Camping – What is it?
Camping describes a range of activities associated with temporarily living outdoors in the wilderness in some shape or form.
Survivalist campers set off with little more than their boots, whereas recreational vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture which is what I like to refer to as 'Glamping'.
Camping is often enjoyed in conjunction with activities, such as hiking, hill walking, climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, motorcycling, swimming, and fishing.
Camping may be combined with hiking either as backpacking where you pitch camp in a new location at the end of each days walking or as a series of day hikes from a central location.
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 by purists as the accommodation is permanent.
The term camping is sometimes applied to those who live outdoors, out of necessity as in the case of the homeless although it is unlikely that these people look on it as anything so romantic, or for people waiting overnight in queues.
It does not, however, apply to cultures whose technology does not include sophisticated dwellings. Camping is sometimes referred to colloquially as roughing it, but again, those who go prepared to camp will seldom look on it as a hardship.
Campers span a broad range of age, ability and ruggedness, and campsites are designed in many ways as well.
Many campgrounds have sites with facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, utilities, camp kitchens, shared bathrooms and laundry, as well as close access to recreational facilities, but not all campsites have similar levels of development.
Campsites can range from a patch of dirt with absolutely no facilities, to a level paved pad with running water, sewer and electricity.
Today’s campers also have a range of comforts available to them, whether their shelter is a tent or a recreational vehicle. Tent campers can pack-in comfortable mattresses, compact chairs, and solar powered satellite phones whilst for those camping in recreational vehicles (RVs), options include air conditioning, bathrooms, kitchens, showers, and home theatre systems, these are the real 'glampers'.
Tent Camping sites often cost less than campsites with full amenities, and most allow direct access by car. Some "walk-in" sites lie a short walk away from the nearest road, but do not require full backpacking equipment.
Those of us who seek a rugged experience in the outdoors prefer to camp with only tents, a roll out swag or with no shelter at all under the stars.
But it is the individuals choice, there is no right or wrong way to camp, just enjoying being outdoors is the real aim - as long as you clear your mess up after you, remember, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS - TAKE ONLY PHOTOS.
