Is Backcountry Camping the Same as Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backcountry camping and backpacking are two activities that are often conflated and confused for one another. However, there are many differences between the two that should be noted in order to understand their respective merits and drawbacks.

Backcountry Camping: Backcountry camping is essentially car camping without the car. Campers will typically drive up to a campsite, unload their belongings, and then set up their camp.

This type of camping is usually done in designated areas like state parks or national forests, and it allows campers to enjoy all of the amenities associated with car camping such as fire pits, picnic tables, bathrooms, etc. The main advantage of backcountry camping is that it allows campers to get away from civilization while still having access to modern amenities and services.

Backpacking: Backpacking is similar to backcountry camping in that it involves setting up a temporary campsite in a remote location. However, the key difference between the two activities is that backpacking requires more preparation and planning than backcountry camping does.

Backpackers typically travel light with just the essentials needed for a few days or weeks in the wilderness. Backpackers also typically hike trails to reach their destination as opposed to driving up to a campsite like with backcountry camping.

Conclusion: In conclusion, there are clear distinctions between backcountry camping and backpacking. While both activities involve spending time outdoors in remote locations, they differ significantly in terms of preparation, equipment needed, and amenities available. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when deciding which activity is right for you.