Glossary / Glossary Categories / Campground Types

Campground Types

58 terms

Browse definitions, examples, and related concepts for 58 campground types terms commonly used in camping and backpacking.

Key Terms at a Glance

Term Definition
ADA campsite policy Regulations and accommodations provided for campers with disabilities, in...
backcountry accommodation Shelters or lodgings available in remote, undeveloped areas, such as cabins...
backcountry bidet A method of personal hygiene in the wilderness that involves using water and...
backcountry cooking The preparation and cooking of food in remote, undeveloped areas, often over...
backcountry rescue The process of providing emergency assistance to individuals in remote or...
backcountry sanitation The practices and equipment used to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in...
backcountry skiing A type of skiing that takes place in unmarked, ungroomed, and often remote...
backcountry toilet A designated or improvised area in the wilderness for human waste disposal,...

accessible campsite

noun

A campsite designed to serve those with physical challenges better. These sites might be easier to get to, be built...

ADA campsite

noun

A campsite designed to serve those with physical challenges better. These sites might be easier to get to, be built...

ADA campsite policy

noun

Regulations and accommodations provided for campers with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with...

backcountry

noun

A term that describes remote wilderness that is inaccessible by road and uninhabited. The backcountry is often found...

backcountry accommodation

noun

Shelters or lodgings available in remote, undeveloped areas, such as cabins or huts.

backcountry bidet

noun

A method of personal hygiene in the wilderness that involves using water and a dedicated cloth to clean oneself after...

backcountry camping

noun

A style of camping that takes place in the wilderness free of most amenities. This form of camping requires...

backcountry cooking

noun

The preparation and cooking of food in remote, undeveloped areas, often over a campfire or portable stove.

backcountry rescue

noun

The process of providing emergency assistance to individuals in remote or wilderness areas.

backcountry sanitation

noun

The practices and equipment used to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in remote, undeveloped areas.

backcountry skiing

noun

A type of skiing that takes place in unmarked, ungroomed, and often remote areas outside of established ski resorts,...

backcountry toilet

noun

A designated or improvised area in the wilderness for human waste disposal, often including a hole dug in the ground.

boondocking

noun

A manner of camping that relies on an RV’s self-contained facilities (water, energy, waste disposal). This approach...

campground

noun

An area in which people can camp, typically comprised of multiple campsites. These might offer amenities like places...

campsite

noun

A place where people can camp.

campsite alert

noun

A text message, email, or in-app notification indicating that a campsite at a sold-out park has been canceled and is...

campsite availability checker

noun

A technology (i.e. Takibi Spot) that monitors sold-out parks for cancelations, allowing campers to book those spots.

campsite booking website

noun

A website that allows users to search for and book campsites.

campsite fee

noun

A general term for the cost associated with reserving and using a campsite.

campsite notifier

noun

A technology (i.e. Takibi Spot) that monitors sold-out parks for cancellations, allowing campers to book those spots.

campsite reservation

noun

A reservation made to secure a campsite for a specific date or dates.

campsite scan

noun

A computer process that checks a specific park for campsites that have changed status from booked to available.

campsite tracking tool

noun

A technology (i.e. Takibi Spot) that monitors sold-out parks for cancellations, allowing campers to book those spots.

designated campground

noun

An area set aside for camping, often with established campsites, fire rings, and basic facilities, which helps to...

developed campground

noun

A campground that has amenities and facilities such as restrooms, water, and designated campsites.

dispersed camping

noun

A style of camping on undeveloped land with no amenities, typically on Crown land or BLM land. Access to dispersed...

drive-through campsite

noun

A campsite designed for larger trailers and RV. This type of campsite allows the driver to enter from one end and...

established campground

noun

A designated area for camping with infrastructure and amenities, such as restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables.

established campsite

noun

A designated area for camping, often with facilities such as fire pits and restrooms.

first-come, first-served campsite (FCFS)

noun

A campsite that can be booked on-site by the first person who requests it. These sites cannot be reserved in advance...

frontcountry campground

noun

A campground that is easily accessible by vehicle and often includes facilities such as restrooms, water, and...

group campground

noun

A type of campground designated for use by organized groups.

group campsite

noun

A type of campsite designed to accommodate larger groups. These are usually reserved for those visiting the park as...

group rv campsite

noun

A type of campsite with a large parking apron that can accommodate two or more RVs. These sites are often designated...

hike-in campsite

noun

A campsite that can only be accessed by hiking, typically located in more remote areas.

municipal campground

noun

A group of campsites managed by the city.

official campground

noun

A designated area for camping, often with established facilities, managed by an organization or governmental body.

premium campsite

noun

A campsite with additional amenities and a prime location, often costing more than standard sites.

primitive campground

noun

A type of campground with limited or no amenities. Some primitive campgrounds are made up of land designated for...

primitive camping

noun

A style of camping that includes few amenities (e.g., electricity, toilets, running water) found at serviced...

primitive campsite

noun

A type of campsite that has limited or no amenities.

private campground

noun

A type of campground that is privately owned and operated as a business.

public campground

noun

An area in a park designated for camping activity. Governing bodies (municipal, state, provincial, or federal) manage...

pull-through campsite

noun

A campsite designed for larger trailers and RV. This type of campsite allows the driver to enter from one end and...

rv pad

noun

A designated area where you can park your RV. At a campground, an RV pad will (hopefully) be level and free of...

rv pull through

noun

A campsite designed for larger trailers and RV. This type of campsite allows the driver to enter from one end and...

serviced campsite

noun

A campsite that offers hookups. These might include electricity, water, and sewer—for use with RVs and trailers....

serviced double campsite

noun

A vehicle-accessible campsite with electrical service designed to accommodate two camping parties. These are more...

serviced half-double campsite

noun

This is one-half of a vehicle-accessible double campsite with electrical service. In some areas, these can be...

standard campsite

noun

A regular vehicle-accessible frontcountry campsite that can accommodate one party.

standard day use campsite

noun

A campsite that is made available only for day use and cannot be stayed at overnight. These are typically picnic...

standard double campsite

noun

A vehicle-accessible campsite designed to accommodate two camping parties. These are more open campsites that use a...

standard group campsite

noun

A campsite designed for use by a group. Capacity, vehicle access, and details vary by park.

standard half-double campsite

noun

This is one-half of a vehicle-accessible double campsite. In some areas, these can be individually booked within...

stealth camping

noun

The act of camping in a discreet, often unpermitted location to avoid detection.

unserviced campsite

noun

A campsite that does not offer hookups. These campsites often feature tent pads, making them suitable for tent...

walk-in campsite

noun

A type of campsite that can only be accessed by foot—typically after parking one’s vehicle in a designated parking...

youth group campsite

noun

A group campsite offered at reduced rates for youth groups.