At first glance, many wonder what's the point of solo camping. You don't have anyone to share stories around the campfire or talk with when walking the trails. While camping with friends is an enjoyable experience, have you considered the possibility of solo camping? Because there is plenty to love about camping by yourself.

Camping can be one of the best ways to enjoy time in nature. Sitting around the campfire enjoying the flames' mesmerizing dance, roasting marshmallows, and reminiscing about the day's hike.

But sometimes, waiting for friends to join you on an adventure can put outdoor activities on pause. And keep you from traveling to one of the many state and national parks, setting up your tent, and relaxing under a shady tree.

A One-on-One Connection With Nature

Camping with a group does have its advantages like entertaining group hikes, combined-effort meals, and late-night campfire chats. Definitely a great time all around, but you can spend so much time connecting with other people that you forget to experience the stunning beauty of the scenery.

Solo camping ensures distractions are limited, and you can experience a much deeper connection to the scenery around you. Without others diverting your attention, you can enjoy the meditative aspect of a walk in the forest. Odds are you'll notice more of your surroundings and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.

You Can Explore At Your Own Pace

Camping alone allows you to set your own pace and immerse yourself in nature. There is no need to coordinate specific hiking times with anyone; you can sit and enjoy that second cup of tea or coffee and watch the leaves dance in the wind.

And when you do hit the trails, you can stop as often as you like to take photos of the scenery—no need to rush like when you're with a group of fellow outdoors enthusiasts. There are times I've taken an hour to go one mile. It's all about your unique take on time.

It’s A Stress-Free Zone

Camping with a group can sometimes bring unwanted stresses, and nobody needs more of that in their life. Ensuring everyone in the group is having a good time, scheduling hikes for all hiking levels, and managing raucous behavior during quiet hours can leave you feeling more stressed and exhausted than before the outing.

Camping on your own, there is no-one to please other than yourself. And that's a good thing. We sometimes forget we also need some time to recharge our batteries.

Leave all the stresses of life back home and enjoy your time in nature. Let the most stressful part of your day be either deciding whether you want to go hiking or lay in your hammock at camp and watch the clouds roll by.

Solo Camping Tips For The Beginner

Now you know the advantages of heading out on your own, you're ready to embark on an inaugural solo camping trip and reap the benefits of time to yourself.

But, most importantly, safety is the key to having an enjoyable time. I've put together a few tips to get you started on your first solo hiking and camping trip.

Work Your Way Up To Solo Backcountry Camping

If you've never been camping, it's not a good idea to have your first solo experience deep in the backcountry. Camping by oneself does have its challenges, even for the most experienced solo campers.

When you're first starting, pick a park close to home, preferably one you're familiar with visiting. We tend to hear only the scary stories about being alone in the woods. But knowing the area will help you feel less anxious and apprehensive about camping alone.

My tip is to make a two-night reservation at one of the sites with water and/or electricity. Most allow tents, and these areas tend to stay filled throughout the season. These sites will also make your first solo camping experience feel less remote than the more primitive camping areas. And the park rangers are easily accessible if there is a problem since they patrol these areas more frequently.

Get Familiar With Your Gear Before You Go

To have a successful solo camping experience, you need to know how your gear operates before arriving at the campsite. 

Learn how to pitch your tent; take time to assemble before heading out to your destination. You'll want to become familiar with all the pieces and how they fit together. Check the seams for any tears, the sides for holes, and the zippers are sliding correctly. Then disassemble, fold, and roll to place in its carrier. 

Quick tip, place the folded rain fly, any tarps you are also using, poles, and the tent stakes on top of the folded tent, then roll the tent as you would a sleeping bag. That way, all the pieces are secured within the rolled tent and less likely to be misplaced. Also, consider buying and using heavy-duty tent stakes since the ones that usually come with the tent tend to bend easily. You can find them at Rei, Amazon, Cabela's, Bass Pro, or just about any sporting goods store. 

Practice using those cool gadgets, like making a meal with the jet stove you found at your favorite outdoor store. Make sure your cooking and flatware are in good condition. Charge the solar-powered lanterns and power bank to confirm they function as intended. 

Nothing is more frustrating and can cut your solo camping trip short than getting to the campsite and your gear not working correctly.

Print Your Itinerary Routes 

Always leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member. And keep your ICE information (In Case of Emergency contact) handy. I have a small notecard I leave on the floorboard of my car and in my day pack. This is a must if you are going on a solo adventure.

How To Set Up Your Campsite

• Your Tent

When you arrive at your site, promptly begin setting up your tent. If there isn't a designated tent pad, select a flat, wind-buffered, shaded, vegetation-free location with good drainage. Don't forget to remove any small rocks, branches, and acorns from the area; they create uncomfortable lumps and may tear the tent floor. The goal is to create a campsite that is comfortable and relaxing.

Think of your tent as your bedroom and arrange your sleeping accessories, sleeping bag, pad, cot, etc. Then fasten a small lantern from the clasp at the top of the tent.

Keep essentials like your flashlight, insect repellant, and any apparel such as raingear, jackets, or gloves you may need together and in a convenient location for quick access.

This might seem strange, but store your toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, lotions, soap, etc.) with your food and not in your tent. The ingredients in these items smell like food and might encourage wildlife to enter your tent. 

• Your Campfire

Most sites have a designated fire ring, and the park will have firewood to purchase for building a campfire. Most parks don't allow firewood gathering, even if there is wood beside your campsite. And most parks don't allow outside wood to be brought into camp since it could bring invasive pests and diseases.

Another situation to be aware of is some parks will not allow you to leave any remaining firewood in the campfire ring. Give any remaining firewood to your neighbors or ask the park rangers how they would like you to dispose of the excess.

Always read the park rules on campfires and firewood before burning since the fines can be quite hefty.

Quick tip if you have never constructed a campfire, bring along a couple Duraflame or easy start fire logs to jumpstart the process.

Right before you retire for the night, change into what you'll be sleeping in. Like wildlife is attracted to food smells, ants are attracted to the salts and sugars in sweat. Use a Ziploc baggie for any dirty/sweaty clothes and place them in your car before heading to your tent.

Lastly, when it's time to depart for home, make sure to leave no trace of your presence. Do a once over verifying all your gear is packed and check the coals from the previous night's campfire are entirely cold.

Looking for more inspiration to hit the trails? Check out my book, Wander, Wonder, and Wellness: Hiking Your Way to Health and Happiness, available now on Amazon—it’s packed with tips, stories, and motivation to make every hike a transformative experience!

Wrapping Up

Don't wait for someone to join you on an adventure; grab your gear, and take yourself on one. There is plenty to love about solo camping. Choose a park you're familiar with visiting for your first solo trip. A location you may have camped with friends or have hiked numerous times on day trips.

Most fears about camping solo do not come from the local wildlife but from the unfamiliar. Knowing the area alleviates the stress of being in foreign surroundings. And most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself.

Have you camped out solo yet? Share your experiences and any tips in the comments below. And if not, what do you feel is holding you back?

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