They say there is nothing to fear except fear itself. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Photo: premasagar
I’m about to take off to Nevada, wind my way up Hwy 80 to Jackson Hole, and then back down 80 to Denver.
I’m using Couchsurfing.org to make travel cheaper and to meet people along the way, but I’m also drawn to camping out in the beautiful west.
Yet, I will admit to having quite a bit of fear come up for me when I think about camping alone.
I want to be the type who forges ahead, knowing it will all work out perfectly. And the weird thing is, if there was at least one other woman coming along, I’d be fine. But there is something about being a woman alone that makes me feel like a target.
I’ve thought about getting pepper spray or mace, and there is part of me that knows this type of camping is simply a challenge. More than likely, after a few nights of camping bliss, I’ll feel totally comfortable. Yet I can also imagine many sleepless nights, or being woken up every 15 minutes by any sound made outside my tent.
Tips and Considerations
The Complete Safety Guide For Women Camping Alone has some good, common-sense tips, such as let the ranger know you are alone, and camp near a large family. Women Camping Alone – Safety Advice also notes the age-old advice to consistently keep in touch with someone back home.
Interestingly, though, as I was writing this piece, Matador Trips Editor Carlo Alcos posted the piece We’re not invincible. In it he discusses the recent brutal attack on a solo male Canadian backpacker traveling in Australia.
Maybe the safety issue isn’t just about women.
Do you think it is safe for women to camp alone? Share your thoughts below.
Community Connection
This issue isn’t just for women camping in the United States. Read 7 Must-Know Personal Safety Tips For Solo Women Travelers to get a head start on traveling alone anywhere in the world, and how to hit the pubs as a solo female in The Gutsy Girl’s Guide To Drinking Alone.
About the Author
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17 Comments... join the discussion!
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Wow. I camp alone all the time in the Canadian Rockies and off remote forestry roads in BC. I don’t generally like backpacking alone, but that has more to do with being alone if I get injured somehow (broken ankle etc), a grizzly bear would have to be very desperate to eat you in the middle of the night and as long as you make lots of noise, and have bear spray you shouldn’t have a problem on the trail.
I’ve never felt anything but safe up here, and to my knowledge there haven’t been any attacks on campers, female or otherwise. I think the most that happens is people (this has never happened to me either) getting things stolen when they are away from their campsite.
I don’t know how different things are in the states, but given my experiences I would say “go for it girl!”
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I get a lot of grief from family/friends/coworkers for doing these same kinds of things. Couchsurfing itself has been such a hard sell to those who are used to conventional means of lodging. I’d say the best advice for those taking risks while traveling (male or female) is to just trust your intuition. Take a moment, judge the situation and those around you (against my normal non-judgmental attitude, when safety is involved, I find judgment is a survival tactic, not something to be looked down upon). If you feel comfortable, you likely are. If you don’t, get out. Always have an escape route and don’t be afraid to use it. Once that’s out of the way, take risks, I say. Some of the most amazing things I’ve seen/done have been via unconventional and sometimes scary means.
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Christine, I completely understand. I agree with Abbey–go with your gut feeling. I’ve camped by myself all over the US, and usually, you can get a sense of the safety of a place. In non-extreme camping situations, your biggest danger usually comes from other people, and a woman alone can be a target. If there are unsavory characters hanging around, I choose another place. If I’m really nervous, I’ll head for a less desirable but safer campground, where there are rangers and other campers to increase safety. The Tetons and the Grand Canyon have some gorgeous campgrounds where I felt very safe camping alone–and didn’t feel like I was in a KOA.
And, in the case that a creep does appear, I like to have something heavy/sharp in my tent with me. A sizeable rock and my pocket knife generally give me peace of mind, even if they wouldn’t be terribly effective.
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I agree with Abbey and Lindsey. Its important to use common sense. I pick the campground by checking the security and atmosphere. I really like a campground that has a host on each loop.
I Introduce myself to the host and let them know where to find my trail itinerary (normally under my stove) and what time I should be back in camp. It has worked well for years.
I will admit I don’t backpack alone much. When I do I avoid busy areas close to roads. Most criminals are lazy and opportunistic.
BTW my favorite place to camp alone is the Davidson River Campground near Brevard, NC. Very single gal friendly.
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Hey Christine,
I camp alone all the time. Usually I am in structured campsites, which you can usually find at various spots along the highways, especially 395 through California. Often there are other people staying at the sites, and I just spend a few minutes talking ot them. It makes me feel better. I also like to hike into the middle of nowhere and camp alone (I highly recommend it), but this I always do in a national park or wilderness area, such as the Grand Canyon, and friends always know where I am.
Go for it, and have fun. Camping alone rocks.↵ -
Christine,
This is an issue that is so loaded with feminist issues it’s intimidating. Here are some facts to keep in mind: As women we are FAR more likely to be harassed or assaulted by men we know and trust than we are by strangers. With one notable exception, I’ve hiked alone safely for 4 years in the Sierra Nevada.
As women, we are held responsible for what happens to us; “well, she was wearing a halter top and shorts, she was asking for it…” or “That’s what happens if you start drinking at a bar…”. Never mind that #1 these incidents are way more rare than being raped or abused by a father, boyfriend or sibling, and #2, why should we be held responsible for crimes against us for things that are not illegal by any stretch of the imagination?
Yes, I’ve spent a night wondering what that slurping noise was outside my tent–turned out it wasn’t outside my tent at all, it was the plastic flooring being lifted by a stiff breeze. I’d bet my bear canister that any male trail-newbie would have been just as scared.
That one time I mentioned? A trail assignation turned sour when he wanted to do something to me that was outside my boundaries; Up until that point it was consensual. When I told him to stop, he did. It wasn’t fun, but I’m not sure I’d call it rape either.
I’ve gotten to the point in my life where I feel safer on the trail than I do among male “friends” and colleagues. All the men I’ve met on the trail have been respectful, not condescending, and in one particular case recently blessedly helpful.
I was hiking out of Vogelsang High Sierra Camp via the Rafferty Creek trail when I was passed by two men. We chatted briefly as they passed, and they took off at a good clip. Shortly afterwards, I took a tumble and out of sheer surprise I cried out. I sat on the ground a bit, assessing the damage; A skinned knee, some bruising, and a hard blow to my pride for being such a sissy. Just as I was getting back on my feet, those two men hove into view, coming back to check on who cried out. They offered me a slightly-too-large knee brace, and then offered to carry out something for me; I gladly handed over my sleeping mat and tripod.
They were from a state that has legal gay marriage, and I noted the matching shirts and–get this–wedding bands. Two gay men stopped to help out this single woman on the trail.
Which goes to show that even “abominations” can be kind, decent, caring human beings.
I’m sick of being told I can’t do this or that as a woman by herself. Bugger that for tuppence, says I.
Edie
“Don’t get afraid, get angry!”↵ -
this is something the women close to me have commented on, a deep seated unease of camping, venturing off alone.
Even while traveling with a female, as a dude I feel protective and weary of strangers.
It is the most natural feeling in the world, but if you can break through that I think it will translate into a strength that will shine beyond camping and solitude.↵ -
Excellent article. Women AND men both should be able to backpack alone comfortably. Ideally it is best for people to backpack/camp with at least one other person, but whether you’re male or female shouldn’t make a difference. Women are just as capable as backpacking on their own as men.
At the end of the day, be smart, and tell someone responsible where you’re going.
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Coming from the viewpoint that I was attacked once while traveling (I was not traveling alone either), I hesitate to do much by myself in unfamiliar areas.
I was in Athens and not a wide open plain or deserted forest. The situations thus may not easily compare. The experience questioned everything I thought about myself as a confident, strong, and independent woman. My attacker did not see these things. He saw me as a female, and thus, an inferior target.
The last thing I’d want to do is discourage someone from the liberating experience of solo travel in nature’s playground. Just know that sometimes unimaginable and horrific things can happen. Be prepared, have emergency resources available, keep your wits about you and consider traveling with a travel buddy -even just one. If you must travel solo, don’t tread too far from society or make sure someone knows where you are.
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Hmm, Westcoast’s comment about “Just know that sometimes unimaginable and horrific things can happen.” really got me thinking. Sure sometimes unimaginable things happen. Your plane could inexplicably crash, there could be a horrendous earthquake, armed gunman could take a bus hostage, you could contract a serious disease from bad food or water or a mosquito bite. And on and on…
But most of us don’t waste our precious energy worrying about “what ifs.” You should absolutely take precautions, like paying attention to the news, getting vaccinated, drinking bottled water in some countries, but once you have done that there is little else you can do. So why worry about things you have no control over and why let it hold you back from doing things you love?
I think the same could be said for camping alone. Take some precautions (letting people know where you are going/when you will return, not bringing attention to yourself as a single traveller) and be aware of your surroundings. Then — ENJOY yourself! By the way, I think some of the “precautions” suggested in “the complete safety guide for women camping alone” are a little on the ridiculous side.
In my travelling experiences across SA and Asia I would say almost 95% of the people who told me stories about being mugged or beat up were completely sloshed (drunk) or high at the time. It is just irresponsible not to keep your wits about you in a foreign country. I have no pity for these people. (I’m not suggesting this is you West Coast). If you are alert and aware of your surroundings, there is a very minimal chance (in most places) of getting attacked. Maybe the same as being in a plane crash?
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I think about this all the time ( because I would like to branch out and do more camping in awesome places ) . I haven’t done it . I just can’t see to get over the safety issue of not having a hard surface surrounding me. I could probably sleep alone in a van for example, but a tent scare me without someone else there. If I go the affordable route , I hostel it.
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Christine: There is a hostel in Jackson ( the only one ) for $32 a night. I’ve stayed there and it’s an alright place to crash. I’m headed to Denver tomorrow and none of the hostels online had photos of the insides ( red flag ! ) , so I got a hotel there. Update us with your cheap lodging recommendations for the areas you are seeing if possible!
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Lindey sounds like someone who’s asking for trouble.
Well, as to smarter people… you know you shouldn’t hike alone, I hope…
Surely bad to die in earthquake or plane accident… but to be raped, tortured and killed by some animal, all cause you went on a stupid hike alone? Come one, it’s a hunting ground out there. People, be responsible and don’t go hiking alone; if something happens to you it will hurt your relatives and friends–some you don’t care for yourself much, apparently. Plus, you are NOT entitled to taxpayer’s money to search for you, rescue you, do crime investigation, etc if something bad happens to you. You’re not a strong, independent woman for some males… for some of them, you’re inferior prey,exactly as one of the posters had said, and until you’re strong enough to overpower most males, just don’t go out there alone. Take a partner.↵ -
Give me a break vero. Yes you’re right is is “a hunting ground” out there…out EVERYWHERE! I guess we should never travel, never hike, heck, lets avoid leaving our houses altogether. Yours is the kind of fearmongering that is downright dangerous — much more dangerous than hiking or camping alone. It’s because of people like you that so many people who looked like “terrorists” were beaten or murdered after 9-11.
When I go out alone I make sure I let someone responsible know exactly where I am going and exactly when I will be back. And I take the responsibility to protect myself from the elements(clothing), from injury(first aid kit) and from animals(bear spray). I am prepared to survive/get out on my own. And if I do need to be rescued — well I just don’t see how that would be any different if I was with a “partner.” As for human “predators” why should I be more worried for my safety on the trail than when I walk down my street or in the city park?
I’m sure that if you looked at statistics you are much more likely to be seriously injured/killed driving a car than hiking alone. Guess you should stop driving vero. Or taking the bus for that matter…
Saying hiking/camping alone is “asking for trouble” is the same as saying women wearing short skirts are “asking” to be raped, not that it would surprise me if you believed that too.
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I’m a 50 yr old woman and I have camped and hiked many times on my own when I was in my twenties and at the risk of sounding like an old lady I believe no one (man or woman) should hike alone. It has nothing to do with strenght. It has to do with the fact that anyone can get into a variety of difficult situations that would be very difficult to get out of it you are on your own. I was attacked by a drunken fool once. I easily pushed him off me and he rolled off the bolder I was sitting on, down a rocky slope. I thought he was dead! (he wasn’t) I had to run back down the trail to get a ranger and then make a report with the police–totally ruined my day! Then later I had to go to court to witness against the creep. Another time I passed a group of teen age boys on the trail. Next thing I know they are following me and calling out to me. I lost them in the woods (I think they may still be lost up there) My husband was hiking by himself once and looked up from a stream to see a shotgun aimed at him (he got out of that one ok) Would these things have happened if we were not alone?–I don’t know–but I do know people leave me alone when I am with another person. Now camping is a bit different. I still camp by myself, but always in campgrounds. I tell the rangers and they useally put me next to a populated area–families. I also do not camp in a tent by myself anymore. I have a van — it is safer behind locked doors. Also, i useally get to know the families next to me and after they get over the fact that I am out here alone–I am useally invited to dinner around their campfire–which I useally (not always) accept. It’s good to have a air-horn next to you. A dog can help. Always call a friend or family to let them know where you are. Be safe and camping on your own is ok. Hiking in my opion is best done with a buddy.
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I know I’m a year late on this thread, but just in case anyone stumbles onto it, I wanted to add this comment.
I hike and camp by myself quite a bit in the Sierra Nevadas, sometimes for up to a couple weeks. To be honest, I worry a lot more about my personal safety driving a car, or walking home alone in the city. In fact, you’re probably safer camped alone on the edge of an alpine lake than you are in a crowded campground. A person who’s looking for an easy target probably isn’t going to go looking in the wilderness. I’m not saying it NEVER happens, but it’s very, very, very rare. The odds are overwhelmingly in your favor.
My biggest concerns hiking alone are with getting injured – not other people, or even animals (although we don’t have grizzlies in the Sierras – they’re a different story). I don’t do any off-trail hikes when I’m solo, so if something happens I’m in a place where the next hiker coming through will see me – and really, except for a couple ‘unpopular’ stretches of wilderness I’ve been in, someone will definitely come along within 24 hours.
I consider myself a feminist, but I have gotten flack from other women who are really focused on the idea that as women, we are natural targets and victims. I’m not saying they’re wrong, but being liberated, and being empowered, means living your life without fear. If you hem yourself in, and choose to not do things you really want to try because you’re afraid of being ‘targeted,’ then you’re already a victim. You’ve allowed the world to tell you what your place is, and what you’re capable of. I just say F*U to that.
I’m cautious in everything I do, because I’m not an idiot and I don’t have a death-wish, but there is nothing I won’t do – on my own or otherwise – if it’s what I want to do. I’ve had some unpleasant times as a result of that – getting harassed traveling alone in other countries, etc. etc., but I’m not sorry I did any of those things, and I learned how to handle myself better, and take better precautions as a result of the badness.
Men get into some pretty ugly situations too – like getting beat up, or robbed, but it doesn’t keep them hiding in their houses. It shouldn’t keep us hiding either.
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