Solo Camping Sounds Scary—But You Can Tackle It with These Basics!

Have you tried solo camping? You might love it if you’re craving solitude, adventure, and a break from the modern world…but if you’re new to it, the idea of sleeping alone in the wilderness can be intimidating! What if something goes wrong? What if you get bored? What if you pack all the wrong things?

The secret to enjoying solo camping is a combination of good preparation, smart planning, and an open mindset. Whether heading out for your first solo night under the stars or looking to refine your setup for longer adventures, this guide covers a few basics to get you started on your adventure.

Start Small! Ease Into Solo Camping Before Going Off-Grid

Don’t go straight from city life to a week of backcountry survival. Give yourself time to adjust to the experience by starting with an easier trip before committing to anything too ambitious.

A great way to ease into solo camping is to choose a location that feels wild but offers some level of security—like a designated campground, a state park, or a national forest with marked campsites. These places usually have restrooms, ranger stations, and sometimes other campers nearby if you need assistance.

A few beginner-friendly solo camping ideas:

• Overnight at a local campground: A drive-up campsite allows you to camp solo while still having access to safety features like nearby park staff and other visitors.
• Car camping near hiking trails: This lets you experience remote nature but with the security of knowing your car (and an easy escape plan) is just steps away.
• Backyard camping: It might sound silly, but spending the night outdoors in your yard is a great way to test your gear and gauge your comfort level.

Once you’re comfortable with camping on your own in more populated, accessible areas, you may want to go further and consider more remote destinations, like dispersed camping in national forests or even multi-day backpacking trips.

Learning to Camp Alone with Confidence

Solo camping means taking full responsibility for yourself—so safety should be your top priority. The goal isn’t to be paranoid but to be prepared so that you can actually enjoy the experience.

Tell Someone Your Plans

Before heading out, always share your trip details with someone you trust. Tell them:

• Where you’re going
• Your planned route and campsite
• When you expect to return
• When they should be concerned if they haven’t heard from you

For extra peace of mind, bring a GPS tracker or satellite messenger like a Garmin inReach, which allows you to send messages even when you have no cell service.

Know How to Handle Wildlife

Catching a glimpse of animals you wouldn’t see in the suburbs or the city is one of the highlights of a great camping trip. But you’re the intruder in their world, and they don’t know you or trust you. A few ways to keep a safe distance from the local wildlife:

• Store food properly. If you’re in bear country, use a bear canister or bear bag to keep food far away from your tent. In other areas, secure food to avoid attracting raccoons, coyotes, curious deer, or insects.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife. No matter how photogenic, never approach wild animals—this includes everything from snakes to chipmunks to elk.
• Carry protection. In areas with large predators, bear spray is a must.
• Trust your gut. If you don’t feel safe or if dangerous animals like wild boars, bears, or large cats have been spotted in the area and you’re not totally sure what to do if they come into your campsite, it’s safer and smarter to go elsewhere.

Choose a Safe Campsite

Where you set up camp can make or break your experience. The best campsites are:

• Flat and dry: Avoid dips in the ground where water could collect if it rains. It might sound like an annoyance on paper, but it can become very dangerous.
• Away from game trails: You don’t want to set up camp on an animal’s path!
• Sheltered but not enclosed: A good spot has some protection from the wind and elements but still allows for clear visibility and escape in case of emergency.

If you arrive at a site and something feels off, even if you’re not sure what it is, listen to your gut and move to a different location. Trusting your instincts is one of the best survival skills a solo camper can develop.

Choosing the Right Spot: Campgrounds vs. Wild Camping

The location you choose shapes the entire solo camping experience. Campgrounds are comfortable and convenient, but you might want to consider wild camping if you’re looking for solitude and self-reliance. Here’s how they compare:

Campgrounds: Comfort and Convenience

Campgrounds give you a structured camping experience, often with amenities like bathrooms, water access, fire pits, and designated sites. If you’re new to solo camping, campgrounds can be a fantastic choice:

• They’re a safer environment with rangers or park staff nearby.
• They give you the chance to meet other travelers and share your experiences and tips.
• They come with easier logistics—you don’t have to haul in your own water or navigate complex terrain.

Wild Camping: Solitude and Self-Sufficiency

If you’re looking for complete solitude, wild camping (also called dispersed camping) allows you to set up camp outside of designated sites—typically in national forests or public lands. This option requires a lot of self-sufficiency since there are no amenities like bathrooms and running water. You also need excellent navigation skills because you’ll be off the beaten path, and of course, as with all campsites, you’ll want to follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact and to keep the land free of waste and able to thrive.

For solo campers, a mix of both experiences—starting at campgrounds and working up to wild camping—is a great way to gain confidence.

What to Pack for Solo Camping

Packing for solo camping means striking the right balance between comfort, safety, and mobility. Bring too much, and you’ll struggle with carrying it. Bring too little, and you’ll regret it. Here are the absolute basics you should bring on your camping trip:

Shelter and Sleeping

• Tent: A lightweight, one-person tent that’s easy to set up alone.
• Sleeping bag: Choose one rated for the coldest temperatures you might encounter.
• Sleeping pad: Provides insulation and comfort—don’t skip this!

Food and Cooking Gear

• Lightweight stove or compact cooking system.
• Easy-to-make meals, such as instant oatmeal, pasta, or pre-packaged backpacking meals.
• Reusable utensils and a collapsible bowl to keep packing light.

Navigation and Safety

• Paper map and compass (don’t rely on your phone, and learn how to read a topographic map!).
• Multi-tool or knife for emergencies.
• First aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and emergency supplies.

Remember: pack light, and pack smart.

Ready to Travel?

Solo camping is an incredible way to challenge yourself, build confidence, and connect with nature. The freedom to set your schedule, choose your route, and enjoy complete solitude is an experience unlike any other.

If you’ve been hesitant to try solo camping, take the first step. Start small, pack smart, and embrace the adventure.

⛺ Happy camping!

Featured image by Kevin Schmid on Unsplash