There’s something about summer camp that just gets us, maybe it’s the smell of bonfires, the thrill of a secret crush across the mess hall, or those long, sun-drenched afternoons that feel like they could last forever. If you’ve ever had a camp romance (or just daydreamed about one), you know the vibe: butterflies, drama, and just the right amount of awkward. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 Summer Camp Romance Books that are pure nostalgic perfection.
These stories bring back all the feels, first kisses under the stars, stolen glances at canoe practice, and friendships that shape you forever. Whether you’re craving swoony romance, emotional growth, or some classic summer drama (cabin rivalries, anyone?), this list is here to make your heart melt. So grab your bug spray, pack your sunscreen, and get ready to fall in love all over again, with camp, with summer, and with these unforgettable reads.
1. You Have a Match by Emma Lord
You Have a Match by Emma Lord is a charming, heart-squeezing summer read that blends sisterhood, secrets, and a dash of campfire romance. The story kicks off when Abby takes a DNA test as a joke, and discovers she has an older sister, Savannah. Cue a surprise summer at Camp Reynolds, where the two girls awkwardly reunite to uncover the truth about their families. As if secret siblings weren’t enough, Abby also has to deal with her longtime best friend (and crush) Leo being at camp too. Yep, feelings, secrets, and s’mores all collide.
Emma Lord captures the nostalgic magic of summer camp perfectly, mess hall chaos, canoeing, late-night heart-to-hearts, and those slow, sweet summer crushes. It’s witty, emotionally layered, and full of heart. If you love stories about growing up, finding your people, and lakeside love, this one’s a must-pack.
2. Sunkissed by Kasie West
Sunkissed by Kasie West is a dreamy, sun-soaked summer camp romance that serves all the nostalgic camp vibes with a side of music and butterflies. The story follows Avery, who’s dragged to a remote family camp after a betrayal by her best friend and boyfriend. Determined to stay closed off, she ends up meeting Brooks, a cute, mysterious musician working at camp, and suddenly, her summer takes a turn for the unforgettable.
Set against the backdrop of bonfires, talent shows, and lakeside days, Sunkissed perfectly captures that giddy, all-consuming feeling of a first summer crush. Kasie West brings the camp setting to life with just the right mix of fun and heart, making you wish you were there too. If you’re into soft romance, self-discovery, and camp nostalgia at its sweetest, this book is like a perfectly melted s’more, warm, sweet, and impossible to resist.
3. Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita
Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita is the ultimate feel-good summer camp read, bursting with nostalgic charm, friendship, and just the right touch of teen romance. It follows Sam, who escapes her drama-filled life by volunteering as a counselor-in-training at Whispering Pines camp. She’s hoping for a fresh start, and what she finds is a whirlwind of prank wars, new friendships, campfire bonding and a seriously cute fellow counselor.
The story nails that iconic summer camp vibe: bunk bed whispers, talent show chaos, and heart-fluttering crushes by the lake. Jen Calonita brings the setting to life with warm, breezy writing and a cast of lovable, relatable characters. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and letting summer change you in the best way. If you’re craving carefree camp days, s’mores, and a sweet, summery escape, Sleepaway Girls is a nostalgic must-read.
4. Until Next Summer by Ali Brady
Until Next Summer by Ali Brady is a swoony, feel-good summer romance that brings all the campfire nostalgia and second-chance feels. The story follows Hillary and Jessie, childhood best friends turned near-strangers, who reunite as counselors at Camp Chickawah, the same place they spent their magical summers as teens. Years after a falling-out and a kiss they never talked about, they’re back in their old bunks, navigating camp games, stubborn feelings, and maybe a second shot at something more.
This story is bursting with nostalgic summer magic, think canoe races, late-night swims, and shared secrets under the stars. Hillary and Jessie’s chemistry is warm and complicated in the best way, and their emotional journey is both heartfelt and healing. Ali Brady perfectly captures the magic of summer camp and the ache of what-if love. It’s tender, fun, and full of lakeside longing. A must-read for your summer stack.
5. Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor
Serena Kaylor’s Long Story Short is a true gem that cleverly and swoon-worthily combines traditional kitsch nostalgia with bookish charm. It centres on Beatrice, a Shakespeare-loving adolescent with social anxiety whose parents encourage her to go to a summer camp for theatre in order to get out of her shell before college. Bea is dreading it, of course, but then unexpected friendships, late-night rehearsals, camp pranks, and a brooding, teasing love interest who challenges her in the greatest ways.
This book excels because it combines genuine emotional development with endearing romance. The theatrical camp atmosphere, complete with sharing bunks, clumsy talent showcases, and campfire confessions, adds all the nostalgic charm, and Bea’s metamorphosis feels earned. Ideal for those who enjoy clever banter and memorable summer tales.
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6. Camp by Lev A. C. Rosen
Camp by Lev A.C. Rosen is a joyful, heartfelt, and sharp-witted celebration of queer identity, set at the ultimate summer haven: Camp Outland. The story follows Randy, a theatre-loving, openly gay teen who reinvents himself as “Del”, a masc, sporty version of himself, to win over his longtime crush, Hudson. But as the summer unfolds with lip-sync battles, lake swims, and colour wars, Randy starts to question whether changing who he is for love is really worth it.
This book absolutely nails the nostalgic camp vibes: bunk gossip, talent shows, and emotional late-night chats under the stars. But what makes it sparkle is how it blends rom-com fun with a powerful exploration of identity, self-acceptance, and queer joy. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, smart, and emotionally rich. If you love romance with a strong message and that irreplaceable summer camp magic, Camp is a must-read.
7. Nothing Happened by Molly Horton Booth
Nothing Happened by Molly Horton Booth is a charming, clever, and delightfully queer retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, set at the dreamy Camp Dogberry. It follows lifelong best friends Bea and Ben, whose messy almost-romance still lingers as they return for another summer as counselors. Add in a cast of lovable campers, Shakespearean banter, prank wars, and slow-burn tension, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a swoony, sun-drenched story.
The camp setting is total nostalgic bliss, bonfires, bunks, canoe dates, and the chaotic joy of teen summers. Booth captures that unique summer camp energy where everything feels heightened: friendships, feelings, and first love. It’s inclusive, witty, and emotionally grounded, making it both fun and meaningful. If you’re into theatre kids, slow-burn sapphic romance, and stories that feel like a warm breeze through the pines, Nothing Happened is your perfect summer read.
8. The Matchbreaker Summer by Annie Rains
The Matchbreaker Summer by Annie Rains is an adorable and heartfelt summer camp romance that perfectly captures the magic of warm days, lakeside moments, and unexpected love. The story follows Paisley, who’s not thrilled to be spending her summer at Camp Starling, especially since her mother just got engaged to the camp director. Determined to break them up, Paisley launches a secret “matchbreaking” mission, until she meets Hayden, the director’s cute and thoughtful son. Naturally, things get complicated.
This book sparkles with all the nostalgic camp vibes: canoe rides, campfires, shared secrets, and that sweet, slow-burn kind of crush. Annie Rains balances humour and heart perfectly, creating a story that’s both light and emotionally rich. It’s about love, family, and letting go of control. If you love summer camp settings with a dash of drama and a heart-fluttering romance, this one’s a total gem.
9. Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino
Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino is a beautifully inclusive and heartwarming summer camp romance that hits all the right nostalgic notes. The story follows Lilah, a Deaf teen unsure of where she fits between the hearing and Deaf worlds. When she becomes a counselor at Camp Gray Wolf, a camp for Deaf and hard-of-hearing kids, she finally finds a place where she feels seen. Enter Isaac, a charming fellow counselor who makes her summer even more unforgettable.
This book shines with lakeside charm, sweet romance, and meaningful representation. From camp games to starlit chats, the setting brings back all those cozy, carefree camp memories we live for. Anna Sortino weaves identity, friendship, and first love into a story that feels fresh, honest, and full of heart. If you love nostalgic summer vibes with real emotional depth, Give Me a Sign will absolutely speak to you.
10. Five Summers by Una LaMarche
Five Summers by Una LaMarche is a heartfelt, nostalgic dive into friendship, first love, and all the messy magic of growing up at summer camp. The story follows four girls, Emma, Skylar, Maddie, and Jo, who were inseparable during their years at Camp Nedoba. Now teens, they reunite for a weekend at camp, and all the secrets, old crushes, and unresolved drama come rushing back.
Told in alternating POVs and layered with flashbacks, the novel captures that unique mix of freedom and intensity only summer camp can offer. It’s smart, emotionally rich, and full of moments that make you laugh one second and tear up the next. Una LaMarche beautifully explores how friendships evolve and how love, romantic or platonic, can be both complicated and enduring. If you adore lakeside nostalgia, bunk bed confessions, and honest portrayals of girlhood, Five Summers is a total summer camp classic.
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