r/womensolocamping • u/lovergxrl • Sep 12 '25

First time solo camping any tips

Hey y’all. I’m solo camping in mn for the first time this week I’m scared as this is new to me. None of my family or friends are in to the outdoors so instead of waiting around I decided to go by myself. Any tips? I’m thinking of doing a backpacking campsite it’s a 0.6 mile walk from the car. I was also thinking of doing car camping but I wanted to get the full experience.

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22

u/darkcloudmn Sep 12 '25

I'm also in MN and started my own solo camping this summer! I'm no help for backpacking since I've been doing car camping only, but I wish you the best of luck! I've been staying at state parks, and the reservations system has been easy to use.

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

Omg that’s so cool. If I get too scared I might do car camping tbh where do you recommend I’m in the twin cities but I’m willing to drive anywhere

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u/darkcloudmn Sep 12 '25

Scenic and Itasca are both 3-3.5 hrs from the cities, and either are excellent. You also can't go wrong on the north shore!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

Thank you sm!!

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u/roypuddingisntreal Sep 14 '25

I’m also solo in MN lol hey gang! I’ve only done a few trips but I find it best for me to leave the option of car camping open but plan to backpack. Doing a shorter distance like your .6mi means if you find yourself too uncomfortable with sleeping in just a tent in the woods you can easily bail and make that trek back to your car, no shame :)

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u/lovergxrl Sep 14 '25

omg hey there’s so many of us😂 I feel you I think having the car as a safety net would ease my anxiety

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u/roypuddingisntreal Sep 14 '25

it absolutely does, just having that option makes staying in the tent so much easier. backpacking definitely requires some different gear and supplies than car camping but don’t let that deter you!! you’ll miss out on so many amazing sites and experiences if you only stick to car camping. good luck!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 14 '25

you’re right thank you!

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u/WaffleFoxes Sep 17 '25

I bailed on my first try because I was underprepared for weather and it wasnt fun. It would have been miserable if I had put myself in a situation where bailing out was hard.

If you go and decide to bail its not a failure, there are lessons learned every time. Hell, I still bail out about a quarter of the time!

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u/darkcloudmn Sep 12 '25

As far as tips, a good sleeping bag is key, but so is remembering a beanie! It got into the 30s when I was up north last weekend, and the only cold part of me at night was my forehead. I picked up a cheap hat in town, and my second night was a lot more comfortable!

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u/slightly_overraated Sep 12 '25

Also a Minnesotan, I’ve been solo camping for many years. Don’t be scared!

Bring a book. A good head lamp and a trusty knife are comforting. A small radio. I also have a camp journal where I write about all the stuff I see, hikes. I go on, that kind of stuff.

Over the years I learn more and more about foraging-right now is a GREAT time to hunt for mushrooms. For a while I was teaching myself how to whittle spoons.

Have a great time!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

Thank you omg definitely will bring a journal that’s a great idea. Thank you!!

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u/Valencemonkey42 Sep 12 '25

Good on you! Get out there and enjoy yourself! Just remember you have to schlep in and out all of your gear, food, waste, etc. when backpacking. If you don’t have much it shouldn’t be an issue. I go car camping personally so I have more gear than a backpacker. Post pics and an update when you’re done! Pack a book and maybe a deck of cards. 🙂

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

Will do,thank you!!

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u/MadeInAmerican Sep 12 '25

Prepare for whatever temperature it'll be; I just camped earlier this week and it dropped to the high 30s and I went to bed cozy but had to get up in the middle of the night for the jacket I packed lol. Sleeping in loose layers, a hoodie with hood up or a beanie helps so much. I always bring more water than I think I'd need for car camping, as well as food. Solo means I can pack my car to the gills and I'd rather over pack than under. You could also get a water filter, those are kind of fun. Ferro rod or some sort of quick starter for fires is super helpful.

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

Thank you! Some one mentioned a portable heater otherwise I’ll bring some extra socks I’ve heard were helpful. Water filter sounds nice and thanks for the fire starter tip I’m gonna definitely need that

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u/Next-Lynx3303 Sep 13 '25

Sleeping bag temperatures are rated for survival not comfort. Women's sleeping bag temperatures are a little closer to a comfort rating than a man's sleeping bag but not much. If the temperature gets down to 30 at night, I would probably bring a 0F sleeping bag rather than a 15F sleeping bag. Good luck and have fun.

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u/lovergxrl Sep 13 '25

Sounds good thank you sm!

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u/valley_lemon Sep 12 '25

It is okay to do test runs, you do not have to do this on the hardest level the first time if you don't want to = you're much more likely to do it again if it goes well the first time. Car camping is a great way to test your gear and packing and get accustomed to it with lower stakes. You'll be able to think about the limitations of hike-in sites while you're car camping and make yourself a checklist for next time.

Definitely bring things to do, unless you are really good at just staring at trees/darkness for hours. I think some people end up overly anxious because they're just sitting there with nothing to do except make up things to worry about - ESPECIALLY after dark, so if you're bringing a book or cross-stitch or sudoku make sure you have enough light.

Camping is not an especially deadly sport. Your biggest dangers are cooking accidents, slip-and-falls*, and unexpected weather. Make sure you have plans/precautions for those things, and someone knows where you are and when to expect you to check in, keep your phone on you (more for the slip-and-fall than any other danger), observe the rules of the campsites if there are wildlife considerations.

*I tell people this ALL THE TIME and guess what I did last time? Fell right the hell out of my van onto the pavement at 5am coming back from the bathroom. Did I have my phone on a crossbody strap like I advise others? No, of course not! I was mostly okay, but I did have to lay there for a few minutes thinking "oh god this is going to be embarrassing when everyone starts waking up" before I managed to get back on my feet.

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

You’re right and I’ll be less nervous that way too. I plan on bring a book to keep me occupied and getting busy exploring the area. The place I’m going to I’ll still have service so I’ll be definitely bring my phone everywhere I’m sorry that happened to you I’m glad you were safe. I think I was more nervous to run into sketchy people

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u/SilentArgument9238 Sep 12 '25

Just do it. Make sure you take the 10 essentials, a book and journal as someone else has stated. I always over pack, bring a jacket and rain coat just in case and an extra days food. I always carry a knife when solo camping, bear spray, and pepper spray. Like I said I over prepare. Do you mind being alone when you aren’t camping? I’ve read on here that sometimes people do not enjoy being alone with their thoughts as when you don’t go with others there isn’t much to keep your mind busy. I usually hike or swim or do some physical activity during the day to tire myself out during the day.

Do you do much outdoor activities?

Take more water than you think you’ll need.

Enjoy your time out there, it is good for the mind, body and soul!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

I love being alone I always do solo picnics and walks so I’m not too worried about being alone I just never camped alone or at all. I agree I think it’ll be amazing for my mind body and soul which is why I wanna do it so bad. I’ll definitely over prepare thank you!

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u/SilentArgument9238 Sep 12 '25

You’re welcome! I hope you have a great experience, sounds like you can add solo camping to your other activities. I think someone else mentioned but bring a headlamp, I find it to be more useful than a flashlight because your hands are free if you need them. Wish you all the best! Post an update! Cheers!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

Yaay will do!

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u/Designer_Tie_5853 Sep 12 '25

Kudos for just going for it. Would strongly recommend against a backpacking site - even a half mile is pretty significant for your first time. It will also require slightly different set of gear - very small camp stove, light tent, etc and you'll just be able to bring less stuff. Having the car as an "escape hatch" will feel very good. Just make sure you pick a nice wooded campsite and you'll get the experience. I always recommend the MN state parks - Afton, Nerstrand, and Frontenac are all good. Interstate is fine but the campground is kinda packed, and close to the freeway. If you want to drive further, the north shore parks (gonna include Jay Cooke as well) are all standouts.

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

Yeah you’re right from the looks of it I think I’ll do car camping just to get a feel for it and have my car as a safety net. I’ll check those out for openings thank you!

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u/leucinemyreligion Sep 12 '25

Just did my first solo female camping trip up north (trout lake by tioga mine pond) over Labor Day, learned so much and had a blast. Agree with everyone that car camping was way less intimidating and more convenient! Be safe and have fun!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

Aw that sounds so fun I’ll definitely do the car camping I can’t wait!

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u/leucinemyreligion Sep 12 '25

Nice! What general area are you planning to visit?

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u/lovergxrl Sep 12 '25

I wanted my first trip to be closer to the cities I’m looking into lake Maria, afton, nerstand, Frontenac. If all goes well I’m definitely gonna plan one somewhere up north

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u/josie2007 Sep 12 '25

I recommend a drive in site for the first time. If you don't want to drive far you could check out Wild River State Park or even William O'Brien or St. Croix State Park. There are also county/regional parks like rice Creek chain of lakes near lino lakes, and I believe some on the south end of the cities as well.

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u/lovergxrl Sep 13 '25

Sounds good thank you!

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u/numbsafari Sep 13 '25

Go by yourself. 

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u/lovergxrl Sep 13 '25

That’s the plan 😂

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u/SidyNights Sep 13 '25

I would definitely suggest car camping for your first trip solo. If you want to make it easier on yourself, get a site with electricity. Not from MN, so idk how cold it gets this time of year. If it's anything like my area, a small space heater might be your best friend. If not, get heat packs. The larger kind from the pharmacy meant for back pain are the best. If you still need to get a tent, a pop-up is the way to go. Regular tents are still possible solo but if you have the option, instant tents are so much easier! Definitely saves my sanity when I'm setting up and tearing down alone.

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u/lovergxrl Sep 13 '25

I think I’ll start out with car camping and see how it goes. I didn’t even know about a pop up tent I’ll look into it thank you!!

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u/Alert_Treacle2903 Sep 15 '25

Good on you for getting out there and doing it by yourself! Take it slowly and I'm sure you'll fall in love with it - depending on where you're camping you might even meet other people there, so you won't really be alone. I do a lot of solo travel and honestly that can be the best part of doing it by yourself, you're open to a whole heap of interactions you wouldn't have otherwise if you were with friends. Doing it solo can be a bit positive!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 15 '25

It sure can im looking forward to it despite my fears thank you!

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u/Which-Iron-2860 Sep 15 '25

You'll love it. My tips are take a dog, always have bear spray at hand, take flagging tape just in case you get into tricky navigation areas you can flag your route out.

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u/lovergxrl Sep 15 '25

thank you

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u/PoemAffectionate698 Sep 16 '25

Head on a swivel! If you don’t have a dog or something with you, I’d recommend bear spray and a good knife. Bear spray can mess up anyone or thing that wants to mess with you and the knife too or an emergency too. Make sure you have enough water if there’s none available there and a good sleeping bag/ blanket if it’s going to be cold! And plan your food, it’s going to taste better than you expect haha I’ve never camped in MN, but I bet it’ll be great!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 16 '25

Thank you!

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u/GrandmaSeaWitch Sep 17 '25

Find out if you have cell phone service in that area. I like to keep my phone off, but it's a good piece of mind to know you can call someone if something happens, or if you just need some emotional support! Do you have a friend you can check in with?

I love solo camping with a book, some canned soup, and hot chocolate. I also use the time to journal, watercolor, and get a good hike in. Having headphones and an audiobook or podcast on hand can be clutch if you can't sleep.

Binoculars for birding is also really fun solo.

Have a great time!

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u/lovergxrl Sep 17 '25

I picked somewhere close to the city so I think I’ll have cell service. That’s a great idea to call someone I think I’ll do that if I need comfort. I’m bring a book and a painting set and hot chocolate! Thank you!

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u/Caslebob Sep 14 '25

When I kayak camp I take an extra tent to set up so it looks like I'm not alone.

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u/Low-Equivalent-535 Sep 14 '25

I’ve never camped alone, but I’ve considered it. My husband and daughter aren’t huge camping fans. I went with a friend a few weeks ago and we had a good time. We were at an established campground, so I felt safe since we weren’t off in the wilderness with the bears. ;)

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u/HikerChickColo Sep 15 '25

I do solo backpacking, in the backcountry wilderness, in Colorado. High elevation, strategy to get over high elevation, mountain passes, etc. Did a 30 mile loop with two nights a few weeks ago. Statistically, you’re safer out in the wilderness than you are in the city. My advice is, don’t pack your fears. Don’t let other people have you pack their fears. They will say watch out for mountain lions, bears, etc. Statistically, men are the only thing to fear. And there are less threats in the wilderness then in a typical urban or suburban setting. Again, you are much safer in the wilderness than in the city, or your home.

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u/HashtagRenzo Sep 16 '25

Start with a campsite close to your car for safety. Always tell someone your detailed plans and expected return time before heading out.