camp out

camp out

1. To sleep outside recreationally; to camp, typically with a sleeping bag and/or tent. My little brother really wants to camp out for his birthday, so we're going to set up a tent in our back yard for him. I love hiking and camping out, but my boyfriend is not very outdoorsy.
2. To live in a place other than one home's temporarily, often in conditions that are not ideal. I'm camping out in my aunt's basement until I can move into my new apartment, so my roommates right now are a washer and dryer—and a few bugs.
See also: camp, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

camp out

to live out of doors temporarily in a tent or camping vehicle, as on a vacation or special camping trip. I love to camp out in the winter.
See also: camp, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

camp out

Sleep outdoors; also, stay somewhere for an unusually long time. For example, "We camped out in a field this night" (George Washington, Journal, March 18, 1748). In the early 1900s, the expression was extended to figurative uses, meaning simply "to stay somewhere for an unusually long time," as in She camped out at the stage door, hoping for an autograph.
See also: camp, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

camp out

v.
1. To sleep outdoors, usually in a tent: If the weather is nice, we should camp out on the mountain.
2. To reside at some place temporarily, especially under difficult conditions: I had to camp out in my cousin's living room until I found an apartment of my own.
See also: camp, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • pitch camp
  • break camp
  • tent out
  • sleep out
  • whomp
  • whomp on
  • dress out
  • gain ground
  • like a champ
  • keep a close watch over (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Served to thousands of veterans and active military service men and women who participated in Garrahy's “Steaks and Beers” camp outs at his Gettysburg farm, as well as to participants of World T.E.A.M.
Injured Iraq Veteran Dedicated to Keeping Tangy Table Sauce Available
twice, white water rafting the Kennebeck in Maine, trips to Boston, color guard at the Celtics, and so many other camp outs and outings.
Scout becomes an Eagle with clean-up
"Some groups pretty much 'go dark' in July and August, but ours gets together for trips, camp outs and dinners.
Be square, be fit
Most people remember with fondness the counselors, cabins, camp food, camp outs, and special happenings of their time.
Why the world needs summer camp: an essay to parents
NYSMLA events include a Primitive Biathlon, two Family Fun shooting matches and camp outs, and a Trophy Shoot.
Primitive Rendezvous: was I in a time warp, or on the set for the remake of the movie "Jeremiah Johnson"?
Also required is participation in at least one social event conducted by the "Y" designed specifically for teens, including dances, pool parties, pizza parties, camp outs, and days at the beach.
Teen Court: a second chance for young adults