For many, the pull of the outdoors is irresistible—an open invitation to step beyond the familiar. Solo camping and exploration aren’t just thrilling; they’re a chance to reconnect with yourself and recharge. But heading into the wilderness alone can feel intimidating, especially for those who’ve been displaced, marginalized, or left out of outdoor spaces.
From harsh weather to personal safety risks to wildlife encounters, solo camping comes with a real sense of vulnerability. Yet, it can also be one of the most empowering and rewarding experiences out there.
It’s always good to keep practical tips in mind: use a carabiner to secure your tent zippers from the inside, pack a first-aid kit, share your campsite location with friends or family before you go, and keep an air horn or pocketknife within reach while you sleep.
Before setting out, solo campers should also know how to project confidence in risky situations, trust their instincts, and face the fear of the unknown.
Prepare and Face Your Fears
“The first time I camped alone, I was absolutely terrified,” says travel writer Lauren Gay. “And as a Black woman, you never know what kind of people you’ll run into. But I approach solo camping like any other travel—I refuse to live in fear. I want the experience.”
Though Gay admits she wasn’t always prepared in the past, she felt an incredible sense of pride after surviving her first solo night in a tent.
“It was so peaceful,” she says. “Knowing you can truly take care of yourself—that confidence carries over into everyday life, helping you tackle obstacles or chase goals.”
Besides checking the weather three times, arriving before dark, and always carrying a firestarter, Gay brings small comforts to ease her nerves—like Oreos to make “s’more-eos” or a journal and watercolors to let her mind wander. For beginners, she suggests starting at a state park, where rangers and other campers are nearby.
Lissie Kretsch, a seasoned Yosemite National Park ranger, stresses the importance of preparation: “Research and know your limits before any hike or camping trip. It’s about respecting both yourself and the environment.” She adds, “Solo camping puts you in full control—so being prepared and self-aware is key.”
Trust Your Gut
Solo adventures often push you out of your comfort zone—and that’s part of the appeal. But experienced campers say it’s not about proving anything to others; it’s about what you prove to yourself.
“Listen to your intuition,” says Gay. “If something feels off or unsafe, pack up and leave. You’re not here to impress anyone. Intuition is our first natural defense—like a cat’s raised fur. Pay attention to what your senses tell you.”
For Nicole Snell, CEO of GirlsFightBack, the outdoors became a refuge during an abusive childhood. Since then, she’s worked to shift the narrative around solo adventures—replacing fear with awareness and tools for empowerment.
“Nature isn’t inherently more dangerous than walking down the street,” she says. “We feel vulnerable because we’re alone, but that doesn’t mean we are. If someone attacks you, it’s because they’re an attacker—not because of anything you did. Setting boundaries is more likely to de-escalate a situation than provoke it.”
Snell points out that women often prioritize being “nice” over their own comfort or safety. She insists everyone has the right to set boundaries—never reveal you’re alone or disclose your campsite location.
Like Gay, Snell trusts her instincts. Once, she turned back from a favorite trail because something felt wrong—and returned two days later. “That’s real empowerment,” she says. “It’s not about avoiding solo trips—it’s about hiking, traveling, and living freely, but listening when your intuition warns you.”
Find Community in the Outdoors
Snell remembers her father’s lifetime, when he was barred from national parks. These spaces once mirrored society’s biases—segregation laws persisted into the 1950s, and exclusion lingered long after. Even today, diversity remains scarce, with 77% of park visitors identifying as white.
“Humans are deeply tied to nature, yet access has been denied to so many,” says Snell. “Especially people of color and Indigenous communities, forcibly removed from their own lands and sacred spaces.”
Mario Ordoñez-Calderon, a Mayan Navy veteran and outdoor educator, finds clarity in nature, seeing his indigeneity as inseparable from the land. “My existence is intertwined with nature,” he says. “The call to be outside was always there—but so was the duty to care for the land.”
For him, respecting nature’s power brings peace while solo camping. He recalls a freezing backpacking trip where he stayed calm, repeating: “The storm will pass.”
Drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia notes that the LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges outdoors, deterring many from solo trips.
“Everyone who loves nature must help make it safer and more inclusive,” she says. “Take action as an ally. Don’t be afraid—be informed. Take precautions, then go enjoy the joy. The outdoors belong to you, too.”