Discover how solo camping trips help you find calm, reconnect with nature, and reset your mind through peaceful solitude.

When people think about camping, what comes to mind are images of a family toasting marshmallows while sitting around a campfire, a couple going off the grid, or a group of friends engaging in fun outdoor adventures at a nature reserve park. But while camping is often perceived as a group activity, more and more individuals are starting to spend some time in the wild alone every year. According to The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report, nearly 30 percent of people reported camping alone in 2023, and a third of all campers said they camped alone for at least one night in 2024. 

According to The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long, part of the reason solo camping has become popular is that people who have never considered camping alone have found it beneficial for their well-being.

“One or two nights of pure solitude can be like hitting the reset button,” he explains. Sleeping alone in the wilderness can be distressing if you’ve never tried it before, but many people have found it quite liberating, as it allows them to break from their usual routine. By preparing well and having an open mind, you can enjoy some alone time while connecting with nature. Here’s how to find calm and relaxation on solo camping trips.

Time alone in the wilderness can be liberating. Photo by Vera_Petrunina via iStock by Getty Images

Start Small

Does the thought of camping alone seem a bit unnerving to you? If you’re unsure if you can make it through the night without panicking, try going on a small solo excursion first to see if you can handle being alone. For instance, you can pitch a tent in your backyard and spend the night there, or go on your first solo hike on a familiar trail. Also, plan on having your first solo camping trip at a beginner-friendly campsite since it’s where most families go. This will allow you to feel more secure, and even if you’re in your own space, you’ll feel reassured since you know that other people are in the area.

Plan and prepare for your trip once you’ve booked a spot at a camping site. Apart from bringing the proper clothing, you’ll need comfortable, waterproof footwear that provides good traction on slippery terrain, such as a pair of Vans MTEs. You’ll also need camping gear, cooking gear, a first aid kit, and enough food for the trip. Remember that you’ll have to rely on yourself for everything you need during your outdoor adventure, so check if you have all the necessary supplies and emergency items to be ready for anything. You may also want to bring a few things to help you feel at ease during your solo trip. A journal or a book can help you pass the time quietly, while a favorite blanket can be comforting when sleeping alone under the stars. 

There are great options for camping at state parks that make for a great first solo trip. Photo by Kanokwalee Pusitanun via iStock by Getty Images

Slow Down

When you arrive at the campsite, shift into a more relaxed mode to feel calm and refreshed. Avoid rushing while getting things out of your vehicle or setting up your tent. This will only make you feel stressed or anxious, so move at a leisurely pace and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings while you settle in. Also, set up your tent so that it brings you peace and comfort while you’re at the campsite. For instance, if you’re worried about random people showing up, set up your tent to face the road. Before dusk, sit quietly outside your tent and try to identify the sounds that you hear. Once you get used to hearing the sounds of rustling leaves, the chirping of crickets, or the whirring of cicadas, you’ll feel much less scared, and it will be easier to get a good night’s sleep later. 

Camping alone is a great time to relax. Photo by Geribody via iStock by Getty Images

Practice Mindfulness

Solo camping presents opportunities to practice mindfulness, so take this time to be present and engage all your senses while doing various activities. Note all the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and see if you can identify each. During mealtimes, focus on your food and eat slowly, paying attention to the textures and flavors of your food. Before turning in for the night, find a peaceful and comfortable spot outside your tent and do some quiet meditation. Focus on the feel of the ground and the air, and observe all the trees, plants, and wildlife around you. Doing this even just for a few minutes allows you to feel more connected to nature and helps you feel alert while reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression.

A solo camping trip allows you to enjoy some solitude while basking in the beauty of nature. Try camping alone for a night or two, and see how the experience fills you with peace, confidence, and self-reliance. We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more articles on camping and some of our favorite outdoor activities.

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