10 Popular Types Of Camping You Should Know
What is camping? It’s not as simple a question as it may seem. Some people think of camping as sleeping in a tent. Others believe that if you aren’t roughing it, it isn’t really camping. But in general, camping is an outdoor activity where participants stay temporarily in an area with little or no access to modern amenities like running water and electricity. You can go for a few days or weeks at a time, and you can camp in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for the most basic experience possible or something that’s more luxurious, there’s a way to camp that will suit you.
10 Types of Camping
There are many different ways to camp — tent camping, car camping, backpacking, glamping,…. and they all have their benefits and drawbacks.
Tent Camping
Many people may not realize that car camping is technically a type of tent camping. Tent camping simply means that sleeping accommodations will be provided in a tent rather than an RV or cabin. Tent camping can be done with a tent purchased from a sporting goods store or rented from an outfitter, if available. Toilet and shower facilities may or may not be available (at least not close by). Many popular national parks don’t allow RVs or trailers, so tent campers can take advantage of these more remote locations. However, it’s important to be prepared for whatever outdoor conditions come your way.
Backpacking – Hiking Camping
Backpacking or Hiking camping is the most rugged form of camping, and it’s what most people associate with the word “camping.” This type of camping involves immersing yourself in nature by bringing all the gear you need on your back and then sleeping in a tent or under the stars for days at a time. Unlike car camping, backpacking campers have to be very selective about what they bring to minimize weight. They also have to be prepared to deal with any problems that could come up, from broken equipment to injury to inclement weather.
Backpacking campers are everywhere—you can find them in state and national parks throughout the country, but also on private land, if you’re lucky enough to know someone who owns a piece of wilderness. These types of campers can range from casual backpackers who go on one-night trips to hardcore hikers who live out of their tents for weeks at a time.
Car Camping
Car camping is often a family’s first foray into the world of camping, and it’s easy to see why: you can bring just about anything you want with you. If you have a car and/or an SUV, you’re already halfway there. You can bring coolers and boxes of food, a tent that barely fits in the trunk, sleeping bags and pillows, chairs and games… the list goes on. The only limitations are the size of your vehicle and what you’re willing to carry.
So what exactly should you bring? You can get away with packing lighter on a car camping trip than most other kinds of camping trips, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Here’s a quick rundown of some things that are nice to have:
– A cooler or two—make sure they’re well packed with ice
– Camp chairs
– A table (if you don’t have one, some coolers will work in a pinch)
– Lanterns or flashlights
– Dishes and utensils
– Food (prepared beforehand if possible)
– Firewood (some campsites sell this for a small fee)
– A stove or grill for cooking
– Tent(s), sleeping bags, pillows, etc.
RV/Van Camping
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed camping novice or an expert, there’s always room to learn more about the best ways to camp in the great outdoors. Camping is a time-honored tradition that comes in many forms and offers new experiences each time. With so many different ways to camp, it can be hard to keep track of them all. That’s why we’re here to help: read on for our guide to some of the most common types of camping.
Today we’ll be focusing on one of the most popular types: RV van camping, also known as campervanning. This style of camping is becoming more popular every year, especially among millennials. What makes this type of camping unique? Camper vans are compact vehicles that have been converted into mobile homes with sleeping quarters and small kitchens—and they provide all the comforts of home while you’re out enjoying nature. They’re perfect for people who want to explore new areas but aren’t keen on sleeping in tents or cooking over an open flame. Plus, they make road trips easy because you don’t need to worry about finding places to stay overnight along the way!
Bicycle Camping
It’s a widely accepted fact that camping is one of the best ways to get in touch with Mother Nature. The combination of nature and adventure can be both fun and stress-relieving, as well as a great way to spend time with friends and family. But it’s also important to be prepared for what nature may throw your way—and one of the most common issues campers face is getting stuck. Bicycle camping has come along in recent years, allowing you to travel light while still enjoying the freedom of being off the beaten path. Unlike car camping, you don’t need lots of equipment or heavy gear to enjoy bicycle camping so long as you have a bike that can handle a few potholes—and, if necessary, a spare tire. When bicycle camping, you can enjoy some of the same benefits as regular camping without any of the hassles: no cooking, no cleaning up after yourself (unless you’re hanging out in parks where there are bathrooms), no dishes to haul back home at the end of your trip, and no packing up your gear every day.
Survival Camping
Survival camping means that you’re going to be able to live in the wilderness for an extended amount of time with very little outside help. This type of camping is usually done by expert campers who are very familiar with their surroundings and have the skills to make it through any situation. Survival camping is something that you need to be prepared for, and make sure you’re ready for any possible scenario. If this is something that sounds interesting to you, there are classes that you can take to learn these survival skills, or you can even enroll in a survival camp where they will teach these skills to you. Because there is such a wide range of survival camping options available, survival camping has become one of the more popular types of camping, especially among the younger generation.
Ultralight Camping
Ultralight camping, sometimes called minimalistic camping or backpacking, is a way of enjoying the outdoors without carrying a heavy pack. When people think of ultralight camping, they often picture a hiker with limited belongings on their back trekking through the mountains. This is not always the case! Ultralight campers can be found in any area of camping. The only thing that makes them different from other campers is their approach to packing and preparing for a trip.
When it comes to packing and choosing equipment, ultralight campers try to leave the unnecessary behind. They spend time weighing all of their supplies before they pack anything in order to make sure they are only taking what they will need on the trip. An ultralight pack typically weighs less than 25 pounds. Each item they bring into the wilderness has been carefully considered and tested so as not to be too heavy or take up too much space in their packs.
People practice ultralight camping for many reasons. Some do it because they want to feel more connected with nature by leaving behind some of their comforts from home (like an extra blanket or pillow). Others enjoy being able to move more freely without having a heavy backpack on their back or shoulders.
Winter Camping
Winter camping is probably the most challenging type of camping for the novice. If you are a summer camp veteran, however, it is well worth considering. Winter camping can be some of the most rewarding and fun experiences a person can have.
I am not talking about extreme winter camping. I am talking about a weekend or longer trip in the mountains when there may be snow on the ground and overnight low temperatures in the 20s.
The best thing to do before going on your first winter trip is to try out all your gear on a couple of shorter trips, maybe just overnight trips. That way you know what works and what doesn’t work, and if you need to make any changes in clothing or equipment before heading out for a longer trip.
Know what you need to stay warm and dry at night and be prepared for getting wet during the day. Even though it is cold during the day, you will still sweat from hiking uphill, and then when you stop you can get cold very fast if you do not have good clothes with you. So dry clothing must be available when needed throughout the day.
Hammock camping
Hammock camping is a style of camping in which the camper sleeps in a suspended hammock. It is often used by backpackers and bikepackers who prefer to carry less weight, by individuals seeking comfort from uncomfortable terrain (e.g., rocky or wet ground), or by those who simply enjoy the comfort of a hammock for sleeping.
Hammocks are lightweight, easily packable, and can be set up on a variety of terrain, making them an alternative to traditional tents. Hammocks are relatively inexpensive compared to tents and other outdoor equipment. They are also considered more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, as they allow for greater ventilation and keep the sleeper off of hard, bumpy surfaces. Additionally, hammocks can be hung above water which allows campers to stay near or even over water without worrying about getting wet.
Backyard camping
Backyard camping is the best way to ease into the experience of sleeping under the stars without having to deal with any of the inconveniences. If you’ve got a nice backyard, it’s an awesome option for beginners—and even for seasoned campers who just want to keep things simple.
It’s also great for families with young children who need the extra comfort of sleeping somewhere familiar. The key is to pretend like you’re not in your backyard (or at least try to ignore everything that’s outside of your tent). You can make s’mores over a fire pit and listen for owls as you drift off to sleep (unless there are some nearby neighbors with noisy dogs, that is). If you’re lucky and don’t live in a city, you might even be able to see some stars.
One downside: since the bathroom isn’t far away, you might be tempted to use it all night long. And if it rains, things could get pretty wet and muddy in a hurry. Still, with some creativity and a little bit of grit, your family could have a memorable outdoor experience right in your own backyard.
What Type of Camping Is Right for You?
The different types of camping can be divided into two main categories: traditional and modern. The amenities available at a campsite depend on the type of camping you choose. Traditional campgrounds are most common, and they provide comfortable accommodations with bathrooms, showers, and electrical outlets. Modern campgrounds are less common, but they’re becoming more popular as people look for more rustic experiences. These campgrounds have fewer amenities than traditional campgrounds and often require you to bring your own tent or cabin. Some modern campgrounds also have RV hookups if you’re planning on bringing an RV.
When it comes to deciding how long you’d like to stay at a campsite, there are a few things to consider: how much time you have available for vacation, how much money you want to spend, and whether or not you want to stay in one location for the duration of your trip. If you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to save money on lodging costs, then choosing a short-term campsite is your best option. Camping is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying the outdoors. However, if you’re planning on going on an extended trip and don’t need electricity or running water, then choosing a long-term camps
Final Thought
No matter your expectations, it’s always worth the effort to get out and enjoy nature. Camping can be a fun family bonding experience. It can also be a means of reestablishing your ties with nature and reminding yourself how to be at one with the world around you. While camping comes with its own set of challenges, there is a type of camping for every person. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing little weekend away or a hardcore survival expedition, you’ll find it in this article about different types of camping.