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Reading Time: 8 minutesLast Updated on June 27, 2025 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Solo Camping-6 Things to Keep in Mind
Solo camping is an adventure that calls out to the brave in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by the haunting whispers of the night. It is an expedition into the unknown, a rendezvous with nature, where you are a lone warrior against the elements.
Key Takeaways:
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- Solo Camping is Radically Different: Unlike group camping, solo camping places full responsibility for safety, entertainment, and skill execution on the individual, offering a unique opportunity for growth but also demanding thorough preparation.
- Ease into the Experience: Start with familiar locations close to home and gradually increase the challenge (e.g., isolation, specific wilderness skills) to build confidence and competence incrementally.
- Communication is Non-Negotiable: Always inform at least two people of your itinerary, expected return time, and establish check-in points to ensure someone is aware of your whereabouts in case of an emergency.
- Embrace and Manage Fear: It’s natural to feel nervous when doing something new. Practice self-talk and visualization to mentally prepare and work through anxieties rather than abandoning the plan.
- Gradual Skill Development is Crucial: Before venturing out alone, master essential wilderness skills, such as basic first aid, fire building, shelter setup, navigation (using a map and compass), weather interpretation, and knowledge of local flora and fauna (especially bear safety).
- Physical Preparation and Smart Packing are Essential: Train your body for the physical demands (e.g., hiking with a pack). Pack light but bright, prioritizing essentials, choosing ultralight gear, and considering water purification. For first-timers, car camping allows for less restrictive packing.
However, the thrill of 1 person camping comes with its share of perils. The dangers of camping alone can be as unpredictable as they are terrifying.
This article will explore the crucial safety considerations that must be taken into account when embarking on a solo camping trip.
It’s a survival guide for those who dare to face the wild alone, because it’s just you and Mother Nature when you’re out there.
Solo camping is radically different from group camping experiences. Without others around you to provide you with entertainment, company, wilderness skills, or a feeling of safety, you’re responsible for making your trip work.
While this can be an excellent opportunity to build your skills, independence, and resilience, it can also be a source of fear and anxiety without proper planning.
Six Things to Keep in Mind When You’re Solo Camping
Ease into it
If you’ve camped many times with your family or friends but have never camped solo before, even car camping by yourself can feel intimidating.
If you’ve camped solo at popular campgrounds, your first venture into the backcountry will probably feel new and perhaps even overwhelming.
Choosing a familiar camping destination close to home is the first step to building confidence while solo camping. You can spend more than a few nights alone in the wilderness and achieve better comfort in a recognizable area.
You can also test your skills incrementally if you are more familiar with the site.
Choose a location that allows you to test your limits in one or two, but not all, of the following categories: fire making, shelter setup, navigation, weather preparedness, wildlife preparedness, or some degree of isolation from other humans.
Let people know where you are
Should an emergency arise while you are alone in the wilderness, ensure someone knows your itinerary and location so they can alert the authorities.
When solo camping, always let at least two people know about the new challenges you’re facing and when you expect to return.
If possible, set up check-in times so people back home know when to expect to hear from you. This can help you feel safer and more supported as you try new things.
It’s okay to be nervous
Doing something new brings you face-to-face with the unknown, and it’s an opportunity to learn to navigate new risks and challenges.
We’re not born knowing how to coach ourselves through fears.
It requires practice. One study demonstrated that self-talk training before competition for young athletes helps to improve not only anxiety but also performance and reduces physical symptoms of nervousness.
Rather than feeling weak for experiencing fear or abandoning your solo camping mission, give yourself space to work through your fears one at a time.
Do some self-talk training beforehand and visualize where you’ll camp, the challenges you’ll face, and how you’ll overcome them.
Build your skills gradually
While solo camping is an excellent opportunity to increase your knowledge, skills, and abilities, there are a few necessary skills to master before heading out on your first solo camping trip.
You should know how to pack a kit and perform basic first aid on yourself. You should also be aware of the significant first aid risks, basic weather signs, and the types of animals that may be found in your area.
For instance, if you’re in an area with bears, understand how to store food and trash safely so you don’t entice hungry cubs.
You should be aware of which plants in your area are poisonous, and it’s always a good idea to research local edible plants, especially if you enjoy fresh greens with your MREs.
If you plan to camp by a lake or river, hone your fishing skills, pack your fishing rod, and bring essential fishing apparel on your next solo camping trip to catch your dinner comfortably.
Ensure you head into a solo camping trip knowing how to build a fire with matches and feel confident in pitching your tent or setting up your hammock and tarp.
If you’re venturing into the backcountry, it’s essential to know how to use a topographical map and compass, and to carry them with you. While GPS devices and phones are valuable tools, batteries can run out of power, and screens can break.
Be physically prepared
It is crucial to mentally prepare for your adventure and practice all necessary skills – from tent setup to wet-weather fire building – at home before embarking on your adventure.
It would be helpful if you also worked on your fitness before heading out, so you’ll be well-prepared for any physical challenges you may face.
You don’t want your first solo camping spot to be 10 miles away from a trailhead when you’ve only walked eight miles at a time before.
Train your body to carry weight by hiking with a heavy pack in the weeks leading up to your trip. You can also augment your functional training with cardio and light resistance workouts.
Pack smart
Without friends and family to help you carry the load, you will need to become an expert at lightweight packing. You will need to pack smarter, not more, to ensure you take all your essentials with you.
Make a complete list of all your camping essentials–double-checking and triple-checking it before you leave.
Choose an ultralight tent with a straightforward setup that you can easily assemble and manage on your own. Ensure you wear and pack appropriate clothing layers to regulate your body temperature in the environment.
Water can significantly weigh down your pack, so consider camping by a water source and pack a water purification system to filter water.
One bulky gear that may be worth packing is a bear-proof cooler or canister to keep
critters out of your food supply. For first-time solo campers, starting with a car camping trip and storing your supplies in your vehicle may be a worthwhile approach.
You can note which gear was most helpful and which was unnecessary so you can refine your packing list for your next solo camping adventure.
Is it Acceptable to Camp Alone?
You’ve never gone camping alone, so it’s excellent if you feel inspired to do it again after your first trip. Please don’t push it too much; schedule only one or two evenings out for your first trip.
During this period, you’ll have enough time to recover and get a feel for things to avoid experiencing extreme loneliness.
Why Stealth Camping?
In essence, the goal of stealth camping is to avoid detection and avoid breaking the law by spending the night in your car. It’s a terrific way to experience the environment, save on lodging, and have an exciting night out.
You may want to ensure your location is safe before heading out in your camping car. The law may show up for vagrancy.
What is Camping for Ghosts?
It seems that a sizable proportion of campers in popular sites that frequently fill up during the height of summer decide to pitch their tents weeks in advance and leave them empty as a means of “reserving” a spot until they need it. The practice is most prevalent in areas where free camping is readily available.
What Draws Millennial Campers?
Millennials’ love of nature is one key factor in their affinity for camping. Going outside gives them the chance to hang out while also providing a break from the stresses of daily life.
Most millennials who visit national parks enjoy activities such as wild river rafting, hiking trails, and zip lines.
Are there States where Camping is illegal?
Which states forbid camping? According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, laws prohibit homeless persons from camping in public areas in at least 100 different jurisdictions.
Bans on all forms of camping have been implemented in California, Florida, New Hampshire, and Texas.
Is it Legal to Camp on Public Land in the US?
Most of the remaining public lands are available for dispersed camping, provided that it does not interfere with other approved activities, occurs in places marked “closed to camping,” or negatively impacts animals or other natural resources.
Does BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land appear on Google Maps?
BLM land, including national monuments and several established campgrounds, is visible on Google Maps. However, not all BLM areas are included. There are just two other ways to locate BLM land: use the BLM map overlay on FreeRoam or the “interactive map” on the BLM website.
Explore on Your Own
In the grand finale of our discourse on solo camping, we delve into the realm of safety, which is of paramount importance. Embarking on a journey into the wilderness, alone and unaccompanied, elicits a sense of exhilaration that is unparalleled.
However, alongside the thrill and liberation of one person camping, lurk the undeniable dangers of camping alone.
The eerie silence of the night, the rustling leaves whispering tales of caution, and the wild inhabitants who might consider you an intruder all contribute to the potential hazards one could face.
Solo camping is not for the faint-hearted. It demands courage, audacity, and a deep-rooted respect for nature’s unforgiving aspects. It requires you to equip yourself with physical tools, mental fortitude, and awareness.
From packing a first-aid kit to familiarizing yourself with the local fauna and flora, every detail matters when it comes to your safety.
It would be helpful if you always let someone know your whereabouts and carry a map and compass, as well as a fully charged mobile phone and a power bank.
Dear adventurers, remember that solo camping is an unforgettable saga of self-discovery and introspection. However, you must always be aware of the dangers of camping alone.
Therefore, prepare meticulously, respect nature’s boundaries, and follow safety guidelines. Make your solo sojourn safe and memorable because preparedness is not just about packing right; it’s about coming back safe and sound to tell the tale!
Solo camping offers profound opportunities to appreciate beauty and stillness while simultaneously pushing your limits. You may see a stunningly clear night sky and marvel in perfect silence, but squirrels sometimes sound like mythical monsters in the dark.
Remember that solo camping is not a test of your bravado but an incremental and continuous lesson. Use these simple tips to help you make the most of your first solo outdoor adventure.
Final Thoughts
Regarding Solo Camping, several crucial aspects must be considered to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The first step is to select a safe and clean campsite with basic amenities.
This decision is crucial in shaping your camping experience and ensuring your well-being.
The next critical aspect is packing the essential gear, including a sturdy tent, a comfortable sleeping bag, and enough food and water for your trip.
In addition to these, acquiring basic survival skills is imperative for solo camping. This includes knowing how to light a fire under various conditions, understanding navigation techniques, and identifying potential hazards in the wild.
Since you’re on your own, informing someone about your camping plans, including the location of your campsite and the expected duration of your stay, can serve as a safety net in the event of an emergency.
Lastly, respecting wildlife is an unwritten rule of camping. Maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and not feeding them is essential, as it can alter their natural behaviors.
Food should be stored securely to prevent attracting wildlife to your campsite. In conclusion, solo camping can be an enriching experience, provided that these guidelines are followed meticulously.
