A busy routine engages everyone towards anxiety and stress that cause mental disturbance issues. It is better to give some quality time to yourself also. One must explore nature and plan solo camping to beautiful destinations for that purpose.
Whenever we think to go for camping, the name of a group of friends comes to mind. We may also think of camping alone, but many questions arise in front of our eyes. Is it safe or good to camp alone? Where should I plan to camp alone? And many questions like that.
This article will provide a handful of information and the 9 best-guiding tips to follow. These tips will give you information on how to travel and do camping, things a solo camper must be aware of, a solo camping checklist and essentials to take with you, how to enjoy your trip, and more individual camping guidance.
What A Beginner Should Know
It is always a challenging decision for a newbie to planning a camping without a group of people or friends. Still, it is good to give yourself space and quality time. New individual needs to know a few things into consideration.
Pre Planning
One needs to stay more concerned and active before leaving for camping. It is good to make a planning list or prepare a diary to avoid many difficulties during your journey.
Pre-planning is an essential component when making a plan to camp alone.
Check Weather
You must stay aware of the weather condition during your traveling and at your camping place. Checking the weather needs to be the prioritized step in your planning schedule. A storm and poor weather conditions will ruin your excitement, leaving you with the only choice to skip your favorite place.
Stay Calm And Confident
You will be camping as a first-time solo person, so there are more chances that you will not be aware of many things and must be unfamiliar with the surrounding. But you must stay positive and confident in every situation and deal with it like a pro. So whenever you are heading solo, staying engaged in activities and learning new things is better.
Enjoy Travel
You are camping alone for the first time to give your mental health a relaxed state also, so for that purpose, it is crucial and compulsory to keep all the distractions behind and enjoy your time with yourself and nature.
Risks Linked With Solo Camping
Camping alone is not an easy thing to do, but that doesn’t mean to avoid it. You can face difficulties that may hinder the path of your journey. Still, one thing that can make your solo journey easy and more exciting is knowing the dangers and risks associated with solo camping. When you are aware of the precautions, you will be more careful about things.
Loneliness
Suppose you are an individual who is not habitual of staying alone longer. In that case, you may feel lonely, leading to stress and depression. Remember that your prime purpose for coming alone is to spend time with yourself and explore new things in nature, so staying connected with your surroundings and people will make you feel busy.
Safety Concerns
In case of an immediate emergency or an incident that may lead to injury can be disturbing for you. It is crucial to take first aid along with you. Knowing about the safety measures already can prevent you from any serious hazard.
Environmental Hazards
The place you are visiting or camping in is new, so it’s very important to keep yourself attentive, especially about the environmental hazards.
If you stay somewhere risky, such as an area where bears or other big wildlife creatures can attack you. It is better to move from there or follow the proper instructions needed to stay there. Eating some unhygienic food from your surrounding can also lead to illness.
Medical Emergency
You must bring first aid equipment with you because there are chances that you may fall ill or any injury can occur during your journey. You have no one around other than just self-help, so it’s compulsory to have medical equipment availability throughout your journey plan.
Navigational Problems
One of the major risk factors associated with solo camping is getting navigational issues. When you are following a map or a GPS-instructed device, any glitch in it can cause a serious issue. Proper preparation is needed, including studying maps and planning routes.
Benefits Of Camping Alone
The beauty of camping alone lies in the freedom to set your own pace. When you choose to camp alone, you can find solace and tranquility in the great outdoors. Nature becomes your guide, inviting you to unwind and leave the complexities behind. Here are a few amazing benefits of camping alone:
Boosts Confidence
Solo camping allows you to confront your fears, turning them into stepping stones for personal growth. It has a remarkable way of igniting confidence within you. You come to know about new things, and you interact with new faces. You are now making decisions and solving problems without relying on others.
Personal Space
Without the presence of others, our personal space expands exponentially. We can carve out our little corner in the wilderness, a space where we can be without needing to accommodate or interact with anyone else.
Feel Nature Beauty
To truly feel nature’s beauty during camping, engaging all your senses and immersing yourself in the present moment is essential. Allow yourself to be fully present, embracing the beauty that unfolds in each moment. Feel the coolness of the earth beneath your feet and the warmth of the sunlight on your skin. You must stay fresh and positive; nature’s beauty will reveal itself to you profoundly and extraordinarily.
New Experience
Stepping into the wild alone, you are on a blank page, ready to be filled with captivating stories and transformative encounters. One thing that you will realize quickly is how to tackle different situations wisely and actively. All these things add to a new and great learning experience for you. Next time, whichever place you visit, you will know how to deal with difficulties. So, camping as a solo individual is also a great experience.
How To Select A Campsite
Choosing a campsite where you want to stay and go camping is crucial to your journey. If you are a beginner and always want to camp with others, it is better to go camping near your home or place. This will be beneficial because you can immediately return home in case of any emergency or malfunctioning of any equipment.
If you are an experienced person who has done solo camping before, then you can choose a destination that is far from your home. But it is also important to consider how far you want to go, how many days you plan your trip, and what kind of equipment you need to take.
Now, you have shortlisted your camp place. In that case, it’s time to consider weather conditions and other reservations to camp at that specific place. It must always be a prime priority for you to follow the precautions before selecting a campsite.
Read our guides on camping locations
What To Do Before Going
• Make Your House Clean
The foremost important thing is to clean your house, especially your bedroom, before leaving so that you can find a peaceful and clean place when you come back home. A filthy place will also irritate you, so it’s good to clean your house.
• Share Your Planning
Now, you have finalized your plan for going to camping. You need to share your journey strategy with your loved ones, especially with someone you think needs to know about it. Give them the complete plan or schedule you have made for yourself, and also take them in the loop about the place you are going to by giving the address and phone number. This is mandatory to stay in touch with your friends or family during your camping journey.
• Reach your Camp Place Early
Arriving at your camp place earlier is also important to do and plan before going. It is ideal to go before night so that it will become easy for you to find a suitable place to make a tent and a setup in the presence of some light. You can also find a place for a bathroom, take a stroll and observe your surroundings, and plan your dinner or what you need to cook after arriving early.
• Keep Necessary Things Ready
Before leaving your place, you must keep your bag ready, containing all the essentials. Write down the list of things you will make part of your journey and check everything at least twice before moving towards your camp area.
Things To Follow While Camping Alone
Solo camping is fun; you must buckle yourself for entertainment and never be afraid to do new things. It is amazing to experience learning and doing things without relying on others. Some of the activities that you can do to keep yourself busy and engaging and will make your trip more excitable are:
- Book reading
- Wildlife photography
- Playing games
- Sitting near a river site
- Listening to favorite music
- Enjoying weather
- Watching the sunset and sunrise
- Eating favorite meal
- Hiking
- Yoga and exercise
You can do many more types of activities to make your time entertaining. Making each passing second of your journey a pleasant memory for yourself is important.
Essentials To Keep With You
If you have selected the place and area you are going camping, now is the time to make a solo camping checklist and the necessary equipment to keep with you. Here is the list of some objects you need to have with you:
Camping Tent
A camping tent is a primary and substantial thing you need to pack as a priority when leaving home. Those who need to remember to bring a tent alongside them face many difficulties, and many change their plan. So, ensure a tent that functions properly and gives you enough space to stay inside. Another big thing is it must be weather friendly.
Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is also an essential object to keep with you as it can make or break your journey. It must be comfortable enough to give you a relaxing good night’s sleep.
A Fluffy Pillow
It can be your choice to take a pillow with you, but having one for a good sleep and a homely feel is better.
Headlamp and Lighting
A headlamp will be necessary to have with you because it is easy to place on your head and is not much heavy in weight. For night bathroom runs, it is a good option to put on your list. Bring a light and bright light for your tent and outdoor activities.
Portable Battery Charger
You need to have a portable battery charger to charge your phone and other devices, such as Headlamps, headphones, etc.
Medical Kit
A medical or first aid kit must be a part of your camping ride. A first aid kit can contain basic wipes, antibacterial gel or cream, painkillers, band-aids, etc.
Camping Chair and Table
It can be optional, but it is recommended to have a foldable camping chair and a table for ease to sit comfortably and enjoy your meals.
Cooking Gear and Stove
Things like kitchen utensils, cutting boards, knives, spoons, plates, and all the basic kitchenware can ease making the food of your choice. A camping stove can also be an added option.
Food
You can bring food raw or even in storage form. It is nice to have simple food options that may not become the cause of illness. Some of the food choices to eat during solo camping are given in this article
Garbage bag
Some campsites may not have dumpsters, so having a garbage bag can be beneficial.
Water
Water is an obligatory item to count on your list. Although when you are camping near a river, you have access to water, there is still a need to have fresh water with you, especially when you are planning to hike or a long walk.
Clothes and Shoes
Bring suitable clothes and shoes per your plan. If you are staying for a bit longer, then having extra with you is better.
Satellite Messenger
Suppose your phone may show any fault in an emergency. In that case, you must have a satellite messenger to communicate with your loved ones.
Other Materials
A book, your favorite camera, an exercise mat, a notepad, a pen, sunglasses, etc., are some other things you can prefer to take.
Food Choices
When it comes to solo camping, choosing the right food can make all the difference in ensuring a satisfying and nourishing experience.
Many love to cook, while some don’t, but camping without a group of people can be challenging. The inclusion of fresh fruits and green vegetables is a good choice.
It must be an easy-to-cook meal so that it doesn’t cost you a lot of time and its smell doesn’t let you allow attracting wildlife creatures towards you. Some of the very easy-to-make food includes toasted bread with bananas spread over it.
Dried fruits and nuts are also a good option to include in your meal. These are also the best choice of food to give you a quick and fruitful amount of energy.
Sleeping Guidance At Camping Place
A good night’s sleep is essential for your overall well-being and enjoyment when embarking on a solo camping trip. Finding the right spot is compulsory and ensures your safety from dangers like wildlife, water bodies, and other hazards. The right camping tent selection is crucial as unusual or unexpected weather can come from anywhere and disturb your plans. A tent must be easy to set up and provide enough space to stay inside.
Take precautions to ensure your safety during sleep. Keep your personal belongings organized and within reach. Store food properly to prevent attracting animals
FAQ
Is it safe to camp alone?
It is considered safe to camp alone if you are following the precautions and safety measures. It is best to check the weather condition and your necessary equipment before leaving your place and staying in touch with family members during camping.
Do I need self-defense material with me when camping alone?
You are your guard when planning to camp alone. Sometimes a bad situation can occur especially if wildlife comes in front to attack and you need to secure yourself. You may need to use any defense material by gaining education on how to use it safely like a knife or any other weapon.
Which is the best time to go solo camping?
In many countries just like America, people love to go in the summer season for camping but we will suggest you either plan for the spring or winter season because the crowd is less and you can explore more confidently the nature.
Final Words
It is fun and a good habit to plan solo camping. Nature is attractive, and one needs to give time and explore the beautiful destinations around us. Remember, we may have missed something in our article, but all the information we have provided you will be helpful to plan, execute and act upon while camping alone.
