Top 10 Songs for Listening to at Summer Camp

There’s something magical about music at summer camp. The right song can transform an ordinary moment into a lifelong memory, whether you’re gathered around a crackling campfire, paddling across a misty lake at dawn, or sharing laughs with new friends in your cabin. Music has a unique power to capture the spirit of adventure, friendship, and growth that defines the summer camp experience. Here at Camp New York, we’ve curated this list of the top 10 songs for listening to at Summer Camp to help you create the perfect soundtrack for your camp adventures.

1. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

Few songs capture the essence of outdoor adventure like John Denver’s timeless classic. As the sun sets over the camp and everyone gathers around the campfire, the opening chords of “Country Roads” instantly create a sense of belonging. The song’s simple melody makes it easy for everyone to join in, while its lyrics about natural beauty and finding your place in the world perfectly mirror the summer camp journey. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned counselor, this song creates an instant bond among everyone present.

2. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King

The friendships formed at summer camp are often some of the most meaningful in a young person’s life. “Stand By Me” celebrates those connections with its message of loyalty and support through life’s challenges. The song’s steady rhythm makes it perfect for evening cabin chats or quiet moments by the lake. Many camp counselors use this song to help campers reflect on the importance of being there for each other during camp activities and beyond. The simple chorus becomes a powerful affirmation of the camp community’s strength.

3. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

The ultimate camp singalong song! “Sweet Caroline” has become a staple at summer camps across the country, with its infectious “bum-bum-bum” chorus and opportunities for enthusiastic participation. This song shines during camp-wide gatherings, talent shows, or mess hall meals. The energy builds as everyone joins in for the chorus, creating an unforgettable moment of camp unity. Even the most reserved campers find themselves shouting “SO GOOD! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!” by the end of their camp stay.

4. “Campfire Song Song” from SpongeBob SquarePants

Sometimes camp is about embracing the silly side of life! This fast-paced, tongue-twisting song from the beloved cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants has become a surprising camp favorite. Perfect for breaking the ice during the first few days of camp, this song challenges campers to keep up with its accelerating tempo. Camp counselors often use it as a fun activity during rainy days or to energize a group before activities. The song’s playful nature reminds everyone that camp is, above all, about having fun.

5. “Home” by Phillip Phillips

Summer camp often becomes a second home for many campers, making this uplifting anthem particularly meaningful. With its themes of finding your place and building a supportive community, “Home” resonates deeply with the camp experience. The folk-inspired melody works beautifully during quiet moments of reflection, like watching the sunset from the camp’s highest point or during closing ceremonies. Many camps have adopted this as their unofficial anthem, playing it on arrival and departure days to mark the emotional journey of the camp experience.

6. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

This classic hit captures the carefree joy of summer with its upbeat tempo and nostalgic lyrics about youthful adventures. “Brown Eyed Girl” is perfect for camp dance parties, beach days, or energetic hikes through the woods. The song’s memorable “sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-ti-da” chorus is irresistibly singable, making it a favorite for camp talent shows and impromptu performances. The lyrics about making memories in natural settings perfectly align with the camp experience of discovering new places and creating stories that will be retold for years to come.

7. “We Are Young” by Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe

The anthem of youth and possibility, “We Are Young” captures the transformative energy of summer camp. With its powerful chorus and themes of supporting each other through life’s adventures, this song speaks directly to the camp experience of growing, taking risks, and finding your strength. It’s the perfect soundtrack for evening activities, camp Olympics, or celebratory moments. Many camps play this during milestone events to mark the journey campers have taken together, emphasizing how they’ve helped each other “carry home” the memories and growth from their time at camp.

8. “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show (or Darius Rucker version)

With its roots in folk tradition and its heart in the great outdoors, “Wagon Wheel” feels like it was made for summer camp. The song’s journey narrative mirrors the camp experience of venturing away from home to find adventure and connection. Its simple chord progression makes it accessible for campfire guitar players of all skill levels, while the catchy chorus invites everyone to join in. This song often becomes the unofficial soundtrack to camp road trips, hiking adventures, or lazy afternoon activities. Both the original Old Crow Medicine Show version and Darius Rucker’s country cover work beautifully in the camp setting.

9. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

The laid-back, positive vibes of “I’m Yours” perfectly capture the openness and acceptance that define the best camp experiences. This ukulele-friendly tune has become a favorite for camp music programs, with its simple chord progression making it accessible for beginners. The song’s message about being present and embracing life’s journey resonates with camp’s emphasis on mindfulness and making the most of each moment. It’s often played during morning gatherings to set a positive tone for the day or during sunset activities to reflect on the day’s adventures.

10. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors

Summer camp is all about creating “best days” filled with new experiences, challenges overcome, and friendships formed. This upbeat anthem captures that spirit of optimism and adventure that defines the camp experience. With its driving beat and positive lyrics, it’s perfect for morning energizers, camp Olympics, or celebration events. Many camps use this song during highlight videos or slideshows to commemorate the summer’s most memorable moments. The song reminds campers that even when they return home, they carry the “best days” with them as cherished memories.

Honorable Mentions

Music-Based Camp Activities

Create Your Perfect Camp Playlist

The songs we’ve shared are just the beginning of your summer camp musical journey. The best camp playlist is one that grows organically through shared experiences and spontaneous moments. Don’t be afraid to mix classics with contemporary hits, or to embrace songs that become inside jokes within your camp community.

Remember that the most memorable camp songs aren’t always the most polished performances, they’re the ones sung with heart, surrounded by friends, under a canopy of stars or during a sudden rainstorm. They’re the melodies that become so intertwined with your camp memories that years later, hearing just a few notes can transport you back to those special summer days.