Inklingo

How to Say "camp" in Spanish

English → Spanish

campamento

kahm-pah-MEHN-toh/kampaˈmento/

nounA1general
Use 'campamento' for a physical site where people stay temporarily, like an outdoor or military base, or for a structured recreational or educational program for young people.
Three colorful tents pitched around a small campfire in a forest clearing.

Examples

Los scouts montaron su campamento junto al río.

The scouts set up their camp by the river.

Montamos el campamento antes de que oscureciera.

We set up camp before it got dark.

El campamento militar se estableció en la frontera.

The military camp was established on the border.

Necesitamos volver al campamento base para recoger suministros.

We need to return to the base camp to pick up supplies.

Masculine Noun

Since 'campamento' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. You must use masculine words (like 'el' or 'un') before it.

Using the Activity

Mistake: “El camping es muy divertido (meaning the camp itself).”

Correction: El campamento es muy divertido. ('Camping' often refers just to the activity of camping, while 'campamento' is the structured place or program.)

campo

/kahm-poh//ˈkampo/

nounB2general
Choose 'campo' when referring to a site established for specific groups like refugees, prisoners, or for military training purposes.
Several rows of identical, functional canvas tents set up in an organized line on dry ground, representing a temporary camp.

Examples

El gobierno abrió un campo de detención para los inmigrantes ilegales.

The government opened a detention camp for illegal immigrants.

Establecieron un campo de refugiados cerca de la frontera.

They established a refugee camp near the border.

Los soldados pasaron seis semanas en un campo de entrenamiento.

The soldiers spent six weeks in a training camp.

rancho

/rran-choh//ˈrantʃo/

nounB2military/work
Use 'rancho' specifically for temporary lodging or a mess hall, particularly for workers or soldiers.
A long wooden table filled with many identical metal trays, set up inside a large, simple hall ready for communal dining.

Examples

Los soldados comieron en el rancho antes de la patrulla.

The soldiers ate in the mess hall before the patrol.

El rancho militar era básico, pero la comida era abundante.

The military mess hall was basic, but the food was plentiful.

Nos sirvieron rancho frío después del largo entrenamiento.

They served us cold basic rations after the long training.

Campamento vs. Campo

Learners often confuse 'campamento' and 'campo'. Remember that 'campamento' is generally for outdoor stays or youth programs, while 'campo' is more specific to sites for refugees, prisoners, or military training. Don't use 'campo' for a simple camping trip.

Related Translations

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