Camping is an experience that’s been redefined regularly, especially in the past century since the first RVs started wheeling out into the American countryside. Just a few decades ago, most people would define camping as the heading out to sleep under the stars, sheltered perhaps by a tarp, in a tent or at least in some sort of camping vehicle out in the woods, on a mountain or along a stream or beach. That’s changed, especially for city folks, where camping may not even require getting out of town. Riverside State Park’s Bowl and Pitcher Campground is on the west edge of Spokane’s city limits, yet roughly 50 percent of the clientele at the park’s four campgrounds are locals, said Chris Guidotti, park manager. More than half of those staying with Kampgrounds of America say they were at home the night before arriving at the campground, according to KOA CEO Jim Rogers. That’s a 25 percent increase over seven years/Rich Landers, SR. More here. (SR photo)

Helen Newton of Sandpoint emails: "Do people who drive their 5 and 6 figure RV units to the woods really think they’re camping just because they aren’t hooked up to water, sewer and power for a few days – all the while running everything in their “camper” off their generator and using their holding tanks? Camping is only sleeping under the stars or in a tent!

Question: Can a person who takes his/her fully equipped RV into the woods really say he's been camping?