Life has been extremely busy in the most meaningful ways. A few months ago, I accepted a new position as a “director of a profession”. I am specifically listing it as such because that is how I listed it in my 100 Life Goals a few years back. Please feel free to check out that post.
The opportunity presented itself in March, and life has been nonstop ever since. However, a few weekends ago, I finally took some time off to reflect and relax with a solo camping trip at one of my favorite state parks, Kickapoo State Park.
While solo camping, I was able to test out recently purchased camping equipment such as a privacy tent, began reading Vagabonding, a book about traveling the world, and deliberated on whether or not long-term travel would be something that I could accomplish any time soon.
Weathering the Storm
In the midst of my Friday relaxation, multiple storms erupted, including a dust storm, a thunderstorm, and a tornado watch, all within an hour. Since my setup consisted of my TEMU SUV tent from last year and everything was connected to my SUV, I decided to just get into my vehicle and wait out the storm.
There were several other options swirling throughout my head during that time. Some included the thought of just pulling out with the SUV tent connected, which would have been insane, or even unconnecting the SUV tent in the storm and driving to a nearby relative’s house or hotel.
Ultimately, I chose to stay put and wait for the storm to pass. Thankfully, all of us campers were safe, though many of our tents took a beating and a lot of our gear ended up soaked.
After about 45 minutes, the storm came to a halt, and the sun came out again, probably a lot more beautiful to begin with. The ground was terribly soaked, and many of us campers had damage that needed tending to. I had to clean out my tent, dry it, and set it up again. Other campers had to dry out their inflatable beds, tents, etc.
Assessing My Set Up Damage
When I first looked at the damage done to my setup, I had a few options. I could get upset, pack up what I could, and return home, or I could clean up my set up and continue with my weekend.
I chose the latter. An hour later, my setup was back up and I was enjoying the evening. I’m glad that I chose the latter because had I been traveling and been somewhere far away, some of my options would not have existed.
For example, I couldn’t just pick up and go back home or to a relative’s house. I would have had to figure it out. And that’s just what I did. I figured it out and am so grateful that I did. It was certainly an act of resilience and has better prepared me for situations that I could encounter when traveling long-term, when the time presents itself.
Solo Female Camping Tips
While the unexpected storm was definitely a memorable part of my trip, I wanted to take a moment to share some camping highlights and helpful tips—especially for fellow solo female campers. Whether you’re new to solo camping or looking to refine your setup, I hope these insights help make your next trip safer and more enjoyable.
1. Privacy Tent Placement
Most people place their privacy tents outside, but I chose to set mine up inside my SUV tent—and I’m so glad I did. This gave me an added layer of privacy and protection when changing clothes or using my portable toilet. Just be sure that both your SUV tent and your privacy tent are at least 6 feet tall so everything fits comfortably.
2. Bring the Right Towels
My Tesalate beach towels were absolute lifesavers. These beach towels are designed to absorb water quickly, so they came in handy after the storm rolled through. I highly recommend packing a couple of fast-drying towels, especially if you anticipate rain or need to clean up quickly.
3. Upgrade Your Sleeping Setup
I slept in the back of my SUV, which is my preferred setup for safety and simplicity. However, I used a 1-inch mattress topper—the same one we used last year during our camper van trip around Lake Michigan —and it just wasn’t enough for a comfortable night’s sleep this time around. Next time, I’ll bring a 2–3 inch foam mattress for added support and rest.
4. Skip the Firewood (If You Want)
Since this was my first solo camping trip, I chose to keep things simple and didn’t bother with firewood or building a full campfire. Instead, I brought a portable campfire tin. It gave off enough warmth and would be ideal for roasting a few hot dogs or making s’mores. I’ve found similar tins in grocery stores or dollar stores for under $10 that I have used on cabin camping trips with my boys. They are convenient, affordable, and easy to use.
5. Pack Smarter, Not More
Full transparency here. I definitely overpacked. Not knowing exactly what I’d need, I brought way more than necessary. On the flip side, I completely forgot one important item: my camping heater. Even if the daytime temperatures are mild, spring and fall nights tend to be chilly. My small camping heater would have made a big difference in comfort.
Final Thoughts
I know firsthand that solo camping as a woman can feel intimidating at first, but it’s also incredibly empowering and peaceful. With a little preparation and the right gear, it can be a safe and enjoyable experience. I’m looking forward to my long-term slow travel journey, so when I do, I’ll definitely be packing a bit lighter (and warmer) next time.
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