Different Types of Camping
There are two main types of camping: Front-country and backcountry. In short, front-country camping occurs in professional campgrounds or other organized camping areas with access to facilities and amenities such as running water, electricity, and bathrooms. Backcountry camping is usually off a trail and often requires hiking to a remote destination with little to no access to basic amenities.
So, what’s right for me? Great question! To answer this, the most important questions to ask yourself are “what do you want to get out of your camping experience” and “what you consider ‘essential’”. While everyone camps as a way to see the outdoors, the type of camping often depends on how much time you want to be there. If you are absolutely, positively, unable to dig a hole when nature calls, you’re going to want to stay in the front-country. If this isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a LOT of peace & quiet, backcountry might be just what you need!
Keep in mind that front-country campgrounds are drive-in and have a variety of different sites available, ranging from tent-only to camper trailers and RVs. They’re also usually staffed. Depending on your campground, the amenities available at front-country campsites can include hot showers, camp stores, flush toilets, playgrounds, pools, and more. Because of these amenities and easy access, front-country camping is usually more popular, and one can expect more people nearby. The diversity of the camp population is also larger—you’re likely to meet everyone from young families to retired couples during your stay.
Backcountry camping, on the other hand, is considered “wilder,” because you can’t drive to your campsite and the lack of facilities available. Quite often, backcountry camping is as simple as walking into a patch of forest and finding a flat area to set up your tent. You bring only the essentials and are willing & able to carry everything in and out of your site. You are ready for no electricity, minimal cell service, and no flushing toilets or running water.