[Classic Camp Songs] Recommended Tracks to Enjoy with Family and Friends in Nature
Camping is fun because it offers both a sense of freedom and calm.
In 2020, “solo camping” became a buzzword, and it started getting even more coverage on TV and elsewhere.
In this article, we introduce songs that perfectly match the image of camping—enjoying time surrounded by nature with family or close friends.
We’ve selected a wide range, from classic camp songs to perfect tunes for campfire sing-alongs and tracks you can use for recreational activities.
Enjoy while picturing your favorite camping moments.
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- A collection of cheerful choral pieces—songs you’ll want to perform at choir competitions and school events.
[Camping Classics] Recommended Songs to Enjoy with Family and Friends in Nature (11–20)
Hands and hands and handsNihonmatsu Hajime
The children’s song “Te to Te to Te to” has the power to deepen bonds between people.
Through the simple act of holding hands, it naturally creates a sense of unity.
With its simple, easy-to-sing melody and rhythm, this piece can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
It is included in albums such as “Asobi Uta Daizenshū 200” and is widely loved in childcare and educational settings.
It’s the perfect song to sing hand in hand around a campfire with everyone.
Be sure to make it a companion for creating fun memories.
Goodbye for today.
“Kyou no Hi wa Sayonara” is a timeless classic that touches the heart—almost everyone has heard it at least once.
Many people have probably sung it around a campfire.
It was released on August 25, 1967, as the B-side to singer Ryoko Moriyama’s single “L’amour est bleu (Love is Blue).” In addition to being broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it has appeared in music textbooks and is sung by Boy and Girl Scouts, making it well-loved in educational settings as well.
Because it lends itself beautifully to choral singing, why not try singing it with family and friends on your next camping trip?
SUNHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino’s music delivers bright, heartwarming messages like the morning sun.
This song, which sings of hope and renewal as a fragile night gives way to a new dawn, was born from Hoshino’s own experience of overcoming illness, and its lyrics overflow with a gentle warmth that stays close to the listener’s heart.
Released in May 2015, the track was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne” (Crazy For Me).
If you hum it around a campfire with family and friends, it’s sure to lift your spirits.
to youMONGOL800
A song included on MONGOL800’s second album “MESSAGE,” released in September 2001.
With simple words that express a deep bond and lyrics that vow unchanging love, it has captured the hearts of many.
After being featured in Lion’s “TOP” commercial, it became a huge hit and has been covered by various artists, earning support from a wide audience.
Its refreshing sound and pleasant melody make it perfect for singing around a campfire with family and friends.
It’s a recommended track for those moments when you want to feel connected with your loved ones in nature.
Friendship Hymn
If everyone around the world could become friends—that spirit of love for humanity is what the classic song “Tomodachi Sanka” (Hymn to Friendship) celebrates.
Its melody is based on the American patriotic song “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” with lyrics written by Hiroo Sakata, known for children’s songs like “Sacchan” and “Onaka no Heru Uta.” Many people may recognize the tune from Yodobashi Camera’s TV commercials.
Since it’s a song about friendship among children around the world, why not sing it with your kids on your next camping trip?
Ten thousand feet in the Alps
“Alps Ichiman-jaku” instantly brings back memories of hand games from elementary school.
I bet you’ve also tried seeing how fast you could do it for no real reason! The original melody comes from the American folk song “Yankee Doodle.” The “Koyari” mentioned in the lyrics apparently refers to a sharp, pointed ridge located before the summit of Mount Yari—so when you think about it, it’s a pretty reckless song about dancing there.
In Japan, besides the hand game, it’s also famous for its many parody versions.
It’s sure to liven up camps, family gatherings, and time with friends! Whether you’re doing the hand game or singing parody lyrics, it’s a song that shines in all kinds of situations.
Mayim Mayim
Many of you have probably danced this at school sports days or athletic festivals.
Based on an Israeli folk song, its slightly ethnic-sounding melody is irresistibly catchy.
The dance is said to depict Jewish people in Israel rejoicing after striking water.
In Japan, it first spread as a type of folk dance.
It’s perfect for dancing around a campfire, so why not liven up your camp night and make memories with family and friends?
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
The song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” is also well known as a children’s song.
It’s based on an American folk tune, and it became a hit in 1964 when singer Kyu Sakamoto performed it.
It was chosen as the entrance march for the 37th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament held in 1965, and it was also included in elementary school music textbooks.
Because the song involves using parts of the body—starting with hands, then feet, shoulders, and so on—it’s fun to enjoy with children! It’s also a great pick for camp activities and other recreation, so give it a listen.
A quiet lakeside
“Shizukana Kohan” (Quiet Lakeside) is well-known as a children’s song and a round.
Its lyrics include birds’ calls, which makes it a unique piece.
There seem to be various theories about the original tune, but the lyrics are said to have been written by Pastor Takihiko Yamakita in 1936 at the YMCA Nojiri Lake Campground.
It’s often heard in daily life as it has been used for commercials and train departure melodies.
The cute lyrics and light, lively round are fun, so why not try singing it with family and friends while camping?
Slow & EasyHirai Dai
A famous song by Dai Hirai, where a relaxed, comforting melody and gentle vocals resonate.
The lyrics, which express gratitude for the small joys of everyday life, the people we love, and the scenery around us, truly touch the heart.
Included on an album released in May 2015, this track has become a hit with over 100 million streams.
It’s especially recommended for those caught up in busy days.
Listen to it around a campfire with family or friends, and you’ll feel your tension melt away in an instant, leaving you soothed in both body and mind.