follow

For the girlies (and guys!) seeking a truly liberating adventure, solo camping is a great way to connect with nature, cultivate self-reliance, and reclaim a sense of independence. 

While the idea of venturing into the wilderness alone may seem daunting at first, it’s such an empowering experience that allows us to challenge societal norms, conquer fears, and embrace the beauty of the great outdoors.

This post is all about exploring the unique joys and considerations of solo camping as a woman, providing insights, tips, and inspiration for those ready to embark on their own fearless outdoor adventures.

The Empowerment Of Self Reliance

Solo camping is a great way to work on self-reliance and resilience.

By planning and going on a camping trip alone, you stand to gain confidence in your abilities to navigate, set up camp, and overcome whatever challenges come your way.

Solo camping strengthens our bond with nature and reminds us that we are capable of much more than just sleeping outside alone. Plus, it fosters a sense of empowerment that carries over into other areas of our lives.

Think about it: you pull into your campsite, set up your tent, and make your bed. You start a fire, cook your dinner, clean up, and relax. All of this on your own. All of this for yourself and by yourself. It’s liberating to be on a trip planned by you, for you and on your own time. 

Safety First: Tips and Precautions

While solo camping can be a fun and empowering activity, safety should always be a top priority.

Taking precautions and being prepared are essential for any camping trip, but as a woman camping alone, there are additional considerations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here’s some of my considerations when planning a solo adventure:

1. Research and Plan
Before heading out, research the camping area thoroughly. Look for well-populated, well-maintained ESTABLISHED campgrounds that are known to be safe. Camping solo is not the time to try out an off-the-grid BLM spot until you're more comfortable and confident. Read reviews from other campers and check for any potential risks or concerns in the area. Familiarize yourself with local regulations, weather conditions, and wildlife that may be present. Planning ahead will help you make informed decisions and choose the perfect site.
2. Share Your Itinerary
Always inform someone you trust about your camping plans. Share your itinerary, including details such as your intended campsite, dates, and expected duration of your trip. This ensures that someone knows your whereabouts and can alert authorities if needed. If you're planning day hikes or plan to be out of cell service for a while, be sure to give an absolute check-in deadline and have your contact notify the police if you do not check in by that time.
3. Pack Smart
Packing the right gear is essential for a safe camping experience. Most of these should already be in your hiking pack as a part of the 10 Essentials. To make things easy, I keep a camping tote pre-packed with all these items and restock as needed!
See the 10 essentials
4. Campsite Selection
Choose your campsite wisely to enhance safety and peace of mind. Opt for established campgrounds with designated, reservable sites, as these are usually well-monitored and offer a level of security. Look for campsites that have good visibility and are near other campers. Avoid secluded areas that may make you feel vulnerable or inaccessible to help if needed.
5. Trust Your Instincts
One of the most crucial aspects of staying safe while camping solo is listening to your intuition. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and make adjustments accordingly. This may involve changing campsites, relocating to a more populated area, or seeking assistance from park rangers or campground staff.
6. Connect with Fellow Campers
While making connections around you for safety is important and can be helpful if you forgot something or have trouble lighting your fire, don't outwardly alert ANYONE that you are camping alone. If someone seems off and inquires if you're camping alone, lie and tell them your husband is grabbing some firewood or walking the dog.

Finding Community and Support

Going camping alone doesn’t mean you’re on your own completely. There are lots of solo campers out there who share their experiences, tips, and support online and offline. I’m one of them!

Finding these groups can give you a sense of community, a place to talk about your stories and what you know, and an opportunity to connect with others who share your interests.

Don’t think you have to do every single thing by yourself either. Don’t be shy to talk to someone on a hike, in a coffee shop, or at your campsite.

You never know, you might make some new friends!

Connecting with Nature and Inner Strength

When you go solo camping, you get to experience nature in a totally unique way. Without all the usual distractions of life, you can get into the sights, sounds and feeling of being in the great outdoors.

Just being by yourself can give you the chance to reflect, find new things about yourself, and recharge.

Whether it’s looking up at the stars, taking a hike through some epic scenery, or just listening to the sound of a river flowing by, solo camping gives you the perfect opportunity to grow, be more mindful, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

Personally, I loved being able to soak up the peace and quiet, and feel like I was really part of nature.

Inspiring Others and Breaking Barrier

Going on camping trips alone is not only a great way for self-discovery and growth, but also sets an example for others.

It challenges the norms and stereotypes and inspires others to follow their own passions and overcome their limitations.

Sharing your stories and experiences can create a ripple effect, motivating a new generation of adventurous women to explore the joys and benefits of solo camping. Don’t wait for someone to join you or for the right moment to arrive, you can miss out on amazing adventures

Never pass up an opportunity just because you have to do it alone!