Campground or Camping Ground
Campground, the word
Campground is, quite obviously, another hybrid word that can be more easily defined when separated and then combined again. The word separates into camp and ground.
The Definition of Camp
The word camp is a noun and comes from the Old French word campus. Campus would be described as any courtyard or area used for a specific use, event or gathering. Thus, camp can be defined as an area designated for recreational outdoor living. In America, camping is the art of entertaining ones self and family while enjoying the outdoors and living without most modern amenities that a house might offer. Traditional camping, which is done without electricity or battery operated machines, requires that the camper cook his food over an open flame the way our ancestors did. Otherwise, the camper was left to eat cold food. Modern camping relies heavily on the use of modern gadgets and electronic devices. The art of camping, however is no less difficult than it ever was as modern conveniences force us further and further away from living naturally without industry, making our trips into the outdoors more and more foreign each year.
The Definition of Ground
The word ground, which is a noun, comes from the Old English word grund which refers to a specific area, measurement or portion of earth, land or terrain. Because the word ground litterally refers to the most common element, carbon, the word sometimes takes the connotation of seriousness or weight in the English language. For example the phrase, on solid ground means "a place of strength". For example, I have to get my feet on solid ground means "I need to become strong and settled again."
Campground Defined
When you put the two words together, creating campground, the word quite literally means a specific measurement of earth, land or terrain where people come together for quality time in the outdoors. Some believe that camping in a campground is like paying homage to our ancestors who lived without electricity, water and many other modern amenities.
The Phrase Camping Ground
The phrase camping ground refers to the same as campground but is not widely used among all English speaking people. In fact, the majority of those who use the phrase camping ground live in the midwestern states in America. This, of course, is just proof that dialect and pronunciation differ from one area to another.
About Campgrounds
Campgrounds are incredibly fun. They usually have tent sites, cabins for rent when the weather is cold and grassy areas for recreational use. Playgrounds are also very popular at campgrounds. The most popular play sets at playgrounds are the modern, safe sets that are made of plastic and wood. When camping and taking children to the playground, be sure to keep close watch on your children.
While camping at a campground, popular activities usually include roasting food over an open flame, singing songs around a campfire, star gazing and tons of active things as well. Hiking, bicycling, trail blazing, canoeing and picnicking are many of the outdoor activities that also ensue while on a camping trip.