Camp meeting, historically, was an outdoor religious gathering held in the United States, chiefly in the 1800’s. Meetings lasted several days and featured daily open-air services. Camp meetings were intended to revive the spirit of religion but not take the place of regular church functions. Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian ministers often preached at the same series of meetings. The participants lived in tents or temporary houses in large clearings. The first camp meeting is said to have taken place in Logan County, Kentucky, in 1800. Some religious groups still hold camp meetings. See also Pioneer life in America (Religion) ; Revivalism .
