Campsite

Campsite, campground, and camping pitch are all related terms regarding a place used for camping (an overnight stay in an outdoor area). The usage differs between British English (UK) and American English (US). UK: A campsite is an area, usually divided into a number of camping pitches, where people can camp overnight using tents, campervans or caravans. In the US, the expression used is campground and not campsite. US: the term campsite generally means an area where an individual, family, group, or military unit can pitch a tent or park a camper; a campground may contain many campsites. There are two types of campsites (US) or pitches (UK): one, a designated area with various facilities; or two, an impromptu area (as one might decide to stop while backpacking or hiking, or simply adjacent to a road through the wilderness). The term camp comes from the Latin word campus, meaning "field". Therefore, a campground 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. Dedicated campsites, known as campgrounds, usually have some amenities. Common amenities include, listed roughly in order from most to least common: Fireplaces or fire pits in which to build campfires (this can be a circle of rocks, a metal enclosure, a metal grate, a concrete spot, or even just a hole). Road access for vehicles A gravel or concrete pad on which to park a vehicle Picnic tables Marked spaces indicating a boundary for one camper or a group of campers Reservations to ensure there will be available space to camp Utility hookups, such as electricity, water, and sewer, primarily for the use of travel trailers, recreational vehicles, or similar Raised platforms on which to set up tents Piped potable water Campgrounds may include further amenities: Pit toilets (outhouses) Flush toilets and showers Sinks and mirrors in the bathrooms A small convenience store Shower facilities (with or without hot water) Wood for free or for sale for use in cooking or for a campfire Garbage cans or large rubbish bins in which to place refuse Camping outside a designated campsite may be forbidden by law.