| Camping is an outdoor recreational activity, | | | | not all campsites offer similar levels of |
| in which the campers get away from | | | | development. Campsites can range from a bare |
| civilization and enjoy nature by spending one | | | | piece of grass to a level, paved pad with |
| or more nights at a campsite. They may use a | | | | sewer and electricity. These latter are often |
| tent, a primitive structure, a travel trailer | | | | designated for the use of handicapped |
| or recreational vehicle, or no shelter at | | | | campers. For more on facilities, see the |
| all. Camping is often restricted by law to | | | | campsite article. Rugged campers believe that |
| designated sites in order to prevent campers | | | | provisions for comfort detract from the |
| from damaging the environment. | | | | experience of being out-of-doors, but |
| | | | comfortable camping avoids some hazards of |
| Camping as a recreational activity became | | | | outdoor activities. |
| popular in the early 20th century. Campers | | | | |
| frequent national parks and other publicly | | | | The most comfortable form of camping uses |
| owned natural areas. | | | | recreational vehicles (RVs), essentially |
| | | | wheeled houses. Many RVs are quite luxurious, |
| Camping describes a wide range of activities. | | | | featuring air conditioning, bathrooms, |
| Survivalist campers set off with little more | | | | kitchens, showers, satellite TV and even |
| than their boots, whereas recreational | | | | Internet connections. RV campers often choose |
| vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their | | | | these devices because they consider tent |
| own electricity, heat, and patio furniture. | | | | camping uncomfortable and inconvenient. In |
| Camping may be an end unto itself, but often | | | | the United States, some campgrounds offer |
| it is done in conjunction with other | | | | "full hookups" where motorhomes are supplied |
| activities, such as hiking, swimming or | | | | with electricity, water and sewer services. |
| fishing. It may be combined with hiking | | | | Some retirees and self-employed people sell |
| either as backpacking or as a series of day | | | | their homes and live nomadically in their |
| hikes from a central location. | | | | RVs, often moving with the seasons. |
| | | | |
| Some people vacation in permanent camps with | | | | Those who seek a rugged experience in the |
| cabins and other facilities (such as hunting | | | | outdoors prefer to camp with only tents, or |
| camps or children's summer camps), but a stay | | | | no shelter at all ("under the stars"). Tent |
| at such a camp is usually not considered | | | | camping commonly employs an automobile to |
| 'camping'. The term camping (or the slightly | | | | transport equipment to an established |
| sarcastic camping out) may also be applied to | | | | campground (this practice is called "car |
| those who live outdoors out of necessity (as | | | | camping"). Other vehicles used for camping |
| in the case of the homeless) or for people | | | | include touring bicycles, boats, and even |
| waiting overnight in very long lines | | | | bush planes, although backpacking and using |
| (queues). It does not, however, apply to | | | | pack animals are popular alternatives. Tent |
| cultures whose technology does not include | | | | camping attracts young families because the |
| sophisticated dwellings. Camping may be | | | | children tend to enjoy it, and because gear |
| referred to colloquially as roughing it. | | | | is inexpensive and rugged. Tent camping sites |
| | | | often cost less than campsites with full |
| Campers span a broad range of ability and | | | | amenities, and most allow direct access by |
| ruggedness, and campsites are designed | | | | car. Some "walk-in" sites lie a short walk |
| accordingly. Many campers prefer to use sites | | | | away from the nearest road but do not require |
| with special facilities such as fire rings, | | | | full backpacking equipment. |
| barbecue grills, bathrooms and utilities, but | | | | |