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Camping is an outdoor recreational activity, in which the
campers get away from civilization and enjoy nature while
spending one or more nights at a campsite. They may use a tent,
a primitive structure, or no shelter at all. Camping is often
restricted by law to designated sites in order to prevent
campers from damaging the environment.
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.
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, fishing and binge
drinking. It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking
or as a series of day hikes from a central location. (For
information about residential youth camping, try "Summer Camp.")
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.
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. These latter are often designated for the use of
handicapped campers. 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
comfortable camping avoids some hazards of outdoor activities.
The most comfortable form of so called camping uses recreational
vehicles (RVs), essentially wheeled houses. Some call this style
of camping "tinboxing".[citation needed] Many RVs are quite
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, some
campgrounds offer "full hookups" where motorhomes are supplied
with electricity, water and sewer services. Some retirees and
self-employed people sell their homes and live nomadically in
their RVs, often moving with the seasons.
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 lie a short
walk away from the nearest road but do not require full
backpacking equipment.
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 free.
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 North America.
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
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
Various types and sizes of ropes and tarps for stringing
clotheslines, sheltering dining areas, and other purposes.
A chuck box to hold the many varied camp kitchen items for food
preparation, consumption and cleanup.
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.[1]
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 lasting
friendships. Some who participate in this sort of camping, feels
that it brings a closer form of bonding, as members become more
mutually dependant, than they would otherwise be in modern
society. There are 2 large organisations in the UK who
facilitate this sort of camping: the Caravan Club and the
Camping and Caravanning Club. It is also possible to find online
special interest groups, who cater for those with a love of a
particular pastime or sport.
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.
Source: Wikipedia -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping |
