Featuring 230 exceptional photos, this is the first book covering KOA - Kampgrounds of America - the largest travel camping host in the world and the artwork the organization has commissioned over the years. Each original work of art is related to camping and RVing. The artwork includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and other forms, all housed in the KOA International Headquarters in the company's Art of Kamping Gallery. The subjects covered in these chapters include folk art, humor, whimsy, civic spirit, international, the KOA-Airstream connection, a commemoration of KOA's 2012 fiftieth anniversary celebration, and more. Taken together, this collection celebrates the "soft rugged" camping experience KOA provides, reflecting the belief that camping is an important and positive life experience. It shows how camping brings families and friends together, escaping the humdrum everyday experience in favor of the exciting, restorative outdoor experience enjoyed by young and old alike.

Could there be another way of life? Can I survive with less stuff? Should I run for the hills? These are all good questions that people have asked before, throughout history, and which have inspired people to set up camp. But now camping is part of the drive for self-sufficiency, a reaction against mass tourism, a chance to connect with the land, to experience a community, to leave no trace . . . From packing to pitching, with hikes into the deep history of the subject and encounters with the great campers and camping movements of the past, this is the only book you'll need to pack when you next head off to sleep under the stars. IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT CAMPERS LIKE MORE THAN CAMPING, IT'S DREAMING ABOUT THEIR NEXT TRIP

The book begins by immersing readers in the aesthetics of camping, exploring the selection of campsites, the arrangement of gear, and the appreciation of natural landscapes as elements of a visual masterpiece. It emphasizes the importance of choosing campsites that resonate with individual preferences, whether it's the serene tranquility of a lakeside spot or the panoramic vistas of a mountainous terrain. As the narrative unfolds, practical insights are seamlessly integrated with the artful approach. Readers are guided on how to set up a campsite with efficiency and aesthetics in mind, creating a harmonious and inviting space. The book addresses essential camping skills, from fire building to cooking, while infusing guidance with a sense of mindful presence, encouraging campers to savor every moment and engage with their surroundings on a deeper level. The guide also explores the art of connecting with nature and fellow campers. It delves into activities that enhance the camping experience, such as stargazing, storytelling, and embracing the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors. The book underscores the transformative power of camping as a means to disconnect from the demands of daily life, fostering a sense of inner peace and rejuvenation.

A visual exploration and history of one of America's favorite pastimes. Car camping, hike-in tent camping, bivouacking, mountaineering, RV camping, glamping, back yard camping . . . whatever your style, outdoor adventure awaits! For camping enthusiasts, this fascinating (and packable) volume holds a comprehensive look at the origins of the practice and the ways that bring all these enthusiasts together. From the early days of recreational camping in the late nineteenth century through the multitude of modern camping options available today, Making Camp explores the history and evolution of the popular activity through the lens of its most important and familiar components: the campsite, the campfire, the picnic table, the map, the tent, the sleeping bag, as well as the oft invisible systems for delivering water and managing trash. Find out how early nineteenth century German peasants fashioned rudimentary sleeping bags by burrowing into bags full of leaves for the night. Look back over several millennia to learn about the progression of tents from animal skins, goat's hair, and heavy canvas to featherweight nylon. Learn about the ways in which the skills to build and maintain a campfire have been displaced by the portable gas stove. Pinpoint the details of the essential campground map and its unique place in the camping imagination. Each chapter includes a broad range of visuals to help illustrate the rich history of camping and our collective devotion to it, including drawings, patents, diagrams, sketches, paintings, advertisements, and historical photographs. A must-have for avid campers, nature lovers, and all who seek to connect with the universe by sleeping under the stars.