It's present perfect. Although this phrase looks the same as a present perfect continuous (for example, "I've been waiting"), the structure is different. The present perfect continuous is composed of have/has been + present participle*, while "I've been camping" is composed of have/has been + gerund. The name of the activity is 'go camping', and only the 'go' part of this expression changes. The word 'camping' is not part of the verb, so it does not change: Present simple: I go camping every summer Past simple: I went camping last summer Present perfect: I've never been camping (before now) Past perfect: I'd never been camping (before then) *Edited.

present perfect

Others have given excellent answers. I prefer "I have never gone camping," but the meaning is the same as "I have never been camping." Here is some general information about "to go camping," "to go swimming," .... http://www.eslcafe.com/grammar/verbs_other_verbs08.html English Grammar in Use 4th edition by Raymond Murphy is an excellent study and practice book. The paper copy is affordable and there is a PDF on the net. Unit 63E Expression + -ing We use "go -ing" for a number of activities (especially sports). go sailing go camping go riding go swimming go surfing go hiking ... go shopping Exercises 63.5 Ben lives by the sea and he's got a boat, so he often goes sailing. It was a very hot day, so we went swimming in the lake. There's plenty of snow in the mountains, so we'll be able to go skiing. Helen has got two horses. She goes riding regularly. "Where's Dan?" "He's gone shopping. There were a few things he needed to buy."

It's present perfect: from the expression, "go camping".