Camping is usually an activity done by groups as many activities are best enjoyed with companions, including roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, singing by the campfire, and other team activities. However, camping alone can also offer a lot of opportunities that group camping cannot.
Camping alone can be a very rewarding way to spend a weekend as it can let you take a step back from your daily routine and constant contact with others, not to mention our regular use of technology. Camping alone can also have a huge positive impact on one’s state of mind, even though it can be frightening to think that you have to spend 48 hours or more all by yourself outdoors.
If you’re ready to embark on a life changing journey to discover yourself and rekindle your love for nature, then you’re ready for a solo camping trip. Continue reading the article to learn more about the things that you can do when you’re camping alone.
There are a lot of important things that you need to bring when you’re going camping. Because of that, packing can get a bit overwhelming. We listed all the camping items you’ll need for the great outdoors to help you make sure that you have everything that you need for your camping trip.
12 Things to Do When Camping Alone
While camping alone can be immensely fulfilling, the boredom and loneliness that you may feel over time can be difficult for some people to deal with. While solo camping may not be the right thing to do for some, most people gradually enjoy the experience once they get past the urge to check their social media accounts every now and then. The boredom we experience when camping solo is the reason why we’ve listed a few ways to keep you entertained when camping alone.
1. Explore
It is essential to implement fun activities for yourself when camping alone. However, knowing your environment should always come first. Exploring your campsite can prevent you from making mistakes. Plus, you may also find a better location where you can pitch your tent and protect yourself from the rain.
Taking a few nature walks or hikes around your campsite will let you know about the area more. You can also take pictures or write about it in your journal. When you explore the location, you naturally get into an adventurous spirit and make your experience much more exciting.
2. Fishing
Fishing is a skill learned and refined over time. All you need is your fishing rod and reel, bait, and a calm lake or flowing river. Cast your fishing lines with the bait in an area with a high probability of fish and wait.
In the meantime, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the water. Fishing is an activity that can let you relax, unwind, and enjoy time alone. Additionally, it is a good chance for you to catch dinner.
3. Swimming
Everyone can camp, regardless of age, and so can they swim. Although, it is important to take safety into account if you decide to do this activity since there will be no one around to help you in case of an emergency.
If the area is safe, the water reasonably clean, and you do know how to swim, then you can go ahead and jump into the water. Swimming can provide you with a proper workout and body relaxation.
4. Sunbathing
If you want to do an activity that requires no preparation, try sunbathing. You only need to position yourself in a comfortable area that has no shade and let the sun do its job. But, it is important that you choose the right time to do this activity when you are out there by yourself.
Remember that too much exposure to the sun may be harmful to your skin and health; you could even end up with sunburns. For that, it’s recommended to sunbathe under the early morning sun and late evening sun. Sunbathing can provide vitamin D and reduce your level of cholesterol.
5. Cloud-watching
Although this could seem like a pretty boring activity, you may find picturing different figures in the sky quite amusing. When you go on a solo camping trip, you will definitely have moments of boredom, but that is okay. Looking at the clouds is pleasing and relaxing since it allows you to stimulate your imagination.
Watch the clouds and let your imagination work. The minute you have formed a shape, you can immediately look at the same cloud after another to figure out if it is the same figure you’ve previously seen. Cloud-watching can help you relax and pass the time wonderfully while enhancing your imagination.
6. Get creative
Getting creative outdoors could be one of the most entertaining activities you can do while camping alone. Hobbies play an essential role in this activity, and most people would love them. Do what you love or learn what you’ve always wanted to learn. This may involve learning how to take breathtaking photographs, painting, or sketching, playing some music, or writing a journal that you can look back at for memories in the future.
Getting creative will help you connect with your inner self, your imagination, and nature. When you finally go home, you can share these little things with your friends and family; they will definitely appreciate it.
There are tons of amazing campgrounds scattered all over USA. If you’re looking for suggestions, we have a list of our top 10 best campgrounds that you definitely need to check out.
7. Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation will help keep you focused on your goals. Although this is mostly done with the help of a guide, you can also watch some videos to quickly learn how to do it yourself. This may be difficult at first, but it will get easier over time.
With yoga, your balance, endurance, flexibility, and physical strength are enhanced, and meditation can uplift your emotions, manage stress, and impressively improve your concentration.
8. Birdwatching
Nature is undeniably an extraordinary phenomenon because of its thousands or millions of beautiful living organisms. Bird watching falls into the list of breathtaking activities you can do while camping alone.
Buy and bring a book about local or migratory birds, some binoculars, keep a record of the birds you see, and then read about their habitat or history of evolution. This activity will keep you entertained and help you better understand our environment.
Remember not to stand out and dress appropriately. Be one with the colors of nature and try not to disturb these beautiful creatures.
9. Flora and Fauna
Before going to the campsite, you may want to visit a local bookstore for research and information on local habitats. For instance, using a bird guide and some binoculars, like mentioned above, is an awesome way to pass the time and learn something new.
Camping alone can provide a great opportunity to explore the flora and fauna. Go for a short walk around your campsite and you’ll see different types of plants and animals.
10. Nature Play
There is actually plenty to do while camping alone. You can go to the lake or river and swim or learn how to skip stones, try rock hunting, pick some berries, collect branches for whittling and carving or to use as firewood, pan for gold, or learn how flint knapping works. You can also practice taking pictures or learn outdoor photography as the wilderness provides ample settings for capturing amazing pictures.
11. Socialize with other campers
If you are at a park or campsite, you can get to know about other campers and hikers. Surely, you will be surprised by the variety of people that also love camping. As a matter of fact, you may even meet people from many different parts of the world.
Take this time to learn about where they live or the country they are from. Ask inoffensive questions about their traditional food, festivals, work, lifestyle, and exchange other cultural inquiries.
12. Learn a new instrument
Being outdoors by yourself is a great opportunity to learn how to play a new instrument. Nobody will mock you for the noise and you will be less inhibited. Plus, it can keep the bears away.
The perfect instruments to learn to play are the guitar, harmonica, drums, or other instruments that are not complicated to learn and can be easily transported.
Conclusion
Camping alone can sound scary and boring, which may be the two main reasons that prevent anyone from trying this amazing activity. But, you should know that being out camping alone is the best way to discover your inner self and capabilities, hone some skills, and discover the beauty of nature.
The list above features good activities to do when camping alone. However, we suggest you spend some time thinking about what you really want to do or what your goals for this trip are. Think of the list above as guide that will help you plan the perfect solo camping trip for you.
