10 types of camping to try this summer

When most people hear the word camping, they picture a tent under the stars, a crackling fire, and perhaps a few marshmallows on a stick. But the reality is, camping comes in many forms—each with its own level of comfort, challenge, and connection to nature.

Whether you’re a die-hard bushcrafter who prefers nothing but a tarp and a knife, or someone who’s curious about other styles of sleeping outdoors, here’s a list of 10 types of camping to try this summer that’ll suit anyone’s taste.

🏕 1. Tent Camping

This is the classic and most widely recognized form. Tent camping involves pitching a tent at a designated campsite or in the backcountry. It’s a solid middle ground: enough comfort for beginners, but still rugged enough to give you that immersive outdoor experience. Tent camping ranges from family-friendly campgrounds to deep-woods solitude.

Best for: Families, beginners, and weekend warriors.

Gear needed: Tent, sleeping bag, pad, basic cooking setup.

🏞 2. Bushcraft Camping

The bread and butter of this blog. Bushcraft camping is all about minimalism, self-reliance, and working with nature rather than against it. Campers often use primitive shelters, build fires from scratch, and forage or hunt for food.

Best for: Survivalists and those seeking raw, immersive wilderness experience.

Gear needed: Knife, axe, tarp or natural materials, firestarter, knowledge.

🌌 3. Backpacking

Backpacking blends hiking and camping. You carry everything you need in your pack and hike into remote areas, often for several days at a time. It emphasizes lightweight gear and self-sufficiency.

Best for: Adventurers looking to cover distance and explore remote areas.

Gear needed: Lightweight tent or shelter, compact stove, dehydrated meals, backpack.

🌲 4. Wild Camping / Stealth Camping

Wild camping is about setting up in areas that aren’t designated campgrounds. In some places, it’s legal; in others, it’s more of a gray area. Stealth camping is a subset, where the aim is to remain hidden—often used by bikepackers or urban explorers.

Best for: Solo travelers and adventurers seeking solitude.

Gear needed: Compact, discreet gear; knowledge of local laws.

🛖 5. Glamping (Glamorous Camping)

At the opposite end of the spectrum from bushcraft, glamping is luxury in the wild. Think safari tents, yurts, treehouses, and tiny homes with full beds and running water. It’s camping without sacrificing comfort.

Best for: Couples, families, and those new to nature.

Gear needed: Usually none—accommodations are fully equipped.

🚐 6. Van Life / Campervan Camping

Living or traveling in a converted van is a growing lifestyle trend. It offers mobility and shelter in one package, often with amenities like solar panels, kitchens, and even showers.

Best for: Digital nomads, road trippers, long-term travelers.

Gear needed: A converted vehicle, power system, kitchen setup.

🚴 7. Bikepacking / Cycle Camping

Combining cycling with camping, bikepacking involves traveling light with gear strapped to your bike. It’s a great way to cover ground and explore both paved roads and remote trails.

Best for: Fitness enthusiasts and minimalist travelers.

Gear needed: Lightweight tent or bivy, bike bags, compact gear.

❄️ 8. Winter Camping

Not for the faint of heart. Winter camping demands preparation and resilience, but rewards you with quiet, uncrowded wilderness and stunning snow-covered landscapes.

Best for: Experienced campers with a love for snow and solitude.

Gear needed: 4-season tent, insulated sleeping system, winter clothing, stove for melting snow.

🧭 9. Survival Camping

This is the ultimate test of skill. Often done as a challenge or training, survival camping involves going out with minimal gear—sometimes none at all—and relying on learned survival skills.

Best for: Hardcore bushcrafters, survivalists, and those training for emergencies.

Gear needed: Minimal—often just a knife, some cordage, and know-how.

⛺ 10. Car Camping

Car camping is simply camping at a site where you can park your vehicle right next to your tent. It allows you to bring more gear (and luxuries), making it great for family trips or beginners who want to ease into the experience.

Best for: Families, festival-goers, casual campers.

Gear needed: Tent, sleeping gear, cooking setup—comfort is key.

There’s no wrong way to camp—just different approaches for different goals. Whether you’re embracing primitive skills under a lean-to or sipping wine in a yurt, the essence of camping is the same: stepping away from modern life and reconnecting with nature. Explore them all, and find what works best for you.