Travel Primitive camping: What is it, why do it and what do you need to do it right? September 20, 2019 Gary Garth, Special to USA TODAY Comments Off on Primitive camping: What is it, why do it and what do you need to do it right? Primitive camping – referred to simply as camping pre-glamping – is just you, a tent, light source, sleeping gear, camp stove, water filter and food.