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The Book of Camping & Woodcraft: A Guidebook For Those Who Travel In The Wilderness
NOTE: This description is for the 2011 reprint with the green and black cover, NOT the 2012 reprint with the brown cover "published" by RareBooksClub.com. This 2011 edition is an EXACT reprint of the 1910 edition, and reproduces the original layout and illustrations perfectly. There IS NO gibberish or poorly OCR'd text in the one with the green and black cover. "Your thoroughbred camper likes not the attentions of a landlord, nor will he suffer himself to be rooted to the soil by cares of ownership or lease. It is not possession of the land, but of the landscape, that enjoys; and as for that, all the wild parts of the earth are his, by a title that carries with it no obligation but that he shall not desecrate nor lay them waste." H. Kephart Intended as the definitive pocket field guide for the turn of the 20th Century woodsman and camper, the The Book of Camping & Woodcraft was originally published in 1906. This particular "Heritage Edition" appears as it was on the second reprinting in 1910. In 1916, Kephart dramatically expanded the book into two volumes to include wagon camping and semi-permanent base camp construction. These are the equivalent of modern car camping - just a couple of notches down from a motel stay. The 1910 edition is the "purest" of all the editions of "The Book of Camping and Woodcraft." Fully illustrated with photographs and diagrams and packed with woodcraft lore, this book is a must-have for any rugged outdoorsman or bushcraft enthusiast.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 1906
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 7, 2023
This is from an American point of view, so some of the things in here weren't relevant to me.
There wasn't much to be learned here either for me as I've read most of the things in other books.
When I bought this book, I knew nothing about it, I bought it because of the title.
After buying it though, I quickly found out that it was first printed in 1905, so it's severely outdated and only some of it was transferable.
Finding out how things were done back then was interesting for me and it was an easy read due to the layout but it would have been better if there were more illustrations.
There wasn't much to be learned here either for me as I've read most of the things in other books.
When I bought this book, I knew nothing about it, I bought it because of the title.
After buying it though, I quickly found out that it was first printed in 1905, so it's severely outdated and only some of it was transferable.
Finding out how things were done back then was interesting for me and it was an easy read due to the layout but it would have been better if there were more illustrations.
October 29, 2022
Thanks are due to everyone in my life who has tolerated my obsessive quoting and talking about Horace Kephart for the past two years. I finished this book! ...on to the next one.
Yes, this is a practical camping advice manual that's more than a hundred years old. Yes, not everything Kephart says is relevant to the modern outdoorswoman (for one thing I don't need alternate strategies to acquire reindeer hide due to World War I-related shipping delays from Norway). Materials, laws, and medical advice have changed a lot since 1917 (although sometimes less than you'd think--did you know the 19th-century Pasteur treatment is still a standard treatment for rabies in many less wealthy parts of the world?). But the core of Kephart's advice--his understanding of human psychology, his tips and tricks for coping when isolated with few tools to hand--remains remarkably valid. And his literary asides (before becoming an outdoorsman Kephart was a librarian and rare book dealer) are a joy to read.
Yes, this is a practical camping advice manual that's more than a hundred years old. Yes, not everything Kephart says is relevant to the modern outdoorswoman (for one thing I don't need alternate strategies to acquire reindeer hide due to World War I-related shipping delays from Norway). Materials, laws, and medical advice have changed a lot since 1917 (although sometimes less than you'd think--did you know the 19th-century Pasteur treatment is still a standard treatment for rabies in many less wealthy parts of the world?). But the core of Kephart's advice--his understanding of human psychology, his tips and tricks for coping when isolated with few tools to hand--remains remarkably valid. And his literary asides (before becoming an outdoorsman Kephart was a librarian and rare book dealer) are a joy to read.
August 15, 2012
I came across this book many years ago in a library.
I read it as an adventure story with the most amazing details of practical self sufficiency in the backwoods of some of the American states, but knowing that everything Kephart was relating was true.
If anyone in the US, or Canada for that matter, wants to know all that they need to know about venturing into the inhospitable areas of their countries, this is the man, this is the book.
There is nothing he doesn't cover, if it's not in his book, don't do it!
Unfortunately apart from the copy in my library, which I managed to purchase when withdrawn, I have never seen it in print.
I don't know if it's in reprint in the US, haven't seen it on Amazon, but it can be downloaded in digital form.
I have a feeling that our own self sufficient survivalist in the UK, Ray Mears, must have read this or have a copy from some of his own teachings/advice.
I'm not embarrassed to say that I often re read this simply as an adventure story, rather like Robinson Crusoe, but a lot more exciting and practical!
The disgraceful fact is that although I have many US sites relating to the outdoors, camping, shooting, fishing etc., collated on Flipboard and Zite, I have never seen his name mentioned.
I read it as an adventure story with the most amazing details of practical self sufficiency in the backwoods of some of the American states, but knowing that everything Kephart was relating was true.
If anyone in the US, or Canada for that matter, wants to know all that they need to know about venturing into the inhospitable areas of their countries, this is the man, this is the book.
There is nothing he doesn't cover, if it's not in his book, don't do it!
Unfortunately apart from the copy in my library, which I managed to purchase when withdrawn, I have never seen it in print.
I don't know if it's in reprint in the US, haven't seen it on Amazon, but it can be downloaded in digital form.
I have a feeling that our own self sufficient survivalist in the UK, Ray Mears, must have read this or have a copy from some of his own teachings/advice.
I'm not embarrassed to say that I often re read this simply as an adventure story, rather like Robinson Crusoe, but a lot more exciting and practical!
The disgraceful fact is that although I have many US sites relating to the outdoors, camping, shooting, fishing etc., collated on Flipboard and Zite, I have never seen his name mentioned.
July 16, 2012
I read Kephart's book many long years a go, as a girl scout. Through time the book was lost somewhere, or given away, but not its memories.
I repurchased a copy of it the night Gary Carden had his book signing of "Outlander" on July 14, 2012 at the Jackson County Library. "Outlander" is a script copy (with several additions) of Carden's most recent play by the same name. "Outlander" premiered at The Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, NC. It is the story of Kephart's role in the establishment of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and its effect on people of the region, whose ancestors I lived among in Bryson City for many years.
Gary rekindled my interest in Kephart and both of his books "Camping and Woodcraft", as well as "Our Southern Highlanders", which I read in a course on Appalachian Literature at Appalachian State University in the mid 70s.
Thank you Gary for allowing my memories to come back to life, while giving me a much greater knowledge and appreciation of Horace Kephart.
*(The edition I purchased is the 2011 release, two volumes in one, containing an Introduction by George Ellison and Janet McCue).
I repurchased a copy of it the night Gary Carden had his book signing of "Outlander" on July 14, 2012 at the Jackson County Library. "Outlander" is a script copy (with several additions) of Carden's most recent play by the same name. "Outlander" premiered at The Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, NC. It is the story of Kephart's role in the establishment of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and its effect on people of the region, whose ancestors I lived among in Bryson City for many years.
Gary rekindled my interest in Kephart and both of his books "Camping and Woodcraft", as well as "Our Southern Highlanders", which I read in a course on Appalachian Literature at Appalachian State University in the mid 70s.
Thank you Gary for allowing my memories to come back to life, while giving me a much greater knowledge and appreciation of Horace Kephart.
*(The edition I purchased is the 2011 release, two volumes in one, containing an Introduction by George Ellison and Janet McCue).
May 24, 2014
One of the greatest books I have ever read. If you are venturing out of your front door into the worlds wild places this is a must read. Timeless treasure trove of practical advice on how to make do when things get interesting! Horace is one of my all time heroes.....
Wise words extend to what to do even before you venture out through the front door (sneak your latest acquisitions in through the back door).... Written over a hundred years ago but some things don't change.
"And there are many of us who, through some miscue of the Fates, are not rich enough to give carte-blanche orders over the counter. We would like silk tents, air mattresses, fibre packing cases, and all that sort of thing; but we would soon " go broke " if we started in at that rate. I am saying nothing about guns, rods, reels, and such-like, because they are the things that every well conducted sportsman goes broke on, anyway, as a matter of course. I am speaking only of such purchases as might be thought extravagant. And it is conceivable that some folks might call it extravagant to pay thirty-five dollars for a thing to sleep in when you lie out of doors on the ground from choice, or thirty dollars for pots and pans to cook with when you are "playing hobo" as the unregenerate call our sport.
To practise shrewd economies in such things helps out if you are caught slipping in through the back gate with a brand-new gun, when everybody knows that you already possess more guns than you can find legitimate use for. If one begins, as he should, six months in advance, to plan and prepare for his next summer or fall vacation, he can, by gradual and surreptitious hoarding, get together a commendable camping equipment, and nobody will notice the outlay.
The best way is to make many of the things yourself. This gives your pastime an air of thrift, and propitiates the Lares and Penates by keeping you home o' nights. And there is a world of solid comfort in having every-thing fixed just to suit you. The only way to have it so is to do the work yourself."
Wise words extend to what to do even before you venture out through the front door (sneak your latest acquisitions in through the back door).... Written over a hundred years ago but some things don't change.
"And there are many of us who, through some miscue of the Fates, are not rich enough to give carte-blanche orders over the counter. We would like silk tents, air mattresses, fibre packing cases, and all that sort of thing; but we would soon " go broke " if we started in at that rate. I am saying nothing about guns, rods, reels, and such-like, because they are the things that every well conducted sportsman goes broke on, anyway, as a matter of course. I am speaking only of such purchases as might be thought extravagant. And it is conceivable that some folks might call it extravagant to pay thirty-five dollars for a thing to sleep in when you lie out of doors on the ground from choice, or thirty dollars for pots and pans to cook with when you are "playing hobo" as the unregenerate call our sport.
To practise shrewd economies in such things helps out if you are caught slipping in through the back gate with a brand-new gun, when everybody knows that you already possess more guns than you can find legitimate use for. If one begins, as he should, six months in advance, to plan and prepare for his next summer or fall vacation, he can, by gradual and surreptitious hoarding, get together a commendable camping equipment, and nobody will notice the outlay.
The best way is to make many of the things yourself. This gives your pastime an air of thrift, and propitiates the Lares and Penates by keeping you home o' nights. And there is a world of solid comfort in having every-thing fixed just to suit you. The only way to have it so is to do the work yourself."
January 24, 2018
To speak poorly of Horace Kephart's masterpiece is tantamount to treason in outdoors communities. But I think this book has some serious flaws that need to be addressed for a modern reader:
The attempt to universalize this book - and it truly is a reference book - makes this book difficult to use as a reference guide. If this is a book meant to be read at home before a journey, it can be sort of useful but it's really unwieldy, and many of the topics talked about really have to be practiced as you do them.
If this is a book that's meant to be read and used in the field, this is just too dense and large of a book to do it - and, today, so much of the information given feels obsolete and anachronistic.
For what it is, it's a masterpiece, and Kephart remains a source of deep, scholarly knowledge, some of which is being relearned by today's outdoorspeople (like his discussion of how important keeping weight down is, for example).
The attempt to universalize this book - and it truly is a reference book - makes this book difficult to use as a reference guide. If this is a book meant to be read at home before a journey, it can be sort of useful but it's really unwieldy, and many of the topics talked about really have to be practiced as you do them.
If this is a book that's meant to be read and used in the field, this is just too dense and large of a book to do it - and, today, so much of the information given feels obsolete and anachronistic.
For what it is, it's a masterpiece, and Kephart remains a source of deep, scholarly knowledge, some of which is being relearned by today's outdoorspeople (like his discussion of how important keeping weight down is, for example).
September 29, 2025
An excellent commentary on not only what to bring and how to camp, it also digresses into why we camp. I think this book has a lot to say about why camping can be essential to recognizing our humanity, and saying in touch with our primitive origins. One line I was particularly fond of, goes something like: “we don’t go into the woods to rough it, seeing as we rough it anyways in everyday life”. I like to repeat this when I go camping to remind myself that my purpose should not be to arbitrarily suffer, but to instead thrive and find success in the arts of the outdoors. Not perfect, but I personally enjoyed most of it and would recommend it to those looking to gain a greater understanding of camping and backpacking.
February 2, 2021
A classic book on woodcraft and camping. It is very dated, and one should be forewarned that it was written around 1916, and the author peppers misogynistic stereotypes regarding women throughout the text, mostly revolving around misconceptions about women's domestic roles. Beyond that, the author's knowledge regarding camping and woodcraft is excellent, and it is an entertaining read that is representative of a bygone era.
September 13, 2008
This book, published in 1917, is timeless. The wisdom and practicality within are refreshing - a return to basics and raw technology that is still relevant today.
January 19, 2018
Originally published in 1906 as one volume, Camping and Woodcraft was expanded into a two-volume edition in 1916-17. Camping and Woodcraft ranks sixth among the ten best-selling sporting books of all time. A standard manual for campers and a veritable outdoor enthusiast’s bible for over four decades, this book reflects Horace Kephart’s practical knowledge and covers, in depth, any problem that campers might confront.
Kephart lived in the Great Smoky Mountains and spent most of his time in the wild. Consequently, he became an expert on all aspects of camp life from living in a semi-permanent lean-to to traveling with only the bare essentials in a backpack. More than simply a hunting or fishing guide, Kephart’s book covers a wide variety of subjects from how to dress game and fish to how to shoot accurately. Every chapter is filled with tips that remain useful even after fifty years of improvements in equipment and technology.
Jim Casada, who has provided an informative introduction to this edition, is professor of history at Winthrop College. He has written numerous articles on sporting figures and outdoor literature and is editor-at-large for Sporting Classics and contributing editor for Fly Fishing Heritage.
Kephart lived in the Great Smoky Mountains and spent most of his time in the wild. Consequently, he became an expert on all aspects of camp life from living in a semi-permanent lean-to to traveling with only the bare essentials in a backpack. More than simply a hunting or fishing guide, Kephart’s book covers a wide variety of subjects from how to dress game and fish to how to shoot accurately. Every chapter is filled with tips that remain useful even after fifty years of improvements in equipment and technology.
Jim Casada, who has provided an informative introduction to this edition, is professor of history at Winthrop College. He has written numerous articles on sporting figures and outdoor literature and is editor-at-large for Sporting Classics and contributing editor for Fly Fishing Heritage.
May 18, 2021
Don't count on this giving you much relevant information on camping or backpacking. I read this years ago in that frame of mind. It's not that kind of book. Still, Kephart is one of the great voices (if not THE great voice) for southern camping and the Appalachians. The book is dated, but if you enjoy the outdoors, local history (After reading the book, I ran across his name again in Bryson City, NC), travel, and books that inspired some to treasure nature; it's worth the price - especially when the price is free which is how I got mine. I should reset my expectations and read again; I think this will increase the rating by a star or two.
June 8, 2022
While this book was published over 100 years ago it still provides highly relevant information to those who choose to camp out in the wilderness, or even in the not so wilderness. Many measures and practices described have been made obsolete by improvements or wholly by new technologies not imagined in 1917. It has been, and remains, a prime reference book to be consulted by all.
September 11, 2022
This might have some interest as a historical document, but much of it is so outdated as to not be useful. Not even just the stuff about gear, but about how we think about and treat the wilderness as well. There aren't many illustrations so it's not very good for browsing and probably a bit of a challenge to learn much of anything you useful from it.
August 11, 2025
It is a fun blast from the past to read old book and this book is no exception. But you can also feel the age. Many ideas are antiquated and would do more harm than good to the outdoorsmen who try to put them into practice. There is timeless knowledge in here also. For that I would say give it a read.
September 9, 2025
finished first half but skipped some of the butchery and cooking stuff
surprisingly exciting read, horace kephart is really funny and thoughtful in his techniques
certainly outdated but i enjoyed reading about why he does things one way or the other and his philosophy on why to camp in the first place
had to return to library but maybe I will read second half "woodcraft" someday
surprisingly exciting read, horace kephart is really funny and thoughtful in his techniques
certainly outdated but i enjoyed reading about why he does things one way or the other and his philosophy on why to camp in the first place
had to return to library but maybe I will read second half "woodcraft" someday
November 2, 2019
Excellent!! Hard to review something that is encyclopedic in scope. Covers all aspects of outdoor gear, food/game and generally traveling through the woods. From a simple bivouac to building a cabin. Keep the bugs, just about anything you need for traipsing about.
July 17, 2020
Excellent version of this classic manual
Excellent reprint of this timeless classic from turn of the 19-20th century author. This book deals in traditional skills and materials. It is a fairly easy adaptation to use it today
Excellent reprint of this timeless classic from turn of the 19-20th century author. This book deals in traditional skills and materials. It is a fairly easy adaptation to use it today
September 29, 2020
Probably one of the most useful books I've read on the subject. Obviously, parts of it are no longer applicable, and it is very much a product of its times, but everything that's still useful in it, is vital.
December 2, 2019
Lots of information
Great read. Use with caution. Lots of dated and hard to find items. Unfortunately many of the suppliers mentioned are out of business.
Great read. Use with caution. Lots of dated and hard to find items. Unfortunately many of the suppliers mentioned are out of business.
April 30, 2021
An excellent read that still gives even experienced campers some great ideas. Todays modern travelers can also benefits from some old time advice from the truly fun narrative.
March 3, 2019
I read Camping and Woodcraft after learning about Horace Kephart. The book itself is very interesting, occasionally meticulous, but also scarily casual in its description. Also, it was exhausting to read. I had to spend time thinking about the techniques, how to find the materials, learn to use the tools, the time to implement the skills in the back country. It was overwhelming at times.
Anyone interested in learning traditional outdoor skills should read this book. And if they want to learn the skills, then they need to go find a skills mentor to actually learn how to do outdoor skills.
Important context of this book is that it is probably the first guide explicitly written for the recreational or urban person to go into the back country, and that it is only 100 years old. (I love the occasional references to Boone.)
It is astonishing to think how the invention of things like small batteries and compressed-gas canisters have made the art of woodcraft a rarity and meal preparation a trivial matter. The concept of of the big-box outdoor store selling tents, packs, clothing, etc. made from petro-chemicals is even more boggling. And for what it's worth, we've learned a lot about wilderness first aid since Horace wrote this book. NOLS is a great resource for contemporary wilderness first aid training and skills.
I want to finish by saying that I do know some people who practice traditional outdoor skills. Its not a hobby. People who practice outdoor skills do it as a lifestyle and they are constantly practicing and improving their skills.
Anyone interested in learning traditional outdoor skills should read this book. And if they want to learn the skills, then they need to go find a skills mentor to actually learn how to do outdoor skills.
Important context of this book is that it is probably the first guide explicitly written for the recreational or urban person to go into the back country, and that it is only 100 years old. (I love the occasional references to Boone.)
It is astonishing to think how the invention of things like small batteries and compressed-gas canisters have made the art of woodcraft a rarity and meal preparation a trivial matter. The concept of of the big-box outdoor store selling tents, packs, clothing, etc. made from petro-chemicals is even more boggling. And for what it's worth, we've learned a lot about wilderness first aid since Horace wrote this book. NOLS is a great resource for contemporary wilderness first aid training and skills.
I want to finish by saying that I do know some people who practice traditional outdoor skills. Its not a hobby. People who practice outdoor skills do it as a lifestyle and they are constantly practicing and improving their skills.
July 24, 2015
I have reviewed this as the original separate books, Camping and Woodcraft, and Camp Cookery.
I have a copy of the the combined volume in poor condition and am very glad it has had a well deserved reprint.
I don't know how well Kephart is known in his own country, but if not well he deserves greater recognition.
He does not appear to be very well known in the UK, even by our Ray Mears, our modern exponent of outdoor, self sufficient, living. Although I have to say that various knowledge that Mears imparts seem to closely mirror advice given by Kephart.
Much of what is written by Kephart is to do with conditions found only in the US and in the areas which he describes but a lot of his fundamental basics apply world wide in the wilder remote areas.
I have a copy of the the combined volume in poor condition and am very glad it has had a well deserved reprint.
I don't know how well Kephart is known in his own country, but if not well he deserves greater recognition.
He does not appear to be very well known in the UK, even by our Ray Mears, our modern exponent of outdoor, self sufficient, living. Although I have to say that various knowledge that Mears imparts seem to closely mirror advice given by Kephart.
Much of what is written by Kephart is to do with conditions found only in the US and in the areas which he describes but a lot of his fundamental basics apply world wide in the wilder remote areas.
October 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It might be dated in a few places, but for the most part, the way Kephart lived back then you could still pull off today. There are a few "new" tricks I picked up from reading the book e.g., such as the way he cooked his rice. I found his method to be an excellent way and still cook my rice that way. Well worth the read if you're interested in the subject matter.
October 25, 2013
This book was originally published as a two volume work, in 1906. The two volumes were condensed into one, about a decade later. It is a classic, by a true giant in the field, Horace Kephart, who spent much of his life after age thirty living alone in the wilds. I read this volume as part of my preparation for some recent wilderness training and recreation. Although much of the information contained is dated, and therefore obsolete, I found Kephart's philosophy, and his basic approach to skills, techniques, and equipment selection to be surprisingly practical and relevant to today.
July 4, 2010
this one i'm going to have to read over time - at times when i'm looking for camping equipment and/or planning a serious trip. the author was a librarian and an all-around amazing dude and there's a good bio of him at the beginning. it's old, but still a classic and the tips still seem fairly applicable to today despite any advances in gear.
May 5, 2021
It was a good read. Surprisingly though, a decent amount of information is still relatable today. There were sections that I completely skipped though and another section all about cooking that I didn't care for. I really only wanted this book for more of the "survival" aspects of camping and woodcraft. So if you're looking for an easy skim and read type book, this is it.
September 10, 2011
A pragmatic classic from way back around 1906, of what every woodsman must know before venturing forth into the woods. The pratical skills of this book have not been replaced by modern technologies and the ornate and lovely prose has not lost any of its appeal. A gem.
April 14, 2014
A glimpse into wilderness lore from 1910. Still relevant, although more suited for camping in Alaska or the big wild places. Pretty technical in places but still a fine read for anyone interested in bushcraft and/or primitive skills.
September 9, 2018
One of my favorite books on the outdoors. An absolute wealth of information that is still relevant today.
I've never seen an author dedicate so much of life to research, testing, and trying to be as accurate and culminating as possible. Truly an inspiration.
I've never seen an author dedicate so much of life to research, testing, and trying to be as accurate and culminating as possible. Truly an inspiration.
May 1, 2008
Interesting chapters on axemanship, "How to Walk," tomohawk shelters and so on. Published in 1917, so some of this stuff is out of date, but oh! the writing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews