Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

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

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

Last updated:2025/6/15

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

When you think of outdoor activities, the first thing that comes to mind is camping, right?

Many kids experience it through school events, family trips, or the Boy Scouts.

In this article, we’ll introduce camp songs and recreation songs that are perfect for camping.

We’ve also gathered lots of classic campfire songs—the highlight of any camp—so try learning them before the day and have fun together.

Camping is a valuable opportunity to feel the earth and the blessings of nature with your children or friends.

If you’re thinking, “I absolutely want to make it a great time!”, be sure to check this out!

[Camp Songs] Classic camp songs. Fun campfire songs (1–10)

Row, Michael!

Michael, Row the Boat Ashore (an English song)

Row, Michael!

This song, which is also an African American spiritual, was created during the Civil War on St.

Helena Island, one of the Sea Islands of South Carolina.

It is said that enslaved people during the war sang it while rowing boats.

In the Japanese version of the lyrics, however, the imagery is the complete opposite of that world: it conveys a cheerful “let’s all sing together!” feeling.

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Camp da HoiLyrics and composition: Mike Maki

16 Camp da Hoi (August)

Camp da Hoi Lyrics and Music by Mike Maki

“Camp da Hoi” is a country & western-style song written and composed by Maki Maki.

It’s a number often sung in settings like the Boy Scouts.

The lyrics are perfect for camping, the outdoors, and seaside or forest school trips, making it a great song to sing in chorus with lots of friends—one that can help new acquaintances grow closer and foster a sense of unity.

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Big SongLyrics and Music: Koichi Nakajima

A big song

Big Song Lyrics and Music: Koichi Nakajima

“Ooki na Uta” is a very easy-to-remember round (canon) song.

Many of you might know it as a baseball cheer song with parody lyrics under the title “Ooki na Home Run.” If those who know it sing the lead and those who don’t follow the melody, everyone at the camp can sing together.

Its spacious, open melody is perfect for group singing under a blue sky.

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Campfire song

G. Bizet / L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2 — Farandole

Campfire song

The original melody uses the opening section of “Farandole” from Bizet’s suite L’Arlésienne as is.

It’s a campfire staple, second only to “Moeyo yo Moeyo.” The lyricist is unknown and remains unidentified.

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Turkey in the straw

Turkey in the Straw ♪ Oh, what a fuss, what a fuss, the turkey is... Lyrics by Shizuo Kuno · American folk song · Turkey in the Straw

Turkey in the straw

“Turkey in the Straw” is a classic tune that both adults and children can dance to.

It became famous in the United States in the late 19th century and was later brought to Japan, where it gained popularity.

In Japan, it’s well known as a folk dance number titled “Oklahoma Mixer,” but I’ve heard that calling it “Oklahoma Mixer” won’t be understood in the United States!

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TatarochkaRussian folk song

Tatarochika

Tatarochka Russian Folk Song

This folk dance piece, a Russian folk song long passed down as a dance song among the Tatar people, is above all appealing for its cheerful, easy-to-dance rhythm.

Its bright, lively tempo and the folk-song-typical, easy-to-remember melody line are sure to bring a smile to listeners’ faces.

The warm timbres of instruments like the accordion and balalaika are also striking.

It has been adopted as folk dance material in Japanese elementary schools, and it’s a perfect choice for everyone to dance in a circle around a campfire.

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A night at the camp

Camp Night

A night at the camp

This is a Japanese camp song that uses the melody of the Slovak folk song “Good Night (Dobrú noc).” In Japan, it is sung as a camp song and its lyrics depict that setting, but the original song has no such lyrics at all and is purely considered a lullaby.

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