There’s something about camping that feels like it should be a good idea. The call of the wild, the fresh air, the crackling campfire—it all sounds so idyllic, doesn’t it? But, as these movies will remind you, the great outdoors is full of dangers lurking behind every tree, under every rock, and in every cabin basement. Whether it’s because of poor planning, supernatural forces, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, these films show us that sometimes, it’s best to leave nature alone. Here are the six best camping-gone-wrong movies that will make you glad you’re watching from the comfort of your couch, plus a bonus one that might just convince you to cancel your next hiking trip altogether.
1. “The Blair Witch Project” (1999)
Why It’s the Best of the Worst:
Let’s kick things off with the movie that redefined both the horror genre and how we all feel about camping: The Blair Witch Project. This found-footage phenomenon didn’t just scare the bejesus out of audiences—it turned the seemingly simple act of walking through the woods into a nightmarish ordeal. The film follows three student filmmakers as they venture into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland, to make a documentary about the local legend of the Blair Witch. What they find instead is a descent into paranoia, terror, and shaky camera work.
The Plot (Or Lack Thereof):
The story is simple: three people go into the woods, get lost, and are never seen again. The brilliance of The Blair Witch Project lies in what you don’t see. The film relies on the unseen and the unknown to build its tension, making every rustle in the bushes and every pile of rocks a potential harbinger of doom. The film’s final moments—where we see one character standing eerily in the corner of a dark, decrepit basement—has become iconic, proving that sometimes the scariest things are those left to the imagination.
Takeaway:
If you ever feel the urge to explore a local legend or document something spooky in the woods, maybe just…don’t. And if you do, at least bring a map that works—and possibly a satellite phone.
2. “Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” (2010)
Why It’s the Best of the Worst:
Horror meets comedy in this brilliantly subversive film that flips the classic slasher movie on its head. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is a dark comedy that takes every horror movie cliché and turns it into a laugh-out-loud bloodbath. The movie’s real genius lies in its ability to make you root for the so-called villains while laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation.
The Plot:
Tucker and Dale are two well-meaning but socially awkward hillbillies who just want to enjoy their new “vacation home”—a dilapidated cabin deep in the woods. Unfortunately, a group of college students camping nearby mistake the pair for backwoods killers. What ensues is a series of increasingly absurd and deadly accidents, as the college kids try to “rescue” their friend from the “evil” Tucker and Dale, who are just trying to enjoy their fishing trip.
Takeaway:
Never judge a book by its cover—or a hillbilly by his flannel shirt. Also, avoid assuming that every rural cabin is a murder shack. Sometimes, it’s just a fixer-upper.
3. “Evil Dead II” (1987)
Why It’s the Best of the Worst:
Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead II is not just a horror movie; it’s a rollercoaster ride through hell, filled with over-the-top gore, slapstick comedy, and Bruce Campbell’s iconic performance as Ash Williams. This sequel-slash-remake of the original Evil Dead takes everything that was great about the first film and cranks it up to eleven, creating a cult classic that’s equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
The Plot:
Ash takes his girlfriend Linda to a remote cabin in the woods, hoping for a romantic getaway. Unfortunately, he discovers the Necronomicon, an ancient book that unleashes unspeakable evil into the world. The result? Linda gets possessed, Ash loses his hand, and the cabin becomes ground zero for a demon invasion. But instead of retreating, Ash fights back—with a chainsaw for a hand and a boomstick in the other, delivering one-liners that have become legendary in the horror genre.
Takeaway:
If you find a creepy book bound in human skin and inked in blood, just leave it alone. Seriously. Nothing good ever comes from reading out loud in a cabin in the woods.
4. “Wrong Turn” (2003)
Why It’s the Best of the Worst:
If you ever thought taking a shortcut through the woods was a good idea, Wrong Turn is here to disabuse you of that notion. This movie is a grisly reminder that sometimes, the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason—like, say, it’s inhabited by a family of inbred cannibals with a taste for human flesh. Set in the remote forests of West Virginia, Wrong Turn plays on our deepest fears of isolation and the unknown.
The Plot:
When a group of young people take a detour through the woods after a car accident, they quickly find themselves hunted by a family of deformed, cannibalistic mountain men. The group is picked off one by one in increasingly brutal ways as they struggle to survive the nightmare they’ve stumbled into. The film’s use of practical effects and relentless tension makes it a standout in the backwoods horror subgenre.
Takeaway:
When your GPS tells you to reroute, listen to it. And if you find yourself on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere, it’s probably best to turn around while you still can.
5. “Deliverance” (1972)
Why It’s the Best of the Worst:
Long before backwoods horror became a staple of the genre, there was Deliverance. This film isn’t just a camping-gone-wrong movie—it’s a harrowing descent into the darkest aspects of human nature. Directed by John Boorman and based on the novel by James Dickey, Deliverance is a powerful, haunting film that has left an indelible mark on both the horror genre and popular culture.
The Plot:
Four city dwellers—played by Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox—decide to take a canoe trip down a remote Georgia river before it’s dammed up and turned into a lake. What begins as a weekend of male bonding quickly turns into a fight for survival when they encounter a pair of sadistic mountain men. The infamous “squeal like a pig” scene remains one of the most disturbing moments in film history, illustrating the brutal realities of a situation gone horribly wrong.
Takeaway:
Nature is beautiful but unforgiving. And sometimes, it’s not the wilderness you need to worry about—it’s the people you might meet out there. If you’re not prepared to deal with both, maybe stick to the guided tours.
6. “Backcountry” (2014)
Why It’s the Best of the Worst:
While many camping horror films rely on supernatural elements or deranged killers, Backcountry taps into a far more primal fear: being hunted by a wild animal. Based on a true story, this Canadian survival thriller takes the concept of man versus nature to a terrifying extreme, reminding us that when you venture into the wild, you’re not always at the top of the food chain.
The Plot:
Alex and Jenn, a young couple from the city, decide to spend a weekend hiking and camping in the remote Canadian wilderness. Alex, who’s overconfident in his survival skills, insists they take a trail that’s off the beaten path. Things quickly go south when they realize they’re hopelessly lost, with no cell service and no food. But getting lost is the least of their worries when they encounter a massive black bear that begins stalking them. The film builds tension masterfully, leading to a climax that’s as brutal as it is inevitable.
Why It’s the Best of the Worst:
Missy Peregrym delivers a powerful performance as Jenn, a woman who must tap into her most primal instincts to survive. Backcountry is a chilling reminder that, despite all our technology and advancements, we are still vulnerable when we step into the wild.
Takeaway:
Always respect the wilderness and prepare for the worst. And remember, when a ranger says, “There are bears out there,” they mean it.
Bonus: “Friday the 13th” (1980)
Why It’s the Best of the Worst:
No list of camping horror films would be complete without the granddaddy of them all, Friday the 13th. This iconic slasher flick is the reason why a generation of teens reconsidered summer camp, and why hockey masks will forever be associated with murder. While Jason Voorhees might be the franchise’s most famous face, it’s his mother, Pamela Voorhees, who gets the ball rolling (or heads rolling, as it were) in this first installment.
The Plot:
Camp Crystal Lake has a dark history—one that the new batch of camp counselors doesn’t know about, but will soon find out. As the counselors settle in for what they think will be a fun summer, they start to get picked off one by one by an unseen killer. The film’s final twist—that the killer isn’t Jason, but his mother, seeking revenge for her son’s death—was shocking at the time and remains one of the most memorable reveals in horror history.
Takeaway:
If you’re going to be a camp counselor, maybe do a little research on the camp’s history first. Also, avoid wandering off alone at night. And maybe avoid summer camps altogether if you’re not a fan of being stalked by vengeful killers.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Stay Home
Camping can be a great way to connect with nature, but these movies show us just how quickly a peaceful retreat can turn into a nightmare. Whether it’s supernatural forces, deranged locals, or the simple, unforgiving power of nature, these films remind us that sometimes it’s better to enjoy the great outdoors from the safety of your living room.
So, the next time someone suggests a camping trip, maybe suggest a movie night instead. After all, you’re far less likely to be chased by a bear, a demon, or a murderous lunatic when you’re safely on the couch with a bowl of popcorn. And if you do decide to brave the wilderness? Well, just remember what these films have taught you: bring a map, avoid shortcuts, and never, ever read from the Necronomicon.
