How To Camp Alone: Tips For Women Who Want To Go Solo

Camping alone can be a great way to get some alone time and connect with yourself and the environment. But this element of solitude means you need to be extra aware and cautious of your surroundings. Campertunity was founded by women who want to ensure that every woman feels confident and safe when she’s enjoying the great outdoors. These tips will help you plan, prepare for, and enjoy a safe solo camping trip. 

Plan ahead

Every camping trip requires preparation, but if you’re a woman planning to camp alone, there are a few additional items you should add to your to-do list: 

• Take a self-defence class before you go. This is a great idea even if you’re not planning a solo trip. Every woman should know how to protect herself and fight back against attackers. 💪 
• Book a campsite you can trust. With Campertunity, you can read campground reviews and get to know your host through our messaging system before visiting their property.
• Tell a trusted friend(s) where you’re camping, your check-in and check-out dates, and when you plan to be home. Every Campertunity booking includes a three-word address from what3words that pinpoints your location within three square metres. Share your campsite address with a trusted friend so they know exactly where you’ll be.
• Don’t share on social media that you’re taking a solo trip. You never know who’s looking at your Instagram account. And while it may be tempting (and we totally get it), hold off on uploading photos until you’re safely home. 

“I love camping but sometimes bears aren’t the only predators I have to worry about when camping solo or with a group of women. I book my campsites through Campertunity so I know who my host will be and whether my campsite is safe. I can even read reviews about what other campers have said about the host and campsite. This gives me peace of mind — because we all have the right to safely enjoy the outdoors.” Guita Y

Pack additional safety gear

If you’re planning a solo trip, you’re probably an experienced camper who knows the essentials. But there are a few additional safety items you should pack in your backpack:

• 🐻 Bear spray - works on predators of all species
• 🗡 Axe and knife - crucial camping tools that double as protection against predators
• 🔦🔊 Blindingly bright headlamp/flashlight and air horn - light and sound will scare just about anything/anyone away
• 🥾🔒A pair of men-sized hiking boots and a lock for your tent zipper - for outside and inside your tent
• 📱Fully charged cell phone and portable battery pack - so you never have to worry about hitting 0% battery 

If you plan to hike off the beaten path, you might want to consider purchasing a Personal Locator Beacon. They can be quite expensive, but considering their usefulness in emergency situations, they might be worth the investment.

And finally… bring a dog! 🐕 We’re not advocating that you head over to the SPCA and adopt one today (we’re not not saying that), but if you don’t have a dog of your own, borrowing a trusted canine friend for the weekend is not a bad idea. As well as providing excellent companionship and warm snuggles at night, dogs are fantastic alarms against predators of all species

“I like to camp locally when I’m camping solo. Being close to home yet far away enough to see the stars is comforting, and familiar places make me confident. Confidence in myself and my surroundings, as well as being an experienced camper, is intimidating to predators. That’s why I also appreciate that Campertunity has campsites within a couple of hours’ drive from the city.” Nora L

Be vigilant and stay alert — but have fun, too

You’ve got your tent set up, your sleeping bag rolled out, and your snacks all laid out. You’re ready for a weekend of solo fun at the campsite. 

Here’s how to stay safe (and have fun!) at the campground:

• Introduce yourself to the campsite host and a nearby family. You don’t have to hang out with them, especially if you want some quality alone time, but being familiar with a few people can be helpful if you need assistance. 
• Remember those men’s boots you packed? Leave them outside your tent. 
• Trust your instincts. As women, we’ve learned to pay attention to our gut, so it’s best not to ignore it when we sense danger. If anything feels wrong or off, don’t ignore it — and don’t be afraid to leave a situation that doesn’t feel right. 

“I always have my escape route well thought out, and I keep my car keys close by. When camping alone, I only stay at sites I am fully familiar with and that are well-populated so that I know how to get out if things don’t feel safe.” Kaitie R 

• Remember that this is your time! Take a long, sweaty hike; go for a swim; have a midday nap; make double (triple?) chocolate s’mores; gaze at the stars for hours and invent your own constellations. Make your own schedule, and be whoever you want to be.
• Finally, camping is a great opportunity to relax and read a good book. Check out our list of nature-inspired books in 7 Ways to Have an Amazing Camping Experience in the Rain for inspiration. Or, bring a journal and capture every detail of your solo adventure.

If you’re looking for the perfect local site within driving range, book your first solo trip through Campertunity. You can read reviews and even chat with hosts in advance so you feel safe embarking on a solo getaway.

Founded by women and proudly Canadian, Campertunity features hundreds of local hidden gems including exclusive private campgrounds, working farms, and relaxing forest retreats.