Camping

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Camping (disambiguation).
Tent camping in Sierra Nevada National Park

Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home with or without a shelter, such as a tent or a recreational vehicle. Typically participants leave developed areas to spend time outdoors in more natural ones in pursuit of activities providing them enjoyment. The night (or more) spent outdoors distinguishes camping from day-tripping, picnicking, and other similarly short-term recreational activities.[citation needed]

Camping as a recreational activity became popular among elites in the early 20th century. With time, it grew in popularity among other socioeconomic classes. Modern campers frequent publicly owned natural resources such as national and state parks, wilderness areas, and commercial campgrounds. Camping is a key part of many youth organizations around the world, such as Scouting, which use it to teach both self-reliance and teamwork.

Definition[]

Camping in Ontario, circa 1907

Camping describes a range of activities and approaches to outdoor accommodation. Survivalist campers set off with as little as possible to get by, whereas recreational vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture. Camping may be combined with hiking, as in backpacking, and is often enjoyed in conjunction with other outdoor activities such as canoeing, climbing, fishing, and hunting. Fastpacking involves both running and camping.

There is no universally held definition of what is and what is not camping. Just as with motels, which serve both recreational and business guests, the same campground may serve recreational campers, migrant workers, and homeless at the same time. Fundamentally, it reflects a combination of intent and the nature of activities involved. A children's summer camp with dining hall meals and bunkhouse accommodations may have "camp" in its name but fails to reflect the spirit and form of "camping" as it is broadly understood. Similarly, a homeless person's lifestyle may involve many common camping activities, such as sleeping out and preparing meals over a fire, but fails to reflect the elective nature and pursuit of spirit rejuvenation that are integral aspect of camping. Likewise, cultures with itinerant lifestyles or lack of permanent dwellings cannot be said to be "camping", it is just their way of life.

History[]

Thomas Hiram Holding outside his camping tent.

The history of recreational camping is often traced back to Thomas Hiram Holding, a British travelling tailor, but it was actually first popularised in the UK on the river Thames. By the 1880s, large numbers of visitors took part in the pastime, which was connected to the late Victorian craze for pleasure boating. The early camping equipment was very heavy, so it was convenient to transport it by boat or to use craft that converted into tents.[1] Although Thomas Hiram Holding is often seen as the father of modern camping in the UK, he was responsible for popularising a different type of camping in the early twentieth century. He experienced the activity in the wild from his youth, when he had spent much time with his parents traveling across the American prairies. Later he embarked on a cycling and camping tour with some friends across Ireland.[2] His book on his Ireland experience, Cycle and Camp in Connemara led to the formation of the first camping group in 1901, the Association of Cycle Campers, later to become the Camping and Caravanning Club.[3] He wrote The Campers Handbook in 1908, so that he could share his enthusiasm for the great outdoors with the world.[4]

Possibly the first commercial camping ground in the world was Cunningham's camp, near Douglas, Isle of Man, which opened in 1894. In 1906, the Association of Cycle Campers opened its first own camping site, in Weybridge. By that time the organization had several hundred members. In 1910 the Association was merged into the National Camping Club. Although WW1 was responsible for a certain hiatus in camping activity, the association received a new lease of life after the war when Sir Robert Baden-Powell (founder of the Boy Scouts movement) became its president.

In the US, camping may be traced to William Henry Harrison Murray's 1869 publication of Camp-Life in the Adirondacks resulting in a flood of visitors to the Adirondacks that summer.[5]

The International Federation of Camping Clubs (Federation Internationale de Camping et de Caravanning) was founded in 1932 with national clubs from all over the world affiliating with it. By the 1960s, camping had become an established family holiday standard and today, campsites are ubiquitous across Europe and North America.

Forms[]

Seelammi lean-to in Lapakisto, Lahti, Finland

Different types camping may be named after their form of transportation, such as with Canoe camping, car camping, RVing, and backpacking, which can involve ultralight gear.

Camping is also labeled by lifestyle: Glamping (glamorous camping) combines camping with the luxury and amenities of a home or hotel,[6] and has its roots are in the early 1900s European and American safaris in Africa. Workamping allows campers to trade their labor variously for discounts on campsite fees, campground utilities, and even some degree of pay. Migrant camps are formed not for recreation, but as a temporary housing arrangement. Campgrounds for custom harvesters in the United States may include room to park combines and other large farm equipment.

Another way of describing camping is by the manner of arrangement: reservation camping vs. drop camping. Campgrounds may require campers to check in with an employee or campground host prior to setting up camp, or they may allow "drop camping," where this is not required. Drop-in campsites may be free or a drop-box may be provided to accept payments on the honor system. Although drop camping is often specifically allowed by law, it may also exist in a legal grey area, such as at California's Slab City.[7] Social media-oriented towards drop camping provides information on recent police enforcement, campsite quality, cost, and length-of-stay requirements.

Equipment[]

Camping equipment
A dome tent
Shelter constructed from a tarp

The equipment used in camping varies with by intended activity. For instance, in survival camping the equipment consists of small items which have the purpose of helping the camper in providing food, heat and safety. The equipment used in this type of camping must be lightweight and it is restricted to the mandatory items. Other types of camping such as winter camping involve having specially designed equipment in terms of tents or clothing which is strong enough to protect the camper's body from the wind and cold.

Survival camping involves certain items that campers are recommended to have with them in case something goes wrong and they need to be rescued. A survival kit includes mandatory items which are small and must fit in one's pocket or which otherwise could be carried on one's person. This kit is useless in these circumstances if it is kept in the backpack that is left in camp. Such a kit should include a small metal container which can be used to heat water over a campfire, a small length of duct tape which can prove useful in many situations, and an emergency space blanket. These blankets are specially designed to occupy minimal space and are perfect for making emergency shelters, keeping the camper warm. Also because of the aluminum-like color this blanket is reflective which means it can be easily seen from an aircraft. Candle stubs are good in starting a fire as well as in warming an enclosed space. One or two band-aids are mandatory in this type of camping. Any camper, and not only the survival ones, need waterproof matches or a lighter and a large safety pin or fish hook which can be used in fishing. Rubber gloves, antiseptic wipes, tinfoil, jackknife, or halazone tablets (which purify the water) are also to be included into a survival kit. Although these seem too many items to be carried on one person, they are in fact small, lightweight and definitely useful.

Winter camping can be dangerous without respecting the basic rules when it comes to this particular activity.

  • Firstly, the cold is protected against with clothing of three types of layers as follows: a liner layer against the camper's skin (longjohns), an insulation layer (fleece), and a water- and wind-proof outer shell.[8] Although cotton is one of the best quality fabrics there is, it is not recommended to be worn on winter camping because if it gets wet it dries out very slowly and the wearer could freeze. Rather than cotton, winter campers should wear wool or synthetic materials. The boots must be waterproof and the head must be protected against the cold. Although it seems a good choice, campers are advised not to wear too many pairs of socks as they might restrict blood flow to the feet, resulting in cold feet. Gaiters should also be worn to avoid snow and rain wetting the boots.
  • Secondly, one should include carbohydrates into their diet to keep their body warm as well as to provide energy. Hydration is very important so winter campers should drink plenty of water to keep themselves well hydrated, noting that water stores must be kept from freezing.
  • Thirdly, the tent must be carefully chosen to shelter it from the wind.

List of common equipment[]

Main article: Hiking equipment

The following is a list of commonly used camping equipment:

Much of the remaining needed camping equipment is commonly available in the home, including: dishes, pots, and pans; however, many people opt not to use their home items, but instead utilize equipment better tailored for camping. These amenities include heavy plastic tableware and salt and pepper shakers with tops that close in order to shelter the shakers from rain. Old kitchen gear purchased from thrift stores or garage sales may also be used in place of home items as an alternative to buying specialized (and more expensive) camping equipment. Backpackers use lightweight and portable equipment.[9]

Campgrounds and commercial campsites[]

By the 1960s camping had become an established family holiday standard and today camp sites are ubiquitous across Europe and North America.
Tent trailer camping provides comfort in a towable package

Campers span a broad range of age, ability, and ruggedness, and campsites are designed in many ways as well. Many campgrounds have sites with facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, utilities, shared bathrooms and laundry, as well as access to nearby recreational facilities, however, not all campsites have similar levels of development. Campsites can range from a patch of dirt, to a level, paved pad with sewer and electricity with many public and private campgrounds also offering cabin options.[10] (For more information on facilities, see the campsite and RV park articles.)

Other vehicles used for camping include motorcycles, touring bicycles, boats, canoes, pack animals, and even bush planes; although backpacking on foot is a popular alternative.

A large recreational vehicle provides many amenities when camping.

Tent camping sites often cost less than campsites with full amenities, and most allow direct access by car. Some "walk-in" sites lie a short walk away from the nearest road, but do not require full backpacking equipment. Those who seek a rugged experience in the outdoors prefer to camp with only tents, or with no shelter at all ("under the stars").

By country[]

United States[]

According to an infographic produced by Red Rover Camping and based on data from the 2014 American Camper Report published by the Coleman Company, Inc. and the Outdoor Foundation, camping in the United States is gaining popularity after a fall of 4.2 million participants from 2011 to 2012.[11]

United Kingdom[]

According to data provided by the Great British Tourism Survey conducted by Visit England, almost 4.5 million camping and caravanning holidays were taken by British residents during the first half of 2015, for an average of 3.7 nights.[12] As in the United States, camping is gaining popularity, with an 8% increase in trips compared to the same period in 2014. The Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club represent UK campers.

France[]

Data collected by the Fédération Nationale De L'Hôtellerie De Plein Air (FNHPA) shows that around 113 million nights were taken at French campsites in 2015, which was up by 3.9% on the same period in 2014. French holidaymakers took 77 million of these, and the rest was made up of other nationalities, the majority of whom were Dutch, German and UK tourists. The French Government hopes to have 100 million tourists each year by 2030. The most popular region for camping is Languedoc and Roussillon with around 19,331,663 nights spent at campsites during 2015, whilst the department with the most campsites is the Vendée.[13]

Wild camping[]

Austria[]

Wild camping is generally prohibited in Austria. Camping is only permitted in designated places. This applies particularly to all forest areas (including forest roads) where overnight stays in accordance with § 33 Forest Act without consent of the Owner are prohibited by law.

The federal states are responsible for enacting the statutory rules, which is why the rules can also vary within Austria. Spending the night in a mobile home or tent is generally not permitted outside of campsites, especially not in Vienna (Ordinance of the Magistrate of the City of Vienna regarding the ban on camping (Camping Ordinance 1985)), many other federal states and especially not in the national parks and landscape protection areas.

Legal situation in the individual federal states[]

In the 1990s, free camping was increasingly regulated by camping or camping regulations of the federal states. The rule of thumb in 1993 was: up to about 3 tents, 9 people, 3 nights are tolerated outside of an approved campsite, provided the property owner agrees, the appearance of the place is not impaired and decency is not violated. Municipalities can make deviating regulations. Today, staying in tents, caravans or mobile homes outside of camping and parking spaces is prohibited by law almost everywhere, including in parking lots. It is a widespread misconception that overnight stays in a vehicle or caravan without extending the awning or setting up chairs and tables do not count as camping and are therefore permitted.

Upper Austria[]

In Upper Austria the camping law was newly regulated by amendment of the UA. Tourism Act on July 1, 2021 in LGBl. No. 62/2021. In principle, the municipalities were given the opportunity to completely prohibit wild camping in certain areas by ordinance. Practically, wild camping or overnight stays outside of regulated campsites are forbidden.

It is completely forbidden to set up caravans and mobile homes without notification (costs: EUR 70 per notification) to the authorities in nature and landscape protection areas, in a 500m wide strip around all lakes, in a 200m wide strip along the banks of the Danube , Inn and Salzach, as well as in a 50m wide strip along the banks of other rivers and streams (§§ 6 ff. Upper Austrian Nature and Landscape Protection Act 2001).

However, wild camping is usually only legal under special conditions, even outside the prohibited areas. It should be noted in particular that spending the night in a mobile home or caravan also counts for camping, even if you do not extend an awning or set up camping chairs (Section 70, Paragraph 1 of the Upper Austrian Tourism Act: Only a short stay of up to 90 minutes is permitted. )

In principle, guests over 16 years of age have to pay a local tax (visitor's tax) of 2 euros per person to the municipality when they stay overnight (Section 47 of the Upper Austrian Tourism Act). The tax obligation also applies to camping, in accordance with Section 70, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Upper Austrian Tourism Act also outside of camping or parking spaces on all areas where "camping" (i.e. staying longer than 90 minutes) is only tolerated. Even if there is no charge for the overnight stay or parking. The guest himself is liable to pay taxes (Section 47, Paragraph 2 of the Upper Austrian Tourism Act). Guests who do not meet their tax obligations, regardless of whether they stay on a campsite or only in an area where they are tacitly tolerated, face an administrative penalty of up to EUR 3,000 (§ 83 Paragraph 2 Upper Austrian Tourism Act). The owner of the areas on which wild camping without collecting the local tax and without implementing the statutory reporting obligations (obligation to keep a guest directory, § 10 Reporting law) is also liable to prosecution.

Vienna[]

In Vienna, according to § 1 of the Camping Ordinance 1985, wild camping is completely prohibited. Camping in the wild includes any setting up of tents, mobile homes or caravans for staying, living or sleeping.

Tyrol[]

In Tyrol, in accordance with Section 1 (1) of the Tyrolean Camping Act 2001, camping outside of campsites is completely prohibited. The definition of camping also includes overnight stays.

Lower Austria[]

In Lower Austria, according to § 6 Z. 3 LO. Nature Conservation Act outside of settlement areas and camping sites, caravans, mobile homes or camping tents are completely forbidden.

Carinthia[]

In Carinthia, in accordance with Section 15 (1) of the Carinthian Nature Conservation Act 2000, the setting up of tents, caravans or mobile homes in the open Landscape outside of campsites is prohibited.

Burgenland[]

In Burgenland it is forbidden to camp or park caravans or mobile homes outside of settlement areas or campsites acc. to § 12 Abs. 1 Nature Conservation and Landscape Conservation Act.

Salzburg[]

In the federal state of Salzburg, the setting up of tents, caravans and mobile homes for the purpose of staying (overnight) (Section 13 Salzburg Campsite Act ) is primarily regulated by ordinance of the respective municipality. Apart from the Austria-wide ban on wild camping in forests, there is no special national ban in Salzburg. It is therefore necessary to inquire with the respective municipality whether it is allowed to stay overnight in tents or caravans in certain municipality areas. Municipal ordinances are not always published on the Internet. In the city of Salzburg, staying in tents or caravans is prohibited by ordinance Official Journal 21/2013 City of Salzburg.

Styria[]

In parts of Styria it is not explicitly forbidden to spend the night in tents, caravans or mobile homes outside of forests. This does not apply to all nature reserves (approx. 15% of the territory) where overnight stays in tents or caravans are prohibited by law (e.g. § 2 Kapfenberg Nature Reserve Act). In landscape protection areas (approx. 45% of the entire territory) you can stay overnight for a maximum of one night without official approval permitted (§ 6 Stmk. NSchG). Setting up tents or caravans for longer than three days outside of campsites requires a simplified building permit in accordance with Section 20 StmK Construction Act .

Vorarlberg[]

In the state of Vorarlberg there is no nationwide ban on wild camping outside of forests. However, the municipalities can issue ordinances prohibiting wild camping (§ 14 Camping Act). It is therefore necessary to inquire with the respective municipality whether it is allowed to stay overnight in tents or caravans in certain municipality areas. Municipal ordinances are not always published on the Internet. The setting up of tents and caravans (including mobile homes) is also prohibited in all of Vorarlberg's European-, nature- and landscape protection areas (e.g. § 3 Ordinance of the state government on the Fohramoos nature reserve in Dornbirn and Schwarzenberg). About 40% of the country's area is designated as protected areas.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Wenham, Simon M. (2015). "The River Thames and the Popularisation of Camping, 1860–1980" (PDF). Oxoniensia. LXXX: 57–74. open access
  2. ^ Wills, Dixe (16 April 2011). "Camping? It should be about the simple life". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  3. ^ "Thomas Hiram Holding". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  4. ^ "Thomas Hiram Holding". National Portrait Gallery, London. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  5. ^ Young, Terence (17 October 2017). "The Minister Who Invented Camping in America Read more". Smithsonian. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  6. ^ "'Glamping' brings creature comforts to outdoors". USA Today. 2011-08-04. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved 2015-11-27.
  7. ^ Slab City: Dispatches from the Last Free Place by Charlie Hailey, MIT Press, 2018
  8. ^ "Winter Camping Tips". Retrieved 2010-05-27.
  9. ^ ULTRALIGHT MAKEOVER Archived 2011-10-02 at the Wayback Machine, Kelly Bastone, Backpacker Magazine, August 2011
  10. ^ "Illinois State Parks with Cabins". Midwest Camping.
  11. ^ "2014 American Camper Report" (PDF). The Coleman Company, Inc. and the Outdoor Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 April 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  12. ^ "Great Britain Tourism Survey" (PDF). VisitEngland. June 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  13. ^ "French Camping Statistics". 16 September 2016.

External links[]

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