Embracing the Wild: My Favorite Camping Activities When Traveling Solo
There’s a unique sense of freedom when I venture into the wild alone, tent strapped to my back and a head full of anticipation. Solo camping isn’t just about disconnecting—it's about reconnecting with yourself. Over the years, I’ve developed a set of activities that not only keep me entertained but also help me grow as a person. Whether you're a seasoned camper or trying it out for the first time, here's how I make the most of my solo trips.
1. Journaling Under the Stars
One of my favorite solo camping rituals is journaling. After setting up camp and preparing a simple meal, I take out my weathered notebook and begin to write. I document everything: the way the pine needles crunch underfoot, the way the fire crackles in the silence, even the emotions bubbling up from being alone in such an immense world.
It’s not just about recording experiences—it’s about processing them. I’ve found that journaling while surrounded by nature helps me think more clearly, reflect more deeply, and be truly present in the moment.
2. Solo Hiking and Nature Immersion
There’s something deeply meditative about walking alone through the forest. Without the distraction of conversation, I notice things others might miss: a red fox darting through the trees, the subtle shift of light as the sun rises higher, the delicate chirp of a warbler hidden in the canopy. I always choose marked trails, carry a GPS and map, and let someone know my plans before heading out.
One memorable hike took me deep into the Catskills. I remember pausing at a ridge overlooking a quiet valley, the mist curling like fingers across the landscape. I stayed there for over an hour, completely still, listening to the forest breathe. It’s moments like those that solo hiking gifts you.
3. Bushcraft and Survival Skills
Solo camping offers the perfect opportunity to brush up on bushcraft. I often practice fire-starting with flint and steel, water purification methods, knot tying, and shelter building. It’s empowering to know I can rely on myself in the wilderness. These skills aren’t just practical—they deepen your connection with the environment.
One evening, after a sudden rainstorm, I challenged myself to build a dry shelter using only natural materials and some cordage. I ended up with a surprisingly sturdy lean-to covered in bark and pine boughs. Sleeping under it that night gave me a sense of accomplishment I hadn’t felt in years.
4. Stargazing and Celestial Photography
There are few experiences as humbling as lying beneath a blanket of stars with no one else around. With minimal light pollution, campsites in remote areas offer breathtaking night skies. I usually bring a DSLR camera and a tripod to capture long exposures of the Milky Way or try my hand at star trails.
One of my most unforgettable nights was in northern Michigan. The Perseid meteor shower lit up the sky like fireworks, and I spent hours wrapped in a sleeping bag, marveling at the show. I even caught a few meteors on camera—an absolute thrill.
5. Cooking Over a Campfire
Cooking while solo camping is a surprisingly enjoyable challenge. With no one else to please, I get creative with meals—whether it's a skillet of wild mushroom risotto or fire-roasted vegetables with rosemary. I use a compact set of cookware and always plan meals in advance for efficiency and safety.
One trip to a lakeside campground in Maine, I caught a small trout and grilled it with lemon slices and fresh herbs I’d packed from home. Eating that meal with the lake shimmering nearby was like dining in a five-star restaurant crafted by nature herself.
6. Wildlife Watching and Nature Sketching
Solo camping sharpens your senses. I’ve developed a habit of rising early to observe animals in their natural habitat. I keep a pair of binoculars and a small sketchpad in my pack. Sometimes I draw; other times I just note behaviors and tracks. It's peaceful, quiet work that grounds me.
Once, in Colorado, I watched a family of deer cross a stream at dawn. The fawn hesitated at the edge, then leapt, landing with a splash that echoed in the stillness. Sketching that moment later helped me remember not just the image, but the emotion of witnessing it.
7. Meditation and Mindfulness Practices
Camping alone gives me the rare chance to meditate without interruption. I like to sit by water—a river, a lake, even a small stream—and focus on my breath, the sounds, and the rhythm of the world around me. Ten minutes turns into an hour without effort.
Sometimes I incorporate simple yoga stretches, especially after a long hike. Nature becomes a sacred space, free of judgment and noise. It’s during these quiet moments I often find answers I didn’t know I was searching for.
8. Reading Books with a View
There’s a certain pleasure in reading while surrounded by wilderness. I usually pack a lightweight paperback—something immersive and thought-provoking. Whether it’s nature writing, survival stories, or philosophy, the setting enhances the experience.
On a trip through the Adirondacks, I read "Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey beside a cold mountain stream. His reflections on solitude and wildness mirrored my own thoughts, creating a powerful dialogue between text and environment.
9. Reflective Fireside Conversations—with Myself
This might sound odd, but I often talk out loud to myself by the fire. Not in a crazy way—more like a verbal journal. I process the day, think through decisions, and sometimes even rehearse conversations or dreams. There’s something cathartic about speaking into the quiet, knowing no one is judging.
It’s during these solo fireside chats that I’ve made major life decisions, discovered new ambitions, and found peace with old regrets. The fire becomes more than warmth—it becomes a confidant.
10. Exploring Campsite Photography
I’ve grown to love photographing not just the landscapes, but my campsite itself—the gear, the meals, the setup. It’s part artistic expression, part memory keeping. I later compile these photos into visual journals or share them with fellow solo travelers for inspiration.
Each camp setup is a reflection of my current mindset. Minimalist on some trips, elaborate on others. The way I arrange my space becomes an extension of the journey itself.
Planning the Ideal Solo Camping Trip
Solo camping requires extra attention to safety and logistics. I always share my itinerary with someone I trust, carry a satellite communicator, and double-check my emergency gear. Planning doesn’t take away spontaneity—it ensures I’m around to enjoy more adventures in the future.
If you’re new to solo camping and looking for the perfect place to start, check out the options available at Pine Cliff Resort. They offer safe, scenic, and well-maintained spots ideal for solo adventurers seeking a balance of solitude and support.
Solo camping changed the way I experience the world. It’s not about escaping people—it’s about embracing self-reliance, wonder, and quiet joy. The activities I’ve shared here have made each journey unforgettable, and I hope they inspire you to set out on your own path beneath the stars.
