Types of Camping
Photo: An example of two women setting up for tent camping
What comes to mind when you think of camping? Most people will picture a tent in the middle of the wilderness, enjoying nature.
Although that is true, there are many different kinds of camping styles available to match different ways of wanting to experience the outdoors.
Let’s take a look at the various types of camping. You will be pleasantly surprised to learn that all the various options have something wonderful to offer. Note, there are no hard and fast for definitions, but this is meant to help get some clarity about generally what is meant by each style of camping. Let’s see what style of camping resonates most for you!
1. TENT CAMPING
Photo: A woman setting up her tent for tent camping
The most well-known and broadly used term is tent camping. The main attribute of tent camping is setting up a tent, just about anywhere available for camping. That may be a campsite, in the woods, the desert, or anywhere else your heart desires.
Tent camping will give you the freedom to explore the wilderness. You choose the adventures. Whether that includes food over a bonfire, coffee on a misty morning, stargazing at night, or all of it, you have so many choices.
Plus, tent camping includes both front-country and backcountry camping. This means, you can pitch up a tent in a campground with amenities such as toilets or you can pitch up a tent in the middle of nowhere.
As long as you’re sleeping in a tent, you’re tent camping! If you want to ease into “being outdoorsy” or camp with extra comforts, we got you covered with ways to glamp up your campsite.
2. CAR CAMPING
Photo: A woman reading in a camp chair while car camping at a campground
Many people think car camping means sleeping in your car. That’s not necessarily the case. You can sleep in your car, but car camping usually implies having your car accessible. For instance, you can drive up to your campsite and need to carry your gear as you would backpacking. But it’s up to you whether to sleep in a tent on the ground, use a pop up tent that is on your car, or convert your car inside for sleeping.
Car camping allows you to carry as much as your car can fit, and it is not necessary to have light backpacking gear.
Plus you’ll have access to camping sites so you can use the showers and bathrooms if available.
That is why car camping is the perfect introduction to camping in general. You have the freedom to explore and be in nature, but you do not need to stress about carrying gear long distances.
3. BACKPACKING/BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
Photo: Four friends backpacking in the backcountry together
Backpacking/backcountry camping involves carrying all your gear and equipment on your back to your destination, somewhere in nature that is only accessible by foot. Then, you sleep outside in a tent.
This type of camping requires a level of self sufficiency and planning skills. Since you won’t have access to any amenities, you will need to account for and pack all the necessary gear.
Since you will be carrying everything on your back, you’re going to want to invest in gear that is extra lightweight. It may seem like you can handle taking heavy materials, but even pro backpackers recommend lightweight gear, otherwise it can become a potential safety hazard.
4. HIKE-IN CAMPING
Photo: Hike-in campsite, which is sometimes referenced to as primitive camping
Hike-in camping are campsites that require you to hike to get to the campsite. These hike-in sites tend to be considered primitive because there are little to no amenities such as toilets, running water, or electricity. If you are willing to hike-in to your campsite, these campsite are more remote and private than campsite that you can drive up to at campgrounds.
5. BIKE CAMPING
Image: A bike set up for bike camping (also known as bike packing)
Bicycle camping is basically using your bike as the ultimate transportation device to travel and sleep.
Not only do you get the opportunity to travel in an environmentally friendly way, but you also get the opportunity to build physical and mental strength. You will become a powerhouse as you trek your way to all your favorite destinations.
6. HAMMOCK CAMPING
Photo: A woman reading in her hammock while hammock camping
If you’re looking for compact sleeping options, this is a great option for you. You don’t have to worry about setting up a tent. With hammock camping, all you need is a hammock and two trees or any poles to line the ridge line from one end to the other and you’re good to go.
Many people don’t give hammock camping a chance because of bugs and sleeping outside, but nowadays you can purchase hammocks that offer bug nets, rain covers, and places to hook on your backpacks.
7. CABIN CAMPING
Photo: These are example cabins with 1 or 2 rooms available at campgrounds
For beginners, cabin camping is the perfect introduction to the outdoors. You get all the perks of enjoying nature without the hassle of setting up a tent or worrying about the weather. It’s basically a fancier version of tent camping.
But unlike tent camping, cabin camping offers you a lot of variables to select from. You can choose from a basic 1 room cabin with nothing more than a bed with a mattress and electricity for lighting and heating, all the way up to ones that offer beds with bedding, a full appliance kitchen, and even air conditioning.
That is why it’s a good idea to take the time to read up on the cabin and the amenities offered. For example, if you want a more rustic experience in the woods, an air-conditioned cabin probably won’t be the best choice. Therefore, research will ensure it includes everything you want, as well as all the things you don’t want!
8. YURT CAMPING
Photo: A portable, circular tent known as a yurt is typically already set up at the campground.
A yurt is a portable circular domed, tent-like structure. The literal meaning of the ‘word’ yurt is ‘home’ in Mongolian. The beauty of yurt camping is the yurt is already set up, so there’s no need to bring your tent.
Just like cabin camping, yurt camping also offers you the option to have amenities available at the campground, and the yurts come furnished with beds that you can put a sleeping bag and pillow on top of.
Depending on where you live, yurt camping is available year-round. Unlike older times, today, yurts are very well tested and they can withstand snow loads, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. So you don’t need to worry about the weather as much.
9. RV CAMPING
RV Camping
Who wouldn’t love getting on the road and exploring nature in the comfort of a mini-hotel? It’s no surprise that many people refer to RV camping as a “house on wheels”.
If you enjoy being in nature but want a more luxurious experience, this is a sweet spot. You don’t have to rule out exploring altogether just because you like comfort. You can absolutely enjoy nature in your mini home.
10. OVERLANDING
Overlanding
Overlanding is combining camping and off-roading. If you love off-roading and spending time in nature, this is the right adventure choice for you.
You will need a 4x4 truck as you will be traveling to remote destinations by navigating challenging terrain.
But if you want to discover unique spots, you will love every moment of it. That is why Overlanding trips span over a longer period in comparison to off-roading trips because the main purpose is exploring as much as possible.
11. DISPERSED CAMPING
Photo: Dispersed camping on public lands
Dispersed camping refers to camping in areas that are not designated campgrounds. Unlike camping at a campground with designated sites, facilities, and amenities, dispersed camping involves setting up camp in underdeveloped areas, often on public lands such as national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, or other government-owned properties. Dispersed campers need to be highly self-sufficient as there is no camp host or neighbor campers who could offer help if needed.
12. WINTER CAMPING
Winter camping
Winter camping may be your next challenge if you’re an experienced camper who wants to take it to the next level.
Any temperature below freezing is considered winter camping. But with lower temperatures come many different challenges. Firstly, you need gear that is designed to withstand the cold.
You cannot use your summer camping gear in winter. That is a mistake you do not want to make. Even if you wear 5 layers, you will still freeze. Therefore, you have to invest in or borrow quality winter gear. Or get gear that is suitable year-round.
Once you have all the right gear, you will get the chance to enjoy winter wonderland, solitude, and a sense of adventure.
