Did you know that there are different types of camping?
Group camping, rustic, walk-on, modern, RV, tent, electric, nonelectric, latrines, or flush/running water. These minor details can make your camping experience more like glamping, or out in the wilderness with no energy and a makeshift toilet. Modern campsites with electric and flush toilets/showers will go the fastest during booking for a reason.
As the amenities fall off, the price of the campsite lowers. That means you are more likely to get a modern site the earlier you make your reservation. The closer to your dates it gets, depending on where you’re camping, the campground amenities availability decreases and it may be difficult to find a camping spot at all.
Different Types of Camping
Every campground is a little bit different, but the process is generally the same. Campgrounds have designated sites that correspond to a number or letter (or some combination of letters and numbers). In front country campgrounds (campgrounds you drive to), typically a small card or piece of paper is clipped to a post to indicate the check-out date for the current occupants. Backcountry (campgrounds you hike to) permits are usually a tag you display on your backpack while hiking, and on your tent while camping. Some sites may be reservable, either by calling the campground or through online reservation systems like Recreation.gov, while other sites within a campground may be available on a first-come, first-served system.
| Campsite Categories | Electricity Outlet | Flush Toilets | Showers | Latrines | Water | Privacy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Electric | |||||||
| Nonelectric | |||||||
| Rustic | |||||||
| Primitive | |||||||
| Group | |||||||
| Overflow | |||||||
| Key | YES | NO | MAYBE |
campsite type
Modern Electric
Popular with RVs and campers, modern campsites offer electrical units to plug in. You can usually expect to find showers and running water.
Parking
Parking at campsite
AMENITIEs
✓ Electricity
✓ Shower
✓ Flush Toilets
site info
Designated sites that are reserved correspond to a number or letter (or some combination of letters and numbers).
campsite type
NonElectric
No electricity within the vicinity, may or may not come with flush toilets or showers.
Parking
Parking at campsite
AMENITIEs
✓ Electricity
✓ Shower
✓ Flush Toilets
site info
Designated sites that are reserved correspond to a number or letter (or some combination of letters and numbers).
campsite type
Rustic and Primitive
What does rustic mean in camping?
Rustic campsites are less private and scattered than primitive sites. This enables amenities like restrooms and drinking water to be provided for multiple guests more easily. Rustic campsites are more private than modern campsites but are not as widely dispersed and remote as primitive campsites.
Parking
Giant wide-open parking lot surrounded by woods and meadows. You just find a spot where you want because there are no lines marking sites or parking spaces.
AMENITIES
That’s one positive of walk-up campsites or sometimes “overflow” lots – you have little to no amenities but there is mostly going to be a spot for you.
site info
You just find a spot where you fit.
campsite type
Overflow lot
The overflow lots are interesting. Plopped into the middle of a giant wide-open parking lot surrounded by woods and meadows.
My experience with overflow lots has been fine, the parking lot was full so we parked in a space on the edge of the meadow and set up our tents in the middle of a beautiful flower-filled meadow.
Parking
Giant wide-open parking lot surrounded by woods and meadows. You just find a spot where you fit because there are no lines marking sites or parking spaces.
AMENITIES
✓ Porta-Potties
✓ Trash Disposal
site info
You just find a spot where you fit.
Frontcountry VS Backcountry Camping
Most national park camping is done in established campgrounds so picking the right site depends on what your needs are. Here are a few things to consider in front or backcountry camping. Frontcountry camping is in a campground with a designated spot. Backcountry camping is when you backpack or walk into nature and set up camp wherever you are allowed in the park.
- Be aware of potential hazards like flash flooding, lightning, wind, and dead trees/branches that might be around your campsite.
- In the backcountry, avoid staying on ledges or high peaks where wind and lightning could become a hazard.
- Look up and see if there are any dead branches overhead, you should not camp under them.
- Do you want to be near the bathroom or shower house for convenience, or farther away, where it’s quieter and darker?
- Do you need to park an RV? Do you need an electrical hook-up?
Wilderness & Backcountry Camping
Are you ready for the full outdoor experience and to become one with nature? Go on a solo trip with just you, or take your favorite travel buddy and grab your tent, as you head into the great outdoors. Go on an adventure, and skip the campground for a backcountry camping experience. Rely on your own skills to survive anything nature throws your way. But remember -once you head out, you’re on your own and just might find yourself hooked on the natural wonders and solitude of backcountry camping. Examples of backcountry camping adventures include:
- Backpacking
- Water trips (rafts, canoes, boats)
- Climbing (rock, mountain, ice)
- Check to see if you need a permit and what the park regulations are.
- Decide where you are going, stopping and how long you’ll be camping.
- Make a list of the necessary gear.
- Plan for how far you’ll be going in total and for each day. Think of changes in elevation.
- Consider the physical, and mental condition or any environmental factors you might face.
campsite type
Backcountry camping
When you venture into the backcountry, you enter a world filled with challenge, solitude, and excitement. Yet, backcountry camping isn’t for everyone; the comforts of everyday life are gone and you only get what you can carry. Here’s what you can expect.
Planning – It’s critical to spend time forming a thorough plan if you want to have an enjoyable, safe experience. Consider your limits and your level of experience so you choose the right trail. Some fundamental steps include:
- Pull together the emergency contact information of everyone in your party.
- Document vehicle, vessel, or bicycle information you’ll be using on your trip: year, make, model, color, and license plate.
- Share a detailed itinerary with someone at home in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to leave a copy in your vehicle for Rangers to find in case of emergency.
- Once you finish your trip, let your emergency contacts know you’ve finished and that you are safe. If the park has a check-out policy, let Rangers know your trip has ended.
Parking
Giant wide-open parking lot surrounded by woods and meadows. You just find a spot where you fit because there are no lines marking sites or parking spaces.
AMENITIES
That’s one positive of walk-up campsites or sometimes “overflow” lots – you have little to no amenities but there is mostly going to be a spot for you.
site info
You just find a spot where you fit.
The popularity of camping in some parks has created a surprising problem – campsite theft. Please be respectful to your fellow campers and do not steal a reserve-only or first-come, first-served campsite that someone has already claimed. Please leave the occupancy tag in place and do not replace it with yours. Please be considerate of others.
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4 comments
I didn’t know there were so many different kinds of camping! I’m not sure about the primitive style, but I’d definitely like to camp more this summer.
This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing!
This post was so insightful. Who knew there were so many different types of camping. I haven’t been camping in a tent in ages! I would definitely prefer to camp with electricity now.