I thought solo camping was entirely outside my comfort zone before I tried it. I watch youtube videos by Wendy Outdoors when I can’t sleep and find so much peace in the solitude she experiences solo camping and admire her ease in the woods. However, when I thought of the possibility of camping by myself, I would quickly spiral into worst-case-scenarios and all the reasons why I should not go just yet.

I wanted to be brave enough to do this alone. I had led trips with my friends and introduced them to camping, so I knew I had the skills and knowledge to safely solo camp. However,  I always opt for the security of camping with others. I was held back by three questions: 

 What if I get too scared? 

What if I proved to myself that I am less knowledgeable and capable than I thought? 

What if something bad happens?

I was afraid that my love for camping was really just a love for quality time and the conversations that come from being disconnected from our habits and the internet. I wanted to feel genuine happiness in solitude and challenge myself to experience something new.  I figured that it is better to try and learn from my experience than to not try at all. 

Before I went

Anticipation is the worst part of your first solo camping trip.I had planned a solo camping trip before, but a few days before changed my plans and invited my boyfriend. It was easy to make excuses that I wanted to spend what little time I have away from work and the city with those I love. However, much of my invitation was out of fear of whether or not I would feel safe and comfortable sleeping in the woods by myself. This time, I was committed to finally camping alone. 

When camping, I feel autonomous. I have led groups and coordinated many trips. I know how to stay safe and how to protect myself and the wildlife around me. Regardless of how often I camp, I often feel vulnerable when I go to bed, whether because of wildlife or people.  I always depended on others to feel comfortable and confident. I was afraid of sleeping alone without someone to reassure me or help in an emergency.  

Leading up to the trip, I felt a mix of excitement and fear. I felt proud of myself for committing to a solo adventure. I tried not to take this as a sign that I should not go, but rather a sign that I should lean into the discomfort.

I planned a backpacking trip to Mont Sutton where I reserved a site at the mountain summit. This meant that not only did I need to camp alone, but I also needed to hike 440m of elevation with everything I needed on my back to get there. However, this site did have a few perks as a solo camper. I had consistent access to cell service, I was surrounded by other campers, and there was staff on site. I felt more comfortable not being deep in the backcountry. At this site, I could stay in contact with those I love and knew staff was looking out for me.

What I learned

I had so much fun solo camping. I got to set the pace and the vibe of my trip and decide if I was having a good time or not. The hike to my campsite was not easy, particularly because I was carrying all my camping gear myself, but I took my time and found ways to have fun as I hiked. I chose when I took breaks and when I pushed through.  When it felt difficult, I got to decide what my reaction was. Rather than feeling frustrated or defeated, I would choose a spot with a nice view for a water break. Because I was not chatting or focusing on others, I had time to reflect, be present, and notice everything around me. 

I was also much less scared than I thought. When I arrived at my campsite, I followed my regular routines of setting up camp and making dinner. I then took a chance to walk around the campsite and even meet other visitors. By the time I went to bed, I felt so comfortable and at home in my campsite that I slept soundly. I went to bed early and woke up to the sunrise and the sounds of birds. It was so peaceful to leave my tent and watch the sky change colors over the mountains. I had time to think and just enjoy being by myself. 

Overall, my camping trip helped me build confidence and made me proud of myself. The anticipation of the trip was much more stressful than the trip itself. It felt good to problem solve by myself and know that I was capable of being self sufficient f in the woods. I could only depend on myself and it was freeing to know that I am capable of doing something so outside of my comfort zone without the security of being with others.

If you want to try solo camping, I definitely recommend it!