Camping Styles: 20 Different Types of Camping to Choose From

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Do you want to go camping but are not sure of the camping style to opt for? Here is a detailed guide on the different types of camping to help you decide!

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If you clicked on this post, you are probably considering going camping, but are unsure of how to do it!

Whether you’re a camping addict or a complete wilderness newbie, this guide will help you navigate the many different types of camping.

And if the only thing that comes to mind when you think about camping is a lonely tent in the middle of nowhere, you’ll be surprised by how many camping types there are!

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The truth is, camping is for everyone, and it comes in many different kinds. You just need to find the right type of camping that meets your needs and taste.

But with various camping types and styles, it can be hard to choose especially if you’re going camping for the first time!

So to make decision-making easy for you, I’ll be sharing the different camping styles and what each entails so that you choose one that is appropriate for you.

20 Different Types of Camping

Here are the 20 different types of camping you should know!

1. Tent camping

When it comes to camping, a tent, and a marshmallow campfire are the first things that come to mind. This is not without reason!

Tent camping has always been one of the most popular forms of camping. If you are looking for a holiday option that is both fun and on the low-budget side, then you may consider tent camping.

With this type of camping, you won’t need much! All you need is to pitch your tent on a camping site and try to avoid common camping mistakes.

However, there are a few pieces of equipment that will make your camping experience comfortable.

• A real cozy sleeping bag: Even in the summer, it gets chilly during the night so I advise you to choose a quality and durable sleeping bag like this one that will keep you 100% warm at night.
  
  
• An inflatable mattress: Of course, you can sleep on a camping mat. However, if you prefer to be more comfortable, then you can opt for this inflatable camping mattress! Inflatable mattresses are cheap and will guarantee you a good night’s sleep even when camping in the wild.
  
  
• Headlamp: This is my favorite headlamp.
  
  
• Camping tent: And of course, a good quality and sturdy camping tent. This is the camping tent I prefer but you can browse various camping tents here depending on the number of people you’re going camping with.

2. Rooftop Tent camping

If you want a holiday on the go and are planning to explore different destinations, rooftop tent camping is a great option among the many types of tent camping.

Imagine every day driving to a new beautiful destination in the wild, every night quickly and easily setting up your tent, and every morning waking up to a different landscape.

This cheap and increasingly popular alternative to classic tent camping is just as amazing as it sounds!

Explore the great outdoors and enjoy the freedom that comes with traveling by car without actually having to sleep in the car!

This type of camping is not only adventurous but also comfortable. The elevation of sleeping on top of the car provides many advantages.

If you are not a fan of sleeping on the cold hard ground, you will find this option much more to your taste.

And when it comes to keeping your tent clean, you won’t have to worry about dirt or mud! Just choose the right rooftop tent for your car and you are set for your next adventure!

But as you go camping, make sure that you have all the car camping essentials.

3. Caravan camping

Two words, one hashtag: #caravanrenovation! Whether your uncle has an old Van rusting in the backyard, or you just found a great offer on eBay, I recommend looking into caravan renovation!

You will find plenty of tutorials and examples by people that embraced this as an alternative style of camping or a real 24/7 lifestyle.

If you are looking to renovate a caravan, it will take you a bit of work. However, you will be fully rewarded!

But if you’re wondering what all this caravan camping fuss is; it’s the type of camping where a caravan or a camper trailer is towed behind a vehicle to act as the sleeping place while camping.

With this camping type, all the camping equipment is kept in the attached trailer while using a heavy-duty car to tow it.

One of the advantages of caravan camping is that you won’t have to set up the tent every night and take everything off in the morning. Just park wherever there’s a great landscape and enjoy.

On top of that, you don’t always have to go with the trailer everywhere! If you plan to stay at a specific camping ground for a while, you can just disconnect the camper trailer and drive your car with ease unlike with RV camping where you have to go with everything every time you need to move.

Pro tip* When renovating the camper, you might be tempted to put all your energy into a great aesthetic, and incredible feng shui, or color palette, and that’s great!

However, be careful and pay extra attention to safety in every aspect of the renovation! Remember that you will have to drive around that small house on wheels!

4. Hammock camping

For an ultralight and ultra-cheap option for camping, hammock camping is the way to go.

With this type of camping you won’t need much, but still, be sure to leave prepared. Of course, the main thing you’ll need is a hammock.

When it comes to choosing the perfect one, I would recommend maybe trying them at the store (if possible) and possibly choosing one with an inbuilt net for protection from bugs. If you choose to buy online, this one is very well-reviewed and comes with a mosquito net!

Hammock camping is a great option for those who love backpacking, in fact, compared to the typical tent, the hammock is significantly lighter and easier to pack.

However, it comes with a few disadvantages. It can get cold while sleeping in a hammock, so for this reason, I recommend purchasing an under quilt to keep you warm.

For a camping type that’s both convenient and nature friendly, remember to get a tree-friendly suspension system that doesn’t damage the bark. Also, always check that the trees you’ve chosen are not already home to birds or other animals!

5. Survival camping

Survival camping is the most minimalist and roughest form of camping you can imagine. With this type of camping, nothing of comfort is brought from home.

No camping bed, no camping cooking equipment — it’s literally all about surviving. You’ll have to look for what to eat in the wild, search for water, and make your own fire with no help!

It may sound extreme but it can have some pretty incredible effects on some people.

If you are in serious need of a break from the hectic city life you are accustomed to, then trying survival camping may give you that long break.

For many people, survival camping also has a good effect on their self-esteem. Being able to survive in the wild for days can be empowering! A feeling of power that you’ll likely bring home in your day-to-day life.

Of course, this is an extreme type of camping and is not suitable for complete camping beginners!

Be prepared, read a lot about it, and when you are trying it for the first time, make sure you go with someone who has experience with survival camping.

6. Backpack Camping

For a truly inexpensive and independent type of traveling, you may want to consider backpacking. The key is to fit everything you’ll need in your backpack.

And over your backpack, you can easily secure a small tent or a hammock and then hit the wilderness.

With backpack camping, you’ll need to make sure that you take all the essential items you’ll need in the wild in your backpack and wear comfortable walking shoes as most of the time will be spent hiking.

Also, as you explore the wild, make sure that you avoid the common hiking mistakes and observe these backpacking tips for a fun time in the wild.

7. Glamping

A contraction of glamour and camping, glamping is an increasingly popular form of holiday, you’ve probably heard of before.

Forget everything you know about the most traditional types of camping. Glamping has little to do with actual camping but rather with having a fun experience in the wild without giving up comfort.

You’ll still be able to fully connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors, without having to worry about where you’re going to sleep or if you are going to be comfortable or not.

Glamping comes in all kinds of shapes and forms. Its specifics are usually related to the culture of the region you are visiting, thus allowing you to dive into another society’s way of living.

Browse a bit of the internet and book the yurt, cube, tepee, luxury tent, or pod of your dreams!

8.    Kayak/Canoe Camping

If you are a fan of camping and water sports, then kayak or canoe camping is what you are looking for!

Much of what you already have as a backpacker/tent camping lover, is also good for canoe camping.

In brief, what differentiates kayak/canoe camping from the typical tent camping is that the main outdoor activity is kayaking/canoeing. The idea is to go kayaking and end up camping overnight!

However, for this kind of camping, you’ll need to come prepared. Below are a few tips to get you started in the right direction:

• Pack lightly and thoughtfully: Even if you are packing as lightly as you can, you’ll still need some heavy equipment. Just place those items in the center and bottom of your Kayak or Canoe, so that your balance isn’t affected as much. You can check out these tips for packing light.
  
  
• Waterproof everything: Especially food and clothing! You can buy this dry bag to keep all your items dry.
  
  
• Always wear a lifejacket or PDF for canoeing. This is a great life jacket that is also USCG Approved.
  
  
• Consider buying specific gloves for canoeing if you are not used to this sport! This will help avoid blisters and general pain in your hands!

9. Bicycle Camping

Bicycle camping is great for covering great distances and tapping multiple destinations in the shortest amount of time (without having to rely on public transport).

This form of camping is also great for those that have sometimes knee problems when hiking for long periods since the bike is much more gentle on the knees and mostly requires effort from your muscles (and not as much from your joints).

Camping with a bicycle offers the possibility of using bike bags which means that you won’t have to carry your gear on the back but instead on the bike.

All you have to do is grab a tent, pack the essentials you’ll need for your trip, and embark on a biking journey.

With this type of camping, you get to stay active which is great for your health and you also reduce carbon print which is great for the environment.

Some of the best and most scenic routes that you can cover while bicycle camping include;

• Via Francigena, Italy
• Holland Junction Network
• Elbe Cycle Path
• Danube Cycle Path
• And many more! Just google “Cycle routes in…” and choose the best option for you!

10. Winter Camping

Winter camping is a great option for both adventurous and winter sports lovers.

Winter weather is great for several reasons; first of all, the possibility of engaging in winter outdoor activities such as skiing, dog sledding, winter hiking, and much more.

Moreover, when camping during wintertime you will have the unique opportunity to see panoramas that only exist after a good day of snow.

The frigid temperatures have a few disadvantages though. You’ll find it much harder to go tent camping during winter time but it’s still doable if you have the right winter camping equipment.

But if you’re not brave enough to go tent camping during winter, there are other options to explore like glamping, staying in a cabin in the woods, or even RV camping.

Whatever option you’ll choose, just remember to take great care of yourself when winter camping! Don’t underestimate the harsh temperatures, the possibility of wind, and snow.

Always bring sun protection and balms for your hands and lips. You can also check out my complete winter packing list to know exactly what to pack when traveling in winter.

11. Adventure Camping

Adventure camping is a sort of organized backpacking camping, usually combined with tent camping.

You can find this sort of organized trips all over the world and are generally tour operated. This is a great option for several reasons.

First of all, you will meet tons of like-minded, outdoor lovers and new friends. Secondly, the route is already organized and optimized for the best views and panoramas.

Moreover, it is a safe option since you will always have an experienced guide by your side, guiding you and making sure that everything runs smoothly.

The downside of this option is the lack of independence ( usually you will have to follow a group during most of the activities and on the decided route) and the fact that it may be a bit pricey.

12. Backyard Camping

Whether you just can’t leave your home, or you want to ease your kids into the idea of camping, backyard camping is a fun way to break from the usual weekend at home and try something more adventurous.

This is a safe and cheap camping option that everyone will love. All you need is your usual camping equipment (maybe a tent and portable kitchen gear) and a backyard.

Set up your camp with your friends or family and cook your food for the day on the a or a portable gas stove for a full camping experience, without leaving your home.

This is a great option for families with small kids who want to test out the camping life without actually going into the wild. It’s also a great staycation idea for couples and families alike.

13. Car camping

Camping in your car can be very practical and cheap. You can drive virtually anywhere, take all the car camping gear you can possibly fit in the and it’s way easier to park than a caravan or even an RV.

There are 3 forms of car camping! You can choose to just show up at a campsite with your car and pitch your tent to the ground or have a rooftop tented car without necessarily sleeping inside the car.

And the third option involves actually sleeping in the car if you own or hire a wagon-type car where you can take out the backseats or stretch them and convert them into a bed hence sleeping in a car itself.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind while car camping.

• Make sure that you are parking legally. Check the specific laws in the region you want to visit regarding parking.
  
  
• Bring a great sleeping bag and a comfortable camping pillow!
  
  
• Make sure that the car is parked on even ground. If not, then sleep with your head on the side that’s higher to ensure good blood circulation!

14. Bivouac Camping

Bivouac camping is an option for real outdoor pros. This does not necessarily mean years and years of experience, just a great level of preparedness!

A bivouac can be built by children (as any boy scout movie has ever taught us) but is not a children’s game.

In this brief guide, I will not illustrate step by step how to build a bivouac. However, here is a list of skills you want to master before leaving for your bivouac trip:

• Learn how to start a fire, and especially how to keep it from being dangerous to the surrounding nature.
  
  
• Learn how to purify water to make it drinkable.
  
  
• You will need to use wooden poles (Brought from home or found in the woods).
  
  
• You will need to learn a few knots to ensure your bivouac shelter stability.
  
  
• You will need to be prepared to face unexpected situations.

Pro tip* It doesn’t matter what the weather report says, pack for the possibility of rain and cold weather!

15. Motorcycle camping

Motorcycle camping is the option for bike lovers out there that are looking for an even more adventurous side of biking.

I wish I could say that motorcycle camping is all about the relationship between you and your bike. And of course, to an extent, it is! But it is also about packing smart and leaving with the best possible gear.

You will have to drive long distances, so you will need to have a good night of rest every day.

This means a good sleeping bag, a completely waterproof tent, and a sufficient amount of cooking gear to prepare a nice dinner in the wild!

16. Festival camping

Festival camping is something else. It’s the perfect opportunity for those that love camping and music festivals to bring together two passions, or for the music lovers to get acquainted with camping and maybe find a new passion!

For festival camping, you don’t need to be an experienced camper. Many times, you don’t even need to own camping equipment.

Many festivals provide a “camping kit” for those that don’t own a tent or sleeping bag or virtually whatever you may need during your stay at the festival.

You will probably find food at every corner of the festival, so don’t worry about bringing too much outdoor kitchen equipment.

Finally; many people after the festival just throw away the camping equipment that they purchased.

Don’t do that! It is wasteful and polluting. Keep the provided gear and I assure you that it will come in handy for your next festival or next camping trip!

17. RV Camping

Camping in RVs or Recreational Vehicles is indubitably the most famous type of camping right now after the traditional tent camping.

With RV camping, you get to enjoy the outdoors and the ease of moving from place to place while still enjoying the luxuries of a home — think of it as a home on wheels.

Depending on the kind of RV you opt for, you can have various amenities from a bed, a kitchen, a bathroom, ample storage space, and living space.

RVs on the lower end of the budget usually have basic amenities like a sleeping area, bathroom, and kitchenette while luxurious ones go all out and include every little detail to make it feel like a home.

All you have to do is to find an RV that suits your needs and budget, choose your destination either in a national park or designated campsite and enjoy outdoor activities without sacrificing comfort.

18. Wild Camping

Wild Camping, also known as Dispersed Camping refers to camping outside of designated campgrounds, typically in wilderness areas.

The allure of this type of camping lies in the solitude and freedom it offers. With this camping style, you can set up anywhere that regulations allow, usually in national forests or other public lands.

The lack of amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, or water supply means that you must come prepared with everything you’ll need and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

Unlike some of the kinds of camping we’ve looked at before, this type requires careful planning and knowledge of survival skills, but for those willing to take on the challenge, it offers a rewarding and intimate experience with nature, unmarred by the trappings of traditional campsites.

However, I wouldn’t recommend this camping type to wilderness newbies!

19. Beach Camping

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, then Beach camping is what I recommend among other types of camping.

As the name suggests, it involves setting up camp on or near a beach to allow you to enjoy the tranquil sounds of waves and have easy access to water-based activities like swimming, fishing, or surfing while also enjoying the thrill of camping.

However, beach camping comes with its own set of challenges. Sand will probably get everywhere, and high tides need to be taken into account when pitching a tent.

Also, weather conditions can change rapidly at the coast so make sure that you pack appropriate gear.

It’s also important to check whether open fires are allowed on the beach or even camping there for that matter as this varies by location.

20. Overlanding

Last on this post about the different types of camping is Overlanding!

Overlanding is a unique style of adventure travel that’s all about the journey rather than the destination.

It’s a form of self-reliant camping that typically involves off-road, four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with camping gear and essential supplies.

Unlike other camping styles, the goal of overlanding is to explore rather than conquer! It’s about immersion in nature, often in remote locations, and the experiences and challenges that come with it.

The term “overlanding” came from Australia, where it originally referred to driving long distances across the outback. Today, it’s a global phenomenon that can take place in any terrain or climate, from deserts to jungles, mountains to plains.

If you plan to go overlanding, you need to be prepared for a variety of situations, from vehicle breakdowns to unpredictable weather.

You also need to have skills in off-road driving, navigation, first aid, vehicle maintenance, and survival, among others.

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final Thoughts on the different types of Camping

Whether you chose the RV or caravan, the hammock or the tent, I hope this guide helped you decide on the right type of camping for your next adventurous holiday!

Remember to choose camping styles that fit your experience in the outdoors since it wouldn’t be ideal for a beginner camper to choose a survivalist type of camping.

But regardless of the camping type you choose, make sure that you enjoy the outdoors and stay safe.

More posts to help you enjoy the outdoors

• Best tips for camping with a dog
• Best Tents For Camping With Dogs
• Mistakes to avoid while hiking
• What to pack for a day hike
• Easy camping breakfast meals
• Essential items to pack for camping
• Tips for backpacking for beginner
• How to plan a perfect road trip
• Big mistakes to avoid on a road trip
• What to pack for a road trip

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