Camping Tents

Shelter for the night is a major consideration when planning any camping excursion. Conditions and challenges vary as much as the campers' skills and personalities do. Fortunately, camping tents are so versatile they can provide a safe haven for the night for just about everyone.

All camping tents are made of some sort of fabric that is held in place with stakes in the ground or tied to adjacent trees or other support elements. Often camping tents are described as free standing but even these tents employ guy ropes staked to ground pegs.

Camping tents are sold almost everywhere other camping equipment is sold. Major discount warehouse chains carry a selection of inexpensive camping tents and other gear. Shops specializing in sporting equipment will often carry more specialized gear in a bigger variety and price range than the discounters.

First-time campers might want to visit yard sales, flea markets, and resale shops for camping tents at very inexpensive rates. Camping tents can be expensive so before investing heavily in specialized equipment, it's a good idea to start small and experiment with camping close to home for a night or two, just to see if the outdoor experience is the right fit.

Whether camping solo or bringing along the whole family, camping tents are available to meet any needs. Small, one-man tents are often very lightweight so they can be easily transported in a backpack, bicycle, canoe, or kayak. Family-size camping tents can sleep any number of people, depending on size and privacy desired.

For the most rugged outdoorsman, an improvised camping tent can be fashioned from a tarp, with rope or bungee cords fastened to trees and rocks found at the campsite.

Camping romanticists even choose to sleep under the stars sometimes, with no camping tents at all.