Camping

C

Recreational Vehicle Camping

Camping in recreational vehicles (RVs) is similar to car camping, except that people can sleep in most types of RVs. They also can bring along such leisure items as lawn chairs and bicycles and park in designated campsites. The fanciest RVs provide a home away from home, complete with a bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedroom. More expensive RVs are motorized and can be driven from campsite to campsite. Other types of RVs are towed behind a car or truck. Some models open to create a tent at the campground. An RV gives campers the freedom to tour a large geographic area without worrying about accommodations.

D

Winter Camping

Winter camping is a specialized form of backpacking that is becoming increasingly popular. Because hiking in deep snow can be extremely tiring, winter campers use snowshoes, skis, or a vehicle such as a snowmobile to reach secluded areas. Campsites near natural hot springs are a favorite of many winter campers. To enter the wilderness safely during winter, campers must be experienced and physically fit. They may face temperatures below O° C (32° F).

Many tents do not shield against fierce winter winds, so winter campers build shelters called snow caves by burrowing into deep snow drifts with specially made snow shovels. Some winter campers even build igloo-like shelters from blocks of snow and ice. Total and incomparable silence and a pristine, snow-covered landscape make the added effort worthwhile for most winter campers.

III

Campsites

Just as there are several types of camping, there are also various types of campsites where campers can make their temporary home. Campsites are found in forests and deserts, on high plains and mountains, and along lakesides and ocean beaches. Most campsites fall into three general categories: commercial, front country, and backcountry.

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A

Commercial Campgrounds

Commercial campgrounds serve as campsites for RV and car campers on the outskirts of national and state parks and along highways throughout North America. Owners of commercial campgrounds charge campers on a daily or weekly basis, and provide campsites equipped with hookups for electricity and water. They may also provide such amenities as showers, laundry facilities, or a swimming pool. Many commercial campgrounds belong to a club or network that allows its members to reserve campsites in advance. These groups also provide social activities, such as dances, card playing, and craft seminars.

B

Front Country Campsites

Front country campsites occur in areas that have a woodsy or wilderness character but are easily accessible. Many of them are located near a lake, river, or stream. They provide car and RV campers with restrooms, a place to build a fire, and a spigot for drinking water. During the summer, many national parks charge campers a small fee for each night they spend in a front country campground. These campsites offer the flavor of backwoods life accompanied by the convenience of nearby gift shops, restaurants, and grocery stores.

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