Camping

Camping is an activity that is enjoyed by people all around the world. For years people have enjoyed camping and living outdoors. Camping is primarily a recreational activity.

Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of nature. Camping activities include fishing, swimming, hunting, exploring, climbing, birdwatching and photography. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Camping is a great stress reliever. It provides physical benefits when it involves hiking to, from, and around a campsite, and many outdoor enthusiasts believe that camping instills confidence in youngsters and offers older campers opportunities to challenge themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. Recent improvements in camping gear and a growing number of organizations that teach people wilderness safety have made it easier to spend several days or even weeks in the outdoors.

Modern enthusiasts may share the emotions of earlier naturalists, along with their desire to experience nature, but they usually camp in a different manner. Backpacking most closely resembles the type of camping practiced by Muir and Leopold. Other campers drive to a campsite, setting up camp near their car or camping in a recreational vehicle.

There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors, here are a few...

Backpacking

People throughout the world enjoy hiking to wilderness campsites, usually on established trails. This activity is called backpacking because it involves carrying such essential camping gear as a tent, food, clothing, and sleeping bag on the back in a bag called a backpack. Backpacking is best suited for those who are in good physical condition as it may require walking several miles. Moreover it is sometimes necessary to climb steep paths on mountainsides, cross small streams, and spend long days on the trail to reach a secluded, quiet, and solitary campsite. The reward for this effort can be a serene mountain lake, beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness, and wildlife seen along the way.

Car Camping

Car camping is a favorite pastime of families with young children, senior citizens, and those who do not want to backpack. Instead of hauling everything on their backs, car camping enthusiasts carry their gear in a car or van. Car campers can bring along as much camping gear as their vehicle can hold.

Recreational Vehicle Camping

Camping in recreational vehicles (RVs) is similar to car camping, except that people can sleep in most types of RVs. They also can bring along such leisure items as lawn chairs and bicycles and park in designated campsites. Some models open to create a tent at the campground. The fanciest RVs provide a home away from home, complete with a bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedroom. More expensive RVs are motorized and can be driven from campsite to campsite. Other types of RVs are towed behind a car or truck. . An RV gives campers the freedom to tour a large geographic area without worrying about accommodations.

Commercial Campgrounds

Commercial campgrounds serve as campsites for RV and car campers on the outskirts of national and state parks and along highways throughout North America. Owners of commercial campgrounds charge campers on a daily or weekly basis, and provide campsites equipped with hookups for electricity and water. These groups also provide social activities, such as dances, card playing, and craft seminars. They may also provide such amenities as showers, laundry facilities, or a swimming pool. Many commercial campgrounds belong to a club or network that allows its members to reserve campsites in advance.

Camping Safety Information

Safety should be at the forefront of every camper’s mind. Each year the National Park Service warns that sunburn and sprains are the most common injuries sustained in the backcountry. Being prepared is the key. A wide-billed hat and a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt offer protection from the sun. Proper sunblock or suntan lotion is also necessary. Frequent rest stops are important on the trail. Fatigue causes campers to pay less attention to the trail, their location, and their own body, leaving them more vulnerable to accidents or injuries.

Several potentially serious conditions can occur when camping. The most common are hypothermia, dehydration, and altitude sickness. All of these are preventable with proper planning and precautions.

More Information

Many organizations and groups can help beginning campers get started and provide useful information to experienced campers.

For younger campers the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America provide a good introduction to camping and outdoor life. Young adults may prefer the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound, and the Student Conservation Association. All of these organizations stress safety, education, and conservation.

In addition to such government agencies as the National Park and Forest services, many membership organizations in the United States provide useful information for campers. The American Hiking Society, the Adirondack Mountain, Appalachian Mountain, and Sierra clubs are just a few that cater to campers of all levels, from the novice to the seasoned veteran. These groups offer their members introductory courses, activities such as group outings and conservation days, and lectures and presentations on many subjects. Besides teaching camping skills and keeping members informed of conservation efforts, these clubs and organizations provide opportunities for camping enthusiasts to socialize.