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 never done it, but know women who do.
DH camps alone regularly for work.
I would think nothing of a solo camper and there is often one or two on campsites when we visit.

I I used to camp with just dd when she was 9-13ish. She grew out of it.

I've done one solo trip and enjoyed it. I have plans to do lots this summer, I just need to figure out a car.

There's a Korean Youtuber, Ssoberry, her solo camping videos are brilliant. She's made me want to try it!

I was in the middle of a camping holiday once with the DC, DP and friends. It was a lovely holiday but it was still camping with lots of little kids!

Then a woman turned up on a bike, on her own. She set up her tent and unpacked a tiny camping stove to make tea and a blanket to sit on, and sat there reading a book. I remember being so envious and deciding that I’d do that one day.

@Dreamegg

I would recommend doing what one poster said camp 🏕 near other campers so you don't feel so anxious alone camping especially first time,

Yes i have alone well sort of when my daughter was small at new age alternative festivals in the early 90s,
It was good quite interesting experinces ,
busy type of interesting market event , make shift cafes good family entertainment,

I also camped last year at the famous book festival in the uk The Hay festival
Want to do it again,
If funds will allow me too,

Throughly enjoyed enjoyed ..

Yes go for it @Dreamegg

Once you do it the first time,

You will want to do it again,

i can definitely recommend visting festivals as a single woman on your own too..

I also recommend travelling and staying in guest houses and hotels as a single woman,

I've done it in London a few times
Found it liberating

I agree with @SpringleDingle

and @Longdueachange sound good advice too...

@Yellowhammer09

What are your experinces camping 🏕 abroad as a solo female camper then?

Did you travel only to campsites then or did you stay at budget hostels or go festivals camping too

Just curious thanks

It depends on you whether you'd be seen as "weird" or not. Would people have any reason to be suspicious of you? The perception would be different for a woman in her 20s or 30s camping alone than a man in their 40s. Generally it's seen as less "weird" for women to do this sort of thing solo than for a man to so you'll probably be fine.

If I think of a woman camping alone, I picture a woman camping alone. But a man camping alone, best case is they're some kind of survivalist, worst case they're a Black Panther style nutjob.

I spent 3 months travelling around the US camping at campsites and every now and again cheap $50 motels, and staying at hostels. I mostly camped in my little tent though.

I never felt threatened. People were understandably curious as to why I was touring alone, but seemed to think it was pretty cool. I got used to going to bed with the sun, so I felt really refreshed. The good thing about camping in the US is that they have fire pits and picnic benches per plot, so it feels a bit cosier than being in the middle of a field. There was one occasion when I was truly camping on my own. I thought it would be a bit strange but after lighting a fire it all felt normal again.

I'd love to solo camp again. But these days I have a DH and lots of little children in tow 😆

No not at all, DH camps alone but mainly wild camping. He enjoys the solitude

An advert for a tent just came up in between all the posts lol

Camping in itself is weird imo, when comfy beds and warm showers exist.

But camping alone is certainly far less weird than doing it with a family, next to other people. That's just masochistic.