Outside of Nicaragua’s urban areas, especially along the coast, camping is a good option for the budget traveler. “Camping” will in all likelihood not involve a tent, as many Westerners would expect, but will have you swinging in a hammock, hopefully covered by a mosquito net. If you intend on doing a lot of camping then consider buying the essential three: a net, a hammock and a tarpaulin.
There are few official campsites, but most of the camping options are available through hostels and fincas, which offer accommodation in hammocks under covered areas at cheaper rates than you would pay for a room. In most of these cases you will have the option of either hanging your own hammock or using one provided by the hostels.
Purchasing your own equipment allows you to be much more adventurous, as there are places to be found to sling a hammock all over the country; if you're wandering through and want to set up camp, just remember to ask permission first.