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Camping

For other uses, see camping (disambiguation)

Camping as a recreational activity did not become popular until the early 20th century. It continues to be a response to the increasing urbanization and isolation of Western society. Camping is often associated with a sense of nostalgia or of romanticism for 'the times of our fathers'. It simultaneously evokes images of 'oneness with nature' and 'man against nature' - independence and self-sufficiency. Camping may be referred to colloquially as roughing it.

Camping may be an end unto itself, but often it is in conjunction with other activities, such as hiking, swimming or fishing. (It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location.)

Experienced campers are usually familiar with pioneering, the use of poles (either procured on-site or ported from home) and rope to construct temporary facilities.

National parks and other publicly owned natural areas of interest are popular venues for camping. Most campers prefer to use campsites with special facilities such as fire rings, bathrooms and utilities. (For more on facilities, see the campsite article.) Indeed, camping is often restricted by law to designated sites in order to prevent campers from damaging the environment, but not all campsite offer similar levels of development.

Some campers may prepare food by cooking on a campfire, sometimes using such equipment as a Dutch oven.

Common tent camping equipment includes:

• A tent, lean-to or other shelter device
• A sleeping bag for warmth
• A sleeping pad or air mattress is often placed underneath the sleeping bag for cushioning against sticks, small rocks, and other pointed objects
• A portable stove to prepare hot meals and/or drinks where campfires are not allowed or impractical
• A lantern or flashlight
• A hatchet, axe or saw for cutting firewood (where allowed; see campfire) or constructing camp gadgets
• Rope

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