1A camp for the accommodation of people in need of aid, especially owing to a natural disaster, war, etc.
2Chiefly NZ and Canadian a camp established by the government to house the unemployed, especially those participating in work projects (now historical).
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of relief camp in US English:
relief camp
noun
1A camp for the accommodation of people in need of aid, especially owing to a natural disaster, war, etc.
2Chiefly NZ and Canadian a camp established by the government to house the unemployed, especially those participating in work projects (now historical).