How to stay safe as a solo female camper

Camping is for everyone.  Literally, anyone who wants to head off to sleep under the stars somewhere can do it.  Nature, the smell of stove cooked bacon, the crackling of a campfire – they do not discriminate.  And that is a good thing.

However, you can be forgiven for being a little bit daunted by the prospect of heading out to your adventure on your own.  Particularly, if you are a woman. 

It shouldn’t stop you, however.  Being solo, or being a woman, you deserve adventure as much as any family with 2.4 children.  It’s just about making sure you are, and feel, safe.

If you’re uncertain how to stay safe as a solo female camper, then hopefully this article will set your mind at rest.

Tell someone your plan

If this is your first time camping alone, it would probably be better to choose a campsite with a lot of security cameras.  But let’s be fair, that might not appeal to you.  If you insist on an empowering and secluded adventure out, then go for it.  Just make sure that at least someone knows what your plan is.

Checking in with them periodically doesn’t have to seem intrusive.  You can continue bossing the world after you have just sent a reassuring text to let someone know everything is on track.

Trust your instincts to keep you safe

Over millennia we have evolved with a highly acute sense of danger.  Although we are not running from stampeding woolly mammoths anymore, we are still aware of danger.  When your spider senses tingle, the best thing to do is listen to them.

You are not obliged to engage with anyone you are unsure of.  If something about a situation doesn’t seem right, find the easiest and earliest exit.

Don’t advertise your whereabouts

That gorgeous sunrise coming up over the horizon will still be an awestriking vista when you post it after you have moved on.  The temptation to snap it is fine, the need to share it immediately with the rest of the world, as well as adding a few location hashtags in, might not be the safest thing in the world.

You want everyone to know how great a time you’re having. However, delaying your social media journey adds an extra couple of hours of safety.  You can still wow your followers when you get to your next destination.

Staying safe as a female camper could be a matter of research

The internet is a stunning thing.  You can find amazing bits of information, and some of that will help you feel safe.  Before you go, pop on Google, and find out everything you want to know about:

• The location that you will be camping in
• What wildlife you might come across
• How busy it might be with other campers
• What the weather will be like
• What the mobile reception might be like
• What towns and villages lie nearby?

If you can get to know your adventure ahead of time, you are less likely to be surprised by what happens.  To quote a Steven Seagal film: “chance favours the prepared mind”.

Trust that most people are actually decent

It can be daunting being outnumbered in the world.  There you are, just camping on your own, and everyone else is walking around in large groups.  Mostly, they are in those large groups because they also want to feel safe.  The truth is, whilst there are people out there that might mean you harm, they are in a very distinct minority.  Most people, on holiday, want you to feel safe.

Keeping personal alarms on you, going easy on the alcohol, and keeping charge on your phone will help you feel safe.  But try and remember, there is a very slim chance you will need to use them.  Enjoy yourself and enjoy the great outdoors around you.

If you have made the wise decision to go camping this year, you can find everything you need in our shop.  Have a great holiday.