Would you ever go camping alone?

Question

I go quite often camping and hiking alone in the wilderness, sometimes even for two-three days.

My wife is not very happy about it and has imposed that I answer her calls immediately or if I'm busy within 10 minutes before she assumes I'm lost and contact the authorities. She's scared something might happen to me.

The next trip I'm planning though is my half-sister, as birdwatching experience - it's something she's really excited about since she loves outdoor life like me. My wife is slightly more serene too because I won't be alone.

Screenwriter · Accepted Answer

I don't blame her if you're going to remote places.

Julien Sands went hiking alone, something he did regularly, and he was an experienced mountaineer when he went to the San Gabriel mountains along a trail that climbed 4,000 feet.

There was evidence of avalanches in the area where he went. He went left January 8, was reported missing late that day, his car was found the 13th and his phone was pinged and it was apparent it had gone dead. Human remains were found in June. They were positively ID'd in July 2023. No cause of death has been determined, so it appears it was some kind of accident. It's apparent, only bones were found, and they weren't broken.

You don't want this to happen to YOU or your family. I'm going to tell you something that you should apply to your camping. Swimming. You should never swim alone. Always have a swim buddy. Do the same for camping UNLESS you're camping in a populous area. BUT, you go to remote areas to have some peace. I get this. But it's not a safe choice.

Tell your family WHERE you're going and don't veer off the camping plan you decide on. Tell everyone how LONG you're going to be out and DON'T change that plan. This is just like hunting: plan the hunt and hunt the plan. Plan the camping and camp the plan. Always take your phone with you and a charger. Tell everyone where you'll leave your car.

When you're in a remote place you often don't have cell tower access. But check in at regular times via text or a ranger station. Find a way that your wife/family DO NOT WORRY about you.

It's not about YOU. It's about all the people connected to. you who love and worry about you. And there are accidents that can happen that come out of the blue. Don't camp when bad weather is predicted: fires, extreme heat or cold, dangerous animals have been seen in the area. Do the best you can to plan the safest camp you can.

Having a camping partner is the No. 1 safety tip. Giving your camping plan is No. 2.

sage2021 · Accepted Answer

No I would not and your wife is 100% right.
This isn't like the old days where there wouldn't have been much of a threat, but things are different now.
If you are in America 🇺🇸, you need to know that the government just let 9 MILLION people into the country. A lot of them are terrorist, murderers, rapist, very bad people.

I understand that you love to go camping alone. I get it. But you cannot afford to pay the price for doing it, which could more than likely be killed and they'll take all your stuff with them.
PLEASE, DON'T DO IT. Try to find something else to do that brings serenity to you.
Maybe you might want to post that as a question - huh? 🙂
You might get an answer you hadn't thought about before. Try it.

Remember there are very bad people out there, please.

OfDeath · Accepted Answer

I never have but I’m thinking about it because I scored this awesome telescope from a second hand store. I looked it up and it’s worth about $600 but I got it for $30. It isn’t a toy it’s for serious astronomy enthusiasts. I know all the parts are there too because I painstakingly put it together for a test run. I still haven’t worked out which diameter lenses etc to use for different situations. But once I have, I’m going out bush to check out the clear night sky.

OtterMan68 · Accepted Answer

As a man yes. I love travelling alone: I set my own schedule, do and see what I want to see.

If I were a woman, I'd be sure I had some protection with me, and I'd research camp grounds: is there phone service. Has anyone had bad experiences there? Closest ranger, etc.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

I have done it several times when I was younger. It was always a good time for self-reflection.

Kori1236 · Answer

I camp with my dog a lot. But it can be dangerous I’ve gotten myself into a few close calls so your wife’s concern is understandable. People go missing (check out missing 411 cool and creepy stories) animals can predate on humans, natural disasters etc. but maybe to ease her concerns you could look into an AirTag or something so she can check and make sure you’re safe

matchrestore · Answer

I used to go camping alone - hiking in the backcountry. It was always nice to just get away from everything. I haven't gone out on my own often since I've got a family, but I still do. My wife wants periodic check-ins, especially if there's weather, but is not quite as insistent on it as yours.

Dargil · Answer

During my motorcycling days, I did often. I was even visited by a bear who did me no harm. He just stole my corn chips.

Tiptoetamm · Answer

Yeah I would. Take some me time. That's the best way to get away from everyone everything and just do me. Meet me people off I go to a campground always and safe tho

DubiousIntentions · Answer

To do so alone may sound nice, but it is madness. To me it shows someone doesn't care much for their loved ones who will worry about you and suffer the heartbreak if something should happen to you. And we all know, shit happens!

DarkWinterNights · Answer

I’ve done it before. I’m a lot more likely to if I can stay in my vehicle though. Tent camping alone makes me a bit nervous.

NathanDavis · Answer

yes, every couple of years... I do take off to the mountains by myself but now is just a few days

TrueConfection · Answer

I think I'd get bored. What I love most about camping is the undivided time spent with my family. 💕

SotiCoto · Answer

Smash phone. Answer the call of the wild.

Iron_Man · Answer

No that would suck I like seeing the scenery, but I don’t want to sleep out there by myself

Massageman · Answer

The thought of being "alone" in the outdoors is a noble one, but from a standpoint of safety, you should have at least two in a group.

purplepoppy · Answer

Nothing dangerous around here and you see lone campers all the time.

Staximus · Answer

They find dead hikers who go out alone all the time up in the mountains and out in the desert over here. Don't be a dumb ass, you'll live longer.

Fireguy17 · Answer

I've done it many times on motorcycle trips. I was fine with it.

Jkgordon · Answer

Just. Becareful I watch horror movies but yes I mighttryit

exitseven · Answer

I did it once a long time ago. I hitchhiked near the Canadian border.

Nikki1989 · Answer

I have, but it is kind of boring being alone.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

I have done so before, even though it isn't really wise.

KittygosMeoWW · Answer

I used to go hiking, kayaking, and camping with my dog

Would you ever go camping alone?

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