Date: 1500-1600 Language: French Origin: camper, from camp; CAMP1. camp up 1900-2000 From CAMP3 camp2 verb camp2 [intransitive]1DLO to set up a tent or shelter and stay there for a short time: We will camp by the river for the night, and move on tomorrow. camping gear/equipment camping gear such as a sleeping bag, tent, and backpack2 go campingDLO to visit an area, especially the mountains or a fore