Finding the Best Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers
The experience of discovering the best places to camp on the weekend with only me as company made my free time enjoyable. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers A certain magic is to be found in setting up a tent in isolation, without all the group dynamics. I used to be apprehensive about coming out into the woods by myself. Once I had discovered places that had privacy, safety and landscape that was just right, that fear was gone.
1. Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains
This vibrant Tennessee location is next to the beautiful Little River, and combines energy with woods. What I love about Elkmont Campground is that everyone is always so friendly and helpful and the other people that are hiking, are always so nice to be around with. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers You do not ever feel lonely here, and if you are just beginning to adjust to sleeping on your own in the woods, you will love this place!
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Make sure to reserve a tent-only site in the C Loop to stay away from generator noise. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers The water is so fast moving that it silences any night sounds in the woods that could keep you up.
2. Watchman Campground, Zion National Park
This desert gem is just inside the park entrance in Utah, where you can be within walking distance of the main shuttle system. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers The majestic red rock stands above Watchman Campground; the view is beautiful and everything feels like a privilege to reflect on alone. Loops are patrolled on a regular basis by park rangers, so you can sit back and relax without fear of physical danger.
A place in Loop B is strongly recommended for the great unobstructed view of the Watchman peak. Only don’t forget to carry heavy stakes to hold the tent in place during a sudden and unexpected canyon wind!
3. Burlingame State Park
This huge lakeside place is located in Rhode Island and has more than 700 camp sites in flat pine forests. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers The camp store is really stocked and it’s a wonderful place to add to your traveler’s list of weekend camping spots for solo travelers. It’s easy to spend a day hiring a kayak or walking on the flat trails without feeling overwhelmed.
Seek a site in the YMCA area for the least noisy setting, away from the family masses. IMO it is the ultimate weekend getaway because of the ability to get straight to the Watchaug Pond.
4. Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park
Stunning campground in Colorado with beautiful views of large meadows and snow-capped mountains. Moraine Park Campground is a popular destination for solo travelers as it has a wonderful shuttle service to several popular trailheads. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers It’s easy to spend your morning hiking and see elk herds graze near your tent in the afternoon.
If you would like to be near clean and modern restroom facilities, look for a site in loop C. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers A nice clean, well-lit comfort station is close by that makes those cold winter nights a lot easier to handle if you are traveling alone.
5. Hocking Hills State Park: A Must-Visit of All Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers
This is the “crown jewel” of the most unique of the geologic features found in the Midwest region of the United States, and the state of Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park is a fantastic standalone trip as the walking routes are very well marked and you can’t get lost. No navigation anxiety, walk through towering sandstone gorges and past trickling waterfalls.
Set up at the main campground for all the amenities: hot showers, heated pool. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers Also, there’s a camp store nearby where you can purchase dry firewood, which is a lot easier than carrying heavy firewood logs yourself.
6. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This iconic California Park is located on the dramatic Big Sur coast, and provides a unique oceanfront camping adventure. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers Excluding all of that, the best part is that you get to wake up and see the McWay Falls plummeting right onto the sandy beach. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has just two environmental campsites, so you’ll need to plan months ahead of time in order to reserve this private slice of coastal paradise.
If you want the best view of the Pacific Ocean, you should opt for camp site 2. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers This remote location provides you with the luxury of watching the sunset without any other people around and without any noise.
7. Jemez Falls Campground
New Mexico is known for its huge open skies, but this forested oasis in the Jemez Mountains has a whole other atmosphere. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers The whole campground is shaded by ponderosa pines, which keep the air cool and provide a refreshing pine fragrance to the night. Perfect for the solo traveller, Jemez Falls Campground is close to natural hot springs and remarkable hikes.
I recommend going to Spence Hot Springs early in the morning, before it gets jammed. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers The warm mineral waters are the ideal setting to relax in whilst taking in the huge views over the mountains and valley.
8. Ricketts Glen State Park
Pennsylvania has one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in the United States with more than 20 wild waterfalls in this one. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers The campground at Ricketts Glen State Park is located directly next door to Lake Jean, so you can enjoy water activities and deep forest hikes in one. I’ve been looking for great spots to camp for myself on the weekend for a long time and this is it.
Please book a position in the Big Maple loop so that you can be shaded and get as much privacy as possible. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers It’s an unforgettable solo experience to enjoy a quiet evening and hear the distant roar of waterfalls.
9. Anastasia State Park
Florida is a wonderful coastal vacation destination with miles of unspoiled beaches and seascapes or maritime hammocks. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers This campground is located in a protected state park with its own entry gate, providing excellent security for solo campers, which is highly recommended. Engage in paddleboarding on Salt Run or reading your book under the shade of old live oaks for your day.
Make sure to find a place in Coquina Loop that is completely covered from ocean breezes by dense native plants. Be sure to pick up a bike at the park store and ride to nearby historic St. Augustine!
10. Camping on Assateague Island National Seashore
You can hike through the wild horses that roam about on this barrier island off the coast of Maryland while you camp. The ocean breeze keeps bugs away and gives a continuous soothing sound to fall asleep to. Assateague Island National Seashore is great for single campers as there is an open area to see any possible dangers at a distance.
Heavy duty sand stakes should be bought prior to your journey to ensure that your tent remains secure. It’s a magical experience to watch the wild horses grazing at your campsite at sunrise.
11. Devil’s Lake State Park
This is a wonderful park that is located in Wisconsin and has a crystal clear lake and towering quartzite cliffs. Devil’s Lake State Park could be a hotspot for solo campers, as the Park is quite busy with a lively crowd of outdoor enthusiasts from the community willing to share their knowledge about the trails. A day can be spent on a rocky face with a challenge or a paddle across the quiet waters.
Book a site at the Northern Lights campground if you’d like to stay in a more wooded setting. Get up early before the fog rises on the water, and enjoy the morning coffee up on the East Bluff trail.
12. Silver Falls State Park
It’s this vast, rain-forested paradise with the world-famous Trail of Ten Falls, that Oregon has to offer. Silver Falls State Park is a favorite spot for solo travelers, as the path meanders behind several large waterfalls, offering a sensory overload experience. A very popular and safe area, friendly and respect minded hikers will share the trail with you.
Reserve a property in Loop A and be within walking distance of the original South Falls Lodge. IMO, relaxing after a long day of muddy hike lies right in front of the fire in the lodge.
13. Big Sur Campground and Cabins
There are some incredible private options in California and this redwood-covered campground is ideal for the solo adventurer who wants a bit more luxury. Under the mighty old redwoods of Big Sur Campground and Cabins, you’ll find a sense of peace and perspective that’s unmatched anywhere else. Whenever I’m asked, “What are your favourite places to go camping as a solo traveler?,” this Redwood forest is always on the list.
Hot showers and clean laundry facilities make this an extremely convenient basecamp. Highly recommended is a redwood tent site along the Big Sur River.
14. DeSoto State Park
Above Lookout Mountain in Alabama, the waterfalls rush deep through sandstone canyons and lie a hidden treasure. DeSoto State Park is a lovely park to visit alone: staff are very friendly and can be as “old friend” as you want them to be. Hiking trailheads are available directly from the campground so there’s no need to drive down confusing backcountry roads.
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Reserve a site in the upgraded campground area to get good WiFi near the office. The first time you travel alone, this is a great safety net to have in place and can give you and your family some peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Stay Safe When Camping Alone?
Choose a campground that is staffed, has active rangers and has decent cell reception. Communicate exact travel plans and return date with a trusted friend before leaving. Store car keys in an easy-to-reach area inside your tent overnight to grab in case of an emergency.
What Makes a Good Weekend Camping Spot for a Solo Traveler?
Consider sites which have an open site plan, access to clean facilities and moderate trail systems. You’re looking for a place that offers both natural beauty and modern amenities, such as a camp store or a dependable water supply. Proximity to a friendly and active community minimises isolation and provides help at hand if necessary.
Should I Let Other Campers Know I Am Traveling by Myself?
You are free to disseminate this information to whomever you feel comfortable with. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers Park rangers and camp hosts are trained to monitor for solo visitors and making an introduction is strongly recommended. But you don’t have to tell people who aren’t your friends that you’re alone if it makes you feel uncomfortable.
What Is the Most Important Piece of Gear for a Solo Campout?
A satellite communicator or personal locator beacon is really useful. This is a way to send check in messages even if you don’t have cell service at all. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers When you know you can call for help, or inform your family that you’ve made it safely to the end of your journey, the anxiety that comes with the trip gets removed.
How Do I Handle Boredom While Camping Alone?
Take a hard copy of the book, a sketch book or a notebook to write in. You may also pre-download your preferred podcasts or audiobooks and listen to them while cooking. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers Camp chores, such as gathering wood and preparing meals which take a lot of time, fill up the evening hours naturally.
Conclusion
Going in the wild alone can be daunting but it’s also incredibly rewarding to take your first steps into nature. Weekend Camping Spots for Solo Travelers Once you’ve camped at one of these reliable spots, you’ll understand how quiet time alone can truly be. Which of these gorgeous locations will you have the opportunity to visit first?
