This is a terrific topic, especially for the women's section. Coincidentally, we recently had a lengthy discussion on this in the Honda Element forum.
I've camped solo many times, love it, but never feel "alone." That's in large part due to the presence of Gidget, my Samoyed, who is a magnet for visitors and tries to lure every passerby to visit by enthusiastically wagging her tail. The teardrop is also -- as everyone here knows well -- a magnet for visitors. And we so far have camped only in national parks (Shenandoah National Park and Acadia) and a popular state park in Virginia (Douthat). We've met countless people, I have several new e-mail buddies and new friends at camp who are also regulars.
Years ago, in regard to foreign travel, I'd read that if you travel solo you are more approachable and more likely to meet the locals than if you are in a self-contained group. I've found that also applies to travel within the U.S., especially campgrounds. Camping with friends is fun but I get more reading and relaxing done camping solo and certainly meet a lot more people.
My tips for a woman camping solo:
1.
A well-patrolled campground with other campers around. Talk to the ranger(s), introduce yourself, and ask if they've had any security problems. Living in DC, most places and all campgrounds Outside the Beltway seem like Mayberry to me.
2.
Research the campground. I personally wouldn't stay at a venue popular with speed boaters and jet skis or college kids. I'd rather stay at a campground on a lake that bans motors, is popular for fishing and canoeing (Douthat State Park) and is more family-oriented.
3.
Carry Mace and keep "bear spray" in your teardrop. Even if I had a gun handy, I'd want the bear spray (REI and Cabela's) for a non-lethal means of self-defense.
4.
Pack a good book.
5.
Keep a travel journal. I've been keeping trip journals for foreign and domestic travel for a decade. Great way to stay in the moment, record experiences and plan future adventures.
6.
Get a super bright flashlight. I'm a big fan of the Surefire flashlights and have a 6P, 9P, E2D Executive Defender and the G2 Nitrolon. That last one, the G2, is only $35 at LL Bean. The batteries are lithium with a shelf life of 10 years. These flashlights are incredibly bright, you'd blind an intruder with one. I consider them all a bargain because they've twice saved me and Gidget from skunks (of the 4-legged variety, who don't like bright light).
Peg
