| Cost | See Camps App |
|---|---|
| Location | Australia-wide |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | See Camps App |
| Vehicle Access | See Camps App |
| In Camps App | Yes – Available on iPhone/iPad and Android |
It is easy for me to find books to read, a book-aholic – I have some lined up on my bedside, plus a bookshelf full just waiting.
Here are some of my favourites, that I hope you will enjoy. Send in your recommendations and camping/reading photos, and we’ll start another list!
Bridge of Clay – Markus Zusak
This story meant I only started my latest book club saga a few days before we were supposed to discuss it! If you are a lover of The Book Thief, Zusak’s latest was exquisite.
He tips me so easily into tears, crafting such memorable characters – and his writing is so beautiful. However, it was gifted to me by someone who just didn’t like it. But it was a winner for me.
Diana Gabaldon – Outlander Series
Don’t watch it first. Jamie and Claire are characters I can read about over and over again – teaching me about the Jacobites and now American independence.
Time travel, red hair, romance and kilts. Luckily, Gabaldon has the next book out soon, Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone. You’ll see why it has created a surge of fans for everything Scottish.
Alexander McCall Smith – The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Characters, humour, and solving mysteries in Botswana. This is an engaging series with bush tea.
Bryce Courtenay – Matthew Flinder’s Cat
I think I would be hard pressed to say which Courtenay book I like best. Jessica? The Family Frying Pan (a collection on global stories and recipes)… The Power of One? You are always in for a rollicking good tale, lovable eccentrics, villains and the unconquerable human spirit.
Mitch Allom – Tuesdays with Morrie
Perhaps don’t read this if someone close to you is dying. Not yet, anyway. Poignant and a must-read.
Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows – The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
Island life in occupied Guernsey. Letters and the love of words brings people together, definitely recommend! The movie is wonderful, too!
Sebastian Faulks – Birdsong
This should be at the top of my list. About the trenches of World War I and love. It is not always an easy read, but it is a book I will always keep near.
Ian Rankin – Rebus series
I just love Rebus. He is not attractive or polite but he finds the killer – every time. Another Scot. It’s also interesting reading about Edinburgh, and makes me want to return (without the crime).
Henning Mankell – Kurt Wallander
The character is also now found on TV; another troubled-in-personal-life but best-damn-detective-you’ll-find scenario. Swap the UK for Sweden, though, and enjoy the clever plots and twists.
Sue Grafton – A is for Alibi
Kinsey Millhone is a Californian PI. It is an older series, woven around the few people she holds dear. Full of action and never an easy ‘whodunnit’.
George RR Martin – Game of Thrones
Don’t ever believe the series are better than the books. I was riveted, and rolled through each book – saddened at the end. Gory, violent, endearing. I was very impressed – they distracted me no end from my duties.
Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice
I was gifted her set of six books and treasure them. They are a comfort to be reread whenever I want a laugh. Austen was the ultimate deliverer of disdain and life lessons – with gentle, powerful romance. A definite favourite that I hope every child is made to read in school!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of books are recommended for camping trips?
The list includes a diverse range of genres perfect for camping – from historical fiction like Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong, to detective mysteries with Ian Rankin’s Rebus series and Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone novels. There’s also literary fiction like Markus Zusak’s Bridge of Clay, and classic romance with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Are these books suitable for reading outdoors?
Yes, these books span various reading moods and camping conditions. Lighter reads like Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency are perfect for relaxed bush camping, while engaging page-turners like George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones are ideal for longer stays when you want to get completely absorbed in a story.
Which book is recommended for first-time readers of this list?
If you loved The Book Thief, start with Markus Zusak’s Bridge of Clay. For detective fiction fans, try Ian Rankin’s Rebus series set in Edinburgh. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is described as a comfort read perfect for rereading, making it an excellent accessible starting point.
Are any of these books part of a series?
Yes, several are series perfect for extended camping trips: Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Ian Rankin’s Rebus series, Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander novels, Sue Grafton’s alphabet series starting with A is for Alibi, and George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones books.
Which books have been adapted to film or TV?
Several have screen adaptations: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society has a wonderful movie, Game of Thrones became a major TV series, the Kurt Wallander character appears on TV, and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander is now a popular television show. However, it’s recommended to read the books first for the full experience.
What makes these books good for camping?
These selections offer engaging stories that transport you to different places and times – from Botswana with bush tea to the Scottish Highlands, from the trenches of World War I to occupied Guernsey. They’re absorbing reads that complement the relaxed pace and contemplative atmosphere of camping life.
Are there any emotional or challenging reads on this list?
Yes, some books are more emotionally intense. Tuesdays with Morrie is poignant and should perhaps be avoided if someone close to you is dying. Birdsong about World War I trenches is not always an easy read. Game of Thrones is described as gory and violent, though endearing.
Where can I find more camping book recommendations?
You’re encouraged to send in your own recommendations and camping/reading photos to Camps Australia Wide to contribute to future book lists. Check the Camps App for more camping-related content and community suggestions.
