When it comes to how, when, and why you want to camp, there are no hard and fast rules. And within each large category of camping, everyone does it differently. The numerous styles of camping encourage different types of campers to enjoy sleeping in the great outdoors in a way that is enjoyable for them.

This article would go into the various forms of camping that you may or may not have heard of. Or maybe you just know them by their name? The list is by no means exhaustive; rather, it serves as a guide to help campers appreciate what other kinds of camping situations are open to them, and what not to miss out on in your lifetime of wild snoozing under the stars.

There are seven separate types of camping.

Aside from personal choice, some campers will choose a form of camping based on their venue, the season, and the equipment they have available. The cost of camping (and all of its related equipment) will also have an effect.

The following are seven distinct styles of camping, mentioned in no specific order:

Glamping

Also known as Luxury camping, yurt camping, glamorous camping

Best for: Those who enjoy camping in comfort

Best tent to use: A bell tent, teepee, or yurt

Type of gear needed: Nothing if you go to glamping resorts (other than a fancy pair of wellington boots!). For DIY glamping, lots of accessories and fairy lights are a must.

Glamping is the perfect way to spend time in the great outdoors while also maintaining warmth and luxury. Glamping has grown, and so has the way people do it. Luxury glamping resorts are springing up all over the country, offering top-tier lodging that rivals that of five-star hotels. This encourages vacationers to have all of the hassles associated with camping completely gone. As a result, glamping can be one of the costly forms of camping, despite the fact that you don't need to invest in any equipment to make it possible.

DIY glamping is at the opposite end of the glamping spectrum. This is about people who want to enjoy a little comfort but prefer to make it themselves. That also means they won't have to pay a high price to camp in exclusive places. DIY glamping can be done at any campground, in your backyard, or even in the backcountry (if your car can get there).

Car camping

Also known as Front country camping, tent camping

Best for: Families, budget campers, casual campers

Best tent to use: A spacious and large family tent

Type of gear needed: General camping gear

One of the most popular forms of camping is car camping. It means filling up your vehicle with camping clothes, traveling as far as you want to a campground, and pitching your tent right next to your car. It's so easy! The advantage of car camping is that you can carry anything you need and are only constrained by the size of your vehicle. It's also a cheap way to spend time with your mates. When you've purchased all of your camping equipment, campground fees are normally very low.

Wild camping

Also known as Backcountry camping, wilderness camping

Best for: Backpackers, bike packers, canoeists

Best tent to use: Something super strong, lightweight, and packable

Type of gear needed: Lightweight, minimalist

The term "wild camping" can refer to a variety of activities. It is generally used by RVers and campervan drivers to characterize parking in the middle of nowhere. Wild camping, on the other hand, means pitching a tent in the middle of nowhere! To each his or her own.

Backpacking, canoe camping, and bike packing all go hand in hand with wild camping. Because of the essence of the situation, you must take all of your camping equipment with you. Camping in the wild also allows hunters, bikers, and canoeists to go on lengthy desert expeditions.

Because of its high performance and lightweight, wild camping gear can be expensive. However, if you have everything you need (some of which can be rented), wild camping is completely free!

Bivvying

Also known as Stealth camping, wild camping

Best for: Backpackers, bike packers, canoeists, solo adventurers

Best tent to use: No tent needed!

Type of gear needed: Lightweight, minimalist

Bivvying is similar to camping in the wilderness, but without shelter! Campers instead hunker down in a bivvy pack, which is simply a lightweight sack that offers only enough insulation from the elements.

 

Bivvying is a form of wild camping that allows campers to sleep overnight in areas where camping is illegal. The laws for wild camping differ from country to country, and some argue that sleeping outdoors without a tent does not constitute camping. Before you go sleeping in the center of someone's private property, make sure you know what the rules are in your area!

Bivvying is a less expensive way to camp than wild camping. A good bivvy bag is much less expensive than a lightweight tent. Bivvying is also smaller and lighter to move, making it an ideal choice for short-distance bike packers, canoe campers, and backpackers.

Hammock camping

Best for: Solo adventurers, forest camping

Best tent to use: A lightweight tarp is usually used to replace a tent

Type of gear needed: Lightweight, minimalist

Hammock camping is a form of wild camping that can be done anywhere that has two things to tie your hammock to. The biggest advantage of hammock camping over bivvying is that you don't have to rely on hard, dry land to set up camp. It's much more comfortable than lying on the concrete floor, and many people sleep even easier just hanging out!

Suspended camping is a common option among backpackers, bike packers, and canoe campers due to the lightweight design of most modern hammocks. However, this is heavily dependent on geography and the nature of hammock-friendly areas. In addition to their hammock, most hammock campers bring a tarp that can be set up over their hammock in inclement weather.

A hammock will cost as much or as little as you choose, depending on the features (built-in bug nets, pockets, insulation, etc). Some hammocks also build their own. So, like bivvying, hammock camping is a low-cost way to experience camping.

RVing

Also known as Van camping, wild camping, boondocking, dry camping

Best for: Travelers, retired-folk, couples

Type of gear needed: General camping gear (but with a bit more luxury and style!)

Camping in an RV or campervan is the perfect way to explore and spend time in the wilderness. It is also an ideal option for those who live in cooler or less hospitable climates.

Most RVers just camp in RV parks. This helps them to connect to the electricity, sewage, and waste pipes, meaning they have all the facilities of a small apartment.

Most van campers and RVers, on the other hand, tend to hit the road and camp in the middle of nowhere. It is often referred to as wild camping, boondocking, or dry camping. It survives solely on the electricity generated by built-in generators or batteries. However, this kind of van and RV camping saves money and gives you more space to drive.

Obviously, owning an RV or campervan is a major financial commitment. It's also a great opportunity for camping enthusiasts to enjoy a more relaxed camping environment in their golden years.

Winter camping

Best for: Hunters, camping obsessed, and hardy folk!

Best tent to use: Steep-sided, strong, stove-compatible

Type of gear needed: Warm stuff!

Winter camping is a vague concept that includes all of the above types of camping, but only in severely cold weather! Winter hiking, on the other hand, necessitates an entirely different range of expertise and information to guarantee that the trip is fun and not merely a survival exercise.

Most people associate winter camping with snow. As a result, much of the time spent winter camping will be spent coping with the extra obstacles that snow brings to life out in the woods. Number one on the list is staying warm! Winter camping entails digging snow holes, gathering and cutting firewood, tending to the fire, keeping hot water bubbling, and cooking delicious meals. Clearing snow and maintaining your camping area is also essential.

Some campgrounds are open all year, making life a little easier. Having said that, many people go winter camping in the backcountry during the winter, making it another low-cost alternative. Winter tents and cold weather clothing are typically more expensive than three-season gear.