Now that the days are warming up nicely and the nights are only slightly cool, you may want to consider enjoying nature a bit more. Solo car camping trips are often the way to go if you need some time by yourself to relax, unwind and get away from the stressors of work. However, because solo camping is not for the faint of heart, consider these tips before your first time roughing it.
While your first solo car camping trip may be filled with worry over whether something bad will happen, if you will run out of food or if you will encounter a dangerous wild animal, you will quickly begin learning the ropes and realizing that if you practice basic safety techniques you can have a pleasurable and safe trip by yourself. Soon you will begin connecting with yourself and discovering more about what makes you who you are. Also, remember that if you are camping in state or national parks, you can reach out to park rangers who will have helpful information about the lay of the land.
About the Author:
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.
Get Familiar with Camping
If you have never been camping before, solo car camping is most likely not for you. You need to be familiar with the basics of roughing it, such as laying a fire, keeping away from wild animals and hiking. You should also know the basics of first aid and wilderness survival to ensure that you will not make a newbie mistake on your first solo camping trip.Pack Lightly
Since you will need to be transporting everything yourself, you should pack lightly, particularly if you plan on parking your car and hiking to a nearby location to sleep. Water and food are some of the biggest items you should carry, but make a few adjustments to lighten your load. For example, instead of carrying an entire water purifier, use space-saving purification tablets, and instead of using firewood for cooking, carry a small gas or alcohol-burning stove.Pick the Right Car
Your car is probably your best bet for safety because you will count on it to get you back home and to keep you and your belongings safe from wildlife and weather. Visit a dealership and choose a small SUV that is good for rugged terrain, such as the GMC Acadia or the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A Subaru Forester is a great compact SUV that has plenty of space for cargo.Stay Slightly on the Grid
Make sure that someone knows where you are going to be before you leave. While camping is not a time that you want to stay connected to your phone, you may want to have access to a phone charger while you are gone in case of emergency. Additionally, make sure that your contact person knows your license number and make and model of vehicle.Travel with Emergency Devices
You may not have cell phone capabilities everywhere you camp. Definitely invest in a battery-powered weather radio and a whistle. You may also want to purchase or rent a personal locator beacon to help rescuers find you should you need help.While your first solo car camping trip may be filled with worry over whether something bad will happen, if you will run out of food or if you will encounter a dangerous wild animal, you will quickly begin learning the ropes and realizing that if you practice basic safety techniques you can have a pleasurable and safe trip by yourself. Soon you will begin connecting with yourself and discovering more about what makes you who you are. Also, remember that if you are camping in state or national parks, you can reach out to park rangers who will have helpful information about the lay of the land.
About the Author:
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.
