When you hear the word "camping," you might picture a cozy tent, a warm sleeping bag, and maybe even a campfire with marshmallows. That's regular camping. But there's another kind - survival camping. Let's break it down so you know what to expect from each.
You pack your car with gear. You bring a big tent, chairs, a cooler full of food, maybe even a portable speaker. You drive to a campsite with bathrooms nearby. You sleep on an air mattress. You cook on a camp stove. This is regular camping. It's relaxing. It's fun. It's like a vacation in the woods.
We've all done this kind of camping at least once. Maybe with family. Maybe with friends. It's easy. It's safe. And it's perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to get away from the city for a weekend.
Now imagine you're dropped in the middle of nowhere. No tent. No snacks. No phone signal. You have a knife, maybe a small backpack, and that's it. Your job? Stay alive until you find help or get back to civilization. That's survival camping. It's not a vacation. It's a test.
We don't recommend this for first-timers. It takes practice. It takes knowledge. And it takes guts. But some folks love the challenge. They want to see what they're made of when there's no backup plan.
In regular camping, you bring comfort items. Think lanterns, folding tables, even a portable grill. You might pack extra clothes, books, games, or a hammock. The more, the better. You want to feel at home in the wild.
In survival camping, every ounce counts. You bring only what you can't live without. A good knife. A fire starter. A water filter. Maybe a small tarp. Rope. A first aid kit. That's it. No extras. No "just in case" stuff. If it doesn't help you survive, it stays home.
Regular campers bring coolers full of sandwiches, hot dogs, fruit, and drinks. Maybe they even pack a coffee maker. Water comes from bottles or the campsite tap. Easy. Simple. Delicious.
Survival campers? They find water in streams or collect rain. They boil it or filter it before drinking. Food? They might catch fish, set traps for small animals, or forage for edible plants. Sometimes they go hungry. That's part of the deal.
Your regular tent might have room for four people, a floor mat, and even a little porch. You zip it up at night and sleep like a baby. Maybe you even bring a pillow.
Survival campers build shelters from scratch. Branches. Leaves. Rocks. A tarp tied between trees. Sometimes they sleep under nothing but the sky. If it rains? They get wet. If it's cold? They shiver until morning. Comfort is not on the menu.
Regular camping is low risk. Campsites have rangers. Roads are nearby. You can call for help. You're never truly alone.
Survival camping? High risk. No one knows where you are. No cell service. No easy escape. One wrong move - a sprained ankle, a cut that gets infected - and things get serious fast. That's why training matters. That's why experience saves lives.
Not everyone. Seriously. If you've never slept outside without a tent, start small. Try a night in your backyard. Then try a real campsite. Learn how to start a fire. Learn how to read a map. Learn basic first aid.
Once you're comfortable, you can try a short survival trip - maybe just one night, close to home. Tell someone where you're going. Bring a whistle and a backup phone. Don't go too far until you're sure you can handle it.
We've seen people jump in too fast and panic. That's dangerous. Take your time. Build your skills. Respect nature. It doesn't care if you're ready or not.
Some do it to prove something - to themselves or others. Some want to feel truly free, away from gadgets and noise. Others train for emergencies - like getting lost on a hike or surviving a disaster.
It's not about Instagram photos or fancy gear. It's about quiet strength. About knowing you can take care of yourself when no one else is around. That feeling? Priceless. But it costs effort. And sweat. And sometimes blisters.
You don't have to choose one forever. Many campers do both. A cozy weekend with friends. Then a solo survival trip to test their limits. Both teach you something. Both connect you with nature - just in different ways.
If you want fun, laughter, and s'mores - go regular. If you want challenge, silence, and self-reliance - try survival. Just be honest with yourself. Don't pretend you're Bear Grylls if you've never lit a fire without matches.
We believe everyone should spend time outdoors. Whether you're lounging in a camp chair or sleeping on pine needles, you're still under the same sky. And that's what matters. Your one-stop shop for all things prepping begins at the Survival Guides home.