There’s something quietly radical about choosing to sleep alone under the stars. No group chatter. No agenda. No one asking what’s for dinner. Solo camping strips everything back to you, your gear, and the wild. But for many would-be adventurers, the idea sounds better in theory than in practice. What if you get bored? What if it’s scary? What if you just… don’t enjoy it?
Good news: solo camping doesn’t have to feel lonely or dull. Done right, it can be deeply fun, calming, creative and confidence-boosting. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to add more magic to your next trip, this detailed guide will help you plan, prepare and play your way to an unforgettable solo camping experience.
It’s also important to mention, one of the most underrated benefits of solo camping is the mental reset it provides. Time alone in nature can slow racing thoughts, reduce stress hormones, and create a sense of calm that lingers long after you’ve packed up your tent. If you’re curious about the science behind it – and how to make the most of nature for your wellbeing – we’ve put together a detailed guide on how camping improves mental health, packed with practical tips and fascinating research.
To make solo camping fun, choose a location that feels inspiring but manageable, pack comforts that boost your morale (music, books, good food), plan activities you love (photography, foraging, journaling), create a cosy camp setup, and reframe solitude as freedom – not absence.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover why solo camping is worth trying, how to plan your first trip, gear that actually makes it enjoyable, solo-safe routines, creative ideas to stay entertained, and expert tips to turn fear into freedom.
Contents
- Why Go Solo? (And Why It’s Worth It)
- Planning a Trip That Sets You Up for Success
- Build a Camp That Feels Like Home
- Make It Fun (Even When You’re Alone)
- Dealing with Doubts, Fears and the “What Ifs”
- Your Calm-at-Night Toolkit
- Activities That Add Joy to Your Solo Trip
- Solo Camping FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Why Go Solo? (And Why It’s Worth It)
Solo camping isn’t just about being alone – it’s about reclaiming space. Space to think without interruption. To breathe without rushing. To nap when you want, eat exactly what you fancy, and wander in any direction your curiosity takes you.
In daily life, your time is often carved up by other people’s needs, schedules, and noise. Solo camping presses pause on all of that. Without the distractions of conversation or compromise, you get a rare opportunity to connect more deeply with the natural world – and with yourself.
And here’s the thing: done right, solo camping isn’t lonely – it’s liberating. It’s waking to birdsong instead of phone alarms. It’s making coffee slowly, watching the steam curl into the morning air. It’s having the freedom to spend an hour watching light move across a hillside because no one’s hurrying you along.
You don’t need to be an extrovert or a seasoned survivalist to enjoy it. In fact, most first-time solo campers are just ordinary people with a good plan, a few confidence-boosters, and a willingness to lean into the quiet. What you get in return is a rich, restorative kind of adventure that can reset your mood, perspective, and energy levels.
The benefits go beyond the emotional – they’re biological too. Studies on time spent alone in nature (including UK research from Mind and Forestry England) have linked solo outdoor experiences to:
- Reduced cortisol levels (lower stress)
- Increased creativity and problem-solving skills
- Improved emotional resilience and adaptability
- Better sleep quality after your body adjusts to natural light patterns
- Boosted mood through increased dopamine and serotonin activity
If modern life feels like it’s been slowly fraying your attention span or raising your stress baseline, a few days camping alone can feel like pressing a mental reset button. It’s not about escaping reality — it’s about coming back to it calmer, clearer, and more capable.
For more, see Mind UK’s guide to nature and mental health.
Planning a Trip That Sets You Up for Success
A great solo camping trip doesn’t start when you zip up your tent – it starts at the planning stage. The more thought you put into your location, gear, and comfort ahead of time, the more headspace you’ll have to actually enjoy being out there.
And when you’re camping alone in the UK, preparation isn’t just about packing the right gear – it’s about building confidence before you even leave the driveway.
Start Simple, Not Remote
Your first solo trip doesn’t have to be an epic trek into the wilds of the Cairngorms. In fact, choosing somewhere close, familiar, and easy to reach will make the experience far more enjoyable.
Think: a friendly campsite in the Lake District, a sheltered spot on a Welsh hillside, or even a National Trust campsite you’ve driven past dozens of times.
Why? Because when you strip away the safety net of a group, every challenge – from pitching your tent to making dinner – feels bigger. Starting with a location that’s easy to access and has basic facilities means you can focus on the fun, not firefighting problems.
Good beginner solo camping options in the UK include:
- Great Langdale Campsite, Lake District – Surrounded by mountains, but with on-site showers and a shop.
- Wye Valley Campsites, Wales – Peaceful riverside pitches with easy walking routes.
- Burnbake Campsite, Dorset – Close to the Jurassic Coast with plenty of amenities.
- Rothiemurchus Camp & Caravan Park, Scotland – Gateway to Cairngorms walks without the isolation risk.
These types of sites give you the beauty of nature plus the reassurance of other people nearby if you need help. For inspiration, browse National Trust’s list of top UK campsites.
Choose a Location That Feels Inviting
Pick somewhere you’re genuinely excited about, not just somewhere that’s convenient. If you’re a mountain lover, book a valley site with ridge views. If you love the sea, go coastal. The more the setting stirs your curiosity, the more energised you’ll feel once you’re there.
In the UK, OS Maps, Google Earth, and even Instagram geotags are great for scouting views, terrain, and possible pitch spots. Planning with anticipation in mind is half the fun – you want to be looking forward to the trip from the moment you book it.
Plan for Comfort, Not Minimalism
There’s a time and place for ultralight camping – but a first solo trip isn’t it. Comfort is confidence. That might mean a real pillow instead of a stuff sack, a hot water bottle for chilly nights, or a Bluetooth speaker for background music while you cook.
Creature comforts don’t make you less of an adventurer; they make you more likely to enjoy the adventure.
Morale-boosting extras worth packing include:
- A soft down blanket or fleece throw
- A mini camping chair or hammock
- Snacks you’d never buy at home
- A scented candle in a tin (safe and windproof)
Build a Camp That Feels Like Home
When you’re camping alone, your tent (assuming you’re not camping without a tent!) isn’t just somewhere to crash – it’s your living room, bedroom, kitchen, and safe haven all rolled into one. The more inviting you make it, the more relaxed and confident you’ll feel once the sun goes down.
Make It Cosy
Think of your tent as a little retreat rather than a purely functional shelter. Comfort has a direct impact on your mood, and when you’re solo camping, your morale is everything. Small touches like soft lighting, warm layers, and a clean, dry sleeping setup can transform a standard pitch into a cocoon you’ll look forward to returning to.
You don’t need to spend a fortune – a simple string of battery-powered fairy lights or a headlamp wrapped in a water bottle creates a warm glow without the bulk of a lantern. Throw in a fleece blanket, a decent pillow (skip the inflatable one if you hate it), and perhaps a hot water bottle, and suddenly the outdoors feels a lot less spartan.
If the forecast is chilly, layering your sleeping bag with an insulated liner can make a huge difference. And don’t underestimate the joy of slipping into dry socks before bed – it’s one of camping’s unsung luxuries.
Set Up in Daylight
Arriving early isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a solo camping essential. Pitching in daylight lets you scout for the best spot, check the ground for sharp stones or roots, and orient your tent for morning sun or evening shade.
In the UK, that also means you can spot things like wind exposure, potential water run-off if it rains, and whether your “perfect view” comes with a midges problem (Scotland, we’re looking at you).
Daylight setup also removes the stress of fumbling with tent poles by torchlight and allows you to take a slow walk around your surroundings before dark. That little recon mission will help you feel settled and secure once night falls.
Cook Something You Actually Look Forward To
One of the fastest ways to boost your mood in camp? Eat well. Outdoor cooking doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes, but it should mean meals you genuinely enjoy.
If you’re camping in the UK, the weather can turn quickly, so plan for something warm and quick to prepare. A small camping stove (or even a lightweight gas burner) is all you need for a hearty one-pot meal.
Here are three tried-and-tested solo-friendly camping dinners that require minimal kit and deliver maximum satisfaction:
- Chilli with tortilla chips and grated cheese – Use a pre-made pouch of chilli (Look What We Found, for example), heat it through, and add tortilla chips and cheese on top for crunch and comfort.
- Mac and cheese with smoked paprika – Cook pasta on your stove, stir in a sachet of cheese sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of paprika for smoky depth.
- Couscous with feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes – Boil water, pour over couscous, and stir in chopped feta, sliced olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a no-fuss Mediterranean fix.
Top tip: bring a flask and fill it with boiling water before bed – in the morning, you can make coffee or tea instantly without getting out of your warm layers.
Make It Fun (Even When You’re Alone)
One of the biggest myths about solo camping is that you’ll spend the whole time bored. In reality, the quiet gives you space to do the things that get drowned out in daily life. No competing conversations, no scrolling feeds, no background TV – just the freedom to decide exactly how you want to spend your time.
Pack Entertainment You Actually Enjoy
Think about the hobbies and pastimes you never seem to have time for at home. A solo trip is the perfect excuse to dust them off. Maybe that’s the novel you’ve been meaning to read for months, or a playlist you’ve been curating for years but never had a proper moment to enjoy.
Offline entertainment is key – not because there’s anything wrong with tech, but because mobile signal can be patchy in the UK’s best wild spaces. A downloaded podcast, audiobook, or playlist means you can settle in by the tent and let the evening roll on without worrying about buffering.
For a more tactile experience, pack a journal or sketchpad. Recording your thoughts, doodles, or wildlife sightings can be surprisingly rewarding. And if you want to lean into the natural setting, try a stargazing app or a nature ID guide – both turn downtime into discovery time.
Try a Meditation or Mindfulness Practice
If you’ve ever struggled to meditate at home, you might find it almost effortless in a quiet, natural setting. The absence of background noise makes it easier to notice the details: the rustle of leaves, the faint call of an owl, the way the air cools as the sun drops.
You don’t need to sit cross-legged or chant – simply focus on your breath and your surroundings. Apps like Waking Up or Calm can guide you through a short session (download them beforehand), or just close your eyes and make a mental note of everything you hear, smell, and feel.
Even ten minutes of this can:
- Lift your mood
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Deepen your appreciation of the moment
Do Something Physical
Movement is one of the fastest ways to feel energised and grounded on a solo trip. That could be a brisk hike to a nearby viewpoint, a gentle swim in a safe lake, or even a short yoga session on a foam mat.
If you’re nervous about going far alone, start with a short circular trail and build from there. The point isn’t mileage – it’s movement. If you want to make it more of an adventure, try geocaching, wildlife tracking, or simply exploring an area you’ve never walked through before.
Tip: If your back tends to grumble after activity, our guide to the best camping mattresses for bad backs can help you sleep comfortably afterwards.
Unlock Your Creativity
There’s something about solo time that invites creativity. Without interruptions, ideas tend to bubble up naturally. Bring a sketchpad and try capturing the landscape in pencil or watercolour. Experiment with landscape photography – golden hour in the UK countryside is hard to beat.
You could record a voice diary, whittle a spoon, write postcards to yourself, or learn to identify birdsong with a pocket guide. Even carving your initials into a stick (never a living tree) can feel oddly satisfying.
Create a Comforting Solo Bedtime Routine
Night-time in the outdoors feels different when you’re alone, so it helps to have a small ritual that signals to your brain that everything is safe and calm.
That might look like:
- Changing into clean, dry layers
- Brushing your teeth by headlamp
- Sipping a hot chocolate or herbal tea
- Writing down one moment from the day you enjoyed most
It doesn’t need to be elaborate. The point is to end the day with a little anchor – something familiar and grounding before you zip up your tent and drift off.
Dealing with Doubts, Fears and the “What Ifs”
Even the most confident campers can feel a wobble when the light fades and the countryside goes quiet. It’s completely normal – especially on your first solo trip – to have moments where the silence feels too big, the shadows too long, and every rustle in the grass becomes a potential stalker. This doesn’t mean solo camping isn’t for you. It means you’re human.
The good news? For most people, that uneasy feeling eases significantly by the second night, as your body and mind adjust to the rhythm of the outdoors. The trick is to manage that first night well so you can settle into the experience rather than spending it wide-eyed and tense.
Acknowledge the Wobble
Don’t try to suppress your nerves. Instead, acknowledge them. Say to yourself, “I’m feeling a bit uneasy – and that’s fine.” This self-validation can be surprisingly calming. Accepting that nerves are part of the process takes away their power.
Use Anchors
Anchors are small sensory cues that remind your nervous system you’re safe. This could be music you love, familiar snacks, a scarf that smells like home, or even your favourite camping mug. These grounding items tell your brain: This is my space, I belong here.
Use Logic + Lists
When fear is vague, it feels bigger. When you break it down, it usually shrinks. Make a simple two-column list:
- What I’m worried about
- How likely it is + what I’d do
Example:
- What if I hear a noise? Likely a deer, fox, or just the wind.
- What if someone approaches my tent? I’ve chosen a legal, safe location. I’m allowed to be here.
You’ll quickly realise most fears are either unlikely or already have a practical response.
Know That You Can Leave
This isn’t a test of endurance. If you ever feel truly uncomfortable, you’re free to pack up and go home. Even one night outdoors builds valuable experience and confidence. You don’t have to “win” solo camping by staying longer than you want.
Your Calm-at-Night Toolkit
If you find your nerves spiking at bedtime, here’s a set of practical, tried-and-tested methods for steadying yourself so you can actually enjoy the peace of night:
1. Light the Right Way
Use a soft, warm glow from a lantern or headlamp wrapped in a translucent bottle. This creates a homely atmosphere that signals safety, unlike harsh white beams which can feel cold and clinical.
2. Warm Up Before Bed
Cold muscles tighten – and tension feeds anxiety. Change into dry clothes, sip a hot drink, and slip a hot water bottle or hand warmers into your sleeping bag.
3. Sound Control
A small Bluetooth speaker playing gentle music, a downloaded audiobook, or a curated nature sounds playlist can mask unfamiliar noises. If you prefer quiet, try earplugs in one ear so you still hear enough to feel aware.
4. Scent Memory
Bring a scent you associate with relaxation – lavender oil, a favourite candle tin, or even fabric that smells like home. Smell is a direct line to your emotional state.
5. Movement Reset
If anxiety spikes, don’t stay curled up. Step outside, stretch, breathe slowly, and look up at the sky. Moving your body interrupts the fight-or-flight loop.
6. Reassurance Ritual
Before turning in, check your tent zips, secure your gear, and walk the perimeter with a torch. Pair this with a mental cue – “Everything is in place. I’m safe.” That simple loop of action plus words reassures your subconscious.are normal. Each trip is a step forward in confidence. Your goal is to build trust in yourself, not tick boxes.
Activities That Add Joy to Your Solo Trip
Once you’ve settled into the rhythm of solo camping, you’ll realise one of its greatest gifts: you can fill your time however you like, without compromise. You’re not trying to keep a group entertained or negotiating over what to do next – the itinerary is entirely yours. This opens up space for activities that are both deeply personal and wonderfully simple.
Forage for Edible Plants (Do Your Research First!)
Learning to identify wild edibles turns an ordinary walk into a treasure hunt. Think wild garlic in spring, blackberries in late summer, or nettles for soup and tea. Bring a good UK foraging guide or use an app (offline, if possible), and always double-check your finds before eating – many plants have dangerous lookalikes. Not only is it satisfying, but it’s also a way to deepen your connection with the landscape you’re in.
Listen to Owls or Morning Birdsong
When you’re alone in nature, sound becomes sharper. In the stillness, the hoot of a tawny owl or the layered melodies of dawn can feel magical. Take a quiet moment to simply sit and listen. If you’re curious, download a birdsong identification app so you can learn which species you’re hearing – it’s like turning nature into your own live orchestra.
Make Your Morning Brew a Whole Ceremony
Instead of gulping down a rushed cup of coffee, turn it into a ritual. Heat water slowly, savour the smell of fresh grounds or tea leaves, and sip while watching the sun climb. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, that first warm drink tastes better when paired with the quiet satisfaction of having the world to yourself.
Take Long Exposure Night Photos
If you’ve ever wanted to capture the sweep of the Milky Way or the glow of your tent under the stars, solo camping is the perfect time to experiment. Bring a tripod, use your phone or camera’s manual settings, and let the exposure run for 10–30 seconds. The results often feel otherworldly – a visual souvenir of the silence and beauty of the night.
Build a Small Campfire (Where Permitted)
Few things feel as grounding as sitting by a fire you built yourself. It’s warmth, light, and comfort rolled into one. Keep it small, use a fire pit if available, and always follow local regulations. If open fires aren’t allowed, a camping stove or lantern can create a similar sense of cosiness.
Write or Sketch Your Surroundings
Solo camping gives you the time to really see a place. Capture it in words, sketches, or even short audio recordings describing the colours, sounds, and sensations around you. These moments become a kind of time capsule – a way to remember not just what you saw, but how it felt to be there.
Plan Your Next Adventure
With no distractions, your mind often drifts to “what’s next?” Keep a small notebook for jotting down future trip ideas, skills you’d like to learn, or kit upgrades you’ve been meaning to research. Planning in the moment – while you’re still surrounded by nature – keeps your enthusiasm alive long after you get home.
The beauty of solo camping is that you can follow your curiosity wherever it leads. Without the pull of conversation or group consensus, even the smallest activities – boiling water, watching clouds, or tracing a footpath you’ve never taken – can feel purposeful and rewarding. When there’s no one else to entertain, you rediscover the quiet thrill of simply being interested in the world around you.
Solo Camping FAQ
Is it safe to camp alone in the UK?
Yes – solo camping in the UK can be very safe if you follow some common-sense precautions. Choose a location that’s well-known and ideally has other campers nearby for your first trip. Always tell someone where you’re going, share your expected return time, and check in when you arrive and leave. Trust your instincts – if a place doesn’t feel right, move on.
Legally, wild camping is permitted across most of Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, provided you follow the “leave no trace” principle. In England and Wales, wild camping is only legal in certain areas (like Dartmoor National Park, with some restrictions) or with the landowner’s permission. If you’re not sure, our guide Can You Camp Anywhere in the UK? covers the rules in detail.
What gear should I prioritise for solo camping?
Beyond the camping basics – a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat – there are a few essentials that make solo camping safer and more enjoyable:
- Power bank or portable charger – to keep your phone and GPS devices running in case of emergency.
- Reliable headtorch with spare batteries – hands-free lighting is invaluable after dark.
- Lightweight stove and cooking gear – a hot drink or meal can do wonders for morale.
- Comfort items – such as a good book, a small pillow, or warm clothes.
- Navigation tools – like an OS map or a GPS device (don’t rely solely on your phone signal).
What if I get bored?
In reality, most solo campers find the opposite – they wish they had more time. Without the distractions of daily life, you’ll find yourself absorbed in small pleasures: watching the fire, listening to owls, or cooking something slow and delicious.
That said, it’s worth packing a few low-effort activities: a paperback, a journal, a nature ID app, a camera, or even a deck of cards. Some campers also set themselves a “mini mission” – like photographing 10 wildflowers, spotting constellations, or trying a new camp recipe.
What if I can’t sleep?
It’s completely normal to find the first night a bit restless, especially if you’re not used to the sounds of nature. Here are a few tried-and-tested tips:
- Bring familiar comforts – a warm blanket, a pillow from home, or your favourite pyjamas can help you relax.
- Have a warm drink before bed – herbal tea or hot chocolate works wonders.
- Use meditation or sleep apps – download them beforehand so they work offline (try Calm, Waking Up, or Headspace).
- Block out light and sound – an eye mask and earplugs can make a huge difference.
- Reframe it – being awake at night in the outdoors isn’t dangerous, it’s just different. Listen to the night sounds, breathe, and let your body settle.
How do I deal with feeling nervous?
Feeling jittery – especially when darkness falls – is completely normal. Even experienced solo campers get the occasional wobble. The trick is to have strategies ready:
- Set up camp early so you feel settled before nightfall.
- Choose a pitch that feels secure – near other campers or with a good view of your surroundings.
- Have “anchors” – music, a scarf that smells like home, or a snack you love.
- Run through a mental safety list – remind yourself you’ve picked a legal, safe site, and your gear is ready for any weather.
Can I take my dog solo camping?
Absolutely – many solo campers find that taking a dog adds both companionship and a sense of security. Your dog’s presence can ease nerves and provide an extra layer of alertness at night. Just make sure you choose dog-friendly campsites, bring their bedding, food, and waste bags, and keep them safe around wildlife. For a full guide, check out our post Camping with Dogs: Tips for a Safe and Happy Trip.
Final Thoughts
Solo camping isn’t about proving how tough you are – it’s about discovering how capable, creative, and calm you can be when it’s just you and the outdoors. You don’t need to hike into remote wilderness or pack ultralight to make it worthwhile. You just need a place that excites you, the right gear for comfort and safety, and a mindset that welcomes the quiet instead of fearing it.
The first night might feel unfamiliar – maybe even a little unnerving – but that’s part of the magic. It’s in those moments, as you listen to the wind in the trees or watch the sky change colour at dawn, that you realise you’re not just camping. You’re reconnecting – with nature, with yourself, and with the simple joy of being fully present.
And once you’ve done it, you’ll carry that confidence into everything else you do. Because if you can pitch a tent, cook your own dinner, and fall asleep under the stars – alone – then you can handle a lot more than you think.
So pack your bag, choose your spot, and give it a try. The quiet is waiting for you – and it might just change the way you see the world.
