How to Stay Safe While Solo Car Camping

If you have never car camped (or tent camped) solo before, it can potentially feel scary! However, I’ve found that when I head into solo adventures like these prepared, it calms my nerves and I know that if anything were to potentially happen, I would have the tools and skills I need to navigate.

As a massive preparedness and safety advocate, I’ve compiled a list of some tips and considerations to keep you safe and feeling empowered on your solo adventures.

I have been loving booking Hipcamp sites for my solo car camping trips because they are more private and I can gather TONS of information ahead of time about the site! Hipcamp is like Airbnb, but for camping. This may be a great option for your first one!

ONE MORE THING. You don’t need a super fancy sleeping platform or super fancy gear to go car camping. Fold down your seats, throw an air mattress, cozy blanket and your favorite pillows in the back, and get out there!

Alright, alright. Let’s get right into it… rapid fire style!

Non-Vehicle Related:

  • Always let atleast (2) reliable people know your plans/itinerary; camping location, how many days/nights, type of vehicle, etc. & check in with them regularly.
  • Never ever post your location in real time on social media. You can post about how you’re out adventuring and share the stoke, but never give away your location or clues about your location until you get home.
  • Trust your gut. I repeat, trust your gut. If something or someone feels off, don’t brush it under the rug or disregard that feeling. It is there for a reason. Our intuition is a very very valuable resource and the cornerstone of our safety.
  • You are 100% allowed to lie to anyone who may be asking questions you do not feel comfortable answering and you are allowed to simply NOT answer their questions and set a verbal boundary. Your safety >> their feelings.
  • Be observant and vigilant of your surroundings. Pay attention to who/what is around you and internally collect that data. 
  • Get to your camp site before dark! This gives you a chance to get all set up and take an inventory of all that’s going on around you.

Vehicle Related:

  • Put window shade/covers or mesh covers over your windows and then a sun shade in the front window for privacy. You can make these yourself or buy them custom for your vehicle.
  • Leave the front seat open and clear in case you need to hop in the seat and leave.
  • Do your best to back into your camp site to make it easier if you needed to leave quickly.
  • Lock yourself inside the vehicle while sleeping and leave your keys in an accessible spot if you don’t have the key fob type key.
  • If you choose to have a self-defense or personal safety tool with you, make sure it’s in an accessible spot and that you are COMFORTABLE using is and know how to use it.
  • Same with a flashlight or headlamp, leave one in an easily accessible spot. 
  • It is worth having some staple vehicle emergency preparedness items (road flares, mini jumper cables, gloves, small tool box, tire inflator) with you and ensuring your vehicle is capable of getting to your camp site (some require 4×4 capabilities).
  • Before you head out, fill up your gas tank!!!
  • There may not be service at your site which means you will need a backup form of communication like a Garmin inReach. It is IMPERATIVE you have someway to communicate with your safety buddy or potentially emergency services. 
  • Always make sure you pack plenty of water and food along with the proper layers to match the climate during the day AND at night.

If you are looking to plan you first solo car camping adventure (or really any adventure) and want to make sure you have all the gear/safety gear you need and are prepared, I offer Stoke Strategy Sessions where we will meet virtually for an hour and chat so you can feel READY to go!

Meet the author

Bethany Taylor

I’m a PNW-based outdoor educator, adventure athlete, highly-caffeinated creative, all-women adventure trip host, safety advocate, and obsessed dog mom. I am here to help you chase more stoke-filled days outdoors with confidence through education and empowerment.

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