National Camp Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Activities Environment Family
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every November 19
Holiday emoji:: 🏕️

National Camp Day arrives every November 19, beckoning adventurers to embrace the great outdoors. Whether it’s pitching a tent, gathering around a campfire, or simply enjoying nature, this day celebrates the joy of camping. Pack your bags, gather your friends, and find your favorite spot to reconnect with the wilderness.

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Expected National Camp Day Deals

As National Camp Day approaches, expect outdoor retailers and sporting goods stores to roll out enticing promotions on essential gear. In previous years, brands like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods have offered discounts on tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. Keep an eye out for special bundles from Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops on fishing and hunting supplies. Even grocery stores like Kroger and Walmart might feature deals on s’mores ingredients, trail mix, and portable snacks. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 19 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Camp Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCampDay. Share your favorite camping photos, gear setups, or scenic outdoor views.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCampDay. Film quick tutorials on setting up a tent, campfire cooking hacks, or funny camping mishaps.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCampDay. Create a community poll about favorite camping spots or share family camping memories.

National Camp Day Hero

Robert Baden-Powell

Robert Baden-Powell (1857–1941) was a British Army officer who founded the Scout Movement, inspiring millions of young people worldwide to engage with the outdoors and develop essential life skills. His vision for scouting, which began in 1907 with a camp on Brownsea Island, emphasized self-reliance, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature, profoundly influencing modern camping culture.

History of National Camp Day

Recreational camping can be traced back to Briton Thomas Hiram Holding, but it was popularized in the UK on the river Thames. In the 1880s large numbers of visitors took part in camping, which related to the late-Victorian craze for pleasure boating. Early camping equipment was heavy, so it was more convenient to transport it by boat or transportation craft that could be converted into a tent.

Though Holding is seen as the father of camping, he’s responsible for popularizing a different form of camping in the UK. In his youth, he experienced activity in the wild and spent time in the American prairies with his parents. He later embarked on a cycling and camping tour across Ireland with some friends. His book, “Cycle and Camp in Connemara,” led to the formation of the first camping group in 1901, the Association of Cycle Campers — which later became the Camping and Caravanning Club. In 1908 Holding wrote “The Campers Handbook ” so that he could share his enthusiasm for the outdoors with the rest of the world.

In the 1870s and 1880s the first summer camps promised boys a chance to escape the indoors and fast-paced urban life. Girls camps started to appear in the U.S. around 1900, many of which were located around New England. The oldest and continuously run camp for girls is Camp Wyonegonic in Maine, which opened in 1902. In 1900, there were less than 100 summer camps in the U.S., but by 1918 over 1,000 were in operation.

National Camp Day timeline

1987

Camp statue

The “Essence of Camping” statue is built to recognize and continue the camp experience legacy. The statue stands in front of the ACA National Office in Martinsville, Indiana.

1912

Girl Scouts unite!

The first Girl Scout camp is held in Savannah, Georgia.

1910

'Be Prepared'

Boy Scouts of America and Camp Fire USA are founded.

1908

The 'father' of camping

Thomas Hiram Holding publishes his book "The Campers Handbook."

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Camp Day

Local outdoor gear shops can host ‘Camp Prep’ workshops offering tips on packing, fire safety, and Leave No Trace principles. Restaurants might offer campfire-themed specials like gourmet s’mores or chili bowls. Travel agencies could promote glamping packages or national park tours, encouraging bookings with a special National Camp Day discount. Consider partnering with local scout troops for community clean-up events.

National Camp Day FAQs

When is National Camp Day?

National Camp Day 2026 falls on Thursday, November 19. It’s the perfect mid-week reminder to plan a weekend escape into nature or enjoy a cozy backyard campout.

How many Americans go camping?

According to the 2023 North American Camping Report, approximately 58 million households in North America went camping at least once in 2022. This figure highlights the enduring popularity of outdoor recreation.

What are the benefits of camping?

Camping offers numerous benefits, including stress reduction, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being. It provides an opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and loved ones.

What is the difference between camping and glamping?

Traditional camping typically involves pitching a tent, cooking over a fire, and embracing a more rustic experience. Glamping, or ‘glamorous camping,’ offers a more luxurious outdoor stay with amenities like comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and often pre-set, stylish accommodations.

National Camp Day Activities

Sign up your kids
Camp can have a profound and lasting impact on kids — which is why you can celebrate National Camp Day by signing your children up for their favorite summer/church/band camp! They’ll have the time of their lives, and you’ll get some much-needed relaxation.
Go back to camp
Did you know they have adult summer camps? That’s right - no kids allowed. Check out "Camp No Counselors" (as seen on Shark Tank) and other grown-up camps to unleash your inner kid.
Support the cause
Your camp days may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help someone else make their camp dreams come true. Donate money to a boy or girl you know who would love the camp experience. You can also donate to your favorite summer/sleepaway camp, or support a camping organization like the American Camp Association.

3 Weird Facts About Summer Camp

Cupcake, Olive, Cherry, Crackers, Chocolate Chips, Beans, Sugar, Raisin Bread
That’s the combination of ingredients one summer camper ate on a dare (we all have our regrets).
Camp is no longer “normal”
Circus Arts Camp, Hollywood Stunt Camp, Wizards & Warriors Camp, RPG Video Game Camp — there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Your favorite celebs went to summer camp
Adam Levine, Zooey Deschanel, Natalie Portman, and Jonah Hill all either worked at or went to summer camp.

Why We Love National Camp Day

You create lasting memories
Campouts, counselors, camp food, making s’mores, dancing, singing, lighting fires, playing games, exploring the great outdoors — the list goes on. Whatever camp you join, you’re sure to have an awesome time and make a ton of great memories in the process.
You often become a better person
Did you know Whoopi Goldberg went to summer camp when she was a kid? She says she learned that we are all equal and that we all have something to offer. She also says camp gave her the confidence to speak to people, look people in the eye, and truly listen to them.
Camp doesn’t have to be expensive
Did you know 93% of ACA-accredited camps offer scholarship assistance? There really is a camp out there for every budget. And by reaching out for information now, you’ll more likely be able to visit the camp of your dreams.