What is Camping?

On a basic level, camping means spending the night in nature, usually in a simple shelter like a tent. However, there are many different definitions of camping. For one person, it might mean sleeping under the stars in the remote wilderness whereas for others it might mean going to a luxury campground with full ammenities.

Regardless of your personal definition of camping, it usually involves connecting with nature, escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, and embracing a simpler way of living.

Origins of Camping

Before people lived in cities and suburbs, they were mostly nomadic. In this sense, we humans have been camping for as long as we’ve been human. However, the idea of recreational camping is still fairly new. It can be accredited to a British explorer and traveler in the late 19^th century named Thomas Hiram Holding who wrote a book called Cycle and Camp in Connemara based on his experiences biking through Ireland. Later, in 1901, he formed the first official camping club.

Keep in mind that the late 1800s and early 1900s were a time of great urbanization. The Industrial Revolution had caused a transition to factories, and cities were growing at rapid rates. It only makes sense that people became interested in camping during this period. Before, they didn’t need to go camping because they were already in nature. Once in the city, they started needing nature again!

The Boy Scouts movement started in 1907, and it made camping even more popular. Now, there are camping groups all over the world, official campsites, downloadable trail maps, all sorts of camping gear, and many resources for people who want to go camping.

Types of Camping

While camping means something different for everyone, most experiences can be classified into one of these types. Not sure which is right for you? Read this post about Backpacking vs. Camping vs. Glamping

Backpacking

Backpacking typically involves hiking to your camping destination. There usually no ammenities at the campsite so self-reliance is important. Because you have to carry everything in your pack, backpacking involves minimal gear. It is truly about getting back to the basics and experiencing nature.

Car Camping

With the convenience of a car nearby, campers can bring more gear and have a more comfortable experience while outdoors.

A lot of car camping occurs in official campgrounds which usually have basic ammenities like running water, bathrooms and electric hookups. However, car camping can also occur in the wilderness, such as at free camping spots on BLM land.

RV Camping

With RV camping, you sleep in an RV instead of a tent. Modern RVs often have many ammenities, like bathrooms and running water, so it can be more comfortable than car camping.

Hammock Camping

Hammock camping involves sleeping in a hammock instead of a tent. It is often combined with backpacking. Read about how to hang a hammock for camping.

Glamping

Glamping stands for “glamorous camping.” Glampers enjoy the outdoors with added luxuries such as comfortable beds, gourmet meals, and sometimes even spa facilities. Glamping destinations range from safari-style tents to cozy cabins nestled in scenic landscapes.

Camping Statistics

The number of campers in the USA has been steadily rising over the years. Innovations in camping equipment, such as solar-powered devices and lightweight gear, has made it easier for people to enjoy camping. Social media has also had a huge impact with influencers sharing images of their camping experiences.

In 2020, the COVID pandemic pushed a lot of people to get outdoors and over 10 million people tried camping for the first time – a 5x increase over the previous year.

According to recent statistics: