Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go camping on my own

35 replies

Hellzbellz25 · 28/06/2024 17:02

I've wanted to try camping for ages.

My 12 year old dd is slowly abandoning me, she's at a bbq tonight and I've just got home from work and the house is deafeningly silent, tomorrow night she's at a sleepover and I've found a lovely site with a ready pitched tent and it's only 30 miles away.

I'm scared to book it, will I be bored! Will I be scared when it gets dark? Has anyone gone camping on the own before and enjoyed it?

No one warned me about this part of parenting, I'm so lonely and bored 😐

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Sousuke · 28/08/2024 18:23

Hellzbellz25 · 28/06/2024 17:02

I've wanted to try camping for ages.

My 12 year old dd is slowly abandoning me, she's at a bbq tonight and I've just got home from work and the house is deafeningly silent, tomorrow night she's at a sleepover and I've found a lovely site with a ready pitched tent and it's only 30 miles away.

I'm scared to book it, will I be bored! Will I be scared when it gets dark? Has anyone gone camping on the own before and enjoyed it?

No one warned me about this part of parenting, I'm so lonely and bored 😐

If you are by yourself, try dispersed camping.

BoudiccaOfSuburbia · 30/06/2024 22:16

Did you go, @Hellzbellz25 ? Come and tell us all about it!

Alaimo · 30/06/2024 19:54

I hope you went OP! I quite enjoy camping alone, both on campsites as well as wild camping in Scotland and overseas. The only time(s) I've been scared is when camping in bear country in Canada on my own, but that's not something to worry about in the UK :).

BoudiccaOfSuburbia · 30/06/2024 19:37

I’d be interested, too, @Mumofthree8

BambooBambou · 30/06/2024 15:55

Mumofthree8 · 28/06/2024 17:48

Do it! I run a small campsite and as we charge per person and not per pitch we get loads of dingle campers of all ages and walks of life, it's very popular!

Where is your campsite @Mumofthree8 ? I have only ever stayed in campsites with big groups/lots of young families but am loving this idea of single camping, and it sounds much less intimidating if there are other singles doing it too!

BoudiccaOfSuburbia · 30/06/2024 08:52

Whitegrenache · 28/06/2024 21:26

So I am desperate to do this but my main concern is how the hell is can put up the tent on my own

It's always been a 2 person task 😂

Small tunnel tent (e.g 4 person tent with 3 poles), bell tent, modest sized Dutch pyramid, or inflatable tent… all a doddle to put up alone.

There is a good series of YouTube videos by ex camping shop owner Gary Cross. He demonstrates the Cross Camping Method of putting up a tunnel tent alone.

BoudiccaOfSuburbia · 30/06/2024 08:49

Sookafatwan · 28/06/2024 17:13

Id be a bit scared on my own when it gets dark!

It’s not space: On a campsite everyone can hear you scream!

helpfulperson · 30/06/2024 08:33

How did you get on?

MissingMoominMamma · 28/06/2024 22:15

I almost always camp alone (apart from my dog), as DH isn’t a huge fan.

A ready tent would be a lovely luxury. Does it have furniture in it?

RomainesToBeSeen · 28/06/2024 22:14

I love camping on my own. A book, nice food and a bottle of wine and I'm very happy. There's something about just sitting quietly, listening to what's going on around you and getting lots of fresh air that is so good for well-being.

The added bonus is that I take DH's SIM and double up with mine to make a 'Super Bed'!

Please try it OP and report back.

fleabites · 28/06/2024 22:11

Whitegrenache · 28/06/2024 21:26

So I am desperate to do this but my main concern is how the hell is can put up the tent on my own

It's always been a 2 person task 😂

Practise at home before you go.
Watch videos of people putting up the actual tent you have.
Make sure you take a small enough tent so you can manage it by yourself.

Diversion · 28/06/2024 22:07

Just do it! We are seasoned campers, but I have camped on my own several times. Take delicious food and snacks, perhaps have a solo barbeque, take your drinks of choice and books to read and a comfy camping chair.

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 28/06/2024 22:02

I bought a bivvy and wild camped in a beautiful part of the Peak District one summer night years ago. One of my most treasured memories. I got up at sunrise as you’re not supposed to wild camp in England, packed up and had a lovely morning hike.

EvilNextDoor · 28/06/2024 22:01

I’ve done it a couple of times, me and my dog I love it, peace and quiet

Lowironrightfedup · 28/06/2024 21:34

I’ve been really wanting to do this too! But am a chicken about going alone, even though I live alone! I may take courage and give it a go..

Whitegrenache · 28/06/2024 21:26

So I am desperate to do this but my main concern is how the hell is can put up the tent on my own

It's always been a 2 person task 😂

TheNoonBell · 28/06/2024 21:19

If you want a really comfy camping airbed, get a self inflating one with as much memory foam on it as possible. They are AMAZING. I sleep better on those than some beds.

Ambleberry · 28/06/2024 19:08

I go camping alone whenever I can (we have a friend with a field) and I really like it.. it's a revelation not having to make food or pack for anyone else, I'm happy with a tin of soup and noodles on a little gas stove, and a little tent. I bring my duvet and pillows and just read or watch the sunset. You might need mosquito spray this time of year. Have fun OP!

maw1681 · 28/06/2024 18:54

Do it! It's only 30 minutes away if you hate it you can come home!
DH goes camping alone quite often, usually wild camping on the side of a mountain.

TheDandyLion · 28/06/2024 17:52

Go, you don't know if you don't like it unless you try it.

Take a torch, sturdy boots/crocs, extra layers, a book, snacks and a drink.

Mumofthree8 · 28/06/2024 17:48

Do it! I run a small campsite and as we charge per person and not per pitch we get loads of dingle campers of all ages and walks of life, it's very popular!

helpfulperson · 28/06/2024 17:47

Absolutely go, especially as it's just one night. If you hate it then you don't have to do it again. Depending on where you are in the UK darkness is only about 5 hours at the moment.

I lovegoing on my own with my tent and now my campervan. but have never tried glamping

Original poster
Hellzbellz25 · 28/06/2024 17:44

Campsites.co.uk and put 'ready tent' as your choice of accommodation :)

OP posts:
Nectarinesarenice · 28/06/2024 17:40

Sounds wonderful OP - I’ve been thinking of doing the same but don’t have a tent and don’t want to invest until I know it’s for me. I didn’t even know there were sites that had ready pitched tents, how did you find it?

midgetastic · 28/06/2024 17:38

Lovely idea but I do like camping

Take a book, a torch, a bottle of wine , stroll about a little and look at the stars

You might as well try it although are you sure your DD wouldn't like to try as well?

Swipe left for the next trending thread