Summer camp is a magical time filled with adventure, friendship, and unforgettable memories. For those of us who can’t make it to camp this year, or just want to relive those nostalgic summer days, there’s no better way than by watching some classic summer camp movies. From heartwarming coming-of-age tales to hilarious comedies and even a few spooky slashers, these films capture the essence of the summer camp experience.
So grab some s’mores, cozy up in your sleeping bag, and get ready to take a cinematic journey to the best summer camps on screen. Here are the 20 best summer camp movies of all time:
1. The Parent Trap (1961 & 1998)
No summer camp movie list would be complete without the classic tale of twins separated at birth who meet for the first time at camp and scheme to reunite their divorced parents. Both the 1961 original starring Hayley Mills and the 1998 remake with Lindsay Lohan are must-watch films filled with summer camp mischief and heartwarming family moments.
2. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Wes Anderson’s quirky and stylized take on young summer love follows 12-year-old pen pals Sam and Suzy as they fall in love and run away together from Sam’s Khaki Scout summer camp. As the adults frantically search for the young runaways, the film beautifully captures the innocence, rebellion, and magic of childhood summers.
3. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
This cult classic comedy features an all-star ensemble cast including Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, and Bradley Cooper in one of their earliest roles. Set on the last day of a dysfunctional summer camp in 1981, the counselors try to squeeze in as much fun and debauchery as possible before the season ends. Filled with absurdist humor and nostalgic references, it’s a must-see for any summer camp movie fan.
4. Meatballs (1979)
Bill Murray stars in his first leading role as Tripper Harrison, the wisecracking head counselor of Camp North Star. He mentors a lonely camper while also romancing a fellow counselor and leading the underdog camp in a competition against the wealthy Camp Mohawk. This raunchy yet heartfelt comedy set the standard for future summer camp films.
5. The Burning (1981)
For those who like some scares mixed in with their summer fun, this slasher flick follows a group of campers stalked by a disfigured former caretaker seeking revenge. Notable for being one of the first films to jump on the slasher trend after Friday the 13th, it features gruesome special effects by Tom Savini and early appearances by Jason Alexander, Fisher Stevens, and Holly Hunter.
6. Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)
Jim Varney’s bumbling but lovable character Ernest P. Worrell gets a chance to become a camp counselor in this silly family comedy. He helps a group of juvenile delinquents enjoy their summer and stop an evil mining corporation from closing the camp. It’s goofy, slapstick fun that captures Ernest’s signature humor.
7. Addams Family Values (1993)
While not entirely set at summer camp, the iconic scenes of Wednesday and Pugsley Addams terrorizing the aggressively peppy Camp Chippewa are the highlight of this macabre sequel. Christina Ricci steals the show as the deadpan Wednesday who rebels against the camp’s attempts to make her “normal” and smiling.
8. Heavyweights (1995)
This ’90s comedy produced by Judd Apatow follows a group of boys sent to a weight loss camp that gets taken over by a maniacal fitness guru played by Ben Stiller. The campers unite to overthrow his harsh regimen and learn to accept themselves. A young Kenan Thompson also stars in his film debut.
9. Camp Rock (2008)
Disney Channel struck tween gold with this musical about an aspiring singer played by Demi Lovato who attends a prestigious summer music camp. There she clashes with a spoiled pop star (Joe Jonas) while honing her craft and making lasting friendships. Filled with catchy tunes and a positive message, it launched the careers of its young stars.
10. Friday the 13th (1980)
One of the most iconic horror franchises of all time started at the infamous Camp Crystal Lake. This original slasher flick follows camp counselors getting picked off one by one as they prepare to reopen the camp with a tragic history. The final reveal of the killer is still shocking to this day.
11. Troop Beverly Hills (1989)
While not a traditional summer camp movie, this cult favorite follows a troop of privileged but neglected girls and their clueless but well-meaning leader played by Shelley Long. They navigate a series of camping misadventures and a rival troop while learning to believe in themselves. It’s a fun, female-driven twist on the summer camp comedy.
12. Indian Summer (1993)
This dramedy follows a group of thirtysomething friends who return to their beloved childhood summer camp for a reunion weekend before the camp is sold. The all-star cast including Alan Arkin, Diane Lane, Bill Paxton, and Elizabeth Perkins revisit old memories, rekindle romances, and confront how their lives have changed since their camp days. It’s a poignant look at the lasting impact of summer camp friendships.
13. Camp (2003)
This indie musical drama is set at a summer camp for aspiring teenage performers. It follows the campers as they stage a new original musical while exploring their sexuality, identity, and dreams for the future. The raw and intimate film features a cast of real-life theater kids and captures the intense emotions of adolescent artistic expression.
14. Poison Ivy (1985)
Before he was a superstar, Michael J. Fox starred in this cheeky made-for-TV movie about a summer camp for gifted students. He plays a charming slacker who upends the camp’s strict regimen while romancing a fellow counselor. It’s a light-hearted, if dated, look at ’80s summer camp shenanigans.
15. Little Darlings (1980)
This teen drama follows two 15-year-old girls from different social circles who make a bet about who can lose their virginity first over the summer at camp. Tatum O’Neal and Kristy McNichol star as the leads grappling with peer pressure, sexuality, and newfound friendship in an honest and groundbreaking coming-of-age story.
16. Space Camp (1986)
For a different take on the summer camp movie, this sci-fi adventure follows a group of teens at a NASA space camp who accidentally get launched into orbit. Joaquin Phoenix makes his film debut alongside Kate Capshaw, Lea Thompson, and a young Tate Donovan as the campers who must work together to safely return to Earth. While it was a box office disappointment, it’s become a nostalgic cult favorite.
17. Daddy Day Camp (2007)
This sequel to Eddie Murphy’s Daddy Day Care stars Cuba Gooding Jr. as Charlie Hinton, who opens a summer day camp with his friend. The two dads must wrangle a group of rambunctious kids while competing against a rival camp. Though critically panned, it still delivers some family-friendly laughs.
18. A Week Away (2021)
This recent Netflix musical puts a Christian spin on the summer camp story. A troubled teen gets a second chance when he is sent to a Christian summer camp. There he finds faith, friendship, and romance through the power of song and dance. It’s an earnest if predictable take on the genre with catchy musical numbers.
19. Magic Camp (2020)
Adam DeVine stars as a down-on-his-luck magician who returns to the magic summer camp of his youth in this Disney+ original. As a counselor, he mentors a group of misfit campers while trying to reignite his own passion for magic. It’s a sweet and inspiring comedy about finding your inner magic.
20. Bunk’d (2015-present)
This Disney Channel sitcom is a spinoff of the popular Jessie series. It follows the Ross kids as they spend their summer at Maine’s rustic Camp Kikiwaka. Over five seasons, the show has delivered plenty of silly camp-themed hijinks and heartfelt friendship moments while featuring a diverse young cast. It captures the fun of summer camp for a new generation.
Whether you’re a comedy fan, a horror buff, or a musical theater geek, there’s a summer camp movie for everyone. These films remind us of the joys and pains of growing up, the friends we made, and the memories that last long after the last campfire of the season. So this summer, take a trip back to camp from the comfort of your couch with these 20 best summer camp movies. Just don’t forget the bug spray!
