Survivalist Camping

Camping has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a recreational activity enjoyed in the great outdoors. Over the years, people’s desire for greater luxury or adventure has inspired new ways to take up this temporary residence, spawning variations such as glamping, survivalist camping and even iKamper car tent camping.

While the traditional view of camping may conjure up visions of gathering around a fireplace toasting marshmallows and sharing stories, some campers prefer a less conventional take to their trip and in this article, we’ve listed some of the more unique ways to pitch up a tent.

Treetop Camping

This style of camping will see you in a suspended tent, high above the ground. Depending on your comfort level, you can be a few meters high or nestle in amongst the canopy of a forest. Swaying gently from the treetops rather than being firmly on the ground has the advantage of keeping creepy crawlies out of your tent. With spectacular views of the night sky as well as the early morning sunrise, treetop camping is the perfect getaway for daring campers.

Cliffside Camping

Not for the faint of heart, cliffside camping is an extreme way to enjoy the great outdoors and a good night’s sleep. Hanging from the side of a cliff on a portaledge, this style of camping will find you overlooking the sea from a dizzying height. Originally used by rock climbers and abseilers as a way to set up base for the night during longer expeditions, cliffside camping soon caught the attention of adventure-seekers around the world and has now become a popular way of camping in some, more extreme circles.

While cliffside camping offers the novelty and thrill of a unique experience, it does not provide a great deal of space to maneuver and your platform may also be susceptible to winds. However, being strapped to a harness the entire time ensures you are in no danger of falling.

Extreme Hammock Camping

Extreme hammocking is one of the most dangerous forms of camping out there and involves attaching a hammock to a wire or slip line which is suspended hundreds, if not thousands, of feet above ground level.

Overlooking canyons, large bodies of water or anywhere else with a spectacular vantage point, there are inherent risks involved with this style of camping and it is only advisable for more experienced individuals who are skilled at activities such as slacklining and rock climbing.

Floating Tent Camping

From land and air, to water. Floating tent camping allows you to enjoy the experience of camping while being gently carried by the waves of the water beneath you. All that is required is an inflatable raft which has a waterproof tent built into it, allowing campers to set up a tent on a lake, canal, creek or river without the need to hire an entire boat.

With no pegs or poles required, a floating tent camp simply needs a foot pump to inflate it and you’re ready to call it a night. This is the perfect form of camping for all boating and water bed enthusiasts.

Survivalist Camping

Fans of this form of camping will get to experience days or weeks in the wilderness while honing their survival skills. Without your camping essentials and a conducive spot to pitch up your tent for the night, survivalist camping will find you in the middle of nowhere having to navigate your way through deepest darkest forests and unwelcoming weather and terrain.

Here you will have to fend for yourself to ensure your survival by foraging for food, finding your sustenance in nuts, berries and edible plants. Hunting, fishing and preparing your own food as well as knowing how to create adequate shelter and warmth are some of the crucial skills which can keep you alive. While incredibly rewarding, this style of camping is reserved for those with extensive training in surviving the wilderness.

Glamping

From one extreme to another, glamping offers the most comfortable, luxurious and welcoming ways to enjoy the great outdoors while technically still being in a tent. Here, you will get to experience the beauty and solace of mother nature without having to sacrifice many of the creature comforts traditionally associated with camping. With glamping, the level of luxury you choose is up to you, and amenities range from kitchenettes and Wi-Fi to entertainment systems and mood lighting.  Glamping can be the perfect entry point for camping novices and those who are reluctant to rough it out. 

As this article has shown, there is more than one way to enjoy the great outdoors. Your choice of camping style will largely depend on your appetite for adventure as well as risk, but no matter your preference, there is something to suit you.