Top places to go in the US camping as a solo female traveler

Ah, the great outdoors! And where better to enjoy it than a solo camping experience in the USA? The States has so many amazing and different national parks across the country, each with its rich diversity of wildlife and scenery. Camping solo for solo female travelers can be liberating to explore the natural world and take in some of the most beautiful parts of the US.

First time camping solo? Or are you thinking of a solo outing into the wilderness? No problem! We’ve mapped out our tips on solo camping, asked if it is safe to camp solo, how best to prepare, as well as highlight some of our favorite places to set-up camp in the USA. 

So, tighten those hiking boots, and ready your pack as well stride into how best to prepare for a solo camping trip and the places to visit when camping in the US.

Benefits of solo camping as a woman

Camping alone as a woman can be empowering. Freedom, fresh air, and fabulous views, there are many other reasons why you should make your next solo outing an outdoors one:

• Go to your pace - you’re in no rush and on your schedule! Take in your surroundings for as long as you want to.
• A mental vacation is just as important as a physical one, and camping is an excellent way to be with your thoughts in the peaceful surroundings of nature.
• Wake up to stunning sunrises, and breathtaking sunsets.
• You can never have too much Vitamin D! 
• Learn more about yourself and how to be resourceful away from modern amenities.
• If you’re looking to make friends, campsites are a great way to meet others, swap stories, and even find a hiking buddy.
• Nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment after an epic solo camping trip.

Is it safe to camp alone as a woman? 

Camping alone as a woman has many advantages, but it’s sensible to question how safe it is. While there are many benefits to camping alone, but it’s important to be aware of possible issues that can arise. Planning before and during your solo camping trip will help to mitigate the risks as much as possible. Here are some safety tips for solo camping as a woman: 

• Know your limits - there is no shame in turning around and ending your trip early if you’re not feeling it.
• Trust your instincts. It’s better to remove yourself from the situation rather than wait to see if you are right. If there’s a storm on the horizon you weren’t expecting, or you’ve met some fellow campers who don’t make you feel comfortable, it’s far better to turn around and leave than tempt fate. 
• Tell people where you’re going. A friend, a family member, or your neighbors, make sure at least some people know where you’re heading off to. Give them the details of the trail and campsite you’re going to, as well as how many days you plan to spend there. 
• Don’t share anything on social media until you’re home. You don’t want to broadcast your empty home to the world!
• Be prepared, be overly prepared! As a woman camping alone, you may need to pack a few extra items for your safety (as we’ll explain later), but it’s important to have everything you need for any scenario. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Solo camping for beginners

Sleeping in a tent isn’t for everyone. If you’ve never pitched a tent alone, the idea doesn’t make you feel comfortable, or you simply want a few more amenities, there are plenty of options for solo camping for beginners. 

Firstly, glamping! Yep, some campsites will have pre-prepped tents, cabins, or tee-pees which can include things like hot water and heaters. Many will come with the ability to lock your door and your possessions away during the night for an added bit of security. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other fellow hikers.

Secondly, camper vanning. This has become super popular in the last few years and it’s a fantastic way of being able to enjoy the comforts of home whilst in the wilderness. This also allows you to try out different hiking trails within the same area. Stay in your comfort zone whilst being a wilderness explorer. 

Preparing for your camping trip

So, you’ve decided to go camping as a solo female traveler. Awesome, welcome to the camping crew! But, how do you prepare? Here’s a solo camping checklist to run through as part of your solo outing planning.

Research your destination

Read up on the area you’re visiting. Check the weather, research the wildlife, and be sure to follow the core safety rules of solo female travel. This will help you to prepare what you pack to make sure you’re as ready as you can be to encounter any difficulties. Solo camping gear like bear spray, bug repellant, and warm clothing will help keep the elements and nature at bay.

Choose your campsite

Some women camping alone prefer campsites that allow you to park right next to your tent, allowing for quick and easy access to your vehicle should you need it. If you’re a glamper or campervaner, many offer the option for you to book a tent or parking bay in the campsite too.  

Book your pitch

Bear in mind that popular campsites get booked up during the summer months so it’s a good idea to plan ahead 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 bathroom at night.  

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! If this is your first solo camping adventure, make sure you know where the nearby hotels are, just in case. Have a backup plan for different scenarios, from the campsite being booked out to feeling a place doesn’t feel right to you. It’s also a good idea to have some extra cash on you or funds available for scenarios where you may have to leave or change your campsite.

Solo camping gear and essentials for women 

This solo camping checklist will be different for everyone, but here are some of the most important pieces of gear and gadgets for your solo camping trip: 

• A tent (if you’re solo camping style includes pitching a tent).
• Sleeping bag (choose the thickness based on the temperature of your destination). 
• Pillow (opting for a blowup pillow will save you space). 
• Sleeping mat - not only does this make sleeping on the ground more comfortable, but it also helps to keep you warm in the night.
• A phone - make sure you download all maps and instructions beforehand just in case there’s no signal.
• Portable charger and at least one charging cable.
• Batteries - useful for flashlights or as a backup.
• A map of the area - it’s best to have a downloaded version on your phone, as well as a physical printout.
• Cooking utensils, even if it’s just a bowl and spoon.
• Food - foods with a high fat and protein content, like nuts, are great to keep close to hand.
• Water - you can buy some water bottles that come with iodine filters which allow you to safely collect water from a river or stream. Never do this without the proper equipment!
• Flashlights - many are solar-powered and can be worn as a head torch. 
• Warm clothes and waterproofs - the weather can suddenly change, especially in high altitudes. 
• At least two pairs of shoes, one for hiking and another for shower or recreational use.
• First aid kit. You can find small, compact ones on Amazon for less than $20.
• 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 bear spray-mace if bears are a common sight. While you’ll hopefully never need it, for extra peace of mind you may wish to enroll in a self-defense class before you head off on your adventure).

The top campsites for solo female travelers in the US

Now you’re all set for your solo camping trip, it’s time to decide where your next stomping ground will be. There are tons of amazing places for solo hiking in America, but we’ve picked out some new favorite places for camping solo. For those who enjoy camping alone in the backlands, we’ve also highlighted the type of permit you’ll need before you bust out the backpack. Remember, many of these sites are seasonal, so always check with the site team beforehand. Okay, so, maps out, explorer hats on, and let’s stride through this list of top places for solo camping in the US.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Recommended campsite: Mazama Campground

Address: Mazama Campground, OR-62, CRATER LAKE, OR 97604, United States

Wilderness permit info: Required for backpacking and camping outside of a campsite 

Oregon is known for its areas of outstanding natural beauty, and Crater Lake National Park is certainly one of the more breathtaking places in the state. Found in the high volcanic region of the Southwest of Oregon, there is an abundance of trails to choose from to take in this stunning crystalline lake and mountains.

Mazama Campground offers spaces for tents, campervans, as well as tent hire. The site has a north-facing view over Crater Lake and is open from May to September. Along with showers, bathroom facilities, cooking grills and campfires, there is also an onsite shop for grocery shopping. They also provide bear-proof lockers and safety areas in case any curious creatures decide to visit the campsite.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Recommended campsite: Platte River Campground

Address: 5685 Lake Michigan Rd, Honor, MI 49640, United States

Wilderness permit info: Backcountry permit is required for staying on the island

Looking to combine camping with an island vacation? Sleeping Bear Dunes is located in the north of Lake Michigan, yet looks and feels like a blue sea paradise during the summer months. Blonde sandy beaches surrounded by rich, green wilderness, this is an awesome place to kick back and escape reality.

Platte River Campground is located on the mainland but offers a beautiful view of the lake from the shoreline. With easy access to the island, this site has all the amenities you could ask for as well as ample space for tents and campervans.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Recommended campsite: Chisos Basin Campground

Address: Window View Dr, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, United States

Wilderness permit info: No permit is required for outback camping  

If you’re looking for a solo camping adventure at any time of the year, Big Bend is for you. Nestled in a valley overlooked by the Casa Grande Peak, at 5,400 feet you can enjoy the stunning mountainous scenery in both winter and summer. This area has a combination of woodland wilderness and desert landscapes for hikers and campers to enjoy.

Chisos Basin Campground is perfect for pitching your tent or hiring one from the lovely local team. If you own a small campervan or RV, be warned the roads leading to this campsite are very narrow and winding, so they do advise you not to attempt the drive in anything larger than a 4x4.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Recommended campsite: Namakanipaio Campsite

Address: 1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718

Wilderness permit info: Entrance fee required

Nothing quite beats the dramatic landscape of the Hawaiian islands. The Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is found on the island of (you guessed it) Hawai’i surrounded by both live and extinct volcanoes. Trek through the beautiful tropical hills of the island and see gently flowing lava from a safe and secure distance.

Namakanipaio Campsite offers both cozy camping and tent-tactic pitching options right in the heart of the island with areas for cooking, cleaning, and socializing. You’ll often find fellow explorers who have extended their stay from a few nights to a few weeks simply because of how calming and serene the surrounding wilderness is.

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.