There’s something about an adventure novel set in the wild that makes the pages turn faster. Whether it's a survival story pitting man against nature, an exploration of remote landscapes, or a gripping tale of resilience and the human spirit, outdoor adventure novels transport readers to places they may never get to experience firsthand.
If you love the thrill of the great outdoors—without having to leave your couch—these ten adventure novels deliver unforgettable journeys through wilderness, mountains, rivers, and untamed landscapes.
Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer
"The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences..."
Why We Recommend It: You'd be hard-pressed to find a "Best of" adventure-writing series without this bestseller. It's a must-read for adventure-loving readers. Into The Wild is a true story of adventure, self-discovery, and survival. Jon Krakauer tells the real-life story of Chris McCandless, a young man who abandoned modern society to live off the land in the Alaskan wilderness. While his journey is inspiring, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the romanticized notion of self-reliance in the wild. The book masterfully blends adventure, philosophy, and harsh reality, making it one of the most compelling outdoor adventure stories ever written.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
Already Read It? Try this instead: [insert book title, author]
The Call of the Wild – Jack London
“That was the way. No fair play. Once down, that was the end of you.”
Why We Recommend It: A classic of American literature, The Call of the Wild follows Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen and forced into the brutal world of sled dogs. As Buck fights to survive in the harsh Yukon wilderness, he gradually reconnects with his ancestral instincts. Jack London’s vivid descriptions of the Arctic landscape and his gripping portrayal of survival make this a must-read for adventure lovers.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
Hatchet – Gary Paulsen
Why We Recommend It: The ultimate survival story for all ages. When 13-year-old Brian Robeson survives a plane crash, he’s left alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet. Hatchet is a powerful survival story that captures the struggle between human ingenuity and the unforgiving elements of nature. Paulsen’s detailed descriptions of Brian’s journey—learning how to make fire, build shelter, and find food—make this one of the best survival novels of all time.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
Deliverance – James Dickey
Setting: A remote Georgia river
Why It’s Great: A harrowing tale of survival against both nature and man
Deliverance is a dark, suspenseful novel that follows four city men on a weekend canoe trip that turns into a nightmare. When they encounter violent locals deep in the wilderness, their trip becomes a desperate fight for survival. Dickey’s gripping prose and exploration of human resilience in the face of nature’s—and mankind’s—darker side make this an unforgettable read.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
The River – Peter Heller
Setting: A remote Canadian river
Why It’s Great: A thrilling mix of mystery, survival, and deep friendship
Two best friends, Jack and Wynn, embark on what should be an epic canoe trip through the Canadian wilderness. But when they overhear a violent argument and a forest fire begins raging toward them, their peaceful trip becomes a desperate struggle to escape. Heller’s writing perfectly balances poetic descriptions of nature with heart-pounding suspense, making The River a modern outdoor adventure classic.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
Setting: Coastal marshlands of North Carolina
Why It’s Great: A mix of survival, mystery, and the beauty of nature
Kya Clark, abandoned by her family as a child, learns to survive alone in the marshlands of North Carolina. As she grows up, she becomes deeply connected to nature but isolated from society. This novel beautifully intertwines survival, romance, and a murder mystery, all while showcasing the wild, untamed beauty of the marshlands.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson
Setting: Appalachian Trail
Why It’s Great: A humorous and insightful take on long-distance hiking
Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods is an adventure memoir that follows his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail with his out-of-shape friend, Stephen Katz. The book blends humor, history, and adventure, making it one of the most entertaining and informative hiking narratives ever written. Bryson’s witty observations and candid experiences will have you laughing while also appreciating the challenges of thru-hiking.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
My Side of the Mountain – Jean Craighead George
Setting: The Catskill Mountains
Why It’s Great: A timeless coming-of-age survival story
This novel follows Sam Gribley, a young boy who leaves his crowded home in New York City to live off the land in the Catskills. With detailed survival techniques and a focus on self-sufficiency, My Side of the Mountain has inspired generations of readers to embrace nature. It’s a perfect book for young adventure seekers and those who dream of escaping to the wild.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
The Revenant – Michael Punke
Setting: 1820s American frontier
Why It’s Great: A brutal tale of survival and revenge
Based on true events, The Revenant follows Hugh Glass, a fur trapper left for dead after a brutal bear attack. Against all odds, he survives and embarks on a grueling journey through the frontier to seek revenge. Punke’s detailed depiction of the harsh wilderness and raw survival skills make this a gripping read.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
Crazy-White-Man: (Sha-ga-na-she Wa-du-kee) – Richard Morenus
Setting: Remote Canadian wilderness
Why It’s Great: A raw and real survival memoir
In Crazy-White-Man, Richard Morenus leaves behind his comfortable life to live in the Canadian wilderness, where he faces brutal winters, isolation, and a struggle for survival. This memoir offers an authentic, no-frills account of what it truly takes to survive in the wild. It’s a gripping read for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping into nature.
Where You Can Buy It: [insert link]
