Your first solo glamping trip can feel equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking. How do you tow and park the camper? Which campsite should you choose? What if something goes wrong? Don’t worry—we’ll turn those worries into a plan so you can roll out feeling confident every time.
Did you know? A Solo Traveler World survey found 72% of American women have taken a solo trip, and 76% list safety as their top concern. (source: http://solotravelerworld.com/about/solo-travel-statistics-data/)
The good news: confidence improves with every trip. Use the practical checklist below and you’ll head out prepared, calm, and excited for the adventure ahead.
1) Build Confidence Before You Go
Having experience keeps you from feeling flustered when it actually comes time to tow your camper. By learning more about your vehicle and camper, and becoming a master at hitching and towing, you’ll be guaranteed to have a stress free trip.
Checklist (Practice Runs):
- Hitch, unhitch, and jack practice (twice).
- Back into cones in an empty lot.
- Change a tire (watch + try).
- Check oil, coolant, and tire PSI.
- Jumper cables: locate + practice on a buddy car.
2) Plan Like a Pro
A good plan makes it looks like you know what you’re doing, and it helps you keep your sanity. Share your itinerary with loved ones, including campground name and site number, know the route, and check the weather forecast.
Checklist (Planning):
- Share itinerary + emergency contact.
- Quick daily “I’m safe” text.
- Offline maps downloaded.
- Weather radio/alerts set for your route.
- Plan a detour + a “bail-out” stop.
3) Safety in Numbers
Solo woman traveler doesn’t mean you have to camp alone. There is safety in numbers, and that’s why organizations like Glamping Grannies exist. Even if you don’t travel together, plan to meet up with a group at your destination. (Check out our upcoming camping get-togethers HERE) It’s not only safer–it’s a lot more fun!!
Checklist (People):
- Join/DM a Glamping Grannies meetup.
- Say hello to a nearby neighbor by daylight.
- Group chat for ETA + check-ins.
- Park where staff/host can see your site.
4) Choose Smart Campsites
Choose an open campsite (lightly shaded is okay) in a popular loop. While solitude is great, it’s not the smartest option when you are traveling alone. Avoid being the only camper on the loop.
Checklist (Site Choice):
- Near bathhouse, host, or camp store.
- Well-traveled loop, not a back corner.
- Arrive before dark; walk the site first.
- Ask to move if it feels unsafe.
- Park nose-out/quick exit if needed.
5) Arrive/Depart Routine
Follow the same routine EVERY time you set up and break down camp. It will keep you from forgetting something (like forgetting to lock your driver’s side storage compartment-ME)
Checklist (Routine):
- Walk the site to look for holes/low branches/large rocks.
- Report any damage to Office before occupying the site.
- Setup routine: Park → level → plug electric (then water and sewer, screen tent, rug, etc)
- Keys, phone, flashlight on your person when outdoors, and by door when in camper.
- Departure routine: stow→ latch→ final walk-around→ double check hitch and safety chains.
6) Personal Safety
Independence is great, and it is so cool that more women are getting out and traveling alone; but personal safety always needs to be a factor. Be aware of your surroundings and have a plan to escape a bad situation.
Checklist (Safety):
- Be polite but standoffish to strangers.
- Don’t tell anybody you are alone.
- Whistle/airhorn or car key panic button in emergency.
- Use motion lights near doors and windows.
- Install contact alarm on door.
- Have your phone, keys, and shoes by the door.
- Walk with a buddy to the store, bathhouse, etc.
- Self-defense basic training
- Pepper spray or wasp spray where allowed.*
- Trust your gut. If you feel threatened, leave!!
* Laws vary—check local/state rules before carrying any defensive spray/device.
7) Digital & Social Safety
Technology has become an integral part of daily life- like it or not. We all love to share our adventures–especially when we are having fun with a group. For you own safety, there are some rules you might want to follow.
Checklist (Digital):
- Don’t tell people where you are until after you leave.
- Don’t share personal information to public forums.
- Use your first name and last initial when leaving reviews or comments.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi; use a mobile hotspot device.
- Have up to date emergency contact information in your phone.
- Make a list of current medications and allergies. Store in your wallet.
- Share route changes with your safety contact.
8) Camp Security
While most RVers are great people, not everybody is 100% trustworthy. Expensive items like generators, Ebikes, kayaks, and golf carts have been stolen from well populated campgrounds, sometimes in broad daylight. Protect your stuff and yourself with this checklist.
Checklist (Gear):
- Put cable locks on your valuable items: generator, bikes, propane tanks, etc.
- Keep your doors/vehicle/compartments locked.
- Use a hitch lock.
- When was the last time your fire extinguisher was checked and certified?
- Keep smoke alarm and CO2 detector batteries fresh.
- Be weather-aware: alerts on, tie-downs ready.
9) Red Flags = Leave (and file a complaint on the way out)
Camping is supposed to bring you joy and peace. If you are frightened or uncomfortable, you need to leave. End of discussion!
Checklist (Things That Throw Up Red Flags)
- Person enters your site repeatedly/uninvited.
- Intoxicated or aggressive neighbors.
- Anyone asking too many personal questions.
- You feel watched or just… uneasy.
It’s okay to ask for a new campsite if you feel uncomfortable. The rangers are there to help you.
Bear says: If a stranger won’t respect your space, I’ll bite them while you go.
Why It Matters
The purpose of this article is not to frighten you, but to educate you. Becoming a solo woman traveler, at any age, is scary. It can be even more stressful for those of us over 55. By being prepared, practicing things until you can do it easily, and having contingency plans for weather, emergencies, or illness, you will have a fun camping adventure without worry.