[Camp Songs] Classic camping songs. Campfire songs you can play along with

Like that blue skyLyrics and Music: Kenji Niwa

Like that blue sky

As the title suggests, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to look up at the sky and sing.

I’ve heard the songwriter composed it based on memories of a romance they had at the time.

It started with short lyrics, but as more people began singing it, new lines were naturally added, and it became a beloved piece.

With an arrangement that feels like a duet, it could be fun to sing with friends around a campfire!

PicnicLyrics by Eiichi Hagiwara

Picnic (children’s song)

This is a song that has been known across a wide range of ages since it was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 1962.

It has heartwarming lyrics about going to a ranch on a picnic and meeting various animals, but it’s said to have originally been either a British folk song or an African American folk song, with completely different lyrics.

More recently, in 2017, WANIMA arranged it into an intense rock version titled “Yatte Miyo” for an au commercial.

I'll definitely love you even more

I’ll definitely fall even more in love (Camp Song)

Many people can probably picture the warm sound of an acoustic guitar and the sight of children singing in unison.

With its simple yet memorable, charming melody and a string of gentle words that fill everyone with positivity, it makes joyful moments outdoors feel even more special.

This piece was never officially released; rather, since around 2012 it has been embraced as a camp song through video-sharing sites and carried on in educational settings as a community song.

It’s the perfect tune to sit at the heart of a campfire circle—one that naturally brings a smile to your face when you sing along.

Gacha-Gacha Band

Gachagacha Band / Tokyo Meister Singer

The chorus of onomatopoeia that imitates musical instruments is quite unique.

In Japan, it was reportedly first introduced on the inaugural broadcast of NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in August 1965.

Originally, it was composed as a camp song to be sung at Nojiri Gakuso, a long-term boys’ camp organized by the Tokyo YMCA.

Old MacDonald Had a FarmLyrics by Mikiharu Kobayashi / Music by American folk song

Jolly Ranch [with lyrics]

Yukai na Bokujō (Cheerful Farm) is a children’s song with Japanese lyrics by Kanji Kobayashi set to the American folk tune Old MacDonald Had a Farm.

Its bright, cheerful melody makes you feel happy when you sing it.

Because the lyrics change little by little as the song goes on, it’s easy for children to follow and always a hit with them.

How about using it for group singing or recreation at camp, incorporating hand motions and other actions?

Kaigara-bushiMinyo Crusaders

Minyo Crusaders – Kaigara Bushi (Official Music Video)

A danceable number by Minyo Crusaders that layers fiery Latin rhythms over traditional Japanese melodies, guaranteed to get your body moving.

Featured on their November 2023 album “Nihon Minyo Chindōchū,” this track boldly reconstructs the Tottori folk song “Kaigarabushi” in their own distinctive style.

While preserving the original’s nostalgic atmosphere, it invites listeners into a cheerful celebration.

Perfect for a lively BBQ at camp or a night gathered around the fire with friends.

Song of the Mountain BanditsLyrics by Hiroshi Tajima / Music by Yuka Kojima

Song of the Mountain Bandits

This “Bandit’s Song” is one you can sing like a chase, with everyone taking turns following the lyrics.

Some kids might think “bandits” sound scary, but don’t worry.

The words feel like they’re saying that with stars and the moon shining in the dark night sky, and friends huddled close together, even a long night won’t feel lonely.

Because most of the lyrics are sung back and forth like echoes, it’s perfect for scenes with lots of friends, like camping or around a campfire! Both the lyrics and the melody are simple, so even those who don’t know the song can start singing right away!