-bamboo)
A rick-a-bamboo, (a rick-a-bamboo)

Now Captain Jack, (now captain Jack)
Had a mighty fine crew (had a mighty fine crew)
He sailed across, (he sailed across)
The channel two, (the channel two)
But his ship sank, (but his ship sank)
And yours will too, (and yours will too)
If you dont take, (if you dont take)
A rick-a-bamboo (a rick-a-bamboo)
A rick-a-bamboo, (a rick-a-bamboo)

Now what is that? (now what is that?)
Its something made, (its something made)
By the princess pat, (by the princess pat)
Its red and gold, (its red and gold)
And purple too, (and purple too)
Thats why its called, (thats why its called)
A rick-a-bamboo, (a rick-a-bamboo)
A rick-a-bamboo, (a rick-a-bamboo)

6. Baby Shark (Campfire Edition)

If your kids seem to never (ever) get over the baby shark phase like mine, you might as well join in the fun 🫠
It’s not a traditional campfire song, but its simple lyrics and familiar rhythm make it an easy win, especially for younger preschoolers.

Baby Shark Lyrics:

Baby shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Baby shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Baby shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Baby shark

Mommy shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Mommy shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Mommy shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Mommy shark

Daddy shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Daddy shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Daddy shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Daddy shark

Grandma shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Grandma shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Grandma shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Grandma shark

Grandpa shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Grandpa shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Grandpa shark, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Grandpa shark

Let's go hunt, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Let's go hunt, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Let's go hunt, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Let's go hunt

Run away, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Run away, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Run away, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Run away

Safe at last, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Safe at last, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Safe at last, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Safe at last

It's the end, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
It's the end, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
It's the end, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
It's the end

7. Spongebob Squarepants Campfire Song Song

If your preschoolers know SpongeBob SquarePants, this one is a guaranteed hit. While they may be too young for the speed and the spelling, they will still have a great time. It’s chaotic, funny, and surprisingly effective for memory and rhythm.

Songebob Campfire Song Lyrics:

I call this one, the campfire song song

Let′s gather 'round the campfire, and sing our campfire song

Our C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song

And if you don′t think that we can sing it faster then you're wrong

But it'll help if you just sing along

Bum, bum, buuum

C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song

C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song

And if you don′t think that we can sing it faster then you′re wrong

But it'll help if you just sing along

C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song

Patrick!

Song! C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E

Squidward!

Gooood!

It′ll help, it'll help

If you just sing along!

Aww, yeah!

Action Songs That Get Little Campers Moving

Camping songs don’t have to be quiet or calm (actually, are there any that are?! haha). Many of the best camp songs double as movement activities, which is perfect for active preschoolers or young kids.

8. The Hokey Pokey

A great song for teaching body awareness and following directions.
It works for indoor or outdoor play and includes the whole family.

Hokey Pokey Lyrics:

You put your right foot in,
You put your right foot out,
You put your right foot in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey-pokey,
And your turn yourself around.
That’s what it’s all about.

You put your left foot in…
You put your right arm in…
You put your left arm in…
You put your head in…
You put your whole self in…

You can also do more specific body parts like ear, elbow, wrist, toe, etc.!

9. The Boa Constrictor Song

Another favorite similar to Bear Hunt.
The rhythm, repetition, and playful “oh no!” moments make this one unforgettable.

Boa Constrictor Lyrics:

I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
And I don't like it very much
Oh no! He's got my toe!

I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
And I don't like it very much
Oh Gee! He's got my knee!

I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
And I don't like it very much
Oh My! He's got my thigh!

I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
And I don't like it very much
Oh Fiddle! He's got my middle!

I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
And I don't like it very much

Oh Heck! He's got my neck!
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor
And I don't like it very much
Oh Dread! He's got my - GULP

10. I’m Going Camping (Tune: “Twinkle Twinkle”)

Using familiar melodies is a great way to introduce new themes without overwhelming young children.

Im Going Camping Lyrics (sung to Twinkle Twinkle):

I’m going camping, yessireee! 
I’m going camping; won’t you come with me? 
First we’ll pitch our tent on the ground. 
Then make a fire as we all gather round.
I’m going camping, yessiree! 
I’m going camping, won’t you come with me?

Next we’ll cook on the open fire, 
Then tell stories till we all get tired. 
When the stars are twinkling bright 
We’ll sleep in our tents ’til the morning light
I’m going camping, yessiree! 
I’m going camping, won’t you come with me?

When we see the morning sun 
We’ll wake right up ’cause the day’s begun! 
There’s so much that we can do
Fishing swimming, hiking too. 
I’m going camping, yessiree! 
I’m going camping, won’t you come with me?

Food & Silly Story Songs Around the Campfire

Preschoolers love songs that tell a story—even better if food is involved.

11. On Top of Spaghetti

A classic that kids adore. It’s silly, memorable, and easy to sing around a pretend campfire.

On Top of Spaghetti Lyrics:

On top of spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
I lost my poor meatball,
When somebody sneezed.

It rolled off the table,
And on to the floor,
And then my poor meatball,
Rolled out of the door.

It rolled in the garden,
And under a bush,
And then my poor meatball,
Was nothing but mush.

The mush was as tasty
As tasty could be,
And then the next summer,
It grew into a tree.

The tree was all covered,
All covered with moss,
And on it grew meatballs,
And tomato sauce.

So if you eat spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
Hold on to your meatball,
Whenever you sneeze.

Folk & Classic-Inspired Songs (Preschool-Friendly Versions)

While Johnny Cash and traditional folk music might not be preschool staples, some folk-style songs can be adapted for young children with a simpler tempo and lyrics.

These songs help introduce rhythm, storytelling, and musical variety without overstimulation.

Tips for Singing Camp Songs With Preschoolers

• Keep songs short or break long songs into sections

• Choose music with a simple melody and predictable structure

• Add hand motions or props (flashlights, stuffed animals, pretend marshmallows)

• Repeat favorites—repetition builds confidence

If you’re using these songs during a camping unit study, they also pair beautifully with books, crafts, and pretend play.

Bringing Camping Songs Into Everyday Learning

You don’t need a real tent or campfire to enjoy these songs. Try using them during:

• Morning circle time

• Nature walks

• Backyard picnics

• Preschool music lessons

• Family camping nights (real or pretend)

Camping songs are a great way to bring learning, laughter, and connection together—whether you’re teaching a classroom of little campers or singing with your own kids at home.

Latest on the blog