Camping for the Beginner
Brief History of Camping
The history of camping goes back to the beginning of humankind. Prehistoric man knew no other way of life than that of living in the outdoors. Soldiers around the globe train to survive in the wilderness and have camped as part of their survival during times of war. Many great pieces of literature were inspired from experiences that took place in the wilderness. Think of the great explorers like Lewis and Clark, or the settlers who traveled west, the Native American Indian who survived the wilderness in extreme weather conditions year round. Today, however, camping is primarily a recreational activity. Camping is an escape for many from the hustle-bustle of the city, and a way to experience nature first-hand.
There are various forms of camping: Backpacking, Car Camping, Recreational Vehicle (RV) camping, and Winter Camping.
Backpacking is most similar to the kind of camping that took place early in the history of camping. It involves hiking to wilderness campsites with all of your gear packed in a backpack. Backpacking can be a very rewarding experience, as the solitude and beauty of nature are somewhat unmatched by other forms of camping. The campsite is usually several miles from civilization, and could require traversing rough terrain, so excellent physical condition will make wilderness camping a much more enjoyable experience. Knowledge of the area, i.e., wildlife and weather as well as experience in wilderness survival is critical to ensure a safe and memorable trek.
Car camping is very popular among families with young children, older couples, and campers who do not want to backpack. It involves loading your camping gear into a vehicle and driving to a camping spot. Campsites for Car Camping are widely available, and offer amenities such as fire pit, fresh water, picnic tables, restrooms and showers. Car camping is a great way for the beginning camper to become familiar with outdoor skills. Many car campers go on day hikes to gain confidence and experience for future backpacking adventures.
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Camping is very similar to Car Camping, except that all the camping gear is loaded or built into the RV or Camper, and sleeping takes place in the RV rather than a tent. This form of camping is a favorite among senior citizens, and the larger, more expensive motorized RV can be driven from site to site. RV camping offers all the comforts of home, and gives campers the freedom to travel large areas without the worry of finding accommodations. Many RV campers belong to camping clubs, and enjoy the social experience and camaraderie associated with RV camping.
Winter Camping is a form of backpacking that takes place in deep snow. It is very challenging because hiking in deep snow is not an easy task. Winter camping sites near natural hot springs are a favorite, as temperatures below zeroºC are most likely to occur during winter months in the north. It is extremely important that Winter Campers be experienced in wilderness survival.
There are also different types of campsites: Commercial Campgrounds, Front Country Campsites, and Backcountry Campsites. Campsites can be found in forests, near rivers, streams, and lakes, and on or near the beach.
Commercial campgrounds are mostly used by car campers and RV campers. These campgrounds are usually located near national and state parks along highways and interstates across the US. There is a daily charge for camping in a commercial campground, which includes access to amenities such as hot showers, fresh water, convenience stores, laundry, and RV hookups. Some commercial campgrounds offer group activities, and have facilities such as swimming pools and rec rooms for the kids.
Front Country Campsites are located in wooded areas near lakes or streams, but offer easy access from main roads. These campsites usually have fresh water, RV and camper hook-ups and restrooms. Many state and national parks offer this type of camping for a small nightly fee. Front Country campsites offer the feel of the backwoods with the convenience of nearby facilities,
Backcountry Campsites are reachable only by foot or horseback. These campsites are in the wilderness, and are found in national parks and forests, state parks, and federal wilderness areas, You will find wildlife in its natural habitat, and will experience the wilderness without the impact of development. In order to preserve the wilderness state, some backcountry campsites permit tents in designated areas only. There are also regulations regarding cooking and food storage designed to reduce the impact on wildlife,
To ensure a wonderful experience on your camping trip: It is advisable to make reservations for any of the different types of campsites. Prepare for your camping trip by familiarizing yourself with the amenities and facilities offered by the campsite, the rules and regulations of the campsite, as well as the wildlife that is present in the area that you will be camping.
