Is camping alone weird?

[Dreamegg]

I used to really enjoy camping - I lived near a national park for a while in my 20s and used to hike and camp regularly with friends. I've been living in London for the past few years and neither DP or my friends here are interested in camping.

I've spontaneously booked a one night, solo stay at a small campsite about an hour drive away in June, just as a tester to see how I feel about camping alone, but now I'm a bit anxious! Mainly embarrassed about rocking up on my own and being a loner in a field of families and friends.

Does anyone here go camping alone? I'm not bothered about being alone, I'm going for some peace and quiet! It's more just feeling awkward on the campsite as a loner I guess. Is it that unusual for people to camp alone? And also have some concerns about being a lone woman sleeping in a field at night. Any advice or tips appreciated.

I've not camped alone in the UK, but I've solo camped around other countries.

Have fun, it'll be nice! It's so relaxing being on your own.

If you're nervous about being a lone female then stay nearish to other tents, from two separate groups. I've never had an issue though.

I’m not into camping but would be happy to book into a hotel or self catering cottage solo.

Not weird at all. I have loads usually when walking or biking. Have fun

Not at all weird, I often will go camp for a night, it's great for mental health, I take a bottle of wine, a book and sit by the fire. I also have a super basic setup, just a swag and an esky in the car.

I watch a girl who does cycling tours all over the place and streams it. She didn't do it before she met her boyfriend (he's a streamer). She basically cycles alone all over Europe and often camps, she's really inspiring. She was pretty shy/clueless when she started but has really grown in confidence. I imagine the first time will be intimidating, but it will soon become normal.

I've stayed away in hotels etc solo loads of times before, both in the UK and overseas, love it. But camping feels different, I suppose you're more public and also always thought of it as more of a group activity.

It's my dream. You're lucky, I can't wait until I have more time on my own and can do the same. I would pick a basic campsite where there are less likely to be big groups of families with microwaves and TVs, but that's my camping preference anyway.

I often see solo campers at the sites we go to and don't think anything of it, I just assume they are hikers. It looks very peaceful. Enjoy

It is unusual to see a woman ( not men) camp alone but I don't see why

I've been camping alone many times. Usually it's not so much to 'go camping' but because I need to be somewhere else and camping was the cheapest way to do an overnight stay. I've also been wild camping alone. It's fine and never been weird.

I camp alone mostly these days as DH and teenage kids not so interested. I only get away about twice a year but absolutely love it. I go to a site I'm really familiar with and really enjoy the solitude. Roaring fire, good book and wine. Usually for 2 or 3 nights at a time and it's so much easier with only gear for one 😊

I take the kids camping a lot and often see people lone camping and don't think anything of it... in fact I'm slightly envious 🤣

Not at all. I've done it, and would rather go alone than miss out. Hope you have a fantastic time!

I go camping by myself, just me and my bicycle with only myself to rely on. It's not weird at all.
It's just annoying that nearly all campsites now charge per pitch. So just me and my one person tent can pay the same as a few people in a massive tent but that's another rant.
Similar to PP I always take something nice with me to have as a night cap or some nice chocolate. Enjoy yourself!

Don't worry. Find a quiet corner. Campsites can be loud if occupied by families. I prefer open countryside personally.

I camp on my own quite a lot. My friends are very much 5* hotel types and DS is away at Uni so it’s solo trips for me. Absolutely love it. I don’t usually bother with electric hook up so normally get a quiet pitch. Go out for the day walking then come back and sit outside my tent with a good book and a glass or two of red. Bliss.

I camp on my own loads. I love it. I only go to sites where I can have a campfire to sit by, I walk, swim or go to historical or similar places in the day, sit out reading and reading. Bliss!

I also love trips with groups of friends and family for communal fun, camping solo is about me and my peace and quiet and the simple life.

Come to the MN Camping Board!

I've done it - my favourite campsite was one in Dorset who when they took my booking for 1 tent & 1 person emailed me to ask if I was meeting another group I wanted to be near or coming for a "getting away from things" break (and if the latter, would I like a quiet pitch).

Definitely do it, just make sure the tent you take is one you can pitch and strike solo so you don't need to ask for help (I'd recommend a dome tent for this, they're easier than a tunnel tent or a frame tent).

Oh, not weird at all. I'm not a camper myself but based on what I've seen on holidays, lots of people camp solo, especially in really beautiful areas like national parks. We go to the Scottish Highlands and Islands a lot, and we always see lots of people camping, hiking, cycling and generally having a lovely time alone. I would think absolutely nothing of it.

Camping has never really appealed to me, but I actually think I'd be much more likely to enjoy camping on my own than I'd enjoy camping with someone else.

On a campsite it's completely fine but for wild camping I feel just on edge enough to not enjoy it

I don't camp alone (as I have kids who love it) but I do camp often and lone campers are very common, please don't worry at all about feeling out of place x

Can I suggest watching a couple of YouTube channels OP, Adventures with Lilu and Wild Beare they are women who go solo wild camping and hiking they are absolutely inspiring

Go for it OP and have an absolutely chilled and wonderful time

Lone campers are totally normal. There's always one or two with motorbikes or push bikes, the odd person with an old campervan, etc.. I've been lone camping in my campervan a good few times, it's lovely!

You're probably safer as a lone female on a campsite that you are in a hotel. Think about it. In the unlikely event that something bad happens, you could shout for help in your hotel room and chances are nobody would hear, barring the adjoining rooms which may be unoccupied or may not act. On a campsite if you shout for help every tent within 100+ metres will hear you.

I think you'll be fine. It's a male privilege thing, but my bil camps alone several times a year. As women, we have to be a bit more careful about not being a isolated at we would like, but enjoy. Make sure you have a phone signal where you stay and have a couple of full phone battery banks to see you through. Wine, camp fire and a good book with a clear night will be heaven.