A couple of months ago, I made the decision to embark on my inaugural solo camping expedition.
Like many other female travelers, I went through a similar situation where some of my family and friends showed support while others strongly opposed my travels.
Although camping alone as a woman may entail some risks, the same can be said for any other activity we engage in. By taking necessary precautions, camping alone can be made just as safe as any other pursuit.
I conducted extensive research prior to my journey, and I acquired a few insights that I will also be sharing.
If you are unsure about going on a solo trip, I would like to urge you to simply take the plunge. This has been one of the most incredible experiences I have had so far.
Why Go Camping Alone as a Woman?
Before delving into all the tips, I wanted to provide you with some of the advantages of solo camping as a woman.
Solo camping is a highly empowering experience, particularly when it comes to problem-solving skills. Solo travel in general enhances problem-solving abilities, and this is especially evident during camping trips.
As you grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult to find someone to accompany you. Waiting for someone to go with you is unnecessary, as people are often occupied with work, children, or the responsibilities of everyday life.
If you are waiting for someone to join you in your travels and adventures, it is possible that you will be waiting for a considerable amount of time, perhaps even indefinitely.
As an introvert, I find great enjoyment in both being alone and traveling alone. Constantly being in the presence of others can be draining for me, which is why I appreciate solitude.
When you are by yourself, you have the freedom to make all decisions without having to make compromises on your actions.
Is it weird to go camping alone?
Going camping alone is not strange at all. In reality, numerous individuals find camping alone to be a more pleasurable experience compared to camping with or near others. If you can locate a suitable spot for solo camping, you can avoid concerns such as noisy dogs owned by fellow hikers disturbing your sleep or damaging your tent, loud music originating from neighboring tents, or other campers attracting bears to your campsite.
Is it safe to go camping alone as a woman?
Camping and backpacking, just like any other activity, involve a certain level of risk. It can never be completely safe. However, this is not unique to camping alone as a woman. Everyday activities such as driving on highways, walking alone downtown, or living alone also carry inherent risks. Therefore, if you are well-prepared with sufficient food, water, and shelter, and have knowledge on how to stay safe around wildlife, camping alone as a woman poses no greater danger than any other activity.
What are the benefits of camping alone?
If you have been feeling overwhelmed or overworked, camping alone can be a fantastic method to reset your circadian rhythm and restore balance to your nervous system. Additionally, if you choose to hike or backpack to your campsite, you will also enjoy the physical advantages of exercise. Moreover, research has shown that even just sitting at the campsite and immersing yourself in the forest environment, known as forest bathing, can enhance your mental well-being.
How to get over fear of camping alone?
If you feel scared about camping alone, don’t worry, it’s normal, especially if you have no prior experience. Take it step by step. Begin by camping close to your home where you can easily access cell phone service in case of any emergencies. Once you gain confidence in setting up your equipment and sleeping in your sleeping bag, you can explore more distant and secluded places that interest you. Always make sure to inform a reliable friend about your whereabouts and expected return time.
Things We Recommend
- Bring a book, preferably a lighter weight paperback if you bring a physical book. Bonus points if it’s a book about the great outdoors.
- Load up a book or a few on your kindle app to read on your phone or bring along a kindle.
- Download plenty of podcasts or audiobooks to your phone to listen to offline.
- Bring a lightweight journal or notebook and journal away. Print out a sheet or half sheet of journal prompts to bring along if you need some ideas.
- Play in nature. This is something we tend to miss out on as adults, but why not explore – go flip over rocks and logs and see what you can find, dig around in the creek and see what’s in there, see how many different types of kindling you can find and practice starting fires (if fires are permitted,) if you have a decent pocket knife, grab some dead branches and whittle away, make nature art with twigs, small rocks, and whatever else you can find (snap a picture and then disperse them to Leave No Trace.)
- If you’re at a shelter or shared campsite, get to know a little bit about each of the hikers there with you.
- Take the time to stretch, especially your legs and back, at the end of the day.
- Meditate, either on your own or download some guided meditations to listen to offline.
- Bring a small travel book of sudoku, word puzzles, or an adult coloring book.
- If you took a million photos that day, don’t we all tend to do that now that film is largely a thing of the past? Go through them every night or every couple of nights and delete any that you know you won’t use. Then you won’t even have to bother uploading the bad photos when you get home.
- Bring a handful of postcards or note cards and write letters to send when you get to town or at the end of your trip.
- Bring a harmonica or other musical instrument, if you’re willing to spare the weight of it.
- Bring a field guide to the local plants/trees/birds/etc and try to identify as much as you can around you.
- If you’ll be on a more popular trail, it might be worth it to bring a deck of cards or other small/light game to play with other hikers.
Know Your Comfort Zone
When it comes to pushing beyond your comfort zone, I am a strong advocate. Nevertheless, I have my doubts about doing so when you are embarking on your first solo camping experience.
I ventured about five and a half hours away to an unfamiliar area for my first solo camping trip, but I’ve been described as a bit more adventurous than others.
If going to a nearby campground for 30 minutes on the road is what it takes for you to feel comfortable with camping alone, then feel free to do so.
You don’t need to embark on a grand adventure for your first time. Begin with something small and progress gradually.
Pick Your Location Wisely
This tip is related to the previous one. I believe it is not advisable to go alone on your first solo outing if you have no experience in backcountry camping.
In my opinion, backcountry camping is out of my comfort zone and I believe it requires acquiring certain skills before attempting it alone.
To begin with, some examples of subjects to consider are wilderness safety, navigation, and camp cooking.
If you are not knowledgeable about camping in remote areas, there are two options you can consider: experimenting with dispersed camping or visiting a designated campground.
If this is your first time, I suggest choosing a campground where you can check in with the campground hosts to let them know of your presence.
