Solo Camping For Beginners: Everything You Need To Know To Stay Safe

I believe in solo camping so much so that I will be spending 100 days (straight) alone in the wilderness this year. Not only will being alone in the wilderness give you peace and tranquility, it will also help you develop the self-reliance and independence that come with mastering skills related to food, shelter, orienteering, and extreme weather conditions.

Camping alone can be an intimidating prospect, especially if you are unfamiliar with the outdoors or lack experience in a certain activity. However, there are several ways to prepare for a successful adventure and reduce fear and anxiety.

Solo travel requires that you be self-sufficient and have the skills to handle any potential emergencies.

All of the question you might have, and much more, will be answered in my article on staying safe while solo camping.  Before we begin though, I would love for you to consider joining my email list!

How do you stay safe while Solo Camping? 

Here are my top ways on staying safe:

• Camp Away From Widowmakers
• Understand Local Wildlife
• Carry Proper Maps
• Leave An Itinerary With Someone Trustworthy
• Carry A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
• Understand The Weather And Have A Backup Plan
• Know Your Limits

1. Camp Away From Widowmakers

Widowmakers are trees or branches that have become weakened over time due to their age or damage from weather. It is important to always check your campsite for dead branches and even trees that could fall in your direction. I have a scary memory of hearing a tree fall right outside of my camp.

Luckily, I chose an area away from dead trees/overhanging branches.

Widowmakers can (and have) lead to grave injuries such as concussions, broken bones, or even death in the worst cases. It is vital for people to always be aware of their surroundings and make sure there are no dead branches or trees that may fall on them in case of high winds or extreme weather.

Checking for widowmakers is one of the first steps I take when setting up camp somewhere. It has become a staple just as much as searching for a water source nearby would be.

Overall all, just make sure you practice “widowmaker safety” by avoiding camping immediately beneath any large tree limbs that could potentially break unknowingly.

2. Understand Local Wildlife

When you are camping by yourself, it is important to learn about the animals in the area.

Common Examples of Animals in North America to Think About:

• Moose
• Black Bear
• Brown Bear
• Polar Bear (Alaska)
• Alligator
• Poisonous Snakes
• Mountain Lion

That way, you can make sure that you stay away from any animals that might be potentially dangerous. Research the area ahead of time and learn about animals that you might encounter. Consider carrying bear spray or a similar repellent if there are grizzly bears or problematic black bears in the area, as well as ensuring you know how to respond to an attack.

For example, the response to a Grizzly attack is different than your response to a black bear attack would be. Check out this book that I would highly recommend on avoiding bear attacks.

Additionally, make sure you store food properly and don’t leave trash lying around so that animals aren’t attracted to your camp. This might sound obvious, but this will help keep you and them safe.

Finally, remember that animals have the right of way when you are out in nature – don’t attempt to approach or antagonize a wild animal. Solo camping is an amazing experience if done safely, so make sure that you take adequate precautions and respect the local wildlife!

For example, I have seen many people approach moose within about 15 feet. What they don’t realize is that they are standing next to an animal that causes more injuries in North America than all others on the list.

Don’t be dumb, but also realize that attacks on people from any North American animal is very rare.. so it isn’t something to be afraid of but rather to understand prevention methods.

3. Carry Proper Maps

Anyone going out camping alone should carry the proper maps of the area.

Understanding your surroundings and having the ability to navigate is key in any outdoor activity, but even more so for solo campers. And yea, I know many people just rely on digital maps but I believe against that for most types of wilderness travel.

Maps can help you find proper camp locations, locate bodies of water or streams as a water source, and generally provide a better overview of the area than a GPS alone. A map could also be used to help find your way out of a tricky situation should one arise while you’re out in the wild.

Additionally, maps can be helpful when it comes to exploring new areas. Whether you’re a frequent wilderness traveler or just starting out for the first time, having a map of the area will help you make the most of your trip.

By studying maps ahead of time, you can plan out a trip that suits your skill level and interests. As an added bonus, if something unexpected arises while camping, such as an inconvenient storm rolling in or an impassable area, a map may help you find alternate routes and avoid unnecessary problems!

Don’t rely on digital maps alone. It’s controversial to some people, however having paper maps has saved lost people, time and time again.

4. Leave An Itinerary With Trustworthy People

There are multiple reasons why everyone should leave a detailed itinerary with someone before heading off on a solo camping trip. This itinerary should include things like 

• Where in the wilderness you will be going
• Planned camp locations
• When do you plan on being back?
• Emergency numbers of local agencies

 Here are some of the most important reasons to leave an itinerary:

1. Someone knows where you are: Leaving a detailed itinerary with someone reliable can ensure that if something happens to you, emergency services will be able to locate your possible whereabouts quickly and effectively. Having this information on hand also helps eliminate any unnecessary worries from your family and friends who would be concerned for your safety while camping alone.

2. Provide contact information: Giving someone an itinerary before going off on a solo camping trip can provide helpful contacts in case of an emergency. This could include phone numbers for campsite staff, park rangers, or even nearby businesses in the area in the case of an emergency where time matters.

5. Make it easier for search and rescue: Search and rescue teams are trained to quickly locate lost individuals, but having an itinerary on hand can make their task even easier. With specific details about the campsite’s location, directions of travel, etc., they’ll know a general idea of where to look for you if something goes wrong during your adventure.

6. Reassure family and friends: Perhaps the biggest benefit of leaving an itinerary with someone else is the assurance it provides for loved ones. They’ll know that you’re safe and sound, and can rest assured knowing where to find you if they need to.

5. Carry A Satellite Communication Device Or PLB

Carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB)or satellite communication device when solo camping is an incredibly important safety precaution. Solo camping can be a wonderful way to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, but it can also have serious risks if you’re unprepared or unable to communicate with the outside world. 

A PLB can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have a reliable method of rescue should something go awry. When I worked in Search and Rescue in the past, any missions that we got from a satellite device allowed for a much quicker response as it took the location guessing away.

These work by sending out a strong signal when activated which can be received from satellites orbiting Earth. By using GPS technology, rescuers will be able to locate and respond to your distress call regardless of where you are or what time of day it is. 

The crucial information such as your exact location and personal details will also be sent along with the distress signal giving responders all the necessary information they need to locate you asap.

When traveling solo in remote areas, having access to a device like this could save your life.. and there are many stories of them saving others. Check them out to get an idea why they are necessary.

Even if you’re an experienced camper, accidents can happen, and having access to the outside world can be invaluable when you are off the grid.

Another great benefit of carrying a PLB while solo camping is its portability and ease of use – it’s relatively small in size yet highly effective; all that is required from the user is activating the beacon when necessary by pressing down on the activation switch – simple yet incredibly important in terms of safety!

Other key features (depending on the device) can be digital maps, text communication capabilities, weather functions, and more. All in all, the Garmin Inreach Explorer+ has been my go-to device for every single wilderness adventure I have embarked on. It has many more features beyond the SOS button.

7. Understand The Weather And Have A Backup Plan

Having a good understanding of the possible weather conditions when out in the wilderness is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Solo camping, especially, requires careful preparation to ensure that you have the right supplies and skills to deal with any potential weather emergencies. 

For example, when I dealt with a derecho storm with 75 MPH winds, I had my rain gear on and ready in case my shelter rainfly blew away. As my tent collapsed, I was preparing to be in the elements with nothing but my clothing.

If it’s cold, pack extra layers and a properly rated sleep system. Similarly, always pack a waterproof layering piece to ensure you can stay dry if rainy or snowy conditions arise.

Next, knowledge of good camp locations will allow you to safely set up camp in areas that are protected from gusts and high winds, flooding, etc.

9. Know Your Limits

Arguably one of the most important things to consider when it comes to staying safe while solo camping is knowing your limits. Solo camping requires a great deal of self-awareness and confidence in order to be successful.

Before embarking on any solo trip, it’s important that you have a realistic understanding of your capabilities as well as the potential risks and dangers associated with being alone in the wilderness- because there are some.

Although there are risks, you shouldn’t be scared, but you should be prepared.  Take the time to research the area you plan to be in, and make sure you know the other potential dangers talked about.

10. Follow The Rules

Follow the rules of any area you are in. For example, if you must pack your food in a bear canister, do it. This is usually due to reasons concerning either your or an animal’s safety. 

I have seen someone disregard a “Bear in the area: stay out” sign just to be woken up by a bear munching on his food. It sounds funny until you find out that the bear had to be killed because it became too problematic.

It may be tempting to take a shortcut or ignore certain regulations, but doing so can have serious consequences for yourself, other people in the area, and any wildlife. All of these things should be taken into account when making decisions about how to conduct yourself while solo camping.

When I worked on a Search and Rescue team, I remember many of the most tragic calls came after someone avoided “danger, keep out” signs from large cliff drop-off points in Kentucky. 

Lastly, rules are put in place to keep the environment prime for future campers, so it’s important to be respectful of any posted regulations. 

How do you get over the fear of Solo Camping? 

1. Keep On Doing It

In order to get over your fear of solo camping, you have to get out and actually do it. This is primarily the best piece of advice I have on getting over the fear. 

It will be a bit scary at first, and it is for everyone. Doing it continuously will get you a bit more and more comfortable as time goes on.

2. Realize That Fear Is Normal

Fear of camping alone is normal. It is a feeling that most people experience. It can be difficult to overcome, but it’s important to remember that camping by yourself doesn’t have to be a scary experience.

Taking the right precautions and preparing yourself in ways stated above, can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your solo trip. Educating yourself about potential dangers, packing essential items for safety, sticking to well-traveled trails (when starting out), and planning ahead are all great ways to make sure you stay safe while out in nature. 

With some preparation and caution, solo camping can be an enjoyable activity and a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

3. Take Training Courses

Taking a training course will help you to navigate the wilderness and teach you how to use the right equipment as well as safety precautions for whatever activity you want to do. 

Additionally, taking a training course can provide you with valuable knowledge about outdoor skills such as orienteering, fire building, food preparation, and much more. 

With quality instruction from an experienced instructor, you’ll be able to learn more quickly and get comfortable with wilderness self-reliance in no time. 

Training courses can also prepare you for unforeseen events while out on your own. You may gain helpful information like first aid from a Wilderness First responder course which could be very beneficial in emergency situations. 

Check here for some life-changing courses that I would recommend.

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Though it may be daunting at first, solo camping can be a rewarding experience. By taking the right precautions and preparing mentally, you can feel more comfortable when venturing into the wilderness alone.

With some practice, you’ll soon find that solo camping is an incredibly liberating activity that allows you to escape from everyday life and create lasting memories in nature.

Hope this helps!