Plain language
Camping glossary
When a term changes a rule, confirm the land manager’s exact definition.
- Base weight
- Everything carried in a backpack except consumables and items worn.
- Bear canister
- A hard-sided food-storage container; only approved models satisfy some local orders.
- Developed campground
- A designated campground with some built facilities. Amenities vary.
- Dispersed camping
- Camping outside a developed campground where the land manager permits it.
- Guyline
- Cord that braces a tent or tarp away from its main stake points.
- Potable water
- Water identified as safe for drinking by the responsible provider.
- R-value
- A measure of resistance to heat flow, used for sleeping-pad insulation.
- Tent pad
- A prepared area intended for a tent; size, surface, and drainage vary.
- Trailhead
- The access point where a trail trip begins.
- Turnaround time
- A preselected time to head back regardless of whether the destination was reached.