There are two types of camping:
1. The camp site that feels more like your backyard – you’ve got the electric hookup, running water, prebuilt fire pits, neighboring tents and showers/toilets just a few steps away.
2. The camp site that you build yourself – there is no one in sight, there is no running water, no electricity, you have to make your own fire pits and there are certainly no toilets and showers.

So which type of camping do you prefer?

To me, camping is going out into the wilderness and not knowing where you’re going to settle in for the night. You may have a map and a guide, but you aren’t going to a predestined place and you certainly won’t be parking your car outside the tent.

I have nothing against campgrounds and have actually stayed at some very nice ones over the years (by nice I don’t mean they have maid service and two ply toilet paper). I’m talking about the location and outdoor setting. One of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at was at Stone Mountain in Georgia – it’s nestled right there on a lake and is walking distance of the attractions.

Full service campgrounds are great for people just starting out, or families with small children, but they’re not made for the hardcore outdoor enthusiast. There’s something about the solitude and adventure you get when camping in the wilderness – your survival instincts come into play. It adds to the experience of being in nature and truly enjoying the outdoors. A properly packed backpack can carry enough camping supplies (even two ply toilet paper) to last someone several days.

So which type of camping do you prefer? Do you like the benefits of a campground or do you crave the solitude of the backcountry?