Camping Vocabulary Worksheets
Camping season has always been a favorite around here, especially when the weather warms up just enough to sleep under the stars without freezing. I created these Camping Vocabulary Worksheets to keep learning going even during those slower summer days. These are simple to use, fun to go through, and ideal for early elementary students.
If you’re also planning an outdoor learning unit, you might want to check out my list of Camping Activities for Kids. There’s plenty in there to pair with this printable, from crafts to nature hikes.
So if you’re prepping a fun summer learning setup or just want a printable that ties in with outdoor topics, keep reading. I’ll walk you through what’s in the pack, how we used it, and what kind of skills it helps build.
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.
Interesting Facts About Camping
Camping isn’t just roasting marshmallows and telling stories around the fire. Here are a few unique facts that your kids (and maybe even you) might not know:
- You can actually camp underground in some places. In Cappadocia, Turkey, there are ancient cave systems that people still use as shelters during their trips. It’s a completely different experience from pitching a tent, but it still counts as camping.
- The first official campground in the U.S. opened in 1869. It was set up in Yosemite Valley, long before RV parks and glamping were a thing. It started the tradition of people heading out to sleep under the stars.
- Campfires can help you sleep better. The natural flicker and crackle of a fire has been shown to lower blood pressure and relax your body. So when the kids fall asleep quickly after a campfire, there’s some science behind it.
Fun Camping Books Worth Reading
To round out the camping theme, we’ve had some great read-aloud moments and independent reading time with stories about outdoor adventures. There are some fantastic books that bring the camping theme to life.
Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping (I Can Read Level 2)Pony Scouts: The Camping Trip (I Can Read Level 2)The Young Adventurer’s Guide to (Almost) Everything: Build a Fort, Camp Like a Champ, Poop in the Woods–45 Action-Packed Outdoor ActivitiesHike It: An Introduction to Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking through the U.S.A.Camping Catastrophe (Ready, Freddy! #14)Camping with Unicorns: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure
Why Kids Should Learn Camping-related Words
Learning words related to camping isn’t just about memorizing terms—it builds real-world language skills that support both reading and thinking.
- Context-rich exposure: Kids encounter words like “binoculars,” “trail,” or “canteen” in a setting that feels relevant and engaging.
- Improved story engagement: Understanding these terms helps them follow along in books and conversations without needing to stop and ask what something means.
- Clearer expression: When they can label and describe their outdoor experiences, it builds confidence and improves communication.
Recommended Summer Printables
We’ve used this camping set alongside a few summer-themed printables that focus on other skills. These make a great combination if you’re looking to round out your summer lessons.
Skills Kids Build With This Camping-themed Vocabulary Practice
These pages aren’t just cute—they’re also helpful for learning. Here’s what your kids will pick up as they work through the pack:
- Vocabulary building: Kids learn new words tied to a theme, which helps them retain more and use the terms naturally.
- Reading comprehension: They connect words to visuals and clues, sharpening their understanding.
- Fine motor practice: With word searches and matching tasks, they’ll stay engaged while improving pencil control.
Recommended Camping Activity Kits
If your child enjoys hands-on fun, there are some great activity kits that keep the camping excitement going even when you’re not outdoors.
Letters from Camp Mad Libs: Stationery to Fill Out and Send!Kids Bug Catcher Kit – Bug Catching Kit with Insect Critter Case, Magnifying Glass, Tweezers, Whistle & Compass, Outdoor Explorer Toy for Camping Nature Exploration for Boys Girls 3-12 Year OldJVJQ Kids Explorer Kit – 16 Pcs Outdoor Exploration kit Bug Catcher kit for Kids Camping Toys Outdoor Explorer kit for Kids with Magnifying Glass Educational Gift for Boys & Girls Age 3-12 Year OldNature Explorer Kit for Kids – Camping Gear & Accessories Play Toy Gift for Boys Outdoor Childrens Games. Birthday Gifts Toys 6 7 8 Year Old Boy. Binoculars Fan Magnifier Flashlights 5-in-1 ToolPlay-Act Bug Catcher Nature Exploration Set – Includes Habitat Bucket, Critter Box, Activity Booklet, Butterfly Net, Magnifier, Tweezer, Pipette, Bug Tong, and Exploration Hat Bug Catching Kids 3+Bits and Pieces – 200 Piece Large Piece Family Jigsaw Puzzle for Adults & Kids – 15
Camping Printable Supplies
You don’t need a lot to get started, which is always a win.
- Printer (I have this one)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons
I have the HP printer 8710, but it’s not available anymore. It’s been running well for years now. Look for another HP Instant Ink-ready printer so that you can use their program to send you ink cartridges whenever your printer gets low on ink.
What’s included in the camping vocabulary pack?
Vocabulary Unscramble
Kids are given jumbled letters and a picture to help them figure out the correct word. It’s a simple but effective way to blend spelling and critical thinking with visual clues.
Camping Activities Match
This worksheet features outdoor activities such as canoeing, fishing, and stargazing. My daughter used to pause and tell me stories about each one as she connected the image to the label.
Camping Gear Identification
Each image has a few labeled choices beside it, and kids color in the correct one. This activity builds recognition of real camping items they may have seen or used.
Word Search
The word search includes vocabulary like “firewood,” “ranger,” and “campground.” My middle son tried to find all the words without peeking at the list, which made it even more fun.
Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences
With a word bank at the top, this worksheet helps kids choose the right vocabulary to complete camping-themed sentences. It’s perfect for early readers getting used to context clues.
Answer Keys
Answer sheets are included for both the unscramble and word search pages. Great for checking work or helping if your child gets stuck on a tricky word.
Fun Camping Activities To Try
There’s no shortage of outdoor fun to connect with this printable pack.
- Camping Preschool Printables
- Picture Books About Camping
- Camping Tracing Worksheets
- Camping Art Activities For Your Little Explorers by Simple Everyday Mom
- Planning a Backyard Camping Trip with Kids by 3 Boys and a Dog
If you have a child who loves nature, or you’re planning a backyard campout, these camping worksheets are an easy way to keep the learning going. They’re no-prep and work great for quiet time, too. Just print and you’re ready.