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Camping
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Camping as a recreational activity became popular
in the early 20th century. Campers frequent national parks, other publicly
owned natural areas, and privately owned campgrounds. Definition
Camping describes a wide range of activities. Survivalist campers set off with little more than their boots, whereas recreational vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture. Camping may be an end unto itself, but often it is done in conjunction with other activities, such as hiking, swimming, and fishing. It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location.
Campers span a broad range of ability and ruggedness, and campsites are
designed accordingly. Many campgrounds have sites with special facilities
such as fire rings, barbecue grills, bathrooms and utilities, but not all
campsites have similar levels of development. Campsites can range from a
patch of dirt with a sign marking it to a level, paved pad with sewer and
electricity. For more on facilities, see the campsite article. Rugged campers
believe that provisions for comfort detract from the experience of being
out-of-doors, but such amenities do avoid some hazards of outdoor activities. On the side of high amenities is camping in recreational vehicles (RVs),
essentially wheeled houses. Many RVs are quite luxurious, featuring air
conditioning, bathrooms, kitchens, showers, satellite TV and even Internet
connections. RV campers may choose these devices because they consider tent
camping uncomfortable and inconvenient. In the
Mobile Camping
Backpacking is a mobile 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 typically costs more than that for car camping, but still far less than a trailer or motorhome, and backpacking campsites are generally cheap.
One form of bicycle touring combines camping with cycling. The bicycle is
used to carry the gear and as the primary means of transportation, allowing
greater distances to be covered than backpacking although less capacity for
storage. Motorcycle camping is more comparable to bicycle camping than car camping,
due to the limited storage capacity of the motorbike. Motorcycle camping
riders, as well as bicycle touring riders, often use some of the same
equipment as backpackers, due to the lighter weights and compact dimensions
associated with backpacking equipment. Specialized
Camping
Survivalist campers learn the skills needed 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.
Workamping allows campers to trade their labor
for a free campsite, and sometimes for utilities and additional pay. Camping Equipment
Common tent camping equipment includes:
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 many camping books and websites.
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. Social Camping
Many campers enjoy socialising with a small
group of fellow campers. Such groups will arrange events throughout the year,
to allow members with similar interests, or from similar geographical areas,
to get together. This allows families to form small close knit societies, and
children form In more recent years, those who camp alone have been able to share their experiences more easily with a large group of fellow campers, through the use of blogs & online social networking. *** |
Some people vacation in permanent camps
with cabins and other facilities (such as hunting camps or children's summer
camps), but a stay at such a camp is usually not considered 'camping'. The
term camping (or the slightly sarcastic camping out) 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 cultures whose technology does not include sophisticated
dwellings. Camping may be referred to colloquially as roughing it.
Those who seek a rugged experience in the
outdoors prefer to camp with only tents, or no shelter at all ("under
the stars"). Tent camping commonly employs an automobile to transport
equipment to an established campground (this practice is called "car
camping"). Other vehicles used for camping include touring bicycles,
boats, and even bush planes, although backpacking and using pack animals are
popular alternatives. Tent camping attracts young families because the
children tend to enjoy it, and because gear is inexpensive and rugged. Tent
camping sites often cost less than campsites with full amenities, and most
allow direct access by car. Some "walk-in" sites 
Canoe camping is similar to backpacking,
but uses canoes for transportation; much more weight and bulk can be carried
in a canoe or kayak than in a backpack. Canoe camping is common in eastern 
"Winter Camping" refers to the
experience of camping outside when there is sufficient snow on the ground.
Some campers enjoy the challenge this form of recreation brings. Campers and 
lasting friendships.