Camping Alone

Nothing compares to the blissful peace and solitude of camping alone. There’s something very nourishing about setting off on a solo adventure and leaving the worries of the world behind. Whether you need a break from the city, your friends were busy, or your camping buddy cancelled at the 11th hour, camping alone is a unique and enjoyable experience to be had by all.

Unfortunately, many people have seen films like Wolf Creek and have been turned off camping alone because of the perception of danger. While you will be alone, you certainly don’t ‘need’ to put yourself in danger and with a decent vehicle, thoughtful preparation, and an adventurous attitude, you’ll be set in no time! Here at TJM Dandenong, we’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure you stay on the right path and have a fantastic time when camping alone.

Vehicle

Your vehicle is probably the most important aspect when going on a solo camping adventure. Considering that you’ll likely be driving a long distance, it’s imperative that your vehicle is in good working condition. It’s highly recommended to get a service a couple of weeks before you leave so you can be sure that you don’t get stuck with a broken-down vehicle or waste time waiting for your vehicle to be fixed.

Your mechanic should check the vial components of your vehicle, such as the tyres, brakes, radiator, hoses, fan belts, and fuel and water pumps. It’s also advisable to bring some spare parts with you if you’re heading off on an extended trip. On the other hand, if you’re renting a vehicle or campervan, don’t forget to check the service history.

Preparation

Being well prepared is the key to having a fun time, so there’s several points you should consider when preparing your trip. Depending on where you’re going, you’ll need to map out your trip and know where you can get petrol and supplies along the way. There’s some fantastic camping apps such as WikiCamps and Map of Australia which will assist you in finding appropriate camping sites and the most scenic routes to get there.

If you’re not an experienced camper, we always recommend staying in paid camping sites as opposed to free ones, as it provides you with the luxury of having phone reception, a landline, and a proper shower! Plus, you’ll likely make some friends to share your camping experiences and gain some valuable insight.

Travel Lightly

While you want to ensure you have enough camping equipment and supplies with you at all times, you also need to be careful not to overdo it. You don’t want to be assembling and disassembling a five-man tent by yourself every time you set up camp. Additionally, if you’re moving campsites every couple of days, consider refilling your supplies along the way which allows you to better plan your meals and reduce wastage. Camping lightly gives you the freedom of travelling anywhere you want with your backpack always by your side.

Safety

Your safety should always be your top priority, so don’t put yourself in a situation where you need someone else to help you if you make a mistake. Using common sense will generally lead you away from danger when camping alone, however it’s critical that you bring a decent medical kit wherever you go. Drinking water is paramount so ensure you have at least 3L every day and 5L if you’ll be active or undertaking activities. Furthermore, we always recommend solo campers to refill their fuel tank every time it’s less than half empty.

Don’t Panic

Things can and do go wrong when you’re camping alone, but it’s important not to panic and use the experience as a learning curve for future endeavours. Generally, there will be other people at campsites that can help you; all you need to do is ask. Camping alone is an adventure and an experience, and you’ll be surprised just how much you learn about yourself along your journey.

If you’ve decided to undertake a solo camping trip and need some camping gear and equipment, get in touch with TJM Dandenong who will be able to assist. Not only do we have a wide range of camping equipment available, but we can also provide friendly and useful advice about your specific trip. For more information, phone 03 9792 1116.

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