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A '''campsite''' (or campground) is a place to use for an overnight stay in the outdoors. In scouting, a camp site can be an impromptu area (as one might decide to stop while [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]] or [[hiking]]), or a dedicated area with improvements and various facilities to make the camp life easier. The rules for camping outside designated campsites can vary from country to country.
[[Image:Campsite-Oludeniz.JPG|thumb|250px|A campsite on [[Oludeniz]] beach]]
[[Image:Car Camping .jpg|thumb|250px|A campsite at [[Hunting Island State Park]] in [[South Carolina]]]]
[[Image:Nova Scotian campsite.jpg|thumb|250px|Campsites are often situated in or near [[forest]]s.]]
A '''campsite''' (or campground) is a place used for overnight stay in the out of doors. The term 'campsite' usually means an area where an individual, family, group or military unit might camp. There are two types of campsites:


* an impromptu area (as one might decide to stop while [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]] or [[hiking]]
For campsites in specific countries, see [[:Category:Scout and Guide campsites|the articles in the category Scout and Guide campsites]].
* a dedicated area with improvements and various facilities (see below).


The term "camp" comes from the [[Latin]] word ''campus'', meaning field. Therefore, a campsite consists typically of open pieces of ground where a camper can pitch a [[tent]] or park a [[camper]]. More specifically a campsite is a dedicated area set aside for camping and for which often a user fee is charged. Campsites typically feature a few (but sometimes no) improvements.
== External links ==
 
;General information
Dedicated campsites usually have some amenities.  Common amenities include, listed roughly in order from most to least common:
*[http://www.backcountryattitude.com/choosing_perfect_campsite.html Choosing the Perfect Campsite]
* Fireplaces or [[fire pit]]s in which to build [[campfire]]s (this can be a circle of rocks, a metal enclosure, a metal grate, a concrete spot, or even just a hole).
* Pit toilets ([[outhouse]]s)
* [[Road]] access for [[vehicle]]s
* [[Picnic]] tables
* [[Plumbing|Piped]] [[Drinking water|potable water]]
* Sinks and mirrors in the bathrooms
* [[Flush toilet]]s and [[shower]]s
* Utility hookups, such as gas, [[propane]], [[water]], [[electricity]] and [[sewer]], primarily for the use of [[Travel trailer|caravans]] or similar
* A small [[convenience store]]
* Raised platforms on which to set up [[tent]]s
* Shower facilities (with or without hot water)
* Marked spaces indicating a boundary for one camper or a group of campers
* Reservations to ensure there will be available space to camp
* Wood for free or for sale for use in cooking or for a [[campfire]]
* A gravel or concrete pad on which to park a camper or car so as not to get stuck in the mud
* A gravel, paved, and/or marked road so one knows how to get a vehicle to and from the campsite
* Garbage cans or large rubbish bins in which to place refuse
* A set of rules governing how loud noise is handled, what hours one may enter and leave the campground, rules governing nudity, the use of local wood, how to dispose of garbage, etc.
 
Camping outside a designated campsite is often forbidden by law. It is thought to be a nuisance, harmful to the environment, and is often associated with [[Vagrancy (people)|vagrancy]]. However some countries have specific laws and/or regulations allowing camping on public lands (see ''[[Freedom to roam]]'').
 
In the US, many [[national parks|national]] and [[state park]]s have dedicated campsites and sometimes also allow impromptu backcountry camping by visitors. U.S. [[National Forest]]s often have established campsites, but generally allow camping anywhere, except within a certain distance of water sources.
 
There are many private, commercial campgrounds as well as those on public lands.  The [[Kampgrounds of America]] (KOA) is a large chain of commercial campgrounds located throughout the US and Canada.  Many travellers prefer to use KOA, or similar campsites, as an alternative to [[hotel]]s or [[motel]]s, independent campsites, or parks.
 
Both commercial and governmental campgrounds typically charge a nominal fee for the privilege of camping there, to cover expenses, and in the case of an independent campground, to make a profit.
 
In the U.S., backcountry camping is common in [[National Park]]s and these areas can only be reached on foot or on [[horseback]]. The camping areas are usually established "zones", which have a predetermined maximum number of persons that are allowed to stay in the section per night. Strict regulations are imposed regarding food storage and resource protection, and in most cases, open fires are not permitted and all cooking must be done with small portable stoves. Usually these backcountry campsite zones require a free permit obtainable at visitor centers and ranger stations.
 
Most National parks do not have as many amenities as the state and private parks. 
 
== See also ==
*National Park Service
*[[Bear bag]]
*[[Military camp]]
*[[Cantonment]]
 
== Movies and documentaries on a campsite ==
*''[http://www.galafilm.com/galafilm/f/news/96187556.php Mon été au camping]'' ([[2003]])
*''[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082379/ The Forest Primeval]'' ([[1983]])
*''[[Carry On Camping]]'' ([[1969]])
*''[[Camping Cosmos]]'' ([[1996]])
*''[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0389831/ Camping Sauvage]'' ([[2004]])
*''[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090788/ Camping del Terrore]'' ([[1987]])


== External links ==
;Campings, not specifically related to scouting
{{Commonscat|Campsites}}
*[http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Falls/9200/choosing_perfect_campsite.html Choosing the Perfect Campsite]
*[http://www.bigfreeguide.com/camping/ Find Campsites in the UK]
*[http://www.bigfreeguide.com/camping/ Find Campsites in the UK]
*[http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/ Find Campsites in Europe]
*[http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/ Find Campsites in Europe]
*[http://www.gocampingamerica.com/ Find Campsites in the USA]
*[http://www.gocampingamerica.com/ Find Campsites in the USA]
*[http://www.campcanada.com/ Find Campsites in Canada]
*[http://www.campcanada.com/ Find Campsites in Canada]
[[pl:Kemping]]


[[Category:Camping]]
[[Category:Camping]]

Latest revision as of 17:16, 28 January 2010

A campsite (or campground) is a place to use for an overnight stay in the outdoors. In scouting, a camp site can be an impromptu area (as one might decide to stop while backpacking or hiking), or a dedicated area with improvements and various facilities to make the camp life easier. The rules for camping outside designated campsites can vary from country to country.

For campsites in specific countries, see the articles in the category Scout and Guide campsites.

External links

General information
Campings, not specifically related to scouting