Is It Safe For Women To Camp Alone?

Funny timing on this post, Christine! I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I’ve never camped alone, and I’d like to, but like you I worry I’d lay awake all night feeling vulnerable and over-analyzing every strange outdoor noise. I’m not sure how rational that is, but knowing its irrational doesn’t mean I’d sleep, does it?

I suppose a lot of it comes down to experience level and what you’re up to while you’re camping, too. I’d be lying awake worrying mostly about my fellow humans, but in the same way that there are safety issues with hiking alone, I’d expect backcountry camping alone wouldn’t always be wise, either – and not because of other people. I think nearly every cougar or bear attack I’ve heard of, the hiker was solo.

Anyway, if you decide to give it a whirl, let me know how it goes! I’d love a little encouragement.

I get a lot of grief from family/friends/coworkers for doing these same kinds of things. Couchsurfing itself has been such a hard sell to those who are used to conventional means of lodging. I’d say the best advice for those taking risks while traveling (male or female) is to just trust your intuition. Take a moment, judge the situation and those around you (against my normal non-judgmental attitude, when safety is involved, I find judgment is a survival tactic, not something to be looked down upon). If you feel comfortable, you likely are. If you don’t, get out. Always have an escape route and don’t be afraid to use it. Once that’s out of the way, take risks, I say. Some of the most amazing things I’ve seen/done have been via unconventional and sometimes scary means.

I agree with Abbey and Lindsey. Its important to use common sense. I pick the campground by checking the security and atmosphere. I really like a campground that has a host on each loop.

I Introduce myself to the host and let them know where to find my trail itinerary (normally under my stove) and what time I should be back in camp. It has worked well for years.

I will admit I don’t backpack alone much. When I do I avoid busy areas close to roads. Most criminals are lazy and opportunistic.

BTW my favorite place to camp alone is the Davidson River Campground near Brevard, NC. Very single gal friendly.

Christine,

This is an issue that is so loaded with feminist issues it’s intimidating. Here are some facts to keep in mind: As women we are FAR more likely to be harassed or assaulted by men we know and trust than we are by strangers. With one notable exception, I’ve hiked alone safely for 4 years in the Sierra Nevada.

As women, we are held responsible for what happens to us; “well, she was wearing a halter top and shorts, she was asking for it…” or “That’s what happens if you start drinking at a bar…”. Never mind that #1 these incidents are way more rare than being raped or abused by a father, boyfriend or sibling, and #2, why should we be held responsible for crimes against us for things that are not illegal by any stretch of the imagination?

Yes, I’ve spent a night wondering what that slurping noise was outside my tent–turned out it wasn’t outside my tent at all, it was the plastic flooring being lifted by a stiff breeze. I’d bet my bear canister that any male trail-newbie would have been just as scared.

That one time I mentioned? A trail assignation turned sour when he wanted to do something to me that was outside my boundaries; Up until that point it was consensual. When I told him to stop, he did. It wasn’t fun, but I’m not sure I’d call it rape either.

I’ve gotten to the point in my life where I feel safer on the trail than I do among male “friends” and colleagues. All the men I’ve met on the trail have been respectful, not condescending, and in one particular case recently blessedly helpful.

I was hiking out of Vogelsang High Sierra Camp via the Rafferty Creek trail when I was passed by two men. We chatted briefly as they passed, and they took off at a good clip. Shortly afterwards, I took a tumble and out of sheer surprise I cried out. I sat on the ground a bit, assessing the damage; A skinned knee, some bruising, and a hard blow to my pride for being such a sissy. Just as I was getting back on my feet, those two men hove into view, coming back to check on who cried out. They offered me a slightly-too-large knee brace, and then offered to carry out something for me; I gladly handed over my sleeping mat and tripod.

They were from a state that has legal gay marriage, and I noted the matching shirts and–get this–wedding bands. Two gay men stopped to help out this single woman on the trail.

Which goes to show that even “abominations” can be kind, decent, caring human beings.

I’m sick of being told I can’t do this or that as a woman by herself. Bugger that for tuppence, says I.

Edie
“Don’t get afraid, get angry!”

Excellent article. Women AND men both should be able to backpack alone comfortably. Ideally it is best for people to backpack/camp with at least one other person, but whether you’re male or female shouldn’t make a difference. Women are just as capable as backpacking on their own as men.

At the end of the day, be smart, and tell someone responsible where you’re going.

Hmm, Westcoast’s comment about “Just know that sometimes unimaginable and horrific things can happen.” really got me thinking. Sure sometimes unimaginable things happen. Your plane could inexplicably crash, there could be a horrendous earthquake, armed gunman could take a bus hostage, you could contract a serious disease from bad food or water or a mosquito bite. And on and on…

But most of us don’t waste our precious energy worrying about “what ifs.” You should absolutely take precautions, like paying attention to the news, getting vaccinated, drinking bottled water in some countries, but once you have done that there is little else you can do. So why worry about things you have no control over and why let it hold you back from doing things you love?

I think the same could be said for camping alone. Take some precautions (letting people know where you are going/when you will return, not bringing attention to yourself as a single traveller) and be aware of your surroundings. Then — ENJOY yourself! By the way, I think some of the “precautions” suggested in “the complete safety guide for women camping alone” are a little on the ridiculous side.

In my travelling experiences across SA and Asia I would say almost 95% of the people who told me stories about being mugged or beat up were completely sloshed (drunk) or high at the time. It is just irresponsible not to keep your wits about you in a foreign country. I have no pity for these people. (I’m not suggesting this is you West Coast). If you are alert and aware of your surroundings, there is a very minimal chance (in most places) of getting attacked. Maybe the same as being in a plane crash?

Christine: There is a hostel in Jackson ( the only one ) for $32 a night. I’ve stayed there and it’s an alright place to crash. I’m headed to Denver tomorrow and none of the hostels online had photos of the insides ( red flag ! ) , so I got a hotel there. Update us with your cheap lodging recommendations for the areas you are seeing if possible!

Give me a break vero. Yes you’re right is is “a hunting ground” out there…out EVERYWHERE! I guess we should never travel, never hike, heck, lets avoid leaving our houses altogether. Yours is the kind of fearmongering that is downright dangerous — much more dangerous than hiking or camping alone. It’s because of people like you that so many people who looked like “terrorists” were beaten or murdered after 9-11.

When I go out alone I make sure I let someone responsible know exactly where I am going and exactly when I will be back. And I take the responsibility to protect myself from the elements(clothing), from injury(first aid kit) and from animals(bear spray). I am prepared to survive/get out on my own. And if I do need to be rescued — well I just don’t see how that would be any different if I was with a “partner.” As for human “predators” why should I be more worried for my safety on the trail than when I walk down my street or in the city park?

I’m sure that if you looked at statistics you are much more likely to be seriously injured/killed driving a car than hiking alone. Guess you should stop driving vero. Or taking the bus for that matter…

Saying hiking/camping alone is “asking for trouble” is the same as saying women wearing short skirts are “asking” to be raped, not that it would surprise me if you believed that too.

I know I’m a year late on this thread, but just in case anyone stumbles onto it, I wanted to add this comment.

I hike and camp by myself quite a bit in the Sierra Nevadas, sometimes for up to a couple weeks. To be honest, I worry a lot more about my personal safety driving a car, or walking home alone in the city. In fact, you’re probably safer camped alone on the edge of an alpine lake than you are in a crowded campground. A person who’s looking for an easy target probably isn’t going to go looking in the wilderness. I’m not saying it NEVER happens, but it’s very, very, very rare. The odds are overwhelmingly in your favor.

My biggest concerns hiking alone are with getting injured – not other people, or even animals (although we don’t have grizzlies in the Sierras – they’re a different story). I don’t do any off-trail hikes when I’m solo, so if something happens I’m in a place where the next hiker coming through will see me – and really, except for a couple ‘unpopular’ stretches of wilderness I’ve been in, someone will definitely come along within 24 hours.

I consider myself a feminist, but I have gotten flack from other women who are really focused on the idea that as women, we are natural targets and victims. I’m not saying they’re wrong, but being liberated, and being empowered, means living your life without fear. If you hem yourself in, and choose to not do things you really want to try because you’re afraid of being ‘targeted,’ then you’re already a victim. You’ve allowed the world to tell you what your place is, and what you’re capable of. I just say F*U to that.

I’m cautious in everything I do, because I’m not an idiot and I don’t have a death-wish, but there is nothing I won’t do – on my own or otherwise – if it’s what I want to do. I’ve had some unpleasant times as a result of that – getting harassed traveling alone in other countries, etc. etc., but I’m not sorry I did any of those things, and I learned how to handle myself better, and take better precautions as a result of the badness.

Men get into some pretty ugly situations too – like getting beat up, or robbed, but it doesn’t keep them hiding in their houses. It shouldn’t keep us hiding either.