Camping alone as a woman requires a bit of a balancing act, no matter how experienced a camper you may be.  You need to expertly juggle the joy of adventure without losing sight of your need to remain safe.   

But how do you embrace both freedom and safety when they feel so opposed to each other?  How can you let loose, live in the moment and soak it all in, yet stay vigilant and on the lookout for possible danger? 

After all, no one wants to summon up the courage to go solo camping only to stay huddled in your tent quivering with fear at every unexpected sound.  That's not the plan, is it?  

Let's move on from that thinking, and instead read on, as I prepare you for an adventure full of wonder, surprise, and confidence.

As a solo female camper, learning how to choose a safe campsite that fits your needs will set you up for an adventure that will be both fun and leave you brimming with confidence. After years of road tripping on my own, I’ve learned exactly what to look for (and what to avoid) to feel confident setting up camp. Whether you’re brand new to camping alone or simply want to feel more secure on your next trip, this guide is packed with actionable advice to help you stay safe and soak in the wonder of the outdoors.

Here are four strategies you can easily adopt for your next solo camping trip. 

• Explore Before You Go

• On-Site Safety Check

• Settle in the Sunshine

• Trust your Gut (Hardly original, but let me tell you WHY)

Solo Camping Safety Strategy #1:  Explore Before You Go

I love planning every bit of my solo road trips, and that includes any stretches of time when I will be camping.  But planning isn’t just about logistics.  It’s part of my safety strategy.

Camping safety starts long before the trip begins. Online resources have made research so easy, and it builds my confidence knowing that I can get a strong sense of a place before I arrive.  Sometimes it isn't feasible to have a full understanding of every campground I might stay in before I arrive, but I do some serious scouting in the general area if at all possible. 

Here are a few resources I use to help determine if the campgrounds I’m interested in are a good fit for me.  Keep in mind, this article is focused on safety, but you will find much more detailed information on these apps and sites to help you make the best selections for your brand of camping!

The most important piece of information offered by all of these sites is customer reviews, closely followed by photos of the campground and in some cases, individual photos of each campsite.  These are a treasure-trove of safety information and will help you determine “vibe” and overall “feel” before you go.  You can also check on their cell service, bathroom facilities, distances between sites, proximity to the road, etc. 

Apps and Websites

The Dyrt

This app and website advertises “All camping in one place”, meaning you can look up national parks, state parks, RV parks, even glamping and free camping.  Once on the site, check out a campground to see lots of photos (sometimes of each individual site), as well as strength of cell service, how busy they are, how close sites are to one another, etc.   You do need to put in your general destination and dates before they show you a map with all the nearby camping areas.

Campendium 

Very similar to The Dyrt, though the navigation on the site is slightly different.  If you want to start with a map and then drill down into specific areas, that is the best option.  The site also has dedicated tabs for State Parks, National Parks, National Forests and free sites. 

HipCamp

I love HipCamp!  Although they don’t always appreciate the comparison, the best way to describe it is akin to AirBnb for campers.  The site offers unique stays away from the typical campground concept.  Most offerings are on private land.  I have stayed in fun little cabins in Vermont, a backyard campsite in Illinois, and on a ranch in Wyoming, just to give you an idea.  The prices range from FREE to a whole bunch of $$, depending what you’re looking for. 

Reserveamerica.com 

This site is actually a central location for many government campgrounds, like state parks and forests, national forests, etc. Once you create an account at your first check-out, you'll discover making online reservations easier for many other sites across the country.

Recreation.gov

If you’re making reservations at National Parks, you most likely will end up here at some point, if only to complete your reservation and pay.  If you’re hoping to snag a national park campsite, your best bet is to go to the website for that particular park, click on the dropdown “plan your visit”, and look at the park as a whole.  Many of them will redirect you back to recreation.gov to do a deeper dive on the campsites. 

Earth.google.com and/or maps.google.com

Want a bigger picture (and a more dialed-in one?).  Go to Google Earth and enter the campground name or address.  You can get views from above and often from street level as well.

Whichever sites I use to do my research, as a solo woman camper, I spend time reading reviews, checking satellite views, seeing how far the site is from help or cell service. I want to know if the campground is well-trafficked, if it has hosts on-site, and what other solo travelers have said about it.

Here’s a Campsite Safety Research List as you consider the things that matter to your safety as woman camper –

• Are there bears or other critters known to the area?

• Does the campground have a camp host?

• Is there inside/outside lighting at the bathrooms?

• Does the campground have cell service? Is so, what providers?

• What is the distance between sites?

• What is the distance to main roads?

📍 PRO TIP:  Look specifically for any reviews written by solo women.  You won’t always find them, but they’re gold if you do!  If a solo reviewer shares any places gives off sketchy vibes in the comments, I listen.

Now, I know what makes me feel safe may be different for you. (You may feel the need for more security, or not as much!). I totally believe we all have to find our sweet spot.  You might be comfortable camping on public lands in the middle of nothing, but others may not.  There’s no right or wrong.  You do you, and then gradually spread your wings over time if you want to!  No matter what you decide, you’re building confidence along the way.

👉 If you want a deeper dive into this kind of research, check out my video on How to Find Amazing Campsites — I walk through what each type of campground option typically offers, not just for safety, but also cost, availability, reservations, etc.

📍 PRO TIP:  Before you head out, check the weather!  Especially if you’re tent camping, weather has the power to make or break your experience. 

Welcome to your camping experience!  You’re here!  Let’s dive straight into what to do now that you’ve got wheels (and feet) on the ground.

Solo Camping Safety Strategy #2:  On-site safety checks

Once you arrive, it’s time to get your bearings.  If there’s an entrance gatehouse, talk to the ranger or whomever is there, grab a map, and then begin exploring.   Some of it won’t feel directly like a safety check, but it all leads to your overall sense of comfort and security. 

1. Paying for your site:  When you arrive, understand the payment system if you haven’t already paid.
2. Essentials:  Find out where/if the bathrooms and showers are, where to wash dishes, and how that all feels relative to where your site is located.
3. Camp Hosts:  If the campground has a camp host, stop and talk to them if you have specific fears or questions.  They’re typically incredibly helpful and kind, and can answer any questions that you may have.  Oftentimes camp hosts are a couple living there for the season, and they know everything!  If I get a good vibe from them, I may even let them know that I’m on my own.
4. Firewood:  Find out how to get firewood. If there’s a host, it’s usually from them, or at state parks it’s often near the entrance. 
5. Reservation?:  If you have a reservation: Drive to your site and take a good look around. 
6. No Reservation?:  If you're just exploring and looking for a site,  ask what sites are available when you arrive and do on-site research to find what suits you.  Unless they’re super busy, campgrounds are typically fine with this.  If you happen to get the last site, run a quick check and then come back and grab it!

On-Site Walk Around

Get out of your vehicle and see how everything feels.  Here are a few things to pay special attention to:

1. Proximity to neighbors
2. Noise/busyness level (super quiet, barking dogs, kids running around on bikes, etc.)
3. Distance to the road
4. Can you park facing outward? I’ve never needed to make a quick getaway, but I always want the option.  I don't worry about this is more populated campgrounds, but if you're in the middle of nothing, it's important!
5. Are there signs of animals? (Deer paths, skat, bear markings, etc.)
6. Most of all, be honest with yourself about the feel of it.

I love a campground with trails and plenty of room to walk around.  Do people seem friendly?  How close are they?  I personally love state parks and national forests the best for my brand of camping.  There are usually hosts, the services are good, but there’s privacy as well, and often a gate to get in/out.

  A beautiful hike in Mt. Philo State Park, Vermont

A pretty perfect campsite!

📍 PRO TIP:  Always travel with multiple forms of payment, including cash. Most national forest and some state park campgrounds only accept cash or check, especially if you’re trying to pay for firewood.

📍 PRO TIP: Always ask about firewood when you first arrive and are still in your vehicle. You don’t want to have to drive back out to find firewood later, or worse yet, lug it for half a mile!  It’s much easier if you can just pop it in your car from the beginning.

Solo Camping Safety Strategy #3 – Settle in the Sunshine

In my opinion, arriving early to your campground is the most important safety strategy.   It bears repeating – arriving in the daylight is crucial for a woman camping on her own.  You do NOT want to arrive somewhere new in the dark.  I do not even have to list the reasons why!

Once you arrive and do a safety check of the campground and site, get yourself organized in the daylight.  Put up your tent, organize your site, or if you’re car camping or have a small RV, just take time to get yourself organized.  

This also gives you time to take that walk around and see if you feel like the vibe is friendly in general.  Are there any kids/families around?  I’m always on the lookout for other Solo women as well.  It’s becoming more and more common to find kindred spirits!  In my opinion,  I personally feel comfortable when I’m in close proximity to a family or a couple, other solo women or even a group of women!

One of my favorite parts of solo camping happens after I’m unpacked, the tent is up, the fire’s laid and ready to go, and Lexi my golden and I take off on a long walk to explore the place.  When we come back, I’m ready to make dinner and settle in for an evening to read, sit by the fire, and sometimes enjoy a glass of wine.  This is the good stuff! 

👉 If you'd like to really see some of my camping experience for yourself,  check out my Summer of Wonder Vlog.  It's Lexi and me on the road to the Rockies and back - with lots of camping.  Dive into the playlist here!

If you’re new to camping, you’ll quickly find that for the most part, camping folks are super friendly and kind.  If you have a question or problem, just ask.  People are helpful!  I’ve also met some fantastic folks at campgrounds.  People are generally pretty relaxed and enjoying the peace and slow pace that camping provides.  You’ll meet people out walking, and often people stop by and ask about my tent setup as my tent attaches to the back of my SUV, which is a little unique (but becoming more common).  What can I say, I’m a trendsetter! 

One of my favorite camping experiences was north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in Steamboat Lake State Park.  It was my birthday and I felt just a little out of sorts by myself.  These sweet ladies across from me were super welcoming, and invited Lexi and I for dinner and drinks in the evening.  The vibe was perfect.

But what if it’s not perfect?

Solo Camping Safety Strategy #4 - Trust Your Gut

You’ve heard it before, I know, but trusting your gut is never more true than when you are a solo woman camping.  Your intuition is your most trusty tool. If I arrive at a site and something feels "off," I don’t try to talk myself into staying.

Simply stated, if I arrive at a campground or campsite and it doesn’t feel right, regardless of the reason, I give myself complete permission to leave.    Doesn’t matter if I have a reservation, or even if I’ve paid for it.  As a woman camping on my own, if I am not feeling settled after my initial drive through and walk-around, chances are that’s only going to get worse at the evening goes on. 

What to do?

If you find yourself in a situation where alarms start going off in your head, or even if it just doesn’t feel quite right, don’t feel bad about leaving, even if you’re not sure where you’re heading. 

By the way, this is another crucial reason to arrive in the daylight.  If you need to leave, you’re not ditching in the dark without a plan.

It's not always realistic to have a specific backup location plan for a campsite, so I’m not going to tell you to have a whole other camping option in your back pocket.  However, if you’re heading into a place that you just didn’t get a strong sense of one way or the other before arrival, take your time once you’re on site.  Drive and walk around, ask questions and keep your eyes open before you make a decision. 

If it goes sideways in any way, just leave.  Don’t think twice about it.  I’ve done it quite a few times, and I’ve never been sorry.  In fairness, I’m almost always in the midst of a road trip, so I just simply drive on a while further and find another option.  My backup plan, should I need it, is to find another campground, but if that fails, I am willing to stay in a hotel/motel that night, and start over again in the morning.

Wandering in Wyoming (as a solo woman camper)

Here’s a quick example of a time my gut told me to just keep moving, and please know I was in the middle of a sparsely-populated part of Wyoming, so options were limited!

I had made a reservation at a state park in Wyoming that looked great on paper, and many of them are. (Wyoming is just about my most favorite state in the union, so this isn't a knock on the Cowboy State!)  But when I arrived mid-afternoon, it immediately felt wrong.  Not necessarily scary, but it didn’t have sites where I could easily set up my attached tent, most sites were walk-in with limited and very exposed parking, and all were surrounded by giant boulders.  It just felt creepy.

The people were few and far between, but the ones I saw were all men, and they just didn’t seem to fit very well – grimy and dirty and stumbling around.  In less than 10 minutes from arrival, I bolted.

It meant leaving with no plan, but I had several hours of daylight and just followed my gut.  It did take me the rest of the day to find an appropriate place, and the timing wasn’t ideal as I had to put my tent up in the dark, but it felt miles better.  Ultimately, I slept soundly, and was treated to a beautiful full moon and a spectacular sunrise.

Going Solo Doesn’t Mean Being Irresponsible

Camping alone doesn’t mean you're inviting trouble, or you're being foolish in any way. In fact, solo women campers tend to be among the most thoughtful and resourceful travelers I’ve met. Preparation and situational awareness are our secret weapons.

The case for solo travel of any kind is my passion and the mission of my business, WonderBing Travel.  Everything I write and share is geared to equip and inspire women to experience wonder through meaningful and purposeful travel.  That means I know from tons of experience -  you can do this. 

And if you’ve been putting off your first trip because safety concerns are holding you back, here’s your encouragement: 

There’s incredible freedom in waking up to birdsong, brewing your own coffee under a canopy of trees, and knowing you chose this experience—and prepared for it.

And if you're wondering if solo camping or a solo road trip is for you, check out this post:  Why I Solo Road Trip, and Why You Should Too (at least once!)

📍 PRO TIP:  Let Someone Know

Every time I camp solo, I send my location and itinerary to a family member or friend. Even if I change plans last-minute, I check in. That simple step adds another layer of safety that costs nothing but gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.  And as a frequent solo traveler in general, I make it a point to check in with one person at home once a day.  It's important that someone knows where I am! 

🧭 The Resources You Need to Get Started

Going Solo Quick Start Guide

If you’re serious about camping and solo female road trip planning, I’ve put together a FREE 5-day Going Solo Quick Start Guide to help you break through the overwhelm and get going. It’s packed with practical tips and inspiration to help you confidently take your first solo adventure, whether it’s a mini road trip or something bigger.

📍Grab my 5-Day Quick Start Guide to Going Solo here and take it one step at a time.

There's Wonder Around the Bend

If you're ready to truly be inspired and equipped to seek freedom and wonder on your own, then it's time to get your copy of There's Wonder Around the Bend:  an Inspiring Guide to Solo Road Tripping.  Just go for it!

📍 You can learn more HERE.

All the Camping Gear and Goodies

I've put together an Amazon wish list of many of my favorite go-to camping goods.  From tents to favorite lanterns, coolers and chairs, it's all put together in one convenient spot.

📍 Find it all here in the  ⛺️ WonderBing Travel Camping List Must-Haves.  Happy shopping!!