Camping is an exciting and cathartic outdoor experience that brings us closer to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer looking for extreme camping styles or a newbie trying camping for the first time, there are several types of camping experiences for you to try.
We compiled a list of 15 popular types of camping to help you decide on your next adventure. Read on to find the perfect type of camping for your needs.
1. Tent Camping
If you’re a complete beginner, you probably think camping is about pitching a tent, sitting around a campfire, and enjoying a recreational view. That’s pretty much tent camping!
Tent camping is an outdoor recreational activity where people set up their tent and campfire to enjoy a night or two outdoors.
Tent camping spots vary from local parks and wooded areas to beaches and mountains. However, camping has come a long way, and there are some fancy places where you pay to camp for a few days.
These places don’t only include basic amenities such as toilets and cooking areas; they also have other entertainment options, like swimming pools, TV rooms, and volleyball courts.
In short, tent camping is the way to go for families on low budgets or beginners who want to try out camping. You only need to select a suitable location with temporary living space, a tent, cooking equipment, and essential camping gear.
2. Survival Camping
Survival camping is an extreme and rough way to take a break from the hectic city life. It’s a minimalist outdoor recreational activity that involves venturing into the wilderness with limited resources.
You don’t take any source of comfort from your home. Instead, you rely on your survival skills to stay healthy and comfortable. That includes everything from making a shelter from natural resources to hunting for food and searching for water.
What’s the point, you ask?
The objective of survival camping is to test one’s ability to adapt to harsh conditions by surviving in the wild and tackling the challenges posed by the natural environment.
This type of camping isn’t for beginners; it’s for experienced outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and those looking to boost their self-esteem by facing a new challenge.
3. Glamping
If you’re a beginner looking to enjoy a few days outdoors without the hassle of traditional camping, you should consider glamping.
Glamorous glamping, simply known as glamping, combines the traditional camping experience with the comfort and luxury of modern amenities.
It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature without sacrificing comfort and convenience. There are various types of glamping accommodations, such as tents, tipis, caravans, luxury treehouses, pods, and geodesic domes.
These accommodations include amenities like comfortable bedding, electricity, heating, air conditioning, bathrooms, and even full kitchens.
That said, glamping provides a relaxing experience to allow people to enjoy the tranquility of nature without the hassle of setting up tents and sleeping on harsh terrain.
4. Bivvy Bag Camping
Bivvy bag camping is an excellent option for camping with minimalist gear while avoiding the hassle of setting up tents. Also known as bivouac camping, this simple form of camping involves using a bivvy bag instead of a traditional tent.
A bivvy bag is a waterproof, lightweight, and breathable fabric designed to enclose a sleeping bag. It protects from external elements and has insulation to withstand colder temperatures.
Bivvy bags allow for a more compact and streamlined approach to a shelter, as they take less time to set up and less space.
However, they offer less protection than other types of shelter. They also have limited space and reduced comfort.
5. Hammock Camping
Hammock camping is an alluring alternative to traditional camping, thanks to its simplicity and convenience.
As the name suggests, this type of camping involves using a lightweight hammock as a shelter instead of a traditional tent. That way, you save space in your pack and avoid the pain of setting up tents.
Hammock camping is popular among hikers and backpackers. That’s because hammocks are portable, lightweight, and provide a convenient sleeping surface instead of lying on rough terrain.
There are some things to consider if you decide to try hammock camping. For instance, in cold weather, you’ll need a sleeping pad, a warm sleeping bag, and an under quilt to help you stay warm.
Additionally, hammocks need suitable trees or anchor points so you can set them up properly, which isn’t always available in some environments.
6. Backpacking
Beginners usually confuse backpacking and camping. The main difference is that backpacking involves taking only the bare necessities that can fit in your backpack. On the other hand, you can take almost everything you need in traditional camping.
The idea behind backpacking is to be self-sufficient by carrying your essential food, gear, and clothes all in one backpack. It’s an excellent way to navigate wild areas and remote locations and move around easier without carrying many bags.
Depending on your route and preference, backpacking trips can last 3-7 days. These trips demand careful planning as you’ll need to pack light while avoiding missing out on essential stuff.
Though, it’s a rewarding experience for those who enjoy being outdoors and a bit of a physical challenge.
7. RV/Van Camping
If you’re a road trip enthusiast, you’ll surely enjoy RV camping. RV-ing is an outdoor activity that involves traveling and staying in a recreational vehicle or a campervan rather than the traditional camping set-up.
RVs provide extra comfort and amenities than tent camping, including a cozy sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom. That’s why RV camping is ideal for those who want to explore nature and visit different locations without sacrificing the comfort of their homes.
If you’re trying RV camping for the first time, we recommend you go to RV parks. They’re ideal for long-term camping and offer other activities such as outdoor games, pools, shower facilities, and stores.
8. Car Camping
Car camping is one of the most popular types of camping. If you’re not down for hours of trekking the woods to find the perfect camping place, car camping is for you.
It involves driving to a campsite and setting up your tent and other camping gear near your car. That way, you save yourself the time and effort of hiking long distances with a heavy backpack.
Your car lets you bring everything you need, from clothes and food to cooking gear and chairs. Moreover, many campgrounds have car camping spots, so you won’t need to set up a tent; just stay in your car!
9. Bike Camping
As the name suggests, bike camping combines cycling and camping. This type of camping involves traveling on two wheels while carrying your essential camping gear.
The goal is to explore nature and cover long distances cycling rather than hiking. Further, biking allows camping in various locations on your route.
Depending on your equipment and desired level of challenge, you can choose to follow paved roads, gravel roads, or off-road trails. Your bike also allows you to carry more camping gear compared to backpacking.
All in all, bike camping is a rewarding and exciting way to explore the outdoors. By combining the physical challenge of cycling and the camping adventure, you cover great distances while enjoying diverse landscapes.
10. Overlanding
Looking for a new adventure in your 4×4 vehicle? Overlanding is the way to go! Like car and RV camping, overlanding involves using a 4×4 vehicle to navigate the hard-reach corners of the world.
The main focus of overlanding is the journey itself, not the destination. That involves driving through rough terrain to explore various landscapes.
Since 4WD vehicles can go off-road, they’re a great way to explore hard-to-reach locations while carrying around everything you need for camping.
Whether you’re traveling in a fully outfitted van or a Jeep, these vehicles usually have rooftop tents, kitchen gadgets, and space to carry pretty much everything.
They’re also equipped with the tools to help you escape the mud, snow, or sand. That’s the main part of the adventure, getting over anything nature throws at you!
11. Primitive Camping
Also known as backcountry camping, primitive camping is a way to escape the busy city life and stay away from the crowd.
It’s a unique method to connect with nature by setting up a camp in remote areas without access to established amenities such as electricity, toilets, and the like.
Primitive camping is an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and improve self-reliance. What you give up in modern luxuries, you gain in being close to nature and away from the crowds and distractions of developed campgrounds.
In primitive camping, campers usually hike, snowmobile, or boat to rural campsites and bring everything they need, from food to first aid supplies.
It’s worth noting that primitive camping requires careful planning and preparation. You’ll also need a few critical camping skills, such as tent pitching, navigation, fire starting, and a basic understanding of local wildlife.
12. Kayak/Canoe Camping
Like backpacking, kayak and canoe camping are all about planning your route, packing all your desired gear, and starting your camping trip. The main difference is that you use a canoe or kayak to stash all your goods.
Further, you navigate the waters, allowing you to enjoy more scenic landscapes. You’ll also be able to reach places that are not accessible for hikers or vehicles.
Canoe camping is suitable for groups of two or more persons. Solo trips are possible but require a lot of preparation.
You should also consider weather changes, as rainfall significantly alters the water flow, which might make your trip more challenging and even dangerous.
13. Tarp Camping
As the name says, tarp camping is about ditching traditional bulky tents for versatile, lightweight tarps. A tarp, or a tarpaulin, is a lightweight waterproof fabric designed to act as a roof-type shelter, protecting from the weather.
So, why would someone give up on a high-performing tent and go for a tarp?
First, tarps are much lighter and more compact, which is ideal for campers who hate carrying much weight on their backs.
Second, tarps are more airy, which leaves you more connected to nature. You feel the fresh air on your face and see the stars right above you.
Moreover, you can set up a tarp in various ways, allowing adaptation to different terrain, weather conditions, and personal preferences.
14. Winter Camping
While most people enjoy camping in summer and spring, camping can be enjoyed year-round.
Winter camping is an outdoor activity where you challenge yourself to withstand the coldest weather conditions. It’s a unique way to see nature, enjoy winter sports, and stay away from the hectic city life.
Winter camping is the way to go if you’re down for a particular type of camping where you enjoy different landscapes covered in snow.
Though, winter camping demands extra supplies and specialized gear, making it more expensive than traditional camping types. For instance, you must dress in multiple layers to stay warm and dry.
You’ll also need a sturdy hot tent with a chimney set-up and wood stove to cook food and stay warm. Despite these challenges, winter camping is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the quiet, peaceful nature of winter seasons with fewer people around.
15. Backyard Camping
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice, backyard camping is a handy way to experience camping in the comfort of your backyard.
It’s a fun idea for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors, spends quality time together, and practice camping skills without having to venture far away from home.
This camping type is best for families with children. That’s because camping with children can be intimidating and challenging, especially for first-timers.
Backyard camping can also aid beginners in learning camping skills such as setting up tents, cooking meals, and building fires.
To Sum Up
As we’ve explored 15 types of camping, it’s clear that camping is a versatile and adaptive outdoor activity. You can either go for an exciting group adventure in fancy campsites or try survival camping in remote locations.
The key is to embrace the diversity of camping and try out different experiences to find what resonates with your personality and needs. So don’t wait any longer; go out there and explore the great outdoors and create unforgettable memories!
