Camping terms: a quick guide to camping jargon

Tips & tricks

Have you ever wondered what a particular camping term means? In this article, find out all the camping terminology you need to be a well-versed camper.

If you’re a first-time camper hanging out with friends with more camping experience, some camping terms may pop up here and there during the conversation. This can also happen while you read about camping tips and tricks or explore options for your next road trip vacation. Luckily, there’s a quick way to dive deep into the camping vocabulary. Keep reading to learn the most common camping terms that will make you sound like a camping pro!

Quick guide: the most common camping terms every experienced camper should know

#1 Pop-up

Some campsites just appear here and there for a limited amount of time. They can be set in specific locations like national parks, and, for environmental reasons, camping in such places isn’t available all year round. 

#2 RV

RV stands for recreational vehicle — a van equipped with beds and kitchen tools that serves as your mobile vacation home. It’s great for exploring multiple destinations without worrying about finding the perfect spot for setting up your tent. If your road trip adventure takes you to Camping Village Šimuni, we have camping pitches for all types of RVs and are happy to welcome you.

#3  Freestanding

In terms of camping, freestanding refers to tents that don’t need additional support like ropes and stakes. 

#4 Leave no trace

Take only memories, leave only footprints! Leaving no trace is one of the fundamentals of camping. After you’ve left your camping spot, it should look the same as when you found it. 

#5 Cowboy camping

Is it related to the Wild West? Maybe. Can you practice it here in Camping Village Šimuni? Sure! Cowboy camping stands for sleeping outside without protective gear. Just imagine the beauty of sleeping with a direct night sky view. Would you try it?

#6 Mummy bag

It may sound spooky, but a mummy bag has nothing to do with scary campfire stories. Instead, this type of sleeping bag is tight and snuggly, designed to preserve more heat than regular sleeping bags. Mummy bags are also easier to pack and take up less space.

#7 Billy

It’s not “who”, it’s “what”. Billy stands for a handy metal pot that can be used to cook food or water over a campfire. It usually has a handle, and it’s one of the staples of camping cookware.

#8 Glamping

Convenient and luxurious, glamping or glamorous camping implies amenities such as a refrigerator, electricity, and toilet. Opting for glamping allows you to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature without compromising comfort.

#9 Vertical camping

Vertical camping takes some courage and experience and is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. But, for passionate mountain climbers, it’s the only solution to get some sleep during long routes. Setting up the tent vertically on the rocky mountain’s sides is challenging, but worth it if you’re eager to get to the top.   

#10 Chuck box

Camping cookware is usually stored all together in a box or sack, typically referred to as the chuck box. Plan carefully what you’ll pack into your chuck box, and, to reduce cleaning, keep it separated from other supplies.

Knowing these terms will help you embark on your next camping adventure more confidently, and if you come across some other camping terminology, don’t hesitate to ask. You can always contact us and learn more about camping firsthand, during your stay at Camping Village Šimuni!