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