Have you ever gone camping alone?

Question

Was it any fun? I know it's a crazy question, but I'm new to the area and haven't really met people to go camping with yet. But I really want to go camping. It's not so much the camping as I want to go biking and kayaking and there are no close areas where I live to do that. And I don't want to drive for an hour just to kayak for 2 hours and come back. I could go biking, hiking and kayaking. I'm really an introvert and don't mind doing things alone, so I don't think it would be too bad. Has anyone else tried it?

Answer 1

EEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK no! I'd p**p myself with fear!

Answer 2

I used to work in Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario. On my days off I would often borrow a Park canoe and portage into the back lakes. It was absolutely marvellous. I had one small lake that was my favourite. It had a tiny barren island in the middle where I would set up camp. I actually would stay awake most of the night and sleep during the day so that I would not miss the meteorite showers. And I could call out to the wolves over on the shoreline. That was 35 years ago and I had almost forgotten it until I saw your question. Thankyou for reminding me.

Answer 3

camping alone is not a very good idea !

it might be dangerous and there is some risks u may take someone with u at least or wait until u gain some friends and u'll have a lot of fun with them.

Answer 4

I have been camping "solo" for 8 years, and love the solitude. My friends and family do not share my love of camping. I will admit that there are some times that it would be nice to have some company. But, most of the time being alone is not a problem for me.  

Answer 5

The serenity and solitude can be profound, you get to understand why hermits become hermits...

Answer 6

I go camping a lot here in Florida. Some people tell me i'm crazy.

but if I get tired of walking, I just pick out a spot deep in the woods &

lay down, by my self I might add. I can't get anybody to camp with me

either. I don't need a tent or sleeping bag, there are plants that will keep the insects off of you, & you can build a fire using 2 sticks, if you know how. there are also ways to get water when you're miles from it,

traps & snares to catch small game. yeah, i've camped by my self

before & still do.

Answer 7

it depends on your experience.  I know people who went camping by themselves and enjoyed the experience.  I have camped out alone for a few nights before, but without risky activities.  I think that it is unwise to ever ever kayak without a buddy.  there are obvious risks to biking by yourself, too.  I really enjoyed just sitting at my campsite, watching the birds, and eating dinner by myself the three times i stayed out alone.  I watched a lightning storm for hours under my little tarp and that was a lot of fun.  i think camping by yourself if o.k as long as several people know your plan and as long as you stick very carefully to that plan.  it is a risk but its managable with good preparation.  i work at a program where we put 12-15 yr olds at their own campsite for a night.  it's been going on for four weeks a summer for 6 years, 12 kids at a time.  no one's ever been hurt.  I believe that kayaking and biking are activities that are risky and require more extensive risk management.  I do not think you can manage those risks effectively if you are alone unless you are very very experienced.

Answer 8

nope i didn't go camping alone but u may have fun!

Answer 9

Camping alone is fine, and it has its perks too.

Answer 10

I'd love to but I've always been to chicken.

Answer 11

my ex girlfriend did but she got raped  

Answer 12

The wilderness has ever been the refuse of the individual against an oppressive society. Only in the wilds can he breathe free and live as he wills it, utilizing the tools he has inherited from his more inventive ancestors (likely individuals themselves) and his own ingenuity to survive and often prosper.

Answer 13

I go camping for several days at a time every other week! Most folks I know can't sit still long enough to get the photos I am after anyway.

Answer 14

Yup: In many different places [some of them very remote ]and in many different seasons>

Contrary to popular opinion in many ways solo hiking is a lot safer than hiking with a group is and the reason that it is is  because since you're not allowed to make any really big mistakes >you don't

If you talk to enough solo hikers you will come away with the opinion that as a group we are very disciplined , we are very knowledgeable and we tend to be conservative regarding how far we'll push the risks

It's rather paradoxical because the spriit of adventure is what gets solo hikers into the wilderness in the first place but too much of that spirit will get you into  a lot of trouble

The downside is packweight b/c there are all sorts of things whose weight would  be shared by the commumity that are yours alone to carry

Things like stoves , tents , fuel , first aid kits,

Answer 15

Nope Never....

Answer 16

I once went wilderness camping for a week alone.  Twelve hours drive, then 10 hours paddling a canoe.  That was 20 years ago, and I still remember things about that trip.  I honestly forgot about time that week.  Barely cared about dark or light.  By the 3rd day of total isolation, I kind of shifted gears, and almost FELT my blood pressure drop.  So peaceful.

Answer 17

I camped alone for a couple of nights in the Colorado backcountry 2 weeks ago.  It was great.  I maybe saw 10 people over the 3 days.  I hiked trails and spent time at camp and took pictures.  It was really nice.  It can be lonely, but you find things to do.

As for precautions, I made sure that my family knew where I would be as close as possible to my exact location before I left.  I also would leave a note in my tent that said where I was hiking for the day too.  Just in case.  While hikiing, I also carried an MRE and additional clothing along with my essential compass, map, and GPS.

The biggest thing to think about is knowing your limitations.  Just don't do things you think could possibly get you hurt and needing help.  

Answer 18

Many years ago, I bought a tent and put it in my back garden with the intention of doing something "different" with the wife.

She spent one night in it, and I slept six weeks in it comfortably content on my own... We started divorce proceedings about 18 months later from memory - though it had nothing to do with the tent.

I'd reccomend doing it for the pure experience, and have done it again with a partner (who still is), though amusingly enough, a mate of mine with marriage difficulties actually left home, rented a tent, and spent 3 months at a holiday camp somewhere near Northampton.

(England).

He got on rather well with everyone, so he said, but I'm sure if you want to camp alone, you will enjoy it.

Answer 19

Go for it, but do your prep work first. When you are on your own the only person that you have to depend on is yourself. It's both liberating and daunting.

I prefer going camping alone, done it for more than 20 years. The biggest problem that I have had to deal with is to not take the chances I would if I had some other support, especially when on the water conoeing and kayaking. you always have to take the safe line not the one you are real sure that you can run but has consequences of failure,

bring lots of supplies but not so many that they weigh you down. plan on both extremes of weather.

Answer 20

Most of the camping I've done over the last 25 years has been solo.  I just got back from my first group camping in years.  Whole different dynamic that has its own merits.  Big plus to solo camping is that you don't have to conform you itinerary, pace, or interests to that of the group.  if you are content to be by yourself, you may find it to be enjoyable.  Most importantly, know your limitations and do not exceed them because you don't have a backup.  Safety is paramount.  Females should be aware of the unique risks from sickos.  If that is a concern of yours, ... wait till you develop friendships that will foster group camping.