I love camping alone. I’m not a terribly experienced camper, and so far, I’m not too rustic, but I do like to camp in a tent in a primitive spot, usually at a state park. The thing about state parks is there are always too many people around. But the parks are usually lovely and well-groomed and afford a view of the scenery not seen in other venues.
I have a small easy to assemble tent and take only the gear I think will be necessary. I’m not on the Appalachian Trail so I don’t need to carry everything I could possibly need. I plan for the weather and only stay the weekend, which means I can pack lightly and strategically. I may choose to open a can of stew, cook hotdogs over a fire or go into town for a bite.
I don’t always plan that part. I like to keep my options open.
I have a good lantern so I can read when it gets dark. I keep my phone with me and a backup charger so I can use it for navigation and communication if needed.
I love to hike, explore the town where I am, take advantage of the activities at the park. One evening I went kayaking around a mountain lake at dusk. The green mountains were beautifully juxtaposed against the blue water and pink-orange sky, and the water was warm.
In the summer, I have a fan that I hang from the ceiling and use only a light sheet to cover me. In the cooler weather, I bundle up in my sleeping bag with extra warm clothes and a knit cap.
I have had my tent visited in the night by curious animals that I can’t identify. Mostly small ones with light footsteps and little noses that press against my tent walls. I have never come across a bear, and I hope I don’t. But maybe I will.
Building a fire has been a challenge, so I still need to practice that skill at home. Usually you have to buy firewood at the campsite. Also, there is usually a bathroom close by, but I have never used one. I go in the woods, using a shovel if necessary.
I keep my water in a 3-gallon container and use that for drinking, cooking and washing. I keep a trash bag handy and empty it in the park trash each day before my hike and before bed. I have a camp stove I use to make coffee and cook. I don’t pack much food because you really don’t need that much (and because I hate to cook).
But I love the freedom of camping alone. It’s the freedom to do whatever I damn well please. Eat? Walk? Sit and stare at the stars? All on my own time, no one’s opinion to interfere. The solitude and the peace are magnificent.
Then I’m ready to come home and reenter the hustle and bustle of life afterward.