Top places to go camping as a solo female traveler in Europe

There’s something special about solo camping as a woman; it’s just you under a canopy of stars after a day of adventures in the wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a newbie to the countryside, carry on reading as we explore the benefits of camping solo, safety tips for women, and how to prepare for your solo camping trip, before revealing the top places to camp as a solo female traveler. These destinations aren’t just about pitching up a tent in any old location, they’re about finding the right place for you, as a solo female camper, to immerse yourself in nature. So grab your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and let’s start exploring!

Benefits of solo camping as a woman

You didn’t think we could dive right in without telling you why camping alone as a woman is so empowering, did you?! You get to…

• Do exactly what you want, when you want. You needn’t be in a hurry to do anything - simply take things at your own pace.
• Enjoy a break from reality and spend time with your thoughts away from any distractions. 
• Relax and unwind in a stress-free environment.
• Wake up and smell the roses - literally! All you need to do is unzip your tent and step outside.
• Breathe in clean, fresh air away from the pollution of cities.
• Get a good dose of Vitamin D.
• Learn how to problem solve for yourself and discover new life skills without relying on anyone else.
• Meet new people (if that’s what you want!).
• Finally, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment you probably wouldn’t feel if you went camping with a group of close friends. 

Is it safe to camp alone as a woman? 

While camping alone as a woman has many advantages, it’s common for people to question how safe it is. For most women, the benefits far outweigh the risks of camping alone, but that’s not to say that bad things don’t happen. With a bit of forward planning, however, you should be able to mitigate the risks as much as possible. Here are some safety tips for solo camping as a woman: 

• Know your limits and don’t push yourself further than feels comfortable - remember that you don’t have to accomplish everything at once! 
• Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to abandon ship if things feel a little off. It’s better to remove yourself from the situation rather than waiting to see if you were right - whether a storm is raging a bit stronger than you thought it would or your camping neighbors are giving you the heebie-jeebies, you can always pack up early or go and stay elsewhere. 
• Tell a friend or family member where you’re going before you head off into the wilderness alone. Give them the details of the campsite you’re going to and how many days you plan to spend there, just don’t go broadcasting all your information on social media (that can wait until you’re home!).
• Pack correctly - unfortunately, as a woman camping alone, you may need to pack a few extra items for your safety, but more on that later.

If sleeping in a tent makes you nervous, why not try sleeping in your car? You may feel safer having a locked door between you and the elements, although you should still try to cover your windows and choose your parking spot wisely - there’s truth to the saying “safety in numbers”. Read up on how to safely sleep in your car as a woman, and if you’re interested, consider whether you can fit a full mattress in the back (although this will take some forward thinking!).

Preparing for your camping trip

Okay, so you’ve decided to go camping as a solo female traveler! But what do you need to do before you set off?

Research your destination

Read up on the area you’re visiting, not only to find out whether it’s safe for solo female travelers, but also to see what you’ll need to pack. For example, if you’re camping in the mountains of a national park you may need warmer clothes than if you’re going to be sleeping at ground level. Find out what time it gets dark and whether there are things like supermarkets, restaurants, and anything else you might need during your stay.

Choose your campsite

Some women camping alone prefer campsites that allow you to park right next to your tent - this can give you peace of mind knowing you’ve got a quick getaway option should you need it. There are lots of adult-only campsites to choose from, which may also be better suited to women traveling alone.  

Book your pitch

Bear in mind that popular campsites get booked up during the summer months so it’s a good idea to plan in advance if you have a particular campsite in mind. When choosing your pitch, you may prefer to book a slot next to other campers or close to the toilets so you don’t have to walk too far if you need the loo in the night. Many campsites also offer different types of accommodation like small huts, caravans, and yurts, which can be more enticing during colder months.  

Make a plan B

Even if you’ve booked a camping spot it’s a good idea to check out other options in the area - you never know what could happen!

Get all the gear (but have an idea)

Okay, you don’t need all the gear, but there are a few essentials you’ll need to bring which we’ll talk about later. Invest in good quality stuff that will last, you don’t want water coming in through your tent at 4 in the morning. Finally, whether you’ve got new equipment or not, it’s a good idea to check over everything before arriving at the campsite. Setting up a tent can be tricky, especially if you haven’t got a spare pair of hands (or eyes) to help you, so it’s always worth doing a practice round. 

Camping essentials for women 

While this camping checklist is by no means comprehensive, it’s a great starting point. 

• A tent (duh).
• Sleeping bag (choose the thickness based on the temperature of your destination). 
• Pillow (opting for a blow-up pillow will save you space). 
• Sleeping mat (this makes stretching out on the floor much more comfortable, plus having that extra layer between you and the cold ground can help keep you warm).
• Phone.
• Portable charger.
• Charging cables.
• Batteries (if anything you bring is battery-powered, that is).
• A map of the area (it’s also worth downloading an offline map onto your phone). 
• Cooking utensils (if you plan to cook at the campsite).
• Food and water.
• Lantern or torch (with spare batteries or charging cables). 
• Warm clothes (no matter how warm it may be during the daytime, temperatures usually drop at night so you’ll need to come prepared. Even if there isn’t any rain on the horizon, it’s always a good idea to bring waterproofs!).
• At least two pairs of shoes (consider bringing a pair of flip-flops to use in the shower as well as something that’s easy to slip on if you need to go to the loo in the night).
• First aid kit.
• Personal hygiene products.
• A penknife (choose one that is versatile enough to be used for things like opening tins and chopping veg).
• Safety equipment (depending on where you’re going, you may wish to bring pepper spray or bear spray, and enroll in a self-defense class before you head off on your adventure).

Trusted Tip: If in doubt, pack it. In fact, bring spares (unless you're going to be carrying everything on your back for days).

The top campsites for solo female travelers 

So now you know the ins and outs of solo camping as a woman, where will you go? Here are a few of our favorite places:

The Secret Campsite, England 

Address: Brickyard Farm, Town Littleworth Rd, Lewes BN8 4TD

“Nature’s finest” comes to mind in this beautiful campsite, which is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the peace and quiet that comes with being surrounded by wildlife. Pitches are naturally private and offer ample space to get away from it all, while those who prefer a little added comfort can opt for one of the Secret Shelters. With plenty of provisions and an abundance of staff-recommended walks right on your doorstep, what more could you ask for?

North Rhinns Camping, Scotland

Address: Glengyre Cottage, Leswalt, Stranraer DG9 0RG

This adult-only campsite is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with visitors reporting “it feels like wild camping with facilities”. There’s an abundance of hiking and biking trails in this picturesque part of Scotland, with the scenic Galloway Forest Park less than an hour’s drive from the campsite. And for those looking to explore further afield, a two-hour ferry ride lands you in the vibrant city of Belfast. 

Domaine le Ponteau, France 

Address: Castelnau d'Auzan, 32440, France

Nestled in the picturesque French countryside, Domaine le Ponteau is a small, family-run campsite where the hosts go above and beyond to ensure your stay is nothing short of exceptional. The welcoming couple are known for their warm hospitality and offer a range of amenities including on-site massages and a daily delivery of fresh bread and pastries from the local boulangerie. What we love most about this campsite is the food… during peak season, chef Alasdair creates delicious evening meals using local produce for happy campers to enjoy in the charming orchard. 

Agricampeggio L'Essenza, Italy

Address: Via Fasse, 17, 37010 Brenzone VR, Italy

Waking up to views of Lake Garda, enjoying a strong espresso at the bar, taking a morning swim in the outdoor pool, then spending the day lounging in the sun… this sounds like our kind of female camping holiday! This quiet little sanctuary brings a whole new meaning to the term “glamping”, with pristine facilities, breathtaking views, and friendly staff.

Camping de Vriendschap, Netherlands

Address: Hessenweg 8, 3881 NM Putten, Netherlands

Aimed at couples and solo female campers, you can choose to set up your tent in one of the spacious pitches or sleep in one of the cozy holiday homes, tiny houses, or the gypsy wagon. Located just a couple of hours from Amsterdam by public transport, unwind and de-stress in this peaceful oasis, where the friendly hosts also offer breathing and cold water sessions. 

Camping 50 plus, Austria

Address: Fisching 9, 8741 Fisching, Austria

This family-run campsite is for over 50s only, making it an excellent place for solo female travelers to stay when exploring the region. The site is fully lit at night and equipped with barriers for your safety, and the reception is open 24/7. Relaxing gardens, a natural swimming pool, plus lots of opportunities for excursions in the area are just the icing on the cake!

Ultimately, solo camping as a woman is all about enjoying your time and embracing the chance to be alone. But what if, after your camping experience, you’re not quite ready to go back to the daily grind? That’s where house and pet sitting comes in!

Trade your sleeping bag and roll mat for the comfort of a home away from home, complete with a cozy bed and a lovely hot shower to wash away the smell of the campfire. With adorable furry friends for company, house and pet sitting is the perfect way to extend your adventure in the comfort of a real home.