Camping alone is an entirely different beast than camping with friends.
It can be intimidating. I get it.
You’re isolated. You’re out in the woods. It’s dark. You’re alone.
Anybody would be a little uneasy in this situation.
Below are some tips for keeping your cool, building up your confidence, and staying safe when you are out camping by yourself!
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Have a Check-In Partner
Before you venture out into the wilderness by yourself, make sure somebody knows where you are going!
Give them an outline of when you are arriving, how long you will be there, and when you plan on leaving.
Update them accordingly.
Send them a message when you arrive and make sure to check in with them periodically, so they know you are okay.
Your check-in partner needs to have a plan and your general location, in case you don’t check in. They will be an important lifeline in knowing when to send help if you get lost or stranded.
Pick a Smart Location
If it is your first time camping on your own, it is important to pick the right spot for your campsite.
Trekking miles into the woods and dispersed camping might not be the best idea if you’re still a little uneasy about camping alone.
National parks, state parks, or local places you are familiar with are your best bets starting out.
While camping is all about nature and getting away from others, camping in the general vicinity of other campers can help ease you in if you are uncomfortable.
You’re still by yourself, but at least there are people within shouting distance if anything goes wrong.
If you do decide to camp somewhere more scenic and off the beaten path, pick a spot that feels comfortable. When nighttime comes, a spot by the river or in an open meadow will feel a lot less ominous than a dark corner of the woods engulfed by trees.
Pack Smart
Before you leave, make sure that you have everything that you might need.
Your pack will be your lifeline, so pack it accordingly.
You want to pack the essentials and leave behind the unnecessaries.
This is true for any camping trip, but especially when camping alone.
You’ll need food, safe drinking water, a flashlight or headlamp, your shelter, some kind of fire starter, a first-aid kit, spare batteries, a tool for cutting wood, some kind of compass or GPS, portable chargers for your electronics, and any other emergency supplies you feel might be necessary.
If you’re cold weather camping or camping in the rain, plan to bring proper supplies.
Your survival—but usually just your comfort level—will rely on how well you pack your bag.
It might also be a good idea to bring a book or other activity to help keep you entertained when camping alone. Camping is fun, but sometimes the time can pass slow.
Stay Safe-Be Vigilant of your Surroundings
What would you rather choose, the man or the bear?
When you’re camping alone, both can pose potential risks.
Wildlife WILL wander through on at least one of your trips, and other campers nearby may not always have your best intentions in mind.
Stay vigilant. Trust your gut.
If a campsite, location, or other campers leave you feeling unsafe or uncomfortable—leave.
Intuitions have a funny way of being right, and it’s always a good idea to listen to what your gut is telling you.
Bringing a knife, pepper spray, bear spray, etc, for defense can help with uneasy feelings. Chances are you will never need to use them, but wouldn’t you rather have them just in case?
I, personally, sleep with my knife next to my sleeping pad in case I need to grab it for any reason in the middle of the night.
Side Note- Store food and any other tempting items in your car, make sure to keep a clean tent, and dispose of your trash regularly (especially before bed) to avoid luring any unwanted guests to your campsite in the middle of the night. Bears will break into your cooler for food at 2 am—don’t ask us how we know.)
Set Up During the Day
It’s best to arrive at the campsite while the sun is still high in the sky.
Setting up in the dark is challenging when you are wrestling with flashlights, headlamps, and tentpoles, especially if you’ve had a long drive or hike that day.
Getting your tent set up during the daylight hours will give you time to explore the area.
Feeling familiar with where you are camping will help keep you a little more comfortable when the sun sets.
It will also give you plenty of time to find wood, get your fire started, and get your sleep setup put together.
Relax! Enjoy the Experience
Camping alone may seem like a daunting experience, but it can also be quite rewarding. Don’t let your fear of camping by yourself keep you from exploring the places you want to explore.
There is nothing wrong with being a little afraid, but nature isn’t nearly as scary as some might make you think, and neither is camping by yourself.
Try calming yourself by reading, listening to music, or doing something fun that you enjoy. This will help pass the time and keep you in good spirits.
Take a breath, relax, and enjoy the ride. You’re doing it, you’re camping on your own. You’re getting closer to nature and you’re doing it on your terms.
This should be a celebration, not a mountain of worry and stress.
(Remember, if you get overwhelmed, there’s nothing wrong with leaving early and trying again another time. I’ve even done it. It happens! Working up to what you are comfortable with is all part of the journey.)
Thanks for Reading!
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