Camping Alone? Keep These Tips in Mind

It’s always fun to gather up your friends and family, head to your favorite campground, or pile into your RV and hit the road. After all, there’s nothing like sitting around a campfire with the people you love sharing food, laughter, and maybe an adult beverage or two.

But, there is also something to be said for solo camping. If you’re new to the camping lifestyle, solo camping might not be for you just yet. But, if you’re a veteran and you’re looking for a new way to experience camping that can really give you a different perspective, why not head out on a trip by yourself?

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there really is no better time to take a solo trip. It’s the ultimate social distancing move that can help you with self-reflection, relaxation, and de-stressing.

Keep some of these tips in mind to stay safe, and make the most of your solo adventure.

Go For More Than One Night

When you’re camping on your own in a new place, you’re going to have to deal with some nerves. Chances are, you’ll be uncomfortable for a night or two. But, don’t throw in the towel. Give yourself a few days, or even a week to stay in one place on your own. Once those initial nerves wear off, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience more fully and you’ll start to appreciate the time alone to self-reflect.

If you find yourself having trouble getting to sleep, practice mindfulness. Focus on your breathing and how you feel at that particular moment. The idea of mindfulness is that when you focus on the present, other thoughts can’t cause extra stress or anxiety. Other thoughts will absolutely come, but you can choose to let them pass you by like clouds, without holding onto them and worrying.

Pick a Familiar Spot

If you’re going solo for the first time, one of the best things you can do is to choose a location that either isn’t far from home, or a place you’ve been to before - on more than one occasion. Any place is going to “feel” different when you’re on your own. So, it’s a good idea to add as much familiarity as possible to help you stay comfortable on your trip. You’ll be less distracted by your surroundings when you know what to expect.

Give Someone Your Itinerary

No matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be away, make sure you tell someone about your plans. No one wants to think about anything going wrong on a camping trip, but when you’re by yourself, you can never take too many precautions.

By letting someone know where you are, what you’ll be doing, and how long you’ll be away, they can periodically check-in or make sure that you’re back home (or in a specific location) when you said you would be. It’s an easy way to make sure you stay safe, and have someone looking out for you even if they aren’t there in person.

There are so many things to consider when it comes to taking a camping trip alone. Again, it’s not a good idea if you aren’t a seasoned camper. But, if you’re looking for an escape and want some time to get away from the craziness of the world, camping by yourself can be a great way to relax and feel more like yourself again.