back country

American  

noun

1. a sparsely populated rural region remote from a settled area.

2. Australian. a remote, undeveloped part of a large farm or cattle station.

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back country British  

noun

1. land remote from a town or settled area

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Other Word Forms

• back-country adjective

Etymology

Origin of back country

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

They include areas popular with hillwalkers, climbers and back country skiers.

From BBC

“Check avalanche forecasts and weather reports before traveling anywhere in the back country,” Moon said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Regardless of whether you spend your days relaxing along the South Fork, or hit the back country for more rugged hiking, you will return home feeling refreshed and energized.

From Los Angeles Times

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Big Thicket offers nearly 40 miles of hiking trails and six waterway corridors, as well as opportunities for back country camping, paddling, fishing, bird watching and much more.

From Seattle Times

After five years of pandemic- and snowpack-related closures, Yosemite National Park has reopened “glamping” campsites where visitors will have access to showers, gourmet meals and a view of the park’s wild back country.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• outback
• wilderness