I always think of bivouac as emergency camping. You didn't pick the spot, but stopped because you had too (injury, weather, etc... )
Dictionary: a temporary camp without tents or cover, used especially by soldiers or mountaineers.
As a mountaineer, it can mean the above. It can also mean an area where it is feasible to bivouac such as a ledge, or a small clearing.
Traditionally, yes, without a tent.
However, in recent decades, it has become commonly used more generally as a minimalist camp with few of no accommodations. . . for instance the "climbers bivouac area(s)" set up outside the main visitors areas of parks that don't otherwise allow camping, but want climbers to quit camping illegally. They often have a privy and sometimes a water spigot out in the woods or field.
I'm not lost. I'm exploring.
I second the idea of RON. Applicable and easy.
Termite fart so much they are responsible for 3% of global methane emissions.
Trailside — not sure if one word or two.
"Primitive camp" is the proper terminology....
Let's head for the roundhouse; they can't corner us there!