When you think of camping, maybe you imagine tents, s'mores, starry skies, and the crackle of a cozy campfire. But would it surprise you to know that camping, or at least the idea of dwelling in the wilderness, is deeply rooted in the Bible? In fact, much of God’s story with His people takes place outside, in tents, deserts, and mountaintops. It’s fair to say that if you’re pitching a tent and heading into nature, you’re in good biblical company.
Let’s take a look at how the Bible highlights camping, not just as a physical activity but as a spiritual journey, and how it ties beautifully into the heart of Jesus Was a Camper.
1. The Israelites Camped for 40 Years
One of the most significant examples of camping in the Bible is the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.
“The Israelites set out from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month… At the Lord’s command they set out, and at His command they camped.”
—Numbers 33:3, 33:2
For forty years, the Israelites lived in tents. They camped in the wilderness, dependent on God’s daily provision of manna and water. The cloud by day and fire by night guided them. Their camp was not a luxury vacation; it was a holy pilgrimage of obedience, transformation, and trust.
2. God Dwelt in a Tent Too
God didn’t just send His people to live in tents. He Himself “camped” among them in the Tabernacle.
“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.”
—Exodus 25:8–9
The Tabernacle was a sacred tent where God’s presence lived as His people wandered through the desert. That means God was camping too; right alongside His children. What a powerful reminder that we are never alone in the wilderness.
3. Jesus Often Went Outdoors to Pray
Jesus didn’t need a tent to experience the benefits of being outside. Time and again, we see Him retreating to the mountains, deserts, and gardens to reconnect with the Father.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
—Luke 5:16“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.”
—Matthew 14:23
Jesus wasn’t a city-bound teacher. He taught on hillsides, prayed under open skies, walked dusty roads, and even slept in boats. His ministry was deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature. He was, quite literally, an outdoor educator—one who found rest, renewal, and revelation in God’s creation.
4. Paul Was a Tentmaker—Literally
Did you know that one of the early church leaders had a job that involved camping gear?
“And because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”
—Acts 18:3
Paul, one of the most influential apostles, made tents for a living. This detail isn’t just a fun fact; it connects to the larger biblical theme of temporary dwelling, pilgrimage, and living simply while doing God’s work.
5. We Are All Campers Here
Finally, Scripture reminds us that life on earth is a temporary campsite: our true home is with God.
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven…”
—2 Corinthians 5:1
Camping teaches us this truth in a tangible way. Living in a tent reminds us to hold things loosely, to trust in God's provision, and to find joy in simplicity.
Conclusion: The Gospel in the Great Outdoors
Camping is more than a recreational pastime. It's a biblical invitation to draw closer to God through nature, to embrace simplicity, and to rediscover the wonder of creation. Whether you're roasting marshmallows with your family or hiking a quiet trail, you're following a path well-trodden by prophets, disciples, and even the Savior Himself.
In Jesus Was a Camper, we celebrate this connection; reminding children (and the grown-ups who love them) that the wilderness can be holy, that tents can be temples, and that Jesus is still walking with us under the stars.
So the next time you go camping, remember: you're not just on a trip—you’re entering sacred ground.
