Beginner's Guide: Common Forms of Camping
Before you purchase anything for your first camping trip, it’s obviously much wiser to think about which type of camping you want to go. Different types/forms of camping require different types of equipment.
And below is a brief introduction to the common types of camping we usually see.
1. Campsite Camping
For this kind of camping, we usually pay for a pitch on a campsite for a certain period of time, ranging from groups of friends, to couples, also to large families. You will have your own space and you are usually able to park up next to your tent. The most attractive thing is that campsites will often have on-site facilities that provide great convenience, such as washroom, shower and toilet. Some even have playgrounds for kids!
Tips: Some campsites are specific on the size of tents you can bring, etc. So make sure you check the rules of your chosen campsite before your trip.
2. Festival Camping
Festival camps are often not split into specific pitches, so it usually comes down to where you can fit your tent. In general, the earlier you arrive, the better place you can find for setting your tent. One common thing of most festival camping is that you’ve got to get all your gear from a car park to the campsite.
Tips: Each festival has their own rules. Make sure that the gear you bring adhere to the rules by checking the rules of your chosen festival’s website.
Pemberton Music Festival in Canada
3. Wild Camping
Wild camping is the idea of heading out camping, only taking with you what you can comfortably carry in your rucksack and pitching your tent on a non-sanctioned campsite. Wild campers look for lightweight gear and take the bare essentials. If you can’t carry it, you don’t need it.
Note: For some countries and areas, wild camping is illegal. For example, in UK, wild camping is only LEGAL in Scotland and certain areas of Dartmoor National Park. If you want to wild camp, you are need to get the permission from the land owner.
4. Backpacking
Backpacking affords a maximum wilderness experience. Backpackers carry their camping equipment on their backpacks. Specialized gear allows enthusiasts to both enjoy popular local recreational spots and access the most remote locations.
Backpackers take minimum gears. Backpacking gears are getting lighter and more diverse thanks to technological advance and consumers’ interest in camping. That really reduce their burden.
Backpackers carry their equipment.
5. Adventure Camping
Adventure camping is a type of camping by people who race during the day and camp in a minimalist way at night. They possibly adventure racing or mountain biking. And they might use the basic items of camping equipment, such as a micro-camping stove, sleeping bag and bivouac shelter. Still you need good preparation as it requires sills for the racing.
6. Winter Camping
This form of camping refers to wild camping but in cold seasons in temperate climates, which typically include snow.
It puts a premium on high quality and lightness of gear, experience, and nerve – as risks may include frostbite and becoming snowbound. In addition to packing shelters such as tents or bivouac gear, alternative shelter-building skills are required. You will also need wicking clothing suitable for layering, a regard for appropriate nutrition and food preparation.
7. Car, Off-Road, and RV Camping
“Car camping” is camping facilitated by a motor vehicle. These forms of camping involve using a powered vehicle as an essential element of the camping experience. It’s getting more and more popular among families.
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8. Glamping
Glamping is a portmanteau of glamour and camping. We may tend to think of glamping as the luxurious side of camping. Unlike other types of camping, glamping is more likely referring to a style of camping with amenities and even resort-style services not usually associated with “traditional” camping.
For those who may like a little more luxury from your holidays instead of the idea of “roughing” it in your own tent, glamping will be a good idea.
