Solo traveling has taken off in recent years, with more Americans than ever before considering taking a trip by themselves, according to Skyscanner statistics. While most people conjure up images of having a solo glass of wine in Paris or taking a singles cruise in the Caribbean, camping can be an even more transformative experience for solo travelers.
“The best part of solo camping is that you are fully in control of your itinerary,” explained Tom Pool, solo camping expert at Pitchup. “Want to climb that hill in the distance? Want to cook a meal your usual campmates would turn their noses up at? Want to do absolutely nothing and sleep all day? Everything you do is completely up to you.”
“One memorable experience from a solo camping trip was waking up at the foot of Tryfan in Wales very early in the morning when I made a split-second decision to just get up & ‘seize the day’. Moments later, I was hiking up the mountain, leading to a full day of adventuring and amazing sunrise views,” he added. “Had I been with others, we would have had to make a group decision, and the adventure may have been different.”
If you’ve been considering taking a solo trip this summer, it might be worth looking into a solo camping experience. Here’s what you need to know in order to make the most of your solo camping trip:
How to make the most of solo camping
Having a restful solo camping trip doesn’t just happen. You have to be in the right mindset and make proper plans in order to ensure you make the most of your time. Here’s what Pool recommended:
Plan ahead
“Practice setting up your tent by yourself ahead of time,” Pool suggested. “It can be tricky without an extra set of hands, so make sure you’re confident in your ability to build your shelter.”
You’re in charge of your own enjoyment
Pool also pointed out that you are in charge of your own enjoyment. “Bring a creative outlet, like a book, journal or musical instrument, for downtime after a day of exploring,” he suggested. “Inspiration can strike anywhere!”
Be social… if you want to be
Don’t be afraid to say hello to other campers or feel free to keep to yourself. “Solo camping can be a great way to meet new people from all walks of life, but it’s equally rewarding to embrace the peace and quiet,” he said. “Ultimately, you define your own type of adventure.”
Learn to read a physical map
“Learn to read a map in advance, especially if you’re planning to go hiking, in case there is limited cell service,” Pool suggested. “You are 100% responsible for your own safety, so it’s crucial to be able to navigate in all situations.”
The most common mistake first-time solo campers make—what to avoid
Pool really urged would-be solo campers to understand that the most important rule of solo camping is preparation. “You can’t rely on anyone else to remember the essentials, from a flashlight to a lighter to make a campfire,” he said. If you’ve been thinking of planning your own solo camping trip, here are a few things that Pool urges potential solo campers to keep in mind:
Not bringing a spare battery pack
You might think you have enough juice to get you through—but you never know what can happen. Pool strongly suggested solo travelers bring an extra fully-charged battery pack, so at least two in total.
Not creating a packing list in advance
“Don’t leave packing until the night before (especially for your first solo trip),” he said. “I’d recommend taking more than you need—it’s always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”
Not considering the season
“For packing, think about the season and what you actually need,” said Pool. “For example, you probably won’t need full waterproofs and jackets for a couple of days in France in high summer! The more experience you get, the more you’ll be able to refine this list, and the quicker you’ll be able to pack and have it down to a tee.”
Relying only on credit card
You might think you’ll be fine with the gear you pack or with your credit card—but Pool suggested bringing extra cash and carrying it with you at all times. “You never know when you may need cash for an emergency snack or a couple of coins for parking in case there is no phone signal,” he said.