campement

Campement is a term used to describe a temporary encampment, a place where people or troops shelter for a period, typically formed with tents, caravans, or other portable shelters. In civilian contexts, campements refer to designated camping areas—campgrounds or campsites—intended for short to medium stays by individuals, families, or organized groups. In military usage, a campement denotes a field camp or bivouac established by soldiers in the course of operations, training, or movement, and may include defensive positions, supply depots, medical facilities, and communications lines.

A typical campement comprises living quarters, cooking and sanitation facilities, water and waste management, power supply, weather protection, and security measures. The layout aims to minimize environmental impact while ensuring safety and accessibility. Regulations vary by jurisdiction, but common requirements cover permits, occupancy limits, fire safety, and waste disposal. In civilian settings, campground management often provides designated roads, signage, and enforcement to maintain order and protect natural resources.

Historically, campements have been a practical solution for armies during campaigns and for explorers or travelers in remote areas. In modern contexts, the term can also apply to temporary humanitarian settlements, such as refugee or internally displaced person camps, though terminology and organization differ by country and agency. Etymologically, campement comes from the French word camp, with the nominal suffix -ment; in English usage it is more common in formal or historical texts and translations of French sources.

See also: bivouac, campsite, campground, refugee camp, military camp.