How to Solo Camp

I’ve grown up in the woods. I live in a small town in rural northern Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by forest; I know what times the mosquitoes will be out, and where the best inland lakes are for swimming on an August evening. I know the earthy smell of sweetfern and the haunting call of the loon at night. Because I feel at home in the forests I’ve grown up in, I’m never afraid when the sun sets and the coyotes yip and howl. I’ve been lucky all my life, to live in this place and to have parents with the means and the interest to take me hiking, camping, canoeing and skiing. In this piece I’d like to share some of my experience with you, and hopefully inspire you to find your own relationship with the natural world, and with solo camping.

The first time I solo camped was at Conserve School, an environmentally focused semester boarding school where they organized a two night solo camping trip for every student, spreading us out all over the school’s 1200 acre campus. We weren’t allowed to venture far from our tents, and I spent a fairly uneventful couple of days journaling and reading Lord of the Rings. The profound part about solo camping is that very rarely do we have such an opportunity to disconnect and to be in our own heads. Take a moment and try to remember the last time you went for any significant span of time without looking at a screen or talking to another person. When we struggle not to miss out on anything by constantly connecting with others and responding to endless notifications, what are we missing out on within our own minds and bodies?

Solo camping is one of the only times I feel truly present. I’m not checking off a to-do list or stressing about school, work and relationships. I’m aware of my thoughts, my body and the world around me in a way that is disturbingly novel. I’m able to notice a shift in the wind or an interesting bird call, or to pause and watch a wide eyed chipmunk scamper up a tree. Solo camping has reaffirmed my relationship with the natural world, making me feel truly part of an ecosystem, not just a destructive interloper. Being immersed by trees reminds me of the way I strive to live my life, in reciprocity and gratitude. I am grateful when I harvest a handful of wild blueberries. I take only what I need, and trample only enough ferns to make room for my tent. I listen and I learn, not just take. As an environmental activist, I feel that this relationship grounds my work. These are the reasons that I enjoy solo camping, but I’m sure that you’ll find many more of your own. Now that I’ve convinced you though, how do you start?

1. Do some more research. This article is the beginning, not the end, of your solo camping knowledge! You should look up how to properly set up a campsite, what to pack, learn about the area you’ll be camping in, and make sure you know all relevant safety precautions for the flora, fauna, and weather events of your area.

2. Find your spot. If you live in a city, this can be difficult. Maybe you’ll start by camping in your backyard, or in the yard of a friend. Maybe you’ll start by searching for campgrounds near you. My preferred way is to pick a spot in the National Forest, where it’s legal to camp almost anywhere. Choose a place while keeping in mind your level of experience and comfort.

3. Make a plan. Will you drive, or have someone drop you off? How long will you be gone, and how much food and water will you need? Will you have cell service? What would you do in an emergency (for example, a big thunderstorm or broken leg?) Make sure a friend or family member knows your plan. Don’t let strangers know your plan, or where you’re camping.

4. Get your equipment. You’ll need a tent (or hammock, tarp, or other shelter), a first aid kit, possibly a stove and possibly a backpacking backpack. If you don’t have what you need, sometimes a quick question on Facebook is all it takes to get you connected with someone who can loan you gear.

5. Pack. I’d bring shelter, food, water (and/or water purifier), rope, knife, duct tape, minimal clothes for all weather, flashlights, batteries, books/notebooks/art supplies, sturdy shoes, sanitary items. You’d be surprised how few things you actually need. A few of my favorite camping meals are pesto pasta, burritos, bagels, spaghetti, and oatmeal.

6. Head out! Set up your campsite right away, and explore the area you’re staying in. Now is your time, so set up that hammock and enjoy the sun.

Solo camping might seem intimidating on first thought, but in fact it can be a wonderful time for self reflection and empowerment. With COVID-19 making many other forms of entertainment unsafe, and with many people ending up with more time on their hands, it’s the perfect time to give it a try. I recognize that having the ability to solo camp is a privilege, and even if you don’t have the time, money, ability or location to solo camp, I hope that you can take away from this article the things that I feel matter the most about being alone with any form of nature: creating time for uninterrupted reflection and fostering your relationship with the natural world.