Camping Alone: Tips for Your Solo Camping Trips
Safety, gear checklist, and tips for solo camping for beginners
The author feeling confident at a solo camping site.
June 26, 2024
Camping alone is a unique, rewarding, and empowering experience, and I want to help you feel more confident trying it out!
This story has something for everyone: experienced campers ready for solo adventures, experienced solo campers, or those wanting to plan their first solo trip. Through it, I will empower you with information, tips, and tools to make your next adventure something you’ll remember.
It’s pitch black. Faintly, I hear melodic bells in the distance—it’s my alarm going off. For a second, I don’t know what day it is, where I am or why the alarm was going off in the first place. I try to roll out of bed and realize I can’t move with ease because I’m zipped up in a mummy sleeping bag. That means I’m in my tent!
With a groggy, uncoordinated pull, my phone whips out from its hiding place next to the battery backup and into my hands. The time flashes on the screen—3:45 am. My day’s plans all rush into my head at once, and I remember I’m on a solo camping trip in Death Valley, and I am waking up early to drive to the perfect spot to catch the sunrise before I spend the day solo hiking. Fantastic!
Camping somewhere far from home? Check out our guide to How to Solo Road Trip or How to Hike Solo.
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what to bring solo camping
| GEAR ITEM | PRODUCTS WE LIKE | |
|---|---|---|
| CAMPING | ||
| Camping Tent | The North Face Wawona | |
| Tent Footprint | Wawona Footprint | |
Camping alone gives you the opportunity to have the freedom and independence to go to the destinations you want to see.
Is camping alone fun?
Camping solo is one of my favorite outdoor activities; I love the freedom and independence that comes with enjoying the outdoors. I pack what I want, camp where I want, and plan the activities I want. Instead of letting someone else’s schedule dictate your plans or scrapping your camping trip until someone can join you, you can simply go camping alone! This experience can also help you feel more confident in other areas of your life.
The author has traveled and camped around the world solo.
Is camping alone safe?
As a Black woman, the comments I receive after sharing that I camp alone are disheartening. People are often skeptical that I’d enjoy it, that I know what I’m doing or what to bring, that I can protect myself from creepers, or that I have the mental strength to do all this alone.
I’m not the only one hearing these types of remarks; friends and followers from other underrepresented groups have shared with me similar stories. It’s time to break down those stereotypes and free ourselves from the assumptions of what others think we’re capable of! It’s 2022, and yes, BIPOC and LGTBQ+ individuals do camp, hike, and travel solo.
Besides, solo camping is safe and enjoyable with the proper preparation and gear. I want to change the narrative about who camps solo, and today, I’m going to do that by empowering even more folx from all demographics with some tips for camping alone!
Car camping allows you to access many backcountry areas as day hikes without having to carry (or buy or rent) as much equipment.
Car camping vs. backpacking
The first thing you need to do is decide what type of camping you’re going to do. Are you car camping, RV/Trailer/Van camping, or backpacking in the backcountry? If it’s your first time camping solo and you don’t have an RV/Trailer/Van and you don’t want to rent one, I suggest car camping. I suggest car camping because it allows you to bring more items in your car, and you don’t have to worry about weight limits or a backpack. For this reason, I will focus on solo car camping in this article.
Car camping doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping in your car; it means using your car to get to your campsite (compared with wild camping, where you hike to your campsite). Most National Parks and state parks offer these kinds of sites, making camping in nature extremely accessible. Families, people with disabilities, and individuals who can’t or prefer not to backpack for various reasons can still enjoy tent camping at a car camping site and still pitch a tent. Tents are widely available for purchase online and in sporting goods stores where you may also be able to rent one. You can also borrow from a friend! Some campsites even offer “tent cabins” or “yurts” that are freestanding structures available for reservations, so you may not even have to pitch a tent!
Also, many campgrounds offer services like restrooms, showers, water, and a general store. These amenities can be very convenient and reduce what you need to pack. Car camping is my favorite because I am the worst at consolidating what I want to bring, and I love having the option to “throw it in the car just in case” if I’m undecided on what to pack.
Although this guide covers camping trips, if you think you’re going to hike in for a few miles to your campsite, see our tips for Backpacking for Beginners and our guide to the Best Backpacking Tents.
One of the author’s campsites on a solo camping trip.
How to choose a campsite
Now, it’s time to pick a campsite. If it’s your first time, I suggest finding a campground that is within a few hours of where you live. You can quickly get home if you have any surprises, such as equipment malfunctions or inclement weather.
For those who are experienced, you’ll have more confidence in picking out your site. Decide how far you want to drive, how long of a trip you want to take, and what type of scenery you’re in the mood for. Once you’ve selected a campsite, you should check to see if the campground takes reservations or if it is a first-come, first-serve campground.
Our guide to How to Get Started Camping includes details on picking a campsite and what to expect in terms of amenities, other users, and how to check-in once you get to a campground.
Research the area where you’ll be camping. Some areas, especially near national parks, may require permits for camping that you can get online ahead of time.
Will I need a permit to go camping?
Recreation.gov is a wonderful website that can give you this type of information about campsites around the United States and allow you to make reservations directly from the site.
If a permit is needed for a particular area, they often have that information available.
Still, it’s a good idea to do some research to ensure there are no other requirements for camping that may surprise you when you arrive, such as a campfire permit required in California (you can get it for free online at this link).
Research the area where you’ll be camping so you know what services are available. It will be helpful to know where the nearest gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and hospitals are in case you need them.
The weather forecast should dictate what gear you bring on your camping trip. For this winter trip with snow, we were sure to bring a hat and puffy jacket.
Check the weather before you leave
Checking the weather is one of the first steps in your planning phase; you’ll be prepared with the right gear and clothes for a comfortable trip. It’s always a good idea to check the weather again right before you leave in case there have been any changes in the forecast. Trust me, getting caught in a rainstorm or unseasonably cold temps are less fun when you don’t have the right gear!
Decide and plan for the activities you want to do when you get to your destination. It’ll help you pack!
Are you going hiking? Mountain biking? Bird watching? Bouldering? Water sports?
Make a checklist of what you’ll need for those individual activities and find out if you need to rent anything in advance.
See our Gear Lists section for some pre-made checklists you can use for various activities.
Camping is more enjoyable when you have all the items you need to be safe, warm, and comfortable. This is the author’s campsite with the items she likes to bring while camping.
Solo Camping Checklist
With your campsite and dates selected, it’s time to pack your camping gear. Here are my suggestions for what to pack for a solo camping trip:
Camping Tent
Set up your tent before you head out to make sure you know how to set it up and are comfortable doing so, to make sure it’s functioning correctly, and to make sure you have all the pieces you need. (A friend of mine once went camping and forgot their tent poles because they didn’t check)!
A 2-person tent is usually a good size for a solo trip and allows you some space to have your backpack/duffle/personal items inside with you.
Don’t forget your rainfly!
If you don’t have a tent and can’t borrow from a friend, you can often rent one from outfitters like REI. See our Best Best Camping Tents guide for recommendations.
Related: read about one of our favorite camping tents in our Mountain Hardwear Mineral King review.
Tarp or Tent Footprint:
This goes under your tent to provide protection from the ground. I have a tarp I got from the 99cent store (2 actually!) that I bring with me for camping.
Sleeping Pad
This helps insulate you from the ground and makes sleeping more comfortable. When car camping, you can splurge and bring an inflatable mattress instead of a lightweight one as if you were backpacking. The preference is yours! See our Best Camping Mattresses guide for our recommendations.
Sleeping Bag:
Make sure it is rated to the lowest temperatures you’ll experience while camping. See our Best Camping Sleeping Bags guide for recommendations.
Extra Blanket:
Another perk of car camping is the ability to pack extra blankets! Some backpackers cannot carry extra blankets for cold weather due to weight. Check out our Best Backpacking Quilts guide for some of our favorites.
Pillow (inflatable or fluffy):
Your personal preference here. When car camping, I bring my fluffy pillow from home, and when backpacking, I use a lightweight inflatable pillow.
Lighting:
Bring a light for your tent interior and exterior and a lantern for hanging out at night outside. I love Luci Lights for my tent because they are solar-powered, lightweight, and bright. The Luci is a winner in our Best Camping Lanterns and Lights guide.
Headlamp:
This is great for walking at night and finding things in your tent. It’s also great for those late-night bathroom runs! I use the Biolite headlamp. It’s rechargeable with a USB battery pack, but if you prefer a headlamp that runs on AAA batteries, other options are available, like the Black Diamond Spot 400. See our Best (and Brightest) Headlamps guide for other recommendations.
Portable Battery Charger:
For charging your phone or other USB devices (external speakers, tablet, Kindle, headphones, headlamp, GPS, etc.).
Portable Generator (optional):
Great if you plan to camp for several days and may want more juice to power your devices without running your car's battery. We like the Jackery Power Station in our How to Full-Time RV Road Trip guide.
Emergency Car JumpStarter/Generator/Compressor:
I bring this on any solo road trip or car camping adventures because being prepared if you have car problems is vital. I have the Stanley J5C09, which also has a place to plug in a USB device and an emergency light.
First Aid Kit:
Fill this with the basics like bandaids, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial gel, cortisone cream (if you’re prone to skin allergies or bug bites irritate you), tweezers, gauze, and q-tips.
Camp Chair:
Even if your campsite has a picnic table, it’s nice to pull your seating up to the firepit. Find one that is most comfortable for you! See our Best Camping Chairs guide for our favorites.
Camp Table:
Your site might have picnic tables, and whether it does or doesn’t, sometimes it’s nice to have a small folding table to help with cooking, eating, organizing, etc. See our guide to The Best Camping Tables for our recommendations.
Table Cloth:
Keeps your stuff clean and avoids splinters!
Cooking Supplies:
Make a list of the meals you want to eat and prepare them in advance or bring whatever you need to cook them at your campsite. Remember things like a cutting board, plastic/silicone bags, storage containers with lids, cooking utensils, can opener, plates, etc.
Camp Stove & Fuel:
Check with the campsite or park to see if camp stoves are allowed. You can use a camping stove or a backpacking stove. Camping stoves are easier to use with pots and pans from your kitchen. Many of them are two burners, and similar to a griddle or grill (check out our full Best Camping Grills guide). Backpacking stoves are less versatile, but are a good option if you plan to camp and backpack and only want to purchase one stove. See our Best Backpacking Stoves guide and Best Backpacking Cookware Pots guide for recommendations.
Fire Making Materials:
Always check to see if fires are allowed at your campsite. Some places do not allow it, and others have seasonal restrictions due to fire danger. Always purchase your wood from the campground or as locally as possible, and don’t transfer it from other places. Never forage for wood or tinder at your site unless explicitly allowed by the campgrounds.
Food (in storage containers):
Bring whatever food you want! I like to prep simple meals in advance, so I just have to heat things up. I also like backpacking meals (which only require adding boiling water) if I am feeling lazy. Snacks are also essential. Check out our contributing writers’ favorite backcountry meals in our Best Freeze-Dried Backpacking Meals guide.
Trashbags:
Pack out whatever you bring in. Some campsites have dumpsters you can use, but all your trash comes home with you if not.
Cooler:
Make sure it’s big enough and has enough ice to last your trip. Or know where to buy more ice. Some coolers can keep your food cool and safe to eat for days. Others are only good for a few hours. See our Best Camping Coolers guide or our Best Soft Coolers guide to see the differences in coolers and what we recommend.
Water:
Bring at least 3 gallons per day–and several gallons more if you want to wash your dishes or face. Bring at least a gallon more if you plan to hike. Bring even more if you’re going somewhere dry, at altitude, or hot. Many campsites don’t have water stations or running water in their bathrooms. That is one of the first things you should check when making your reservation. If your site doesn’t have potable water, you need to bring water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, etc. Even if your campsite says it has water available, I like to bring water, so I’m always self-contained in case of emergency. If you're out for multiple days, many campers find it convenient to fill up and bring a reusable water jug, which is available in 2.5-gallon and 5-gallon varieties.
Clothing:
Whatever you need for the duration, location, weather and activities you’ll do. See our Outdoor Apparel section for more recommendations.
Shoes:
Based on your activity, but I highly suggest hiking boots or athletic shoes and a pair of comfortable camp shoes such as flip flops or sandals. See our Best Hiking Boots or Best Lightweight Hiking Boots guide (written by this author!) for our recommendations.
Toiletries:
Some campgrounds have showers. If there aren’t showers available, bring body wipes, too; that way, you can stay fresh and clean!
GPS/PLB/ Satellite Messenger:
This will allow you to communicate with the outside world in case of emergency or if you don’t get cell service at the campsite and want to send updates to your loved ones. See our Best Personal Locator Beacon and Sattelite Messengers guide for the ones that we think work the best.
Multi-tool:
I carry a Victorinox multi-tool similar to this one. The multi-tool allows me to make simple camp repairs, prepare food, and can be vital if you’re in a wilderness emergency.
Toilet Paper:
This is just in case the bathrooms run out! And if you have to use nature’s bathroom, remember not to bury your TP. Carry it out in a bag and throw it away in the trash.
Recreational Materials:
Day pack (if you plan to go hiking). See my article on solo hiking for tips on what to bring for a solo hike!
Book
Journal or notepad
Coloring book
Phone
Meditation app
Interested in camping gear? See our Camping section for our most popular stories.
what to do before you go
Getting to your campsite early gives you plenty of time to set up and familiarize yourself with the campground layout and surrounding area.
Share Your Plans
After you’ve made your camping plans, it’s important to let someone else know too. Give them the address & phone number for the campsite (if applicable) and tell them your proposed schedule, including when you’ll return. Have you seen 127 hours? I have, and that’s why I let someone know where I’m going and what my plans are before any solo adventure.
Arrive at your campsite early
Plan to arrive at your campsite early, ideally while there are still a few daylight hours. It will be easier to find your campsite (if it’s numbered or the directions are complicated) and set up camp when there’s still light outside. Arriving early also lets you check in with the camp host, get your bearings on the campgrounds, and find the bathrooms. If there’s enough time when you arrive, you can identify the visitor’s center (if there is one), locate the trailhead, and do a camp walk-through to see who is camped near you.
Carry a satellite messenger
If you are camping somewhere outside of cell service, consider carrying a backup form of communication.
This will allow you to communicate with the outside world in case of emergency or if you don’t get cell service at the campsite and want to send updates to your loved ones. Most models have an SOS button, which alerts Search and Rescue on the GPS coordinates of where to find you.
See our Best Personal Locator Beacon and Satellite Messengers guide for the ones that we think work the best. We personally like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 (we have a full review on this messenger) and the confusingly named Garmin inReach Messenger (we also have a full review on this satellite device).
The author relaxing in her tent during the day.
Tips for Camping Alone
Know your abilities and ask for help if you need it
Nobody was ever an expert their first time out, and we are always learning new things when we solo camp. Whatever you don’t know, you can and will learn! See our How to Learn Outdoor Skills section to learn more about hiking, camping, road-tripping, and more.
Be comfortable with the basics
The basics are knowing how to use your gear, the Leave No Trace principles, and what to do with trash and other waste. This article covers most of the basics of camping that you may encounter.
Know how to use all your equipment before you leave on your trip
For instance, if you’re not sure how to connect your propane tank to your stove or have never used your backpacking stove before, make sure you practice before hitting the road. Ask a friend or explore the wealth of information on YouTube, including tutorials for everything like using your stove, setting up your tent, and starting a fire.
Do a gear check before you go to make sure everything is in working order
Realizing something is broken is much easier to address and fix before your trip vs. when you’re at your campsite trying to get set up. Yes, accidents and gear malfunctions can still happen, but being prepared and doing your due diligence in advance sets you up to be successful. If something needs fixing, you may be able to do it yourself at home with inexpensive equipment. See our guide to How to Repair a Tent or How to Fix Zippers on Outdoor Gear.
Know how to solve problems
Outdoor adventures are often adventurous because things don’t always go as planned. We may need to make repairs, cut the trip short because of weather, run into town to pick up something we forgot, or figure out how to sleep when your inflatable mat sprung a leak. Problem-solving is a skill you will improve the more solo camping you do. Knowing the basics (especially when you don’t have internet access to search google) and being willing to ask for help can get you through most circumstances. And if the problem is unfixable, you can head home and try again next time.
Visiting destinations that are far from home is one of the highlights of solo camping.
Things to do While Camping Alone
Some people wonder what they can do to keep themselves busy while camping alone. I think camping solo is fun because there are so many things you can do to keep yourself occupied without relying on others to keep you entertained.
Solo Camping Activities
I love walking around the campground and identifying the hidden gems, i.e., the quiet place by the stream, a thicket where I can watch wildlife, or a unique rock formation.
I love sitting quietly and enjoying the sounds of nature around me. If you’re in a busier campground, you might have to walk to a place with fewer people to get some solitude to do this.
Reading a book
Playing games on your phone/tablet.
Stargazing
Bird Watching
Wildlife spotting
Listening to music
Watching Netflix (downloaded videos, of course!)
Dancing
Drawing
Making videos of your solo camping experience (video journal)
Taking pictures
Cloud watching
Relaxing at your campsite
Watch the sunset
Watch the sunrise
Meditating
Cooking & eating
Hiking a nearby trail
Exploring the trails around you
Driving to any nearby points of interest
Have you tried forest bathing? See our guide on How to Get Started Forest Bathing
Yoga. See our guide on Yoga for Hikers
The author’s camping stove with a meal on the burner. Camp meals can be as elaborate or as simple as you like while solo camping.
Solo camping meals: what to eat while camping alone
When I camp alone, I like to keep my meals incredibly simple because cooking is not something I enjoy. I can hear the collective gasp from everyone reading this! So many of my friends love cooking, and they camp and hike with elaborate meals. But I am content to sit in my camp chair eating an almond butter and jelly sandwich.
No matter what type of foodie you are (simple or gourmet), you’ll enjoy your solo camping trip much more if you decide what you want to eat in advance and make a shopping list for your menu. Some people make all of their meals in advance and bring them in containers while some will only prepare a few items with the plan to make everything else on site. Whatever your preference is, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding camping meals.
Pack it in and pack it out! Bring trash bags and keep all of your trash together. If your campsite has dumpsters, that’s a nice perk. However, many campgrounds require you to take all your trash with you. Leave your campsite better than you found it!
If you’re going to prep on-site, be sure you have everything you need and make a list. One of my trips was a mess because I forgot to bring a can opener for my beans.
Ensure you have enough camp fuel for the number of meals you’re making.
Decide how you’re going to wash your dishes and where you’re going to wash them. There are many options, including bringing an empty rectangular container, bucket, or camping collapsible sink to use as a washtub. You can also use a water reservoir that hangs as a kitchen faucet. Check with your campground host if there is a preferred area for dumping greywater (dirty dishwater) or scraping leftover food scraps. As far as single-use options, dispose of everything properly if you decide to go with items such as paper plates, paper cups, etc.
Keep perishable items in a cooler, and make sure you have enough ice or ice packs to keep things cold. See our Best Coolers guide for our recommendations on what coolers will keep your ice cold for the length of your trip.
Remember, in bear country, you’ll need to use a bear locker (if provided at your campsite) or put everything into a bear canister. This requirement may affect what you bring to eat since everything will need to fit inside a bear locker or bear canister. Note that in some areas (but not Yosemite National Park or the Sierra Nevada range), rangers may recommend storing food in a hard-sided vehicle (not a canvas-top convertible).
The author solo camping at night in a tent cabin in Death Valley. A headlamp can be handy to check on noises that may bother you outside.
What to do if you get scared at night
As an experienced solo camper and hiker, I enjoy the sounds of the night. The rustling of the bushes could be a curious skunk or a hungry deer. The sound of the wind through the canyon or trees. The howl of a coyote in the distance. The steady bubbling chatter of a nearby stream or river. The crunch of footsteps as other campers make their way around their campsites or to the bathrooms. To me, these are soothing, familiar sounds. The benefit to being comfortable with these “familiar” sounds is that if I were to hear a sound out of the ordinary, I would be able to identify it much faster and take action to keep myself safe.
All the sounds can be scary or unnerving for those who aren’t used to experiencing these night sounds while camping alone. That fear you’re experiencing is normal! You’re outside your comfort zone, in the great outdoors, and unfamiliar sounds can cause unease. It is unlikely that the sounds you hear are caused by something that poses a threat. And if something dangerous does approach your campsite (a wild animal or a person with malicious intent), you can take steps to manage your safety. You’re not helpless, and your fear can be an asset to help you decide what to do. I highly recommend this book if you’d like to read more on fear, intuition, and safety.
Feeling uncomfortable is normal for solo camping. But if you’re feeling unsafe and/or your intuition is sparked, it might be time to zip out of your sleeping bag and be prepared to address what is causing you concern.
If you hear noises in the night that initiate your fear response, take a few deep breaths. Listen closely to the sounds and tune in to your other senses. Can you see something outside, maybe a shadow? Do you smell anything you can pinpoint? As you’re aware of the noises, try to remind yourself what is most logically making the sounds, but without undermining your intuition. Many animals are nocturnal, and when there is a lack of other sounds (cars driving, people talking, etc.), these small sounds are amplified. You can unzip your tent door and inspect the area with light to set your mind at ease. You can also use your voice to call out assertively ie: “Why are you in my campsite,” “Who is there?,” or “Get away from here!”.
An assertive voice has the potential to startle someone who was counting on privacy while they walked around your campsite, and it lets them know you are aware of them. It can even send a curious animal back into the night. In addition, if you are at a campground with other people, your voice can alert them that something is wrong, and you might be able to engage bystanders.
A bear canister is a hard-sided plastic container designed to be bear-proof.
Camping alone in bear country
Preparation is a crucial aspect of safety, and avoiding an encounter with an animal is the best-case scenario. If you’re in bear country, be sure to use bear lockers if they are provided. Don’t store food, trash, or anything with a smell (including body lotion, soap, toothpaste, toiletries) in your tent or car (unless your car is explicitly mentioned as an ok area to store food). If your campsite doesn’t have bear lockers, you’ll need to use a bear canister. Any food, trash, toiletries, or scented items go inside the canister and are stored at least 100 yds downwind from your campsite on the ground. Carrying bear spray and, most importantly, knowing how to use it in case of a bear encounter is also a common suggestion for bear country camping. Check out the National Park Service website for more details on using a bear canister and bear spray.
The author demonstrating self defense for an instructional class.
The Elephant in the Room: Addressing the fear of running into dangerous people while camping alone
Preparation and knowledge is a key way to alleviate fear if you are concerned about your personal safety while solo camping. The overwhelming majority of attendees in my outdoor self-defense classes say that the fear of dangerous strangers is the main cause of their discomfort and fear while outdoors solo.
The first thing I remind them, which I’m going to remind you here too, is that most people you run into while camping are not out to hurt you! If you do run into someone with bad intentions, you are fully capable of protecting yourself with the many tools on your body. Your power comes from knowing how to listen to your intuition and evaluate your surroundings, which can help you identify a problem and take appropriate action for self-protection.
Taking an empowerment self-defense class before your first solo outing can help you learn these skills, connect with your power, and more, including verbal and physical strategies. When you have options for defending yourself from people or animals, it can help you enjoy your time camping with more confidence and less anxiety. That, in turn, can open up your world, your choices, and the activities you’re comfortable with!
One of the lessons you may learn in a self defense class is using body language to set clear boundaries.
Should I carry a self-defense tool like pepper spray?
Contrary to a lot of advice I see out there, I do not recommend that you carry an external self-defense tool or weapon (i.e., pepper spray, knife, gun, etc.) when camping solo. I believe in education and empowerment, not fear tactics or quick fixes. Let’s take a look at some facts that can help you make an informed decision about what is best for your life and your safety:
You must train with whatever tool/weapon you plan to carry. It’s not enough to know how it works – you must actively train with it. Under stress and the effects of adrenaline during a dangerous encounter, there is a decrease in your fine motor skills, reasoning, and logic. Unless you have been training with your preferred tool, it may not respond the way you’re expecting. “We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” -Archilochus (680BC)
Whatever you bring into a fight can be used against you. It’s important to be aware of this possibility.
You are not necessarily safer with an external weapon or tool, and you are not unsafe without it. Weapons are not a replacement for training and preparedness. They are secondary to all the tools on your body, intuition, and awareness.
Self-defense tools/weapons/devices are only useful in very specific (often worst-case) scenarios. But what about other situations we may face while camping that are uncomfortable or awkward – not dangerous? Self-defense skills and training give you various options for responding to situations in various contexts, which is realistically more useful.
Instead of putting your safety and security into something external, hoping that it will save you, put that trust into yourself. You are more than capable of protecting yourself with the tools on your body.
You are the expert of your own safety. If you do plan to carry a weapon/tool, do your research, understand its limitations, and train with it often. And remember, your body IS a weapon, and you are enough!
If you’d like more information on this subject, you can visit my blog.
Follow Leave No Trace Principles
Leave No Trace are outdoor ethics made of seven principles to minimize our impact on the land, wildlife, and fellow humans while recreating outside. These include properly throwing away garbage or waste we bring in and being mindful when building campfires. You'll also want to minimize sound while in camp. Most campsites do not allow the use of speakers or music. You can learn more at www.lnt.org
The 7 Principles of LNT are:
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces, like the tent spot of your campsite
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find, including plants, rocks, wildlife, and historical and cultural artifacts
Minimize campfire impacts by only using your campfire ring and refraining from fires during bans
Respect wildlife by avoiding feeding them and caring for your food
Be considerate of others, especially with regard to noi
I hope you find these tips useful for your next solo camping adventure. I want to empower your journeys and help you open up your world to whatever experiences you want to enjoy. See you on the trails!
he author testing a pair of boots. Photo by Gina Danza @wildginaa
Why you should trust us
I’m Nicole Snell — a hiker, speaker about hiking, and the owner of Girls Fight Back, a women’s self-defense company. I’m the creator of Outdoor Defense, an IGTV series about staying safe while enjoying the outdoors.
I’m also an outspoken advocate for hiking and protecting our natural lands. I am a hike leader for Black Girls Trekkin, which focuses on Diversity, Inclusion, Conservation, and Education. I taught a Runner’s World Online Virtual Workshop on self-defense for the Runner’s Alliance (Women’s Health Magazine and Runner’s World).
Since a young age, exploring and hiking have been my passion. I grew up outside Joshua Tree National Park and spent my childhood exploring the nearby desert and rocks.
As an adult, I have continued that passion. I have hiked all over the world, including Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Scotland, Wales, Andorra, and the infamous 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru.
I was an Outdoor Adventure Summit Speaker, a Summer Solstice Workshop Speaker with AdventureUs, and a Rise.Run.Retreat Women’s Running Retreat speaker. I also won a Webby Award for People’s Voice for Tastemade Travel’s Self Defense for Female Travelers. I’m part of the Difference Makers Collaborative Partnership and a Women’s Self Defense Summit speaker. I’ve presented a trilingual workshop on Hiking Emergency Preparedness at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum Camp Out and Outdoor Preparedness at the Stoneview Nature Center.
I’ve been a frequent podcast guest for talking about safety while hiking and have been featured on the: Nike Trained podcast, Tough Girl podcast, Jazzed About Nature podcast, The Mend podcast, Womxn of the Wild podcast, and the Almost There Adventure Podcast.
Over the years of exploring trails and mountains as a solo camper, I have learned many ways to do it better. Because of my experiences solo camping and as a professional, I can appreciate and evaluate what works.
You can learn more about Nicole Snell on her author page.
