Camping is an outdoor recreational activity involving the spending of one or more nights in a tent, primitive structure, a travel trailer or recreational vehicle at a campsite with the purpose of getting away from civilization and enjoying nature. Camping describes a whole range of activities, from survivalist campers who set off with little more than their boots to those who arrive in large recreational vehicles equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture.
Camping as a recreational activity did not become popular until
the early 20th century. It continues to be a response to the increasing
urbanization and isolation of Western society. Camping is often associated with
a sense of nostalgia or of romanticism for 'the times of our fathers'. It
simultaneously evokes images of 'oneness with nature' and 'man against nature' -
independence and self-sufficiency. Camping may be referred to colloquially as
roughing it.
Camping may be an end unto itself, but often it is in conjunction with other
activities, such as hiking, swimming or fishing. (It may be combined with hiking
either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location.)
National parks and other publicly owned natural areas of interest are popular
venues for camping. Camping is often restricted by law to designated sites in
order to prevent campers from damaging the environment.
Types of camping
Some campsites feature simple water spigots such as this oneCampers span a broad
range of ability and ruggedness, and campsites are designed accordingly. Most
campers prefer to use sites with special facilities such as fire rings,
bathrooms and utilities, but not all campsites offer similar levels of
development. Campsites can range from a bare piece of grass to a level paved pad
with sewer and electricity. These latter are often designated for the use of
handicapped campers. (For more on facilities, see the campsite article.)
Tent camping commonly employs an automobile to transport equipment to an
established campground, although sometimes a pack animal, touring bicycle, boat
or bush plane may be used. Some people camp with tents because they feel that
camping with a trailer (caravan) or motor home detracts from the experience of
being out-of-doors. Because the gear is both relatively inexpensive and rugged,
and can be used for years, tent camping is popular with young families. Children
tend to enjoy camping. Tent camping sites are often less expensive than
campsites with full amenities. Most of them allow direct access by car. Some
"walk-in" sites can be reached only by a brief walk, but do not require full
backpacking equipment.
Recreational vehicles are more like wheeled houses. Some are outright luxurious,
featuring air conditioning, bathrooms, kitchens, showers, satellite TV and even
Internet connections. RV campers often choose these devices because they
consider tent camping uncomfortable and inconvenient. In the United States, many
campgrounds offer "hookups" where motorhomes are supplied with electricity,
water and sewer services. Some retirees in the U.S. sell their homes and lead a
nomadic lifestyle in their RVs, often moving with the seasons.
Backpacking is a variety of tent camping. Backpackers use lightweight equipment
that can be carried long distances on foot. They hike across the land, camping
at remote spots, often selecting campsites at will if resource protection rules
allow. Backpacking equipment costs more than that for car camping, but much less
than a trailer or motorhome.
Canoe camping is similar to backpacking, but uses canoes for transportation.
This practice is common in eastern North America.
Survivalist campers learn the skills to survive out-of-doors in any situation.
This activity may require skills in obtaining food from the wild, emergency
medical treatments, orienteering, and pioneering.
There are also people who vacation in established camps with cabins and other
facilities. Many children are sent to camp for periods during the summer. Some
camps have the traditional woodsy orientation, some are operated by religious
institutions, and children's camps may be specifically educational. Hunting
camps are common in some regions, among both subsistence cultures and some
developed ones.
Workamping allows campers to trade their labor for a free campsite, and
sometimes for utilities and additional pay.
The term camping may also be applied to those who live outdoors out of necessity
(as in the case of the homeless) or for people waiting overnight in very long
lines (queues). It does not, however, apply to the lifestyle of societies whose
technology does not include sophisticated dwellings.
Camping equipment
Common tent camping equipment includes:
A tent, lean-to or other shelter device
A sleeping bag for warmth
A sleeping pad or air mattress is often placed underneath the sleeping bag for
cushioning from stones and twigs as well as for insulation from the ground
A portable stove to prepare hot meals and/or drinks where campfires are
forbidden or impractical
A lantern or flashlight
A hatchet, axe or saw for cutting firewood (where allowed; see campfire) or
constructing camp gadgets
Rope
Some campers may prepare food by cooking on a campfire, sometimes using such
equipment as a Dutch oven.
Much of the remaining needed camping equipment is commonly available in the
home, like dishes, pots and pans. Lists of what to take are available in camping
books. Many people opt not to use their home items but equipment better tailored
to camping, such as heavy plastic tableware and salt and pepper shakers with
tops that close to keep out rain. Backpackers use special lightweight and highly
portable equipment.
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