Survivalist is a person who anticipates and prepares for a future disruption in local, regional or worldwide social or political order. Survivalists often prepare for this anticipated disruption by learning skills (e.g., emergency medical training), stockpiling food and water, or building structures that will help them to survive (e.g., an underground shelter). The specific preparations made by survivalists depend on the nature of the anticipated disruption, some of the most commonly anticipated being:
- Natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, and severe thunderstorms
- A disaster brought about by the activities of humankind: chemical spills, release of radioactive materials, or war.
- General collapse of society, resulting from the unavailability of electricity, fuel, food, and water.
- Widespread chaos, or some other apocalyptic event.
Camping describes a wide range of activities. Survivalist campers set off with little more than their boots, whereas recreational vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture. 
Camping may be an end unto itself, but often it is done in conjunction with other activities, such as hiking, swimming or fishing. It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location.
Some people vacation in permanent camps with cabins and other facilities (such as hunting camps or children's summer camps), but a stay at such a camp is usually not considered 'camping'. The term camping (or the slightly sarcastic camping out) may also be applied to those who live outdoors out of necessity (as in the case of the homeless) or for people waiting overnight in very long lines (queues). It does not, however, apply to cultures whose technology does not include sophisticated dwellings. Camping may be referred to colloquially as roughing it.
