Campfire Stories
Ranked #38 in Culture & Society, #1,093 overall
Tales to put a stitch in your side or make the hair on your neck stand on end! A good story told around the campfire has got to be one of life's most unsung pleasures.
Out in the fields a few early crops are in as Spring is in full swing. Green for the growing things and row upon row of rich earth from the tractors. There's not a cloud in the sky as bats flitter across our star filled night. Now is the time when the rough globes of light from campfires are cast. Gather everyone around.
It's time to tell campfire stories!
Contents at a Glance
A Brief Introduction
If you decide you want to tell stories, well I think that makes you someone special! All I can say on the subject is: practice, practice, practice. Never become discouraged. Search out and investigate other storytellers to become a better storyteller yourself. Any story you take the time to tell around the campfire will be time well spent.
Have you ever heard of an overabundance of storytellers?
Campfire Stories for Kids
One stop safe stories
Stories with a young crowd in mind. If you need two or three stories without concern about the content, choose freely from this list. If you know a good story that needs to be shared, you can submit the link at the end of this list.
1
The Legend of Lightning Larry
Look for many of Aaron's tales here as kids are definitely a group he has worked to reach. Here we have an original tall tale that's a mix of genres.16 points
2
The Conference of Mice
From Wendy's World: a story of a good idea but implementing it..well..that's what this very short tale is about.3 points
3
How the Ducks Got Their Fine Feathers
A tale of trickery. From apple4theteacher.com website.3 points
4
The Little Time Thief
From Stuart Baum's website. A story of stealing some time from the school bully. Now how could that be used?2 points
5
Farmer Jones And The Big Quake
From the Ultimate Camp Resource. An earthquake and its aftershocks keep knocking almost everything down. Except the bull in the field.2 points
6
The Hidden One
Aaron delivers again with the tale of a heroine overcoming obstacles. A Native American legend, adapted for storytelling by Aaron Shepard.2 points
7
Skeeter and the Weasels
Skeeter is a cat who sees weasels that most others can't. And the weasels have a plan. Share how he foils it with some help. An original story by Aaron Shepard.2 points
8
Tall Ted's Turtles
In this story, T is for tongue twister, so take your time telling this tale. Meet Tall Ted and his traveling turtle tank.1 point
Scary Campfire Stories
Send them cringing to their tents!
If you want a larger collection of scary stories please visit Halloween Ghost Stories.
1
The Bloodstain: A California Ghost Story
From American Folklore. A tale of a death in the family.5 points
2
Out Past The Shadows Edge
From David Testor and castleofspirits.com. A chilling tale of what lurks just outside the lights edge.3 points
3
King o' the Cats
If you are a cat family or have someone who loves cats this is a great tale. Aaron Shepard adapted this tale from an English folktale.3 points
4
Sneakers
A funny or scary ghost story crossposted from the Scouts. In PDF format. Not too long and of course age appropriate, say thanks to the Scouts! Bonus story follows - Climbing the Mountain. It's about completing tasks.3 points
5
The Boy Who Wanted the Willies
A tale retold from the Brothers Grimm, adapted for storytelling by Aaron Shepard. Direct link to the story, about 10 minutes long to tell.2 points
6
Mr. Fox
From Richard Martin's site, a horror tale waiting for your embellishments. You could make it as gory and scary as you dare!2 points
7
Vampire in the Taxi
When you tell this tale right, someone jumps! Scary as you want to make it so enjoy freaking the group out. Courtesy of Richard Martin.2 points
8
The Coughing Dog
Collected and adapted by Craig Dominey. From the Moonlit Road website. Great for a younger crowd who haven't heard this urban legend yet.
*This story had four points when the original link was broken.2 points
9
The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock
From the Moonlit Road website, here's a tale from the mountains of Tennessee. It's a story that can certainly give some folks the creepy crawlies Adapted by Craig Dominey.2 points
10
The Barn
Two kids hanging out in the barn find out why they should listen to their parents! From Ghostsandstories.com2 points
11
Graveyard Dogs
Whomever was worse, Joseph or the widow, watch out for the red eyes!2 points
12
The Blue Girl
A great long story about greed, tragedy and a blue ghost!2 points
Glow Sticks
Look out! Flying glow sticks!
For some fun try a knockoff of 500. Spin the glowstick around on the lanyard, release it and call the points you'll award. If the glowstick is caught they get the points. All that's needed is an open field.
Free shipping is always nice so check out if it's offered. Keep looking if not.
Hints on How to Tell Stories
I've gathered a small group of web resources that might help bring out that storyteller in you. The information ranges in depth from one page to entire collections of articles.
Many sites stream audio and a few offer podcasts or downloads. Richard Martin has an excellent website where you can listen to an accomplished storyteller. You can try using storyteller websites as a place to train yourself. If you want to get serious look for workshops and classes to attend that are offered. Do a search for storytelling workshops in your city/state.
No time to learn a story? Don't sweat it. Practically all of the collected stories are easily printed to be read aloud around a dancing campfire.
You'll have a great time...
- The Storytelling FAQ
- Maintained by Tim Sheppard. I found this at Richard Martin's old website. Check his new one Tell a Tale and hover over resources for more help. From across the pond, a fully loaded FAQ page! Includes phone numbers - feel free to ring them up - just remember the time diff!
- Aaron Shepard's Tell a Story
- A short guide to story telling for those brand new to this entertaining campfire tradition. Only five pages long, sink your teeth in! Many of his stories are linked to below.
Yet more help from Aaron here. - The Campfire Stories Handbook - Story Telling
- More tips on story telling gathered by The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster. Steve put together many good stories and topped it off with tips. I can't link directly to the area in the page so you'll have to scroll down a bit more than halfway. A lot of work I know, but worth it.
- Wenzel Story Telling Tips
- Honest to goodness, Wenzel has a page on how to tell stories. Short, sweet and to the point you get an outline to work with - you noodle the rest!
- Storyteller.net - Articles
- A group of articles, mostly about storytelling but a little of this-n-that too. There is information here for all levels of storytellers, be ye a novice or accomplished.
Campfire Pyrotechnics
Just below are some fun products like color flame crystals. It does exactly like it sounds, adding blues and greens to the reds and golds that occur naturally. Here's an example:
Brilliant blues and purples were seen in the fire's heart after the main display was over. If you want to add some razzle-dazzle or heck, just wanna have some fun, toss some of this into the flames. If you're like me you might just empty the whole thing in one night! Use when your fire is at its largest and cheeriest.
You can save a bundle on glow sticks. When you get asked how they work here is an easy explanation.
Fellow lensmaster All Things Michigan submitted a great idea: "Another cool thing to add to your campfire for the kiddies enjoyment - toss in a handful of granulated sugar and watch it spark and crackle. It's a miniature spark show." I'm going to find a link or two for more homemade fun like this.
The science behind this - the items below contain a compound (copper sulfate) and something to suspend it in. Metals and other elements radiate a different frequency of light when burned. From Wiki here is a list of colors and elements. Neat huh?
1
Seymour Mfg. 30-525 Color Flame Crystals
Make sure your fire is nice-n-hot. Pour a goodly a more...2 points
Funny Campfire Stories
Spinning a tale taller and taller
A variety of tall tales to choose from. I think you really should check out Chuck Larkin's material. Some, well, all of his tall tales are terrific.
1
The Fisherman and the Bear
S. E. Schlosser retells this tale. Make sure you get up and act like the the bear when telling this story - it just gets funnier!4 points
2
Chuck Larkin's Short Tall Tales
Chuck gathered 10 more short tall tales to split your sides to. Totally kid friendly for all ages. This is a PDF file. I liked The Georgia Peach and Will, The Tornado.3 points
3
Maineiac Ultimate Jokes and Games
A short Cowboy Tall Tale that's really pretty good! Short and funny, it shouldn't be too hard to get this one down. If you have a pop-up blocker make sure it's engaged before visiting.2 points
4
Tall Tales from Chuck Larkin
Chuck put together 4 great tall tales into one PDF file. My First Job - being a young beeboy. Dogs: Frosty, BJ and Spot. My Mother's Brother. Ike's Family and Aunt Irene. A bit long and all hilarious - absolutely kid friendly!2 points
5
The Tailor and his Wife
From Richard Martin this tale is a barebone. Once you fill it out a bit you'll have everyone rolling around the fire. Change pounds to dollars if you like. :)2 points
6
I Don't Feel Dead Yet!
Humorous and macabre at the same time, the Moonlit Road brings everyone a tale about a corpse who just wont admit he's passed on.2 points
7
The Wifes Letter
Another tale from Richard Martin - this includes a video of the storyteller sharing his story!2 points
8
Legends of Paul Bunyan - The "Meteor Rock" of Ideal
This is a fun tall tale with plenty of chuckles. Seems the moon, along with everything else froze. No, it's not Frenchy's fault! But the problem gets solved.2 points
Campfire Stories Guestbook
Whatsa matter, you blurbless?
Drop a note and say Hi!
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kristalulabelle84
May 21, 2012 @ 1:30 pm | delete
- Fantastic Lens! I will be featuring it on my Camping Lens!
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Centavo
May 11, 2012 @ 3:32 pm | delete
- Great lens. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your Lens of the Day award. I will be back to read more of your stories. Have a great weekend!
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KateHon
May 6, 2012 @ 11:12 am | delete
- I'll just bet you're the life of every party! Loved this article and can't wait to try out some of your campfire story ideas! Thanks for all the great info!
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LaraineRose
May 4, 2012 @ 8:45 pm | delete
- I'm bookmarking this for this summer's reunion. Thank you for sharing. Blessed.
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CampingMemoriesDotCom
Apr 28, 2012 @ 12:01 am | delete
- Always need a good story for the campfire, Thank you.
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- Load More
Funny Campfire Stories Deuce
Smiles and laughter is good medicine for the soul
A smattering of this and that to whet appetites for more tales.
1
The Fisherman and His Wife
This author took some common fairy tales and put a fun twist on each. Be sure to check out the other stories (listed in small type under top banner) as each is amusing.3 points
2
Fur-Bearing Trout
At two paragraphs long, I bet you could tuck a couple of these under your belt for the next campfire. From American Folklore - the trout having fur? That was just an accident..2 points
3
You Can't Get Out
An Oklahoma Ghost Story from American Folklore. Direct link to a funny story, short enough to remember without much preparation.2 points
4
John Tate's Compass
From the Ultimate Camp Resource, a tale with a fun play on words. Short and definitely easy to remember, take this with you on your next trip!2 points
5
Red Sloppity Lips
From The Ultimate Camp Resource, this is a funny tale for a younger crowd. Older (or maturer) kids will earn you eye rolls for your time. This is another fairly short story that won't pose a big problem to remember.2 points
6
A Hard Day's Night
From the Ultimate Camp Resource. A great short tale with a real groaner at the end! Good for all age groups except the youngest.2 points
7
A Porker in the Family
Here is a story we have all heard at one time or another - so it's a classic. This isn't very long or hard to remember and is sure to bring squeals of laughter from the youngsters.2 points
Native American Tales
Stories from the First Nations
Remember, never tell the moral of the story! It's for the listener to have the pleasure of discovering.
1
Beaver Builds a Slide
A Shoshone tale from Storyteller.net tells how Beaver got his flat tail with Otter's help.2 points
2
Buffalo Woman, A Story of Magic
Buffalo Woman, A Story of Magic from Native American Lore. A story of love, magic and ....2 points
3
Creation of the First Indians
From Native American Lore Index, this is a longer story about the creation of the first Indians from one tribe's viewpoint.2 points
4
The Snake with Big Feet
A great tale that tells how this tribe of Indians received deerskin moccasins among other gifts. This tale will probably come in at around 5 minutes. From Native American Lore.2 points
5
Heron and the Hummingbird
A Hitchiti Tribe story from American Folklore. This is a nice, familiar story that even the youngin's should grasp. Not very long, it shouldn't be difficult to get this one down pat.2 points
6
How Coyote Stole Fire
From American Native Lore, How Coyote Stole Fire is a good, short story. Includes a great chase scene that could certainly be embellished.2 points
Scouting Campfire Stories
Support your local Scouts!
- A Genius This and That
- This is a fun short story but you'll need a larger group to enjoy this story completely. On page five there is this skit.
When you click this link it will download a .DOC file that is a Baloo's Bugle newsletter. It originates from the usscouts,org website. - Sneakers
- A funny or scary ghost story from the Scouts. In a PDF format. Not too long and of course age appropriate, say thanks to the Scouts!
- Funny Stories for Kids - short clean kid-oriented
- From the Scouts!
- The MacScouter -- Online Stories
- The MacScouter is the one stop online place for all things about Scouting. Here I've linked to their table of contents in the stories subsection. A truly wonderful site!
- Cub Scout and Boy Scout Stories
- There are a ton of great stories here but they aren't hyperlinked. You'll have to cruise through, copy, paste and print to get what you want. All age appropriate material for youngsters.
World Stories
Stories and legends from across the globe.
- The Boy Who Drew Cats
- A tale from Japan, retold by Aaron Shepard.
- Children of Lir
- From Storyteller.net an Irish tale.
Scary Campfire Story Websites
Where the scary stuff originates
Rate the sites up if you like them and add your own!
1
Ghost Stories & Campfire Tales
Ghost Stories and Campfire Tales - The following stories are all common legends, some passed down orally, others written and rewritten.2 points
2
Bare Bones for Storytellers
Choose a story at the top and scroll down to it. Short and easy stories begging for embellishment.2 points
3
The Campfire Stories Handbook - Ghost Stories I
Seven stories of varying length and difficulty to put some scare in the darkness outside the light of the campfire. Courtesy of The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster2 points
5
Aaron's Indexes
A genre guide to stories and scripts by children's author Aaron Shepard. Here are some supernatural tales! An excellent list with many stories.2 points
6
Ghosts and Ghost Stories
PUBLIC WARNING: The website you are about to enter is allegedly HAUNTED. Accounts by credible witnesses have reported the presence of real ghosts within these pages. Enter this site at your own risk.2 points
7
American Folklore
Retellings of American folktales, tall tales, myths and legends, Native American myths, weather folklore, ghost stories, and more from each of the 50 United States of America.2 points
8
The Moonlit Road.com - Strange Tales of the American South
The title says it all. This is a great site chock full of good things!2 points
9
Burial Day Books | Scary Horror Stories | Ghost Stories
A boutique publisher of supernatural horror. Once a month we feature an established or emerging horror writer. These short supernatural horror stories deal with elements of superstition, folklore or myth. We look for writers that are innovative but can also give a nod to past - classic horror. We feature stories with limited gore and limited extreme violence because of the belief that fear, true fear, comes from the unknown. Read these scary horror stories today.0 points
Funny Campfire Story Websites
- Aaron's Indexes ~ Genre
- More from Aaron's indexes. Here a direct link to his Tall Tales.
- Tall Tales
- Another section of American Folklore featuring Tall tales with many, many stories.
- Legends of Paul Bunyan
- The name really says it all doesn't it? A collection of stories featuring Paul and his adventures.
- Tall Tales and Campfire Stories
- Tall Tales and Campfire Stories. This could also be filed under the Scouts section. Here is a collection of tall tales and campfire stories suitable for telling to a group of young people.
Funny Campfire Stories Deuce Websites
two of the websites the stories are drawn from
- Chuck Larkin -- Bluegrass Storyteller
- This site contains a list of long stories in a variety of genres. If you think you are a good storyteller, here are some tales to test your mettle. Don't fret though, it also includes a nice selection of short tall tales too! Most enjoyable! This is in a .pdf format.
- Funny Campfire Stories
- From the site: "These campfire stories are either funny from start to finish, or appear to be scary but finish with a silly ending. Some are just plain corny, and that's okay, too!"
Native American Story Websites
Tales from the First Nation
- Native American myths
- A collection of folklore from Native Americans. Another section from the American Folklore site.
- Native American Lore Index
- Here are links to a hundred and fifty stories of Native American Indian Lore.
- Bear Stories
- Eleven fairly short stories featuring many of the animals in Native American lore.
- The Campfire Stories Handbook - Indian Legends
- A collection of 8 Indian Legends, including: Why The Chipmunk Has Black Stripes; Chipmunk and Bear; How Dogs Came To The Indians; How Fire Came To The Six Nations; Tail Of Fire; The First Moccasins; Why The Mouse Is So Silky and Why The Opossum's Tail Is Bare.
These stories are of varying length and difficulty, but all fun with a lesson.
Gathered by The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster. - The Campfire Stories Handbook - Indian Legends II
- Includes the legends of: Rabbit Shoots The Sun; Spirit Animal; The Indian & The Snake; Why The Weasel Is Nervous; The Great Flood; The Origin Of The Winds; Rabbit And The Moon Man; Honeyed Words Can't Sweeten Evil; The Great Father Mosquito; The Eskimo Indian And His Fox Wife; The Loon; The Raven; The Hunting of the Great Bear;The Hungry Fox and the Boastful Suitor.
Again, many, many good tales.
Gathered by The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster.
by Jimi
A lens bringing tales to stand hairs on end or stitch your sides with laughter!
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Mystical Fire
Great fun!
Mystical Fire
Amazon Price: $1.85 (as of 05/29/2012)
Have some fun and show off a little razzle dazzle during a memorable evening around the campfire. This is an great way to add a touch of magic to the night. Kids love the show and adults will be entertained.
Designed to last a few minutes and will not make your fire flare up. I suggest as many packages that seem reasonable to you. That guess will hopefully be enough and won't leave you wishing for more. Use when your fire is at its largest and cheeriest!
You know where to come back and get more for next time!
Looking for something off the beaten path?
Help Keeping the Skeeters at Bay
Off! Powerpad Lamp 1 Each
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 05/29/2012)
Around camp I am a huge fan of Off!'s PowerPad lantern. The candles will burn for around four hours of protection and after dark can provide a nice accent to your campsite. I've been using this lantern style mosquito repellent for three years and have to tell you - it is the best I've used. Toss every other kind of slow burning repellent you've bought be it rings, citronella or punks.
If the skeeters are especially ferocious you can combine the Off! lantern with a spray on bug repellent and remain almost ungnawed. Don't put the lantern near the fire or the updraft might suck up your protection. I've found that setting it up a pace behind our camp chairs is best at beating the bugs.
