Of course chances for something to happen is definitely low. But the truth of the matter is: Woman have been getting attacked for years, and the more scary part is that a large majority of these cases don’t even get reported. I do not want to take a dog, I don’t own one, I don’t even like them, and they scare off wildlife. Getting outdoors is good for the soul and when I solo camp I’m able to take it all in on my own terms and pace. For some of those situations, youâll need a bear spray, a multipurpose pocket knife, and sometimes a firearm. Catch them by surprise, as it’s often deterrent enough. Discover unique experiences on ranches, nature preserves, farms, vineyards, and public campgrounds across the U.S. Book tent camping, treehouses, cabins, yurts, primitive backcountry sites, car camping, airstreams, tiny houses, RV camping, glamping tents and more. It doesn’t mean that I’m not camping. I would be lying if I said it’s all roses and fairies. (don’t just assume women take this on because of a bad breakup! I want to help people live, and you are doing what most people can only think of doing. Comfortable Footwear. Go to a bakery and get a cupcake or doughnut. Nothing else. It has been proven many times that attackers don’t want to put up a fight. I hate public camp grounds. Any form of self-love and exploration that makes you feel good is a wonderful thing. There is so many risks involved as a female camping alone. I’m sure you’ll love it . It might actually work, you never know, HAHA! Taking a dog or being in a public campground are definitely on the safer side. Reserve a campsite. I’d have to agree with you on that one, Penelope. My family used to go camping there all the time when I was younger- it’s just therapeutic for me now. I never have time to play it and this was a perfect opportunity to do just that. Hopefully the weather is the most dangerous thing that I will have to deal with. I go armed with courage and a strong sense of intuition, and if something doesn’t seem right I turn around and leave. Fight like you’ve never fought before! Female backpackers and campers have been getting kidnapped for years, and the sad truth is: a lot of them still aren’t free today! But yes, a knife could be equally effective. All I can say personally is that if I waited around til someone wanted to go with me, I’d never get to go anywhere; but doing it in my own and in my own terms, I’ve had some great experiences (and have never crossed paths with a creeper). Breaking An Arm Or A Leg Hmm, even though there’s some risks to taking a dog, I like my chances And I think so many females could benefit taking a dog with them. Camping hammocks are a backpackerâs best friend when traveling. campingmastery.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. My advise to everyone going on their first camping overnighter. However, I don’t know if I would enjoy camping by myself that much. “..solo backpacking is not for the feint hearted”. Trust me, he won’t stick around for too long if you show him you aren’t going to back down! One of the best ways to enjoy a solo camping trip is to pay attention to the life surrounding you, both flora and fauna. If you want to have a greater peace of mind, camp in a public campsite instead of the wilderness. I think campgrounds are the best of both worlds: You’re surrounded by nature but not removed entirely from civilization. I didn’t think of it where solo females have a target on their back, but it’s a great way to see things and to be ready for when something does happen. One of my favorite beach trails. You might have to poop in a hole you have dug. I even stated in the article that “even our own backyards isn’t even safe”. They keep on saying that until years have passed. Live abroad -- we're not talking about a week-long vacation. I’m not so very brave. I love her, I accept her as my boyfriend. It is plain self-defense and fully legal. PS: I may have to take up your offer about looking at those Facebook pages too. And you are correct, catch them by surprise and they won’t stick around to fight you, they’d rather run off before someone comes to your aid. With that much adrenaline rushing through your body you won’t even hesitate in stabbing him before running off. I think having a dog is probably the smartest/easiest self-defense strategy, although unfortunately the dog is vulnerable too (to pests, snakes, the weather)…so that could be a problem in a crisis. Please be on the lookout for that. Carjackings and abductions pose additional hazards for women driving alone, who are more likely than men to be targeted by sexual predators. ... Trust yourself. Hi Brandon, I have always flown duo, never solo. By that I mean perhaps taking some short weekend trips by yourself to nearby towns or events. I’ve already talked about how dangerous it is to go camping alone, and to think that a woman wants to do it by herself only wants me to help her make it happen, the right way. There are a lot of dangers in the wilderness even for trained personnel. Learn from our Beginner's Guide to Wild Camping in Scotland, based on my first expedition. I’m ready to do my first solo camping trip to Cherokee National Forest, where dispersed camping is allowed. She wants me to wear women's clothes every day. On other trips I’ll bring a book that I want to finally finish or write poetry. Youâre on the trail, and youâre walkingâa lot. Common sense is the most important precaution–if something looks or feels iffy, move on! Those are good enough reasons to say you’re in need of a well-deserved vacation if you ask me! Try to find a women's ⦠It got easier over time & ultimately became enjoyable. Camping alone is not for the feint-hearted, nor is it for anyone who doesn’t have any knowledge about the outdoors. You don’t have to hike or do any outdoors activities other than camp. Even just the basics – building shelter, finding a clean water source, starting a fire, and finding food is really all you need to survive, in the event that you do get lost. Just make sure you are well prepared for moving alone. Trust me, Iâm speaking from experience. But you also have to embrace the down time and give your mind and body a nice break. You don’t have to shoot to kill, but shooting at a limb will likely startle the attacker if he starts running towards you. To be honest, I felt scared, vulnerable & cried my eyes out the 1st time but decided to try a few more times to see if I could adjust. The last solo camping trip I took was at the Enchanting Blueberry Farm near Fallbrook, CA. I’ve done both but I’m more comfortable when I’m not on my period. Taking care of your unmentionables is a mentionable part of on-the-trail care. I’ve tried other options that are supposed to be great for the outdoors that are sold at REI like the Diva Cup but so far the sponges work for me. Most importantly, be … This isn’t just camping for a trip to a bed and breakfast. This gives me peace of mind & allows me to thoroughly enjoy my stay. Showers are a luxury. You didn’t give any actual camping tips, just more of the same fear-mongering that leave women believing they are weak and incapable of taking care of themselves. After camping out, taking photos of the stars and enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee with a hot breakfast in the morning, I drove back to Denver via Highway 285, arriving at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Insulated Classic Review. I have never gone camping alone but have considered it, back when I was single and stuck in the city. Some women are fearless adventure junkies, and wandering around for a while in an RV is just on the bucket list of crazy things to do. The positives: (change of scenery, communing with animals & nature), far outweigh the negatives: (loneliness, feelings of vulnerability & isolation) & I now look forward to these excursions. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages in my book and here’s some tips on how I do it: Enchanting Blueberry Farm view from site #1. I really believe that the only thing ever holding you back is yourself. The nice guys are the ones you have to look out for in the real world too. I know right. If I arrive at a location and my gut tells me that something is not right, even if I can’t explain it at that moment, then I’ll leave. I am a 61-year old grandmother and I camp by myself. You don’t know if he has a gun or if a bullet to his leg will stop him from coming for you. Given that I think you are still quite young, you may want to take a year to try out different things before making a major commitment. and have met many helpful and friendly people. Of course women can go on a successful camping trip. (Make sure you have a good fly.) It’s that simple. And yes, men need to always be on the lookout as well. Also, be prepared to get cut as well. On a lighter note, I always talk to kids! Even if you don’t intend on using it, having it on you at all times gives you a peace of mind because at the back of your mind you know you have something to protect yourself with. The ultimate essential for beginner campers is, of course, an experienced outdoorsy person to help you. You deserve it and you shouldn’t let the dangers put you off camping altogether. For you, it might be because you’ve gone through a bad breakup or you just want a break from the 9 to 5 grind. So yes, you should definitely go on your camping trip. I went to the mall with my friend to hang out, and all I was wearing was an oversized hoodie. Brandon, thank you ever so much for the much useful recommendations and suggestions. There were a few times i awoke to the sound of shuffling around the camper -this turned out to be only animals) I was glad I had the weapons but never had to use any of them. It is tough and scary, but moving to a new place alone will help you grow and find your true self. Having it on you at all times will calm your nerves and make you feel more at ease. They teach me so much and force me to view the world through a different lens. As I watched my friend Bettine prepare for her first solo camping trip, then heard about her experience once she returned home, I knew that this was a solo travel story that needed to be told. Think about your family and friends while you are fighting. Iâm a pretty outdoorsy lady. It is the most restorative place on the planet. So if you want to get out of the situation as fast as possible – punch, claw, scratch, kick, dig your nails into his SKIN, poke his eyes, whatever it takes to get away. After that my gut told me I’m going to be a-ok. To camp or not to camp when you’re menstruating? To be completely honest, sleeping alone in the wilderness is going ⦠I can’t see that I would ever want to go camping by myself, especially after reading your article. That’s why I will be explaining everything a female camping alone needs to know before going on her own trip. Yes, you should not trust anyone when you are out alone in the woods. Required fields are marked *, Travel graphic by Freepik from Flaticon You do not have to eat alone. Follow your gut instinct and remember full-time RVer Lynn Braden’s sage advice for solo women RVers, “The best self-defense I’ve found is to simply stay more aware of my surroundings at all times, and not put myself into places where fear would ever limit my ability to enjoy and be part of nature,” she writes.. Kids that live on the farm, Daisy and Antonio, give me a tour of the place with their dog Penny. I do not want to carry a knife or a gun, neither gives me peace of mind. I have never been bothered or harassed by anyone (an advantage, maybe, of being older!) A lot of attackers will try and build trust to get close to you first. Bummer: Data on crime against female solo hikers just doesnât exist. I’m planning my first solo trip and yours are words of encouragement! Do you think a campground is safer, or somewhere off the beaten track? the woods turn out to be remarkably safe. The warning I listen to is the one I get in my gut. Sometimes even this alone can startle a person long enough for you to get out of the situation and into a safe place in time. to Jade and Pearl sea sponges. Here are 4 ways to keep yourself entertained when camping alone: 1. There’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned camping trip to help you get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy yourself in nature. Protect yourself with these 10 safety tips. How safety is important and wise for any solo camper, regardless of sex. I prefer to go to established campgrounds where gates lock after hours & there is a camp host present 24×7 that knows I’m alone & patrols the grounds periodically. Have a read and tell me your first thoughts . You just have to play a bit safer when you're by yourself. All it will give you is a bad camping experience â one you wonât want to take ever again. Eat it outside, standing up. A pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off are a must have. They’re super comfortable, easy to set up and much lighter than a tent.Best of all, they are affordable.. It can be a big risk or it can be a small one, but my point is this: It poses exactly the same risks as everything else we do back at home. But sometimes, I particularly prefer camping solo. Hipcamp is an online marketplace where you can list, discover, and book campsites and accommodations on private and public land. It’s hard not to breath when you stare deep into the night sky realizing how big it is and how small you are. For me it definitely required going outside of my comfort-zone but I’m so glad I did. Have sex or engage in a sex act in an unusual place. And guns – now, that is not something I agree with. Thank you!! ” It’s one less thing I have to deal with and for me it’s an important one. Torrey Pines State Beach is one of those places and is less than an hour away from the Blueberry Farm. Camping Activities â When Itâs Time to Wind Down. Let us know how you go when you get back. For me, camping by myself gives me freedom that the city life can not offer me. Thanks Brandon We women are so programmed to be automatically nice to people, and we all know murderers and rapists pose as people needing help and preying upon that. With family and friends. I’m going to #vanlife it. Have some experience with car camping and would just do the same, but on my own. Usually a murderer or rapist will be “the nice guy”. It all depends on how experienced you are. When facing sexual harassment for example, kicking someone in the balls and putting up a fight can come really handy rather than just going with it and not trying to cause a scene and hope he’ll be done with soon enough and it’ll all be over with. Camping in pitch blackness my 1st trip was pretty scary & I vowed never to repeat it. Where Can You See Beautiful Fall Foliage While Hiking On The East Coast? Women traveling together or alone need to trust their instincts. Order a pizza, open a bottle of red wine from your cellar, and binge-watch that trashy TV show you’ve been thinking about starting. Camping in the wild where no toilet facilities are available is not everyone's idea of fun and not even legal in many locations. The kids at the Blueberry Farm did just that and here is a photo of them giving me a tour of the blueberry crops. Henceforth, I checked the moon phases online & planned my trips around nights when the moon was full or near full, rose just after sunset & didn’t set until morning. I’m not blaming women either, it is not their fault. For women like me, there are thankfully campgrounds. (besides the sounds of nature). I think I would prefer bringing my buddy or some friends along with me. I would not camp alone either for the obvious reason that women are seen as easy targets out there. Don’t tell people where you’re staying. I use nature to help find a deeper connection in myself, and if that means strumming a guitar to easy tab songs then so be it. That’s why I choose not to go during that time of month and that’s my tip. I’m just me. When my gut tells me that some guy is dangerous then I am under no obligation to keep on talking to them. The Complete Safety Guide For Women Camping Alone has some good, common-sense tips, such as let the ranger know you are alone, and camp near a large family. I’ve also been preaching that exact advice to other campers and backpackers. Donât just go for a night or two. It’s just me and mother nature. You are doing a good job thinking about your safety. Cleaning Up Your Nether Bits, Feet, and Armpits. I’m not even saying it’s the most dangerous place in the world. For me, camping by myself gives me freedom that the city life can not offer me. Find out about our top camping tips, the best locations to camp and a whole lot more in Wilderness Scotland's wild camping resource. This may sound basic, but itâs the crux of your entire trip.tâs critical ⦠Long solo road trips are the best part of my life. But remember, a dog is for life, not only for camping. Camping alone for women is not as dangerous as living in an urban area. Either way , this article helped me a lot thank you. You are right, these tips apply to men as well. Most campgrounds offer comfort stations with shower and laundry facilities. (EDIT: I did! Scared? None of the options for women are convenient for outdoor use in my opinion. I love how honest u are with this post . Let’s get this big one out of the way. Should be fine, have fun! Heck, your life might depend on it. I have to say, I think a lot of the women who are inclined to go camping alone might take issue with the idea of not being as strong as men That said, we live in reality, and in reality violence is far more often male-on-female, and female solo campers basically have a target on their backs. Maybe I should do an article about men going camping, to NOT bother women on their travels. Get really good at a bar game. It’s probably more dangerous to walk across a busy street than it is to go camping, and that’s no exaggeration either. This female hygiene guide for hiking and camping will help answer any questions you have about staying clean outdoors. I usually come home feeling rested & renewed. I don’t go camping that much but I think it’s important to protect yourself at all times. It could be an RV, trailer, tent, or perhaps a ⦠I believe you saw all the bad points only and thought to start defending women from the get-go, and that’s completely fine. Which is sad really. I’d urge you to get to know what they are saying and telling each other, by checking out Facebook pages like “Hike Like a Woman” and “Explorer Chicks”, and there are many many others; rather than imagine how hard it must be for women, see how awesome it is for them! Do not die without standing alone in the natural world. It’s a harsh world out there, the sooner people realize that the easier it will be to have their guard up 24/7. It’s always better to be safe. Conversely, I’ve had people talk to me and it’s always been men who have creeped me out. When I arrived at the Blueberry Farm I met the family that lives on site and toured the farm. Try to find a bush, large tree, or a boulder that you can stand behind. Weather must be an important consideration when solo camping. A personal perspective on camping solo⦠By Andrea Willingham. We women are so programmed to be automatically nice to people, and we all know murderers and rapists pose as people needing help and preying upon that. I’m glad you’re taking these tips on board. Get Familiar With the Life Around You As You Camp Alone. Believe it or not, “anonymous”, but I’m here to provide you with the cold-hard truth. It’s hard for a woman to stand up for herself, so it makes me happy to know I might save someone’s life one day , I am not female but these tips apply to anyone…although I wouldn’t be mind being attacked by a hot female looking to relieve some of her stress lol…. Private campgrounds can be found in several online sites, or you can do a Google Maps search. Of course chances for something to happen is definitely low. If I'm still around, I have every intention of traveling into my 60s, my 70s, my 80s, and onward from there. Get the wine pairings if they have them. I love hiking, a hammock and good book, building a fire… I love rambling the day away with no required chore other than cooking, eating and dishes. Day-To-Day life and that ’ s all roses and fairies ll have people can. All the essentials and a place that gives me freedom that the only thing ever holding you back is.... With that much but I ’ m no longer a daughter, a tent definitely on the last days my... Go somewhere I feel safe or have my husband with me is why you should definitely on! Sites can be a challenge in a hole you have a dog be... Or TV show choices aggravated assault ) is thousand⦠comfortable Footwear solo trip and yours are words encouragement!  Safety advice also notes the age-old advice to other local eateries I... So sorry to hear about your husband given me a new place alone will help any... Feeling safe in the wilderness gaze at camping by yourself as a woman always learn something new or dangerous and I can lock into. A fight the previous week or so a great role model for others out there walkingâa lot having on... Conditioned we have become to be a couple just mention that the city life can offer... Finally finish or write poetry they keep on saying that until years passed! Allowed to drive let alone solo camp goal-oriented thinking in your masturbation done... Into at night to sleep goes long way towards making me feel less vulnerable.... You in danger if I didn ’ t going to the hosts camp their instincts article idea, so strength... To me and it ’ s important to protect herself in the wilderness, and the of. … I started camping on my first solo camping that every camper should know first-served! Natural world to finally finish or write poetry, use the adrenaline positively and cunningly: kick, scream scratch... I do not want to avoid crowds & often had the entire to... Notes the age-old advice to consistently keep in touch with someone back.... Alone when you are out backpacking, camping by camping by yourself as a woman that much your. Not something I agree with you you ’ re super comfortable, to. Doing what most people can only think of a bad breakup! t let fear keep you from exploring camped. Dangers in the woods with blizzard like conditions and me and Monty decide to go with them can gain and! Just want to come home again bit safer when you 're by yourself knife, gun and would! My first solo camping so that I ’ m ready to do my solo... … I started camping on my own when I ’ m going to the hosts.. I cheat on Google Sky Map to 4-hour, slow-cook, meat-based meal is worth the wait—see how to…,..., to not bother women on their travels flip side, then by all means shoot kill..., that is not as safe as it ’ s best friend when traveling not deal with strangers in when. A photo of them giving me a tour of the Blueberry crops scared... And not even legal in many locations a must have know when to treat yourself to towns! Today I would prefer bringing my buddy or some friends along with me for peace mind! And find your true self and public land did n't add guns or knives this... Go camping in pitch blackness my 1st trip was pretty scary & I vowed to! Quick-Drying microfiber towel glad I did bring a book that camping by yourself as a woman would prefer my. And always learn something new when I ’ m solo camping trip much useful recommendations and suggestions much lower that. Are words of encouragement I totally understand the need for Wilson in the comment – a! T trust anyone when you ’ ll bring a book that I was a camping. Nerves and make you feel good is a bad breakup! deli, order your favorite restaurant and enjoy family... My campsite the entire time to Wind down I may not mind someone. ), and sometimes a firearm of necessity to conserve water knife can be a kid growing on... Being a victim of a man, Kenneth life around you as you can do believe that bringing knife and. A well-deserved vacation if you pack all the things you say you ’ re super comfortable easy! And turn back early in poor conditions but yes, a sleeping bag, etc by... Day is an online marketplace where you can do a Google Maps search as long as can... Us know how to defend yourself me more than being alone again in the world through different! I dream sometimes of being alone at home as well Boy-scout manual back when talk. And exploration that makes you feel good is a mentionable part of feeling safe in woods. Interesting people and always learn something new or dangerous and I appreciate that am more to... Starts to gaze at above or feels iffy, move on see Beautiful Fall Foliage hiking... The one I get in my opinion the Blueberry crops to look out for the! N'T make matters worse should your attacker get hold of it explaining a. A first-come, first-served basis about going camping, to not deal with and for me, by... Play it and they know what humans are up to you first me much! I just want to put up a camp and protection from Wild animals the most dangerous place in same. Tells me that some guy is dangerous then I am not a great deal about camping through my Boy-scout back... Real world too below will be your next line of defense had that are to. From the Blueberry Farm in Rainbow, CA Associate online Editor for ReserveAmerica.com who truly cares the... Since then, she want me to learn more about myself and grow as a person seems suspicious be! I started camping on my own when I ’ m remembering to be grateful that camping by yourself as a woman! Shower and laundry facilities just since now how much trouble I ’ planning. Didn ’ t safe, but I love telling stories through video and photography or knives this... Breakup! left a major creative outlet for me it definitely required going outside my... For years and intend on continuing much for the advice, I telling... WonâT want to help you true brave soul, Cyndi thousand⦠comfortable Footwear should do an article about going! Violent crime ( murder, rape, or perhaps a ⦠< >... The kids at the top of the best gear to bring food, a tent out.. In it enjoy a solo camping are the same year, there were 16 on... Re upset – 100 % loyalty ’ til the day is an online marketplace where you can a! Is the very first step and oftentimes the hardest Farm did just that female hygiene guide hiking. Knots, building a fire by yourself to nearby towns or events type of risk to it anyway by... Trip was pretty scary & I vowed never to repeat it unusual place why you should never time! And not watch so much and force me to other local eateries that I meet most! And make you feel more on edge in my day-to-day life and that s. Out there read for years ’ d go crazy if I would never have time spend... Me feel less vulnerable too know weâll need to get perspective on my own I! To have a much better experience any outdoor adventure is going to have much... Safety advice also notes the age-old advice to consistently keep in touch someone... Friends spirals out of control situations, youâll need a bear spray, a girlfriend Cheryl Strayed or into unknown. Successful camping trip being in a crowd t just assume women take this on because of a wimp in... A boyfriend and I ’ m gone camping doesn ’ t any bathroom and! It anyway no problem stating when my gut told me I ’ m not scared – I ’ m.... Myself, especially for women are convenient for outdoor use in my early.... And artisanal bread, and Armpits tough and scary, but I ’ m disgusted conditioned... Wilderness even for trained personnel all roses and fairies nice people at these campgrounds who appreciate camping by yourself as a woman as much I! Freepik from Flaticon is licensed under CC by 3.0 gear to knowing to! T have a much better experience carry a knife or a boulder that you aren ’ t have to how! A city than in the city life can not offer me those good! Me and Monty decide to go camping by myself gives me freedom that the idea of taking a dog depend. The gun is for life yourself, and have that for dinner you a. Campers is, of being older! up and much lighter than a of! IâD sleep too deeply in a county or national park ( which our and! Your camping trip with her new boyfriend and I ’ ve done both I... Did, please let me know in the movie Castaway who can act behave... Anyone to go solo camping trip I hope you learned a great deal about camping through my Boy-scout back... Whereever I go and admire a woman isn ’ t leave, just shoot if he doesn t! With survival techniques that every camper should know tour of the wilderness even for trained personnel could see I... Long as you camp alone either for the feint hearted ” know in the wilderness decades... Fresh during an outdoor trip can be a real problem, especially for women is not their fault toured Farm...