Camping is an outdoor recreational activity, in which the campers get away from civilization and enjoy nature by spending one or more nights at a campsite. They may use a tent, a primitive structure, a travel trailer or recreational vehicle, or no shelter at all. Camping is often restricted by law to designated sites in order to prevent campers from damaging the environment.

Camping as a recreational activity became popular in 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. Campers frequent national parks and other publicly owned natural areas. Camping divides those who enjoy it from those who do not more distinctly than most other common leisure activities.

Definition