What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My First Solo Camping Trip

If you're reading this while frantically Googling "is solo camping safe for women" at 2 AM, take a deep breath. I've been there. Three years ago, I was exactly where you are right now – excited, terrified, and completely overthinking everything.

Here's what I wish someone had sat me down and told me before I packed my car with way too much gear and drove to my first solo campsite.

You're Going to Overpack (And That's Okay)

Listen, I brought three different types of fire starters, two backup headlamps, and enough food for a week-long expedition. For a two-day trip.

Did I need all of it? Absolutely not. Did it make me feel more confident on my first solo camping trip? You bet.

The truth: Your first solo trip isn't about having the perfect minimalist setup. It's about feeling prepared enough to actually go. Pack what makes you feel safe, even if it's "too much." You'll naturally pare down as you gain experience.

The First Night is Always the Hardest

Every sound will seem louder. Every rustle in the bushes will make your heart race. That's completely normal, and it doesn't mean you're not cut out for this.

What actually helped me:

• Arriving at camp with plenty of daylight to set up and get familiar with my surroundings

• Bringing a good book or journal for those moments when my brain started spiraling

• Remembering that most "scary" sounds are just small animals doing their thing

By the second night (if you're doing a multi-day trip), you'll sleep like a baby. I promise.

Your Gear Actually Does Matter (But Perfect Doesn't Exist)

Okay, let me be real with you – having reliable gear isn't just nice-to-have when you're camping solo. It's essential. When you're out there by yourself, your equipment needs to work when you need it to.

What I wish I'd focused on from the start:

• A tent that can actually handle weather (not just look good in reviews)

• A sleeping system rated for the conditions you'll face

• A stove that lights consistently, every time

• Quality basics over trendy extras

The truth: You don't need the most expensive gear, but you do need gear you can count on. There's a difference between "good enough" and "cheap enough." When you're solo, equipment failure isn't just inconvenient – it can be dangerous.

My advice: Invest in the big four (shelter, sleep system, cooking, lighting) and don't compromise on safety. Everything else can be budget-friendly until you know what you actually need.

I learned this the hard way when my "budget-friendly" stove decided to quit working on a cold morning. Nothing like trying to make coffee with a lighter and some creativity to teach you about gear priorities.

Trust Your Instincts (They're Usually Right)

If a campsite feels off, move. If someone makes you uncomfortable, trust that feeling. If the weather looks sketchy, have a backup plan.

I almost talked myself out of changing campsites once because I thought I was being "paranoid." Spoiler alert: I wasn't. That gut feeling exists for a reason – use it.

You Don't Need to Prove Anything to Anyone

This was a big one for me. I felt like I had to justify my choice to camp alone, like I needed to prove I was "tough enough" or "outdoorsy enough."

Reality check: You don't owe anyone an explanation for wanting to spend time in nature by yourself. You're not trying to prove you're fearless – you're just someone who wants to experience the outdoors on your own terms.

The Confidence Comes After, Not Before

I kept waiting to feel "ready" for my first solo camping. Confident enough, experienced enough, brave enough.

Here's the secret: the confidence comes from doing it, not from feeling ready to do it. You build that self-assurance one trip at a time, one small challenge at a time.

Bring Something That Makes You Happy

This sounds silly, but pack one thing that's purely for joy. For me, it was my STANLEY Camp Pour Over Set – because good coffee in the wilderness just hits different. Maybe it's your favorite snacks, a special mug, or that book you've been meaning to read.

Solo camping isn't about suffering through minimalism. It's about creating space for the things that actually matter to you.

You're More Capable Than You Think

That voice in your head saying "what if something goes wrong?" Here's the thing – something probably will go wrong. Maybe not dangerous-wrong, but definitely inconvenient-wrong.

You'll figure it out. You'll adapt. You'll surprise yourself with how resourceful you can be when you have to be.

The Magic is Real

All the preparation anxiety, the gear research, the "what am I doing" moments – they're all worth it for that first morning when you wake up to nothing but bird songs and your own breathing.

There's something about being completely responsible for your own adventure that changes you. You'll come home knowing something new about yourself, and that knowledge stays with you long after you've unpacked your gear.

Start Small, Dream Big

Your first solo trip doesn't need to be an epic wilderness adventure. Pick somewhere familiar, maybe even close to home. Give yourself permission to have a simple, quiet trip where the biggest challenge is figuring out how to work your camp stove.

The mountains will still be there when you're ready for bigger adventures.

You've Got This

I know it feels scary. I know there are a million things that could go wrong. But here's what I know for sure: if you're reading this, you're already braver than you think you are.

The hardest part isn't the camping – it's making the decision to go. And if you've gotten this far, you're already halfway there.

Trust your preparation, trust your instincts, and trust that you're exactly capable enough for whatever adventure you choose.

Ready to take that first step? Start planning, start packing, and remember – every expert was once a beginner who decided to try.