Going on a solo camping trip can allow you to connect with nature without any distractions. Exploring forests, mountains, or desert landscapes with only Mother Nature for company can provide the perfect environment to reflect inward and learn more about yourself.
While solo camping can be a peaceful and transformative experience, it also comes with certain challenges that you don’t face when camping in a group. To ensure that you have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible, it’s important to prepare. Before embarking on your first camping adventure alone, consider these tips.
Gain some camping experience before you go
If you have very little camping experience, it probably isn’t a great idea to embark on a solo trip just yet. Camping with other people allows you to learn camping basics in a safe environment before attempting a camping trip all on your own. Before setting off solo, make sure that you feel comfortable doing essential tasks such as navigating, pitching a tent, starting a fire, cleaning water, and forecasting weather. Failing to master such skills before going on a camping trip by yourself could cause you to end up in a dangerous situation.
Come prepared
This tip goes without saying, but you must pack essential camping and hiking equipment before embarking on your solo trip. Make sure to come equipped with enough water, food, and gear to get you through your entire trip. Try not to overpack, though. Stuffing your pack with too many supplies will cause you to quickly become exhausted as you attempt to lug everything around on your own.
Give someone a detailed outline of your plan
One of the most important tips for going on a solo camping trip is to tell somebody where you’re going. While nobody likes to think about worst-case scenarios, it’s important to plan for them. If you end up getting lost or hurt and are unable to make it back home, nobody will be able to send help if they don’t have an idea of where you are or when you’re supposed to return. As such, you should give at least one person your camping trip itinerary and advise them to send help if you don’t return by the date that your trip is scheduled to end.
Check the weather before you go
Before embarking on a solo camping trip, check the weather. While experienced solo campers have the skills to camp in a wide range of weather conditions, attempting to camp in inclement weather during your first solo trip isn’t advisable. If the weather forecast predicts harsh storms during the duration of your camping trip, it’s probably a good idea to reschedule.
Now that you’re prepared, get out there! It could change your life.
