Overview
What is camping? From extended trips across the wilderness with just a backpack, to a luxurious cabin on the mountains, people have different ideas when it comes to camping.
Whether it is an overnight stay outdoors, a weekend trip or simply a day trip, it all depends on what you prefer. Camping provides serenity and peace of mind, away from the chaos of the city.
Camping trips also provide bonding opportunities for families and a chance to interact with nature. There are different types of camping available, they include:
1. Adventure Camping
Adventure camping is reserved for serious campers. It usually has two main aspects, which are day and night. You usually travel or hike during the day.
This gives you the opportunity to explore new areas, see wildlife, and enjoy what nature has to offer. During the night, you prepare your camp and have a rest. The idea behind adventure camping is to enjoy the wilderness in a minimalist way.
2. Dry Camping
Boondocking, dry camping or wild camping all refer to the same thing. Dry camping provides a fun and free way to use your recreational vehicle (RV).
When it comes to dry camping, you don’t have any access to water or other amenities. In short, you are prepared to use whatever you find on the site, to make your stay in the wilderness comfortable. If you are planning a dry camping trip, you need to assess the conditions of the area you wish to go and then adjust accordingly.
3. Backpacking
Backpacking is one of the extreme forms of camping. It is an independent way of travelling, where you hike through different types of ecosystems.
Shoes are the most important gear, when it comes to backpacking. You will spend most of your time hiking, and you therefore need a comfortable and supportive shoe. Backpackers carry enough supplies that can last them for several weeks in the wild.
If you’re new to backpacking and are a bit nervous to try it alone, a great place to link up with a variety of hiking groups is the American Hiking Society.
4. Ultralight Backpacking
Ultralight backpacking is a form of backpacking where the individual eliminates weight or luggage as much as possible. Ultralight backpackers only carry what is necessary.
In addition, most of the items in their pack serve at least 3 functions. Ultralight backpackers insist that the pack should be between 12 to 28 pounds. Ultralight backpacking is all about the mindset and believing that you can survive out there without many unneeded luxuries.
5. Bicycle Camping
Bicycle camping is gaining popularity quite fast. People choose bicycle camping for various reasons. There are those who love the idea of travelling around in a bicycle while others use it for convenience.
In bicycle camping, you have the ability to camp in a hostel or a hotel, which means that you can go wherever you want. You are not tied to a certain destination or mileage while the economic benefits are quite appealing.
6. Glamping
Glamping is a glamorous kind of travel. A global trend has gained popularity quite fast. It provides outdoor enthusiasts with an opportunity to upgrade on recreation and rest.
You experience the positive elements of camping, without sacrificing on your comfort. When glamping, you don’t have to pitch tents, unroll sleeping bags or build fires. It can be done on villas, yachts, pods, airstreams and tree house, among other luxurious settings.
7. Canoe Camping
Canoe camping combines long distance travel, camping and canoeing. It is done using kayaks or canoes. Similar to backpackers, canoe campers have to carry enough supplies to last them throughout the duration of the camp.
If you love spending time in water, water sports and nature, then canoe camping is suitable for you. North America is one of the most popular canoe camping destinations.
8. Overlanding
This is an independent adventure where you travel to remote destinations. The journey forms the main part of the adventure.
It consists of mechanized capable transport, such as bicycles and trucks, while you spend the night camping. The journey lasts for a long period, which can be months to years, cutting across different international boundaries.
9. RV Camping
Camping in a recreational vehicle (RV) allows you to enjoy the thrills of nature and exciting outdoor destinations. A recreational vehicle comes with almost everything that you have at home, including a comfortable bed and entertainment.
The best part about RV camping is that you can carry along your favorite toys wherever you go. You just need to select an suitable RV park that allows docking.
10. Reenactment Camping
Reenactment camping utilizes the equipment and methods specific to a certain historic era. For example, they might seek to replicate the technologies and conditions of the American Civil War, Medieval times and the Wild West.
Most reenactment campers organize these events in various places around the world. The camping also provides a bonding opportunity.
Civil War Tent Camping Reenactment
11. Survivalist Camping
One of the types of camping that is growing significantly is typically called survivalist camping. In survivalist camping, you need to learn and acquire all the skills required to survive in different outdoor situations.
For example, you need to learn how to hunt for food in the wild, pioneering, as well as emergency medical treatments. With these skills, you can easily survive during an emergency or during harsh conditions like winter in the wilderness.
12. Winter Camping
Winter camping provides you with an opportunity to enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of a pristine winter wonderland. In winter camping, you will not encounter the crowds or the bugs. With proper planning, you will also enjoy the outdoors.
You can also combine your camping with snowboarding and backcountry skiing, giving you unlimited access to untouched snow. The most important thing during winter camping is staying warm.
13. Work Camping
This is one of the unique types of camping that involves blending work and camping. It involves families, singles or couples, who work full-time or part time, mostly in related fields. Most work campers volunteer their services to campsites in different areas.
They are then rewarded or compensated with free campsites, including utilities like water, electricity and sewer hook ups. These opportunities also come with additional wages for maintenance. Most work camping positions are seasonal.
Bottom Line
There are different types of camping, and the one(s) that are right for you all depend on your individual tastes and preferences. If you are planning to go camping, ensure you are fully prepared. Carry all the essentials you will need during the trip. Otherwise, happy camping!
