Am I mad to consider going "camping" on my own?

[RiverCityFan]

In a few years time my youngest will have left home and I'm thinking about life on my own.
One idea was to buy a small trailer tent to go off camping at the weekends. I think I've found one that looks easy to set up on my own. I would be staying at proper sites.
In my head I will have lovely relaxing weekends visiting new places in the UK!
The reality may be a little different
Will I stand out like a sore thumb as a single female ? Is it safe
Has anyone gone camping on their own?
Am I mad to be considering this?!

If someone does have malicious intend you may not be heard in a camper van. In a tent you will have plenty warning of someone coming in and if you scream everyone in a tent in a 500m radius will here. I'd much rather be in a tent

Oh I would do this! It's actually a little dream of mine, but I think I'd want a camper van or caravan. I know a single female who goes all over the UK camping and she loves it, says everyone is very friendly and often offer help. I think they assume she's a bit helpless but she's been on all the camping club courses and is a dab hand at towing and reversing her massive caravan!

Yes it's dangerous on your own. X

Yes, do it. There are loads of women's groups on Facebook and you'd soon find women to camp with you if you wanted company.
Also check out wild festivals.

And I disagree that it's dangerous on your own.

Have a look at teardrop trailers (I am longing for one!!) might be able to get second hand. I like they are light, no set up, can add awnings etc & lower profile than caravan....

Another option would be a Pennine Aztec, countryman or fiesta.

Its not dangerous in the slightest on your own, especially in proper campsites. The worst I've ever had happen is a landowner come up wondering whats going on, then deciding to just let me stay if I didnt have a fire and left early.

I usually go by inflatable boat-loads of campsites by canals and rivers. A lot of people do dinghy camping. They get a decent sized boat (doable for under a grand for a basic one) and sleep on that with a tarp roof/inflatable matress etc. One of these with a motor usually-

OP very best of luck an I hope you have a great time camping, but just now, with Covid, you'll need to check carefully whether you'll be allowed on campsites without a vehicle that has its own loo and washing facilities. I live in the west of Scotland and several of the local campsites have closed their toilet/shower blocks - they obviously can't deep clean them after every user - and are therefore only allowing bookings from campervans with on-board loos. The sites have kept their waste-disposal sections open, however, for onboard loos and showers to be emptied safely.

Local public loos have banned campervans from emptying on-board loos - the chemicals involved wreck fragile local septic-tank based sewage systems.
Otherwise, in the wild, I'm sure that you are not planning to dispose of human waste in an irresponsible manner. That has been a real problem here in the Highlands this summer. You konw the rule, I am sure: 'leave nothing behind but footprints - take all waste - yes, all waste - home with you.'

Although many campsites are only open to campers and caravans with own loos, there are also lots with the facilities open as normal (with extra cleaning procedures in place). I've stayed at a couple this summer and I'm going to another tomorrow.

I'd be too scared lol, but I get nervous and don't even like spending the night away from home staying at someone's house etc.
Plus I've watched too much criminal minds etc which hasn't helped my anxiety induced overactive imagination.

I went camping on my own. Well, I took the dog. We went "wild camping". I pitched up in a field on top of a cliff in northern France. I bought all the stuff. I was organised and happy. And then the torch ran out of power and the dog pooed near the tent. I could smell it, but not find it. And then it really rained and I cried a bit.

That's a shame @PrincessandthePeach there's a lot to be gained by doing scary things. Camping alone can feel liberating.

I bought a small caravan this summer. I've 3 kids with me now, but plan to continue when it's just me and dogs.

Main advantages - virtually set up as soon as we arrive. No issues when packing up wet. Can be used when having a break from driving. Can keep everything inside it. Has a fridge! No worries in the august storms about blowing away.

I love the look of Eriba caravans - vvv small and light.

With the whole waste disposal issue- you can often bury it just fine in the wild (I wouldnt do this in the highlands as the soil is too thin). The last private campsite I went to provided us all with a nice clean portaloo for an extra £10. I've always just used a lot of heavy duty bin bags and a bottle of disinfectant.

It is really nerve wracking the first time you go wild, but its a real proper buzz waking up on your first solo camp. It appeals to primal instincts I think.