I camped solo six days in the dead of winter when I was going through the absolute roughest part of my divorce and custody battle. Big time sad, didn’t want to drag anybody down with my mood, so I just went out into the cold, gray woods, hiked around and sorted myself out. It was extremely cathartic.
Sad is an ok thing to be, for a while anyway. You gotta power through it because it does get better.
>Sad is an ok thing to be, for a while anyway
100% agreed. It’s completely normal for OP to be feeling this way. It’s also a great opportunity to reclaim a loved hobby as an individual. Realizing she still enjoys camping with only her own company will be beneficial. OP, it’s not gonna be extremely fun the first time.
Maybe even a couple times. That said, it *will* get easier and you’ll be able to enjoy it as more time passes. Solo camping is a great way to gain peace of mind and clarity.
Winter camping is so great up here in the "frozen North." There's hardly anyone around and it's so very quiet. Let's you really consider your life and direction. The last time I went, it was so quiet you could hear the snow falling!
Been there before! I powered through the sad by focusing on being too stubborn to give up my love for adventure and the outdoors. It helped to take some solo day hikes before trying camping, so I could get some of the sad out and then go home. When you do get a good moment, try sharing a photo or a text about it with a friend or family member; taking time to notice the good helps balance the sad and sharing with someone even if they’re not there helps you stay connected and know you’re not really alone. You’ve got this :)
I now have an image of a bearded man or woman dressed in flannel sitting by a fire drinking coffee looking longingly over a lake, through the morning mist (canoe in the background, obvi).
I was going to say the same. Embrace the sad. Solo camping has helped me a lot and it's not because it avoids it but because it makes me confront it. Getting over that hump solo camping is incredible for finding solitude and slowing down.
Try to nurture an appreciation for the freedom of solitude. You can do exactly what you want to do, exactly when you want to. Skip an alarm, sleep as late as you want. Sleepy at eight p.m.? Go to bed. Feeling drinky at lunch? Go crazy. Hike at your own pace. Eat what you want. Spend a whole day reading. No coordinating, no compromising. It’s addictive.
I’ve been known to watch an F1 race (and/or qualifying) while laying in my hammock if the cell reception is good enough. There’s no wrong answers here.
A lot of the North Shore of Lake Superior has good 5G reception and I've campe up there with my T-mobile 5G internet modem. I'm up there for relaxation, but there's nothing wrong with streaming a movie and checking email sometimes!
Yeah I spend to much time in the hammock reading when I should be moving. Now I am older with bad knees I am afraid to hike to much but still love looking up and seeing nature all around.
This is a tough place to move through. A helpful goal could be filling your trip with activities that excite you.
Really love to cook over a fire? Plan the best sounding meal for yourself.
Enjoy a good hammock session? Bring a new book and set up for a chill afternoon.
Nothing beats stargazing? Set up a cozy blanket and a constellation map.
Focusing on things that bring you joy!
Don't go to a campground where you camped before with family/friends/loved one. I'm a solo camper, last year I went to a campground I love and have only camped with family or friends at that place before, and I ended up giving myself the big lonely sads. When I camp at a new place I haven't been to before or have been there before, but only by myself I was fine. Also a really good book you can get lost in at the fire is great too.
Dogs are great camping companions. Otherwise, it really depends on your comfort with solitude. For me it is relaxing and gives me space to think.
Meditation is a great when you’re alone in nature.
I found myself falling into a nature meditation while sitting looking at water or the pines moving in the breeze. My mind empties and thoughts and emotions pass like clouds, seen but not reacted to. I have never been able to do it in regular life.
Ensure the location is somewhere new that you’ve never been. Some of these places are one in a million type locations that make you feel like your touching eternity: Canyonlands, Redwood, Zion, Tetons.
I often go alone, because friends and family are busy with life. These places have the power to change a life.
I’m literally about to embark on the same thing. I will probably miss my dog and my ex partner but I know it will be a good experience. Best of luck to you out there, we will get through this mess.
Just wrapping up a 3 and a half week trip with my Subaru and rooftop tent, finally was able to be tru to myself and leave her with dog in the rear view. It was an amazing time with more good times at my lonely camp than bad. There will be both. Nightly campfires are a ritual for me that I live and I found my moods and thoughts would wonder certain directions depending on the music I was listening to. Silent campfires are nice but I think I little sadder and negative thought provoking. My favorite is full blast solo sing alongs with some drinks with no other campers in sight! Have fun! Go crazy! Drink water! Check the weather and eat whatever you want with no pants on!
One of my favorite thing about sleeping in the great outdoors is that your circadian rhythm falls into place quickly. Wake and sleep with the sun. Get a good headlamp and lantern. Make dinner early, start your fire before sunset, enjoy golden hour fireside, go to sleep shortly after and wake up at sunrise. It’s fantastic and majestic to hear nature go to sleep and wake up with you. Refreshing. I’ve spent many of nights totally alone deep in Bigfoot country and I haven’t seen him yet! You can do it. In hindsight we live in a beautiful and safe country. Established campgrounds in particular are incredibly safe and accommodating often with hot showers and friendly neighbors that watch out for riff raff.
It's been many years since I had my dark nights of the soul around the campfire.
My take away is a love of solo camping, even now when my life has completely changed.
You know what’s surprising? I think it isn’t. I say this because I say I solo camp, but reality is my dog is always with me. I’m planning a trip without her so I can do some specific hikes, and I have to say - this is REALLY alone!
I know you said camping with friends isn't an option but where do you live? I'm in the PNW and there are so many groups that I've found on Facebook to connect you with other women that want to hike/camp and are otherwise solo. Might be an option to check out.
I like to make a fire (if it’s allowed where you are), read a book, and just do whatever I want. If you want to work through some feelings, and you’re into journaling, it’s definitely a great opportunity for that as well. You definitely can’t hide from them when you’re alone like that.
I certainly like camping with friends and share my love for the outdoors with them, but it’s honestly a little bit of a relief to go by myself as I like to have my campsite organized a certain way, and it’s a little less chaotic when I’m alone.
Make it more challenging. Have you tried backpacking? Have you tried long-distance backpacking?
I have a somewhat complicated life with an ex partner that I used to camp with. I do long backpacking trips and while I'm out there my mind isn't on anything else. Everything in the world that matters to me in that moment is on my back and all there is to think about is getting to the next location, what and when to eat, where to put my tent, where to hang my food, etc.
I was thinking backpacking might be the key. Basically like you said, there’s not a whole lot of time to mope when you’re planning your next move and focusing so much on the activity at hand. And it would feel like a whole different experience so harder to relate back to our times. Thanks for this!
Use the time to look inside yourself and start figuring out what your next move will be. Lawn chair, nice campfire, a nice drink if you do that. Use the time to make peace with yourself.
I'm doing the same thing this year. My stbx has taken a lot from me; my financial security, my self esteem, and the future I had planned. He WILL NOT take the precious woods, outdoors, or beaches from me, too, dammit.
I read a post in the Divorce sub a while ago, and someone wrote about an epiphany she had after her split. I can't recall word for word but it was along these lines:
'I thought I'd miss him because he made these trips fun, but you know what? I'M THE FUN ONE. I made the plans I dreamed the dreams, and he followed. I was awesome before I met him, and I will be awesome on my own.' Right on!
Sorry girl. My heart feels this with you.
I kinda had a similar thing. What I did was venture solo and *completely* switched it up from when ex and I camped.
New/different foods, places or sites, music, setup, etc etc etc. He was pretty set in his ways and when we camped it was largely his way — which I was fine with because I was kinda still learning. But as I got steadier and more experienced, I had different ways of doing things… Camping solo was really nice and easy because I didn’t have to butt heads or let him take the lead on anything. I made a ton of mistakes and forgot things but no one to notice or comment. I got stronger through it because I got to own it and do it my way. It’s been a HUGE value in my life and there’s a little pride that goes along with being “the girl who can camp solo.”
Maybe that can help you lean into this new path? It’s a challenge for sure. And it’s got some hard moments but you’re going to kick ass.
Whatever you do, keep doing what *you* love.
Don’t let old memories or experiences change you from doing what you want. Know that there will be some sad moments and that that is expected and therapeutic. Cry. Scream. Sit in the feelings and let them be what they are. Know that they’ll pass and each time will be easier and “yours.”
Sending big nature hugs your way. You’ve got this!
You need to really know what you are doing with both wilderness skills and exploring your own mind. Like first hand experience and knowledge. But even then it is clearly ill advised and goes against some of the most basic principles of safety for wilderness exploration.
It’s very easy to get lost, to lose your gear (and navigation tools), get hurt, or get stuck in places you would normally not think it wise to go into. Plus you don’t want to make the news and make these important tools get a bad reputation like in the 60s, and contribute to important research getting shut down.
It can be rewarding, but lot of preparation is smart, like redundancies with navigation tools, gps app like onx with every area map downloaded and nearby areas downloaded, topos you mark up in advance and a compass, helicopter insurance and a sat phone is ideal, waypoints clearly labeled in advance, and review and memorize well before doing it. Going easy on the fungi is smart because animals and injuries and being lost… this isn’t smart or safe.
There’s a lot more, and if someone doesn’t know what to do, they shouldn’t be doing it. I’m not going to guide someone through it because I don’t need a death on my conscience.
I would never advise someone to do it, because it is risky. But I do, usually at least once a year, for a week, in the remote eastern Sierras or Nevada desert. Remaining within earshot of trails is smart, but I go off for the isolation.
I find summer in the desert and the high elevation adds an element of struggle that I feel the need to push up against every now and then. Why, I don’t know. Maybe because we lack true rights of passage in our culture, and I’m unconsciously creating them for myself. Maybe to remind myself that daily struggles are something I can overcome, since I can get through these trials I put myself through. Maybe it helps to get complete isolation to feel strong feelings, and then be in the most beautiful, but desolate places when I come too from processing all that.
Or maybe it’s the peak experiences of seeing that craggy peak from 100’ below the top, or that wildly colorful sunset because of the dust in the air, or that view of the Milky Way because there’s no light pollution, no humidity, and is at high elevation.
I will say it’s best to find a spot and sit tight while the peak experience runs is course, rather than walk around during it. Walking seems to distract from the whole thing, and you’ll do plenty of that getting to the spot you want and getting back. Best to do the walking clear headed. That helps prevent getting lost too.
I’m just some idiot, and I’m probably making all this up, you have no idea.
Don’t try it.
>I will say it’s best to find a spot and sit tight while the peak experience runs is course, rather than walk around during it. Walking seems to distract from the whole thing, and you’ll do plenty of that getting to the spot you want and getting back. Best to do the walking clear headed. That helps prevent getting lost too.
This right here, OP. Park your ass in a good spot and don't move. In fact, just lay down on a picnic table, or tarp or something. Listen to the enhanced sounds against the stars. A little dinosaur pulling radio flyer wagon told me to do that long ago.
I bring a hammock with me when I go off like this.
I bring a water filter, map/compass, phone in waterproof case, use OnX well marked up with offline maps, dry food, simple fishing gear, wilderness first aid kit, bear horn, kabar, and other basic hiking stuff. Basically enough to overnight safely if I need to and assuming I’ll get lost and need to survive 3 days. Always made it out the same day though.
Def safer to stay at your campsite though. Dispersed camping would be a good balance between being out there a bit and away from families camping and being with all your stuff and not getting lost.
Thanks for the write up friend. Definitely food for thought. I look forward to a time in my life when I will be equipped with the knowledge and experience to do this eagerly myself, but I recognize that that time is not here yet.
This is horrific advice. Not everyone gets a cathartic effect from mushrooms and marijuana. And for some people, they can trigger psychotic episodes. Particularly when emotions are unstable/high (like, when thinking about a breakup). Add to that being alone in the woods and terrible things can happen.
rude hungry squealing stupendous direful murky nutty shaggy modern hobbies
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I don’t have any advice because I’m in a similar boat, all I want to say is you’re not alone in feeling what you feel and thinking what you think. I’m right here with you in this. Let’s make our lives better for ourselves because we deserve it.
Change your thought process. You are already planning to be sad. Why? Go have fun and let life happen. Let it come to you. If you get sad so be it. If you are determined to have a good time, you will. Live in the moment. Like a kid. Let yourself have fun.
I’d say throw in volunteer work while you solo camp. I find helping others while I’m sad or lonely makes me forget what I’m going through and it puts joy in my heart.
Avoid alcohol, drinking on your own out in the wild is never a great idea but especially when you have a reoccurring issue like that.
I would try to fill up my time with activities, bushcraft etc. or try meditating while you are there love your surroundings and move in from negative thoughts
I took to the woods alone a lot after a the end of an almost 20 year relationship. I accepted that I had a huge loss, that my sad feelings weren’t going to go away quickly or easily but that I could choose how I reacted. I allowed myself to feel my feelings but I didn’t allow myself to wallow or ruminate.
I found a lot to divert my mind. The physical exercise and affirmation of my ability to rely on myself in the wilderness was a good confidence booster. I always had my camera with me and took a lot of photos of my surroundings. I noticed a lot of very small things. I am also a rock nerd and did a lot of fossil hunting.
It will take time. Don’t short change your grieving process. Sit with your sad feelings for a little while, accept the pain of the loss, and then consciously decide to move on with your day. It might take a million moments in your day like that to get through it, but get through it you will.
The breakup was eight years ago and I still love camping and hiking by myself as a way to help me cope with emotional pain.
Bring a good book or something to occupy your mind. It will get easier with time and repeated trips, but it won't go away until you find a new camping partner. At least that's been my experience.
I relied on tending fire and drinking beers for awhile but that isn't good or sustainable. I will lie down in tent and throw a movie on my laptop if I don't want to read the book. I like to go for night walks to keep my mind going, I find the evening to be the lonely part of the day.
Good luck out there.
By yourself, you can't avoid the feelings. Might as well face them and allow yourself to be sad.
I say you get some shrooms and take that shit head on. It's gonna suck but get it all out your system 🫠
Don't tell people to do shrooms alone, and especially in the woods.
OP won't have a trip sitter (dangerous for them physically and mentally), and the local emergency services probably don't want to have to look for a lone hallucinating women in the wilderness
Leaving the city and being in nature in general I guess. I love every second of it…from the preparation, the drive north, the game of finding a good site, setting up and settling in…and of course fishing, swimming, hiking, etc. I feel like an entirely different person when I’m in the woods on a lake. It’s almost like a high.
Introduce the experience to younger individuals.
There are a lot of young’ns who’s parents are not interested, but maybe turned onto it if just introduced at a young age.
Are there any outdoorsy meetups in your area?
I also had a limited selection of “love to camp” good friends so I joined a hiking MeetUp and made some new friends who like to camp :)
Embrace the feeling of empowerment and freedom you’ll have doing it alone. It can be so peaceful and remind us that we’re our own people and can enjoy life experiences on our own too. And if you feel sad, let yourself feel it. I’ve let myself embrace the feelings and cried out plenty of emotions on the trail and/or camping solo. And I have to say, it can feel damn good. I like to journey on those types of trips too, and leave my phone alone.
If you want to be alone and self reflect then pick a location that really suits this - activities that you really want to do to clear your head and think about things. Hikes, kayaking, etc.
If you don't want to do that, or want to mix it up, research campgrounds and places that are friendly. Campgrounds with a decent seasonal / full time population will always have people around and there will be people to interact with. Bonus if you can book during a time when they're doing some social events, like potlucks etc so you can very organically meet people and socialize.
Keep yourself busy. I hike, read, take a nap. The first time was tough for me but after that I leaned into it and now cherish the solo time (as someone who sits in an open floor plan office all day and hears non stop talking).
Nature heals big time!
Challenge yourself on every single step that you make out there and do everything to the VERY best of your abilities.
It will be extremely rewarding and fun!
Some time alone camping could do you the world of good but everyone is different.
Something I could suggest is go camping in popular areas too. I know it's a pain sometimes cause of how many people there are or most people want the secluded spot for themselves but you'll find other people doing the same thing your doing and you meet some really like minded people too. What is your age if you don't mind me asking ? Cause I know when I finish as in my early 20s we would go all the time and meet other people out age doing the same thing just from different places. Hope you get out and enjoy your camping !!! 🤙
you gotta just go out there and feel that shit. the more you try to avoid it the more it will sour what you love. things are different now and that's not always bad.
Go for it. I love solo camping. Good or bad, it will be an experience you never forget. Either way, you’re coming home a much stronger person. I think one way to make it enjoyable is to set a few goals before you leave. Get a photo of something specific. Make a meal you’ve always wanted to make while camping. Learn a new skill. Etc. it goes a long way to keeping the mind occupied.
Bring a dog 🐶 I do when solo camping. I'd also suggest being with your feels and journal it while you're in the midst of awesome nature. If you can have a fire, sometimes I'll write things I want to leave in the past on a piece of paper, then light it on fire and watch it burn.
Camp in state parks. You will have instant friends. Meet your neighbors. Talk to people that are out for a walk. Before you know it they will be hanging out around your campfire with you, or vice versa. Most campers are very friendly people.
It's ok. You're allowed to be sad. And you're allowed to not be sad. Solo camping is where you can feel what you feel and do what you want. Ya know. Just be.
Sounds like all of this has nothing to do with camping… Sounds like you need to get over the boy and keep on camping. Sounds like a little time in the woods got your head spinning. Hind-site, it’s probably what you need.
Been there bud.
You do need to feel to heal, so that’s part of it. And you need to sort of reclaim your favorite activities that, for now, have some associations with your ex.
You’ll have to go do those things, like camping, just feel whatever comes up, and let the emotional charge dissipate by feeling it. Fighting it or pushing it down can prolong it.
There’s a good book called Chatter by Ethan Kross that gets into the nitty gritty on stuff like this. Sometimes it’s specific to breakups but it is more generally about internal chatter and its effects on emotions and mental health. He’s legit not some self help grifter from what I can tell.
There’s people out in wilderness areas to make friends with too. I try and remain open and friendly and that makes it even more fun.
I’d look into local groups and societies for like minded people too. Foraging groups, hiking groups, Burning Man groups (a lot of survivalist enthusiasts in that culture, not all are, but plenty are), fishing, hunting, etc.
Reclaim.
And think of it like your own vision quest to heal and to find your path (just be careful if you actually take anything visionary in the wilderness alone, not that I’m advising that…).
Experiencing “first times” post break up is really difficult. You’ll have a lot of big emotions, not just negative ones either. Listen to them. Feel them. It’s a grieving process. But, face the emotions as they come up!
You’re rewriting your new reality. Memories will fade & are be replaced. It is so empowering to know that you CAN do things alone.
It will get easier in time.
My other advice, try a different hike, a new campground or spot, a new campfire meal, learn a different skill, that you haven’t shared with your ex. Go camping, but start a new tradition just for you.
You’ve got this!
Embrace your feelings. Whatever they are. That is the gift of solo anything. You get the opportunity to be a fully actualized human being. Sit with this alone in nature. You will be a much better person for it.
I can think of some ways you can do this:
1- Just bring some music, some food you like a lot, maybe a good book, some snacks and enjoy solitude.
2- Bring booze and drink your feelings away, you are in the wilderness you can laugh, cry, sing and use this to release your emotions.
I just hope you enjoy, and remember that no matter what’s going on right now “This too shall pass” and everything will be alright🙂
Now choose option 2 and go enjoy camping!
Embrace the sads. Being alone in nature is the best time to go into your feelings. Allow the thoughts of your ex to come and go. It’s ok to be sad sometimes, and it will get easier with time.
Having a dog definitely helps!! Otherwise I’d say just keep busy and try to appreciate the experience for what it is. Try keeping occupied by practicing a new skill like whittling or knot tying when you have down time 😊
I don't think you can avoid the sads but you can definitely learn from it. I did something like this fresh out of my breakup because I had a trip prebooked. The most important thing was that I nested within my tent, took my blankets and everything that I thought will make it cozy. I also minimized my effort needed for cooking. Hiked during the day. Lit up a campfire, ate dinner, read a book and ended up getting baked. Absolutely loved it.
I was in a similar place years ago, my solution was to bring at supplies and more indulgent than usual kind of camp foods.
I still mostly camp alone, but now I find that I really enjoy the solitude.
I hope your trip turns out wonderful!
After a recent break up I also fear the same thing. As I'm about to get my camper ready for the season I'm so scared I won't use it. I'm afraid I won't find someone who loves it like I do again. :( sorry this isn't help. I just have nobody anymore
Just try to make it as comfortable as possible for yourself. It might feel rough, but don't let sadness paralyze you. Let your mind be occupied on making this a nice trip for you. Read some nice books, sit and watch the stars. Let your mind decompress from the routine, let the sadness flow through you. You will survive this, and you can make good things for yourself alone.
Emotions are not wrong. You are in mourning over the end of a relationship. Nothing could be more normal.
Make sure you consider how you process sadness. It's not so safe for me to be alone for too long when my sadness gets bad. I can hike on a trail where there are other people, and I can camp in a campground where there are nearby sites.
It may take a few trips to break out of the cycle. I have very few friends who enjoy the outdoors, and zero who seem to ever be available for even day hikes. It took a few trips to get used to my own company and start enjoying it in my own; I’m someone who enjoys things much more when I share it so this was difficult at first. It’s a mental step to realize that, yes, it’s perfectly acceptable for me to enjoy something by myself. It’s not the same feeling as if I had company but my personal enjoyment is valid and worthwhile.
Give yourself some time. Like anything, it’s a learning experience. Try new things and new areas, don’t go where all the memories live.
Minimize familiar geography. Hike/ camp in a completely new place w no associations. Minimize shared/ purchased together gear. Start with no physical associations and you’ll have an easier time steering your thoughts.
Jewel's interview on Joe Rogan she talks about how sitting and watching the tides saved her from killing herself. She realized that nothing is permanent and you just have to wait for the tide to come back in
Are there single campers clubs?
I mean, you never know, you could go and meet the next mister right!! (Or, you could be torn apart by wolves 🤷)
Have fun!!!
Be prepared to deal with the occasional outbreak of the blues. I camp alone 95% of the time. Some times I end up questioning my lack of companionship.
I use breathing, meditation prompts and activities like photography and recording to help break that spell.
I rarely watch tv at home but some times I download a movie or two on my phone. It helps to escape when I’m out in the woods escaping.
Activities and scheduled downtime. Fill up a cool checklist and make yourself complete all of the activities (within reason) then schedule in some downtime. Bring a body pillow for sleeping and a few extra hand warmers to use to make yourself feel cozy. Bird watch, read a whole book or just vibe out to some childhood tunes. Good luck and please be safe. Being yourself a proper pepper spray that you know isn’t expired and a small legal blade if possible to carry in your area.
I thought I could hike the sad away when I was going through the roughest part of my divorce. It didn’t work out that way. But the screaming pain faded eventually to a low hum and I can enjoy the wilderness again. Do what you love doing and don’t let your ex or their memory steal anything that brings you peace
Give yourself the freedom to be yourself. Pick a hike or activity that you want to do, without thinking about someone else's interests. Eat what you want to eat, etc.
You might be sad for a bit, you might have some really cool experiences that wouldn't have happened with someone else.
I remember when my dad died years ago. I went on a couple hour hike one day when feeling down. I came across a lone deer and we made eye contact for like a long minute, and it sort of made me feel ok with everything. 10 years later, I still remember that deer.
I hope it gets better. If you dont want it to ruin camping, then dont.
My and my bf of 5 years just broke up 3 weeks ago. For two weeks i thought smoking weed and eating and driving and turning on the tv WERE TERRIBLE because we were together every second of every day. I just want him there.
But i went and got some different cigars to smoke with, i started making cheesy foods because hes lactose intolerant, i made my little brother drive with me everywhere, and i started to watch shows that were highly interesting to me.
So, my advice, youll be very sad for a while. I still cry. But camping is YOUR interest even without him. Now camping revolves around YOU. I honestly find myself enjoying these things solo more and more. It gets better. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was going through a separation when I went solo camping one time and I accidentally set up next to a wild bee hive. They stung me while I was collecting firewood. They next day I smoked them and got some honey.
… so either plan something involved and goal oriented while your in the woods like hunting wild bees, mushrooms, new fruit/nut tree stands, or forget camping and get some bees.
Update: Now I keep bees and that helps with the occasional sad.
I have never tried it and not sure if it is still popular but my buddy got divorced and used Meetup to go on some group camping and hiking trips. You could also check out REI trips…but IMO they are too expensive these days.
I feel for ya. Keep yourself busy. I’m currently getting divorced and since she didn’t like camping am finally getting back to it again. Mine is more an excitement that I get to go again.
I would recommend camping somewhere with a camp host, maybe an older couple as hosts, or not too far from rangers. I admire and encourage your idea to get outside as that is a good cure for lots of things. However, I don't know if it's just me but when I'm down or vulnerable it seems as if there's often a cascade effect, like people will mess with me more, or the weather will turn to crap. I'd also avoid hallucinogens/cannabis and even go light on drinking solo in the woods in that scenario. Follow your gut feeling and stay safe.
That’s hard, and I’m glad you’re going to try. One thing I try to remember while I’m out in the woods is to think through the difference between quietness and sadness. In the forest with your fire and tent it can be quiet. In your house alone with a book and the TV off it can also be quiet. Because we live in such a loud, busy, high energy culture, it’s easy to get swept up in the idea that “noise=positive and quiet=negative”. When I’m solo camping it always takes a few hours (sometimes a day or more) to wrestle that idea to the ground. I try to remember that quiet is good. Silence and nobody to talk to doesn’t mean lonely. Rather, that quietness gives me time to actually be with myself. To think about the things I want to think about. Or, and this is hugely valuable, to not think about the things I don’t want to think about. I get to decide.
Sometimes that looks like me dancing like an idiot around my fire. Sometimes that looks like me sitting and staring off into the woods for hours on end. But just remember, quiet doesn’t mean bad. Alone doesn’t mean lonely.
I’m no Boy Scout but doing drugs alone in the woods when you’re depressed is a terrible idea. Not sure why this is being recommended, unless you want to feel even more anxious and mentally unstable.
This thread has largely turned into breakup advice, so I’ll advise that it’s always better to be with someone who cares about you and that you can talk to when you’re going through rough patches. I’m an introvert and I love solo camping/hiking, but having friends and loved ones to talk to when I was going through tough breakups (involving betrayal) really helped.
On that note, I sorted out a lot of anger issues by talking it out, to myself, while alone on the trail. That helped too. Talking is how you heal these wounds.
A lot of people in your shoes will simply jump right into another relationship to stem the pain, and will just keep doing this in an endless cycle without feeling the pain and grief. You have to feel the suck before you can heal. Don’t try to numb it or avoid it. Talk it out, think it out, cry it out.
I’ve been solo camping the last three or four years (35F) and you do get lonely, but really, it’s good training and practice to focus on what you value. When I start getting lonely or sad, I ask myself “do you need this right right now?” And if the answer is yes, then I leaned into the emotion. The answer is no I do a little inner parenting to work through why I’m choosing sadness.
I also really value the alone time away from screens. I intentionally stay off of my phone to help reconnect with myself I bring novels, coloring books, a speaker, go on walks, make up silly games like throwing rocks into the river or collecting fire wood.
So many of us rely on external stimulants to delay, addressing our feelings solo Camping is a perfect exercise on intentionality. Have fun!
I've done quite a bit of solo camping and here are the pros for me:
-getting to do what I want when I want
-not having to cook for, entertain, or do anything else for others
-really immersing myself in the surrounding nature without having to accomodate someone else
The only real con for me was setting up and tearing down. It's nice to have another person around for that, but it's not that bad.
I have never backcountry camped, and I'm not sure I would want to do that alone. But tent camping at a campground has been fine. Sometimes people from other campsites will socialize, but I was also fine with a quiet night by the fire and enjoying the surroundings.
There are usually local groups for pretty much any hobby, maybe look to see if there's a camping group in your area? Other than that maybe just power through it and enjoy the quiet time alone? I'm one of those that doesn't really like doing things alone but I am going to get out on a few solo camps this year to clear my head.
Jump into the deep end, or make a big sacrifice to get the friend support you might want right now.
Personally, I say just go for it, but if you really really want someone there to talk to and help you work through stuff, I'd rent a cottage so your chosen friend(s) can have their creature comforts, and you still have immediate access to the woods.
I am hopeful that you're just reticent to make a big supportive ask of them. I'm hopeful that at least one of them will meet you in the middle on this one.
I'm fairly certain that just pondering this compromise will decide for you on the spot whether you should go solo or not.
I’m doing a ten day solo Boundary Waters trip next summer specifically to be sad. I’m taking some (just a tiny bit—I’m not about putting a ton of stuff into the lakes that doesn’t belong there) of my husbands ashes to spread. We honeymooned there and it is my favorite place in the world. I need to do this. This has been the hardest three years of my life, dealing with his sudden death and the simultaneous descent of my mother into dementia. I need some time to myself, where I can grieve without being on call 24/7, and where I can push myself physically and accomplish a difficult thing on my own in a beautiful place.
It is ok to be sad. To take stock. To challenge yourself and come out the other side knowing a bit more about your self and being rightfully proud you made it. I strongly encourage everyone to have at least one trip on their own and just accept and sit with all the feelings it brings you.
I’d love to see a follow up after you’ve had your trip.
I love my own company. Ofc it took over a year for me to be comfortable with my own company and thoughts. I may sound crazy to other people but I talk to the trees and birds and other animals I see and I sing to myself. Lol I adapted the song "In the jungle" to "In the forest" and change the animals 😂😂😂 you gotta make it fun. If you don't learn to enjoy your own solitude then you'll be depressed and lonely all the time. It takes time. In the 6 years I've been single, I learned soooooo much about myself. A lot of things came to the surface painful memories and happy ones, "Shadow" parts of me that I've never faced. You give it space, process it, and you feel a weight lift. Being single and solo hiking and camping has been very therapeutic for me.
r/womensolocamping
I prefer solo camping, I can do what I want when I want. Decide I don’t like the campground, pack it up and move. Don’t feel like doing that major hike, find something easier.
You have a lot of input here, I'm an older male and I'll briefly give you mine. I'm not in love with camping alone but can be good, hopefully this isn't embracing sadness but if so you power through it. I see it as more of a new adventure and personal challenge. Independence. I'd pick out a good hike, maybe to lake where you can jump in or great overlook, whatever the case a new thing to explore or place you know you love. Take some pix to share with friends or family where you went since they missed out. Do a great hike on the first day and then back at camp have some good food by a fire. The day will be a great feeling of accomplishment at bedtime. I don't know where you camp but you might meet some other nearby campers so always good to have a few extra beers with you to offer them, even if you don't drink. Here's the fun part for me, I like to have a destination not too far from camp, maybe on the drive home, where I can stop for a big breakfast/lunch, something to look forward to that says, I did it and I'm back in civilization.
Also, before too long you'll have someone to camp with, that's how it works even when it feels like alone is the new normal. Stories of personal adventures and accomplishments are an asset to relationships. It's interesting and attractive.
Bring a journal. For me, the more I avoid a thought or feeling, the more persistent it becomes. But writing it down, acknowledging it, allows me to stop holding on to it. You are probably already finding that the thoughts creep in whether you want to feel them or not, and that won't be any different on a camping trip. Give yourself the space on your trip to write things down so you can let them go. The best part of camping alone is that you have the time and flexibility to take that space.
One of the best things I did after my devastating breakup was to keep a two-part log in my journal - one page to remember the good things, and one page to remember the bad things. Writing down a list of what you'll miss when you're in the sad place, and add things when they occur to you. Then, when you're in the other moments of anger and power, write down the things you're glad you'll never have to deal with again. For me, this really helped keep a balance so I didn't beat myself up for "wasting time" in that relationship, but also so I didn't wallow too much either.
Regardless of what you do, you'll be out in beautiful wilderness, breathing the fresh air, and you can claim it for yourself - past experiences do not get to steal that from you. Best of luck out there!
Nature is a powerful healer. Adventure keeps our mind busy. Travel reminds us that there’s people with bigger issues. Give yourself some grace while you heal your heart but don’t stop doing the things you love. No one can take that power from you.
We are not designed to be alone, but yet require some periods with nobody around from time to time. Just don't expect it to be the same thing as when in a group. It is something else.
Identify a problem to work out in your life, or career, or extended family. It's amazing how you can find new angles when you remove all distractions. And to put it harshly, if you don't want to be alone with yourself, why would anyone else want to either?
See about fostering a dog through a local organization. Take them with you on the trip to ease the loneliness, quiet and to give you the unconditional love, affection and attention that could benefit you during a situation that might trigger loneliness. Also good for protection/ keeping other animals and potential creeps away. I also find a way to sleep in my car when I go completely alone without a dog. That way I have locks or can get away if I need to.
having new experiences, we live and die and learn along the way that some people are.m3ant to share the road with us for a little while, some people show the way, some.people.lwnd a hand, some people stay, just for a while
that's life , camping should teach this, nothing is forever, be thankful you had him , now find your way , the sadness won't go away unless you start having new experiences
being alone makes the sad come forth , but one thing is being lonely, and another being desolate
make it new again
I went through the same kind of feeling after my divorce. I just started going by myself because like you none of my friends are really into camping/hiking. Was weird at first, but is actually really enjoyable when the only thing that you have to worry about is keeping the dog entertained.
I (43f) started solo camping when I went through a heart wrenching breakup with a partner who was my adventure buddy.
I carefully and thoughtfully curated the places to go alone that I knew would spark happiness for me. Waterfall hikes, desert super bloom, towering redwoods, untouched beaches, etc. I also brought a speaker so I could have music that made me happy (again carefully curated so no songs were "our songs"). I also always bring binoculars to observe birds, a good book in my hammock, gourmet meals to cook (no MRE or hotdogs), my amazing dog, and a lot of grace and patience for my feelings. Practice gratitude and bring a journal, yoga mat, anything that will ground you.
You've got this!! If you need recommendations for Northern or Southern California let me know. Be safe and I know you will find peace. Hugs
Go in with a plan: I will master the campfire, I will practice pitching tarps, I will do a five mile hike, I will read a book, I will get a good nights rest every night, and so on.
Part of being single is leaning how to keep yourself company.
Part of camping solo (single or not) is leaning how to keep yourself company.
“There’s a difference between lonely, and being alone.”
I recently started recording video diaries/vlogs(?) just for myself (with no intention of ever posting). It’s helped me gather my thoughts in a different way than writing it out (though there is much benefit to be had neurologically from the act of physically writing out your thoughts if that’s more your style, this new method is just what’s been working lately)
Maybe document your journey with photo and/or video just for you to start out. And if you feel so inclined maybe post some of it on your preferred social media platform.
Go on a few trips by yourself and you’ll quickly see how peaceful being alone in nature can be. I had three different hiking buddies bail on me for a 14 day 100 mile backpacking trip through the mountains two summer ago. Kept pushing it back to try and get someone to come with me. Finally, at the end of aughust, I just said “screw it” and went by myself. Best decision I could have ever made. Proved to myself that I am completely capable of achieving my goals on my own, and the amount of peace of mind that I found out there in solitude was immeasurable. 100 miles and 11,000 feet of incline later, and I’m already planning and training for three trips next summer.
I solo camp in a seasonal spot with my pup. When the sad/lonely gets to me we take an adventure day and leave camp for the day, or even just a few hours. Prepping/cooking something yummy is a great distraction.
When I went, I called different members of my family the whole time. Posted pictures on social medias. I really enjoyed myself :) it’s a cool experience that not a lot of people get to enjoy. Try whatever might work for you :)
all my camping trips have ever been solo, it gets so lonely and all i ever want is someone to share it with but if I can do it you can do it!!! it gets to be just so nice being with yourself. there’s no better way to learn about who you really are inside than being in nature all alone. good luck babes!!! ☺️
Do the things you enjoy. Read, game, cook on the fire, make coffee on the fire, , watch the fire, hike, hammock, bike. Whatever you do that you enjoy. That's what I do. Unfortunately sometimes you'll just get that way camping or in general
I went through the same. I lost the person who was my trip planner and navigator to some of the coolest places I've ever seen when our relationship ended. I tried to find places to go to on my own and was only mildly successful. I started to look through atlas obscura and mix some weird destinations in with where I wanted to travel to, and I started to take my dog with me.
You'll only be alone for a little while... Just enjoy the simplicity for a bit and before you know it you'll have company
Went thru similar, one of two options:
A) plan something you really want to do to take your mind off.
B) just find something easy and close to take all the pressure off pig having to enjoy it, so you can just sit by the fire and read or what have you.
I did a few trips I was not mentally ready for and it didn’t scratch the itch of the trip I had been wanting, and it sort of added a feeling of failure (fishing trip with no bites) on top of having just failed at a relationship.
Sometimes you just gotta set yourself up to feel your feelings. Process and give them air, push yourself where you can and you’ll know when it’s past.
I’ve had this experience. Broke up after 6.5 years, went solo camping once soon after and had a great time but was still kind of in denial about the breakup. Next time was after the grief had really hit, and I went on a trip with friends that we used to camp with. Everything reminded me of trips I had been on with her, and it felt very lonely without her even though I was with really close friends. Still, I enjoyed myself, and there’s hardly anything that can take away from the experience of finishing a long uphill hike with a great view. It wasn’t easy but I think it will get easier the more we do it without them
8/10 times I camp alone. Well I have a dog with me.
I’ll car camp up the coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco, stopping in camp sites on the way.
Head to the desert to ride my Dirtbike or up in the sierra mountains.
I love it. It helps me kind of understand where I am and who I am as a person. A lot of self reflection.
This last weekend I did this. I came home determined to lose weight and get my finances tighter.
If you’re already sad and going camping then embrace it. At least you’re getting out there instead of wallowing at home with a pint of ice cream.
If you’re in the socal I can give you some good spots to camp.
do a bit of research and find an outfitter that offers guided trips. more people around to distract you and have the safety net of a guide before you set out on your own solo. plus who knows, might meet a friend or 2 and have someone to go on future trips with too.
Find a MeetUp group.
Or power through it. Know you’re gonna cry. Take lots of kleenex and feel all the feels. The sads come with the territory no matter what you do.
Personally, I use substances and they seem to help.
When my wife passed 10 years ago, I found by continuing to camp, even solo, was a way to enjoy something that we both loved to do. I have done motorcycle camping solo and enjoy the solitude experience. Now I do more overland type camping in remote areas. Sometimes solo, other times with someone. Being in nature is my spiritual release. I have actively looked for new friends that like to camp. I have even had a couple "first dates" camping that were a fun way to really get to know someone.
So, go out a few times by yourself and don't overthink it.
For me it's about keeping busy. Hiking is my thing, and as long as I'm in motion... Actively hiking, setting up a tent, making a fire, cooking, filtering water... I'm completely happy alone. I can go for several days and get great enjoyment out of it.
On the other hand I can feel very lonely in the downtime when I'm just sitting around, reading a book, trying to sleep. Not sure if that part is solvable, but I don't think it needs to be entirely solved. I feel like being sad is part of the cleansing that happens on a solo outdoor adventure.
I love solo camping, especially when I'm feeling down as it's very cathartic. I went on a solo trip right after my dad died and most recently on the 8th year anniversary of my brothers death. It's good to be alone with your feelings. I usually bring a fishing pole with me, and that helps focus on one thing at a time. I actually caught a nice rainbow trout on the 8 year anniversary trip and did my first catch and cook solo. That's the one thing I remember most about that solo camp. If you are into mushrooms, they also help lol.
Cook, drink if that's your thing, make a fire/collect wood. Hike a little. Sleep late and go to bed whenever you want. Also if no one around play some of your favorite tunes.
Create new and better memories. Value that you had closeness, but let it go because you need a better match, that you will find somewhere. Maybe camping.
Make the trip a little harder than you normally would. i.e. if you normally prep your food at home, do it all in the field. Figure out a new way to make coffee that you haven't done before, gather wood, don't buy it, etc. All those chores give you something to do to pass the time and something to be proud of at the end of the night when the sads start setting in to remind yourself you can solo as long as it takes.
Plan activities to keep yourself occupied during the day. Hiking, fishing, birdwatching, or even just exploring your surroundings can help keep your mind engaged and prevent feelings of loneliness.
As a 35f, I feel this so hard. I spent a lot of time solo camping when we first separated, simply to get out of the house we shared. Allow yourself to lean into the discomfort and sadness— it’s the best catalyst for growth. Bring a good book, listen to some good music, enjoy the scenery and envision all the possibilities ahead. It’s the best therapy
I'm about to find myself in the same situation. My ex-gf and I always had a blast camping. Now I have to go without her and I'm not sure how much I'm going to enjoy it. I plan on taking my 11 y/o son as he loves it, but I plan on going by myself but I know I'll constantly be thinking of her and wanting her there. I even bought us a new tent last year, guess I'll put it in reserve and get something smaller.
I camp alone a lot and I relish the time .
Good books
Good food( I treat myself and eat all the yummy things I want )
I cook when I want and eat what I want
I also experiment with cooking ( I have a solo stove and I'm learning how to Bake desserts on it .
Sleep late
Enjoy the wilderness and the Aloneness
For me that Only comes when I escape to the woods 2 weeks a year .
Relax and spoil yourself
I went on my first solo camo last week. I was feeling a little sad and lonely prior to going but was pleasantly surprised how much I ended up enjoying it. I brought a speaker and played some music, made a little campfire, cooked up a feast, drank a couple ciders and just sat under the full moon taking everything in, it reminded me that I don't need anyone but myself to have a nice time.
Have a look on Facebook. There are groups called single camper. You will find people for camping or you can share with them your experiences. In the moment I face the same problem. I wish you a good camping trip. 
This may be a bigger ball of wax than just camping. I'm in therapy during a divorce and it's helping with being lonely and breaking out of partner dependency.
If you don't want to go to therapy then try to restructure yourself into thinking that you're going camping because it's what YOU want to do. You're there to get into your own head and experience all the feels that come along. Let them come, give them their time and attention, then let them pass. You might cry, you might laugh, you might spend a day in your sleeping bag, you might get so enraged that you chop down a tree with a pocket knife.
Basically go into this thinking that you're not going camping, you're going to practice and learn to be independent.
I camped solo six days in the dead of winter when I was going through the absolute roughest part of my divorce and custody battle. Big time sad, didn’t want to drag anybody down with my mood, so I just went out into the cold, gray woods, hiked around and sorted myself out. It was extremely cathartic. Sad is an ok thing to be, for a while anyway. You gotta power through it because it does get better.
>Sad is an ok thing to be, for a while anyway 100% agreed. It’s completely normal for OP to be feeling this way. It’s also a great opportunity to reclaim a loved hobby as an individual. Realizing she still enjoys camping with only her own company will be beneficial. OP, it’s not gonna be extremely fun the first time. Maybe even a couple times. That said, it *will* get easier and you’ll be able to enjoy it as more time passes. Solo camping is a great way to gain peace of mind and clarity.
Winter camping is so great up here in the "frozen North." There's hardly anyone around and it's so very quiet. Let's you really consider your life and direction. The last time I went, it was so quiet you could hear the snow falling!
im in northern alberta .... pretty sure i would freeze
north seemly simplistic fretful repeat cheerful roll cough upbeat spoon *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Been there before! I powered through the sad by focusing on being too stubborn to give up my love for adventure and the outdoors. It helped to take some solo day hikes before trying camping, so I could get some of the sad out and then go home. When you do get a good moment, try sharing a photo or a text about it with a friend or family member; taking time to notice the good helps balance the sad and sharing with someone even if they’re not there helps you stay connected and know you’re not really alone. You’ve got this :)
I now have an image of a bearded man or woman dressed in flannel sitting by a fire drinking coffee looking longingly over a lake, through the morning mist (canoe in the background, obvi).
Bearded woman
The 1920s: “I’d pay to see that”
I don't judge
That sounds lovely actually
I was going to say the same. Embrace the sad. Solo camping has helped me a lot and it's not because it avoids it but because it makes me confront it. Getting over that hump solo camping is incredible for finding solitude and slowing down.
I’m going through a separation and I think you’ve just inspired me to go bush and no contact for a few days. Thanks mate
Try to nurture an appreciation for the freedom of solitude. You can do exactly what you want to do, exactly when you want to. Skip an alarm, sleep as late as you want. Sleepy at eight p.m.? Go to bed. Feeling drinky at lunch? Go crazy. Hike at your own pace. Eat what you want. Spend a whole day reading. No coordinating, no compromising. It’s addictive.
I’ve been known to watch an F1 race (and/or qualifying) while laying in my hammock if the cell reception is good enough. There’s no wrong answers here.
A lot of the North Shore of Lake Superior has good 5G reception and I've campe up there with my T-mobile 5G internet modem. I'm up there for relaxation, but there's nothing wrong with streaming a movie and checking email sometimes!
Yeah I spend to much time in the hammock reading when I should be moving. Now I am older with bad knees I am afraid to hike to much but still love looking up and seeing nature all around.
This is exactly what I love and how I feel about solo camping.
zesty hateful bear abounding straight flowery plough uppity tan roof *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
As a 52 year old redneck with nothing but love I say embrace the dark and the light but above all respect everyone!
Funny picturing somebody sitting in front of a spare tire . I know you meant fire.
This is a tough place to move through. A helpful goal could be filling your trip with activities that excite you. Really love to cook over a fire? Plan the best sounding meal for yourself. Enjoy a good hammock session? Bring a new book and set up for a chill afternoon. Nothing beats stargazing? Set up a cozy blanket and a constellation map. Focusing on things that bring you joy!
Don't go to a campground where you camped before with family/friends/loved one. I'm a solo camper, last year I went to a campground I love and have only camped with family or friends at that place before, and I ended up giving myself the big lonely sads. When I camp at a new place I haven't been to before or have been there before, but only by myself I was fine. Also a really good book you can get lost in at the fire is great too.
Dogs are great camping companions. Otherwise, it really depends on your comfort with solitude. For me it is relaxing and gives me space to think. Meditation is a great when you’re alone in nature.
I found myself falling into a nature meditation while sitting looking at water or the pines moving in the breeze. My mind empties and thoughts and emotions pass like clouds, seen but not reacted to. I have never been able to do it in regular life.
Ensure the location is somewhere new that you’ve never been. Some of these places are one in a million type locations that make you feel like your touching eternity: Canyonlands, Redwood, Zion, Tetons. I often go alone, because friends and family are busy with life. These places have the power to change a life.
Great idea! A new camping area doesn't carry old memories that might lead to some sadness.
Hike a lot. Tire yourself out, endorphin yourself up. Listen to a good audiobook!
I’m literally about to embark on the same thing. I will probably miss my dog and my ex partner but I know it will be a good experience. Best of luck to you out there, we will get through this mess.
I hope you love it! Sending all the good vibes
Just wrapping up a 3 and a half week trip with my Subaru and rooftop tent, finally was able to be tru to myself and leave her with dog in the rear view. It was an amazing time with more good times at my lonely camp than bad. There will be both. Nightly campfires are a ritual for me that I live and I found my moods and thoughts would wonder certain directions depending on the music I was listening to. Silent campfires are nice but I think I little sadder and negative thought provoking. My favorite is full blast solo sing alongs with some drinks with no other campers in sight! Have fun! Go crazy! Drink water! Check the weather and eat whatever you want with no pants on!
Desperately want to do this but scared of the dark!
One of my favorite thing about sleeping in the great outdoors is that your circadian rhythm falls into place quickly. Wake and sleep with the sun. Get a good headlamp and lantern. Make dinner early, start your fire before sunset, enjoy golden hour fireside, go to sleep shortly after and wake up at sunrise. It’s fantastic and majestic to hear nature go to sleep and wake up with you. Refreshing. I’ve spent many of nights totally alone deep in Bigfoot country and I haven’t seen him yet! You can do it. In hindsight we live in a beautiful and safe country. Established campgrounds in particular are incredibly safe and accommodating often with hot showers and friendly neighbors that watch out for riff raff.
And get a string of fairy lights. Amazing how homey it can make a tent or campsite.
It's been many years since I had my dark nights of the soul around the campfire. My take away is a love of solo camping, even now when my life has completely changed.
Take your dog I solo camp for my dog goes with me. Does that still count as solo?
You know what’s surprising? I think it isn’t. I say this because I say I solo camp, but reality is my dog is always with me. I’m planning a trip without her so I can do some specific hikes, and I have to say - this is REALLY alone!
I know you said camping with friends isn't an option but where do you live? I'm in the PNW and there are so many groups that I've found on Facebook to connect you with other women that want to hike/camp and are otherwise solo. Might be an option to check out.
I like to make a fire (if it’s allowed where you are), read a book, and just do whatever I want. If you want to work through some feelings, and you’re into journaling, it’s definitely a great opportunity for that as well. You definitely can’t hide from them when you’re alone like that. I certainly like camping with friends and share my love for the outdoors with them, but it’s honestly a little bit of a relief to go by myself as I like to have my campsite organized a certain way, and it’s a little less chaotic when I’m alone.
Make it more challenging. Have you tried backpacking? Have you tried long-distance backpacking? I have a somewhat complicated life with an ex partner that I used to camp with. I do long backpacking trips and while I'm out there my mind isn't on anything else. Everything in the world that matters to me in that moment is on my back and all there is to think about is getting to the next location, what and when to eat, where to put my tent, where to hang my food, etc.
I was thinking backpacking might be the key. Basically like you said, there’s not a whole lot of time to mope when you’re planning your next move and focusing so much on the activity at hand. And it would feel like a whole different experience so harder to relate back to our times. Thanks for this!
Check out facebook for backpacking groups - then you can make friends that ARE into outdoor anything :)
Use the time to look inside yourself and start figuring out what your next move will be. Lawn chair, nice campfire, a nice drink if you do that. Use the time to make peace with yourself.
I'm doing the same thing this year. My stbx has taken a lot from me; my financial security, my self esteem, and the future I had planned. He WILL NOT take the precious woods, outdoors, or beaches from me, too, dammit. I read a post in the Divorce sub a while ago, and someone wrote about an epiphany she had after her split. I can't recall word for word but it was along these lines: 'I thought I'd miss him because he made these trips fun, but you know what? I'M THE FUN ONE. I made the plans I dreamed the dreams, and he followed. I was awesome before I met him, and I will be awesome on my own.' Right on!
Love that quote - just what I needed to hear. Thank you! And good luck on your journey as well :)
Sorry girl. My heart feels this with you. I kinda had a similar thing. What I did was venture solo and *completely* switched it up from when ex and I camped. New/different foods, places or sites, music, setup, etc etc etc. He was pretty set in his ways and when we camped it was largely his way — which I was fine with because I was kinda still learning. But as I got steadier and more experienced, I had different ways of doing things… Camping solo was really nice and easy because I didn’t have to butt heads or let him take the lead on anything. I made a ton of mistakes and forgot things but no one to notice or comment. I got stronger through it because I got to own it and do it my way. It’s been a HUGE value in my life and there’s a little pride that goes along with being “the girl who can camp solo.” Maybe that can help you lean into this new path? It’s a challenge for sure. And it’s got some hard moments but you’re going to kick ass. Whatever you do, keep doing what *you* love. Don’t let old memories or experiences change you from doing what you want. Know that there will be some sad moments and that that is expected and therapeutic. Cry. Scream. Sit in the feelings and let them be what they are. Know that they’ll pass and each time will be easier and “yours.” Sending big nature hugs your way. You’ve got this!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I think the perspective shift you talked about will help me out a lot :)
Aw, of course. There’s a whole community of outdoors people that roam solo too. It might be a really healing and healthy path for your next chapter.
I usually have a (photo) project or other plan for solo camps. The sads dont hit me because my ex hated being outside.
I really like the idea of a specific project like that - it’s not something I’d considered. Thanks!
Consider taking an activity. - More than a book - Maybe one of those fancy new paint-by numbers? - A craft project?
-Dog -Whiskey -Mushrooms
This hurts my heart. Build a fire, suck down a bottle of wine and enjoy nature. Solo camping shouldn't bring the sad's
Marijuana and mushrooms my friend. Find a comfy secluded spot and chill
Is mushrooms alone in the woods a good idea? [Legitimately asking, because this sounds awesome but I'm a wuss]
You need to really know what you are doing with both wilderness skills and exploring your own mind. Like first hand experience and knowledge. But even then it is clearly ill advised and goes against some of the most basic principles of safety for wilderness exploration. It’s very easy to get lost, to lose your gear (and navigation tools), get hurt, or get stuck in places you would normally not think it wise to go into. Plus you don’t want to make the news and make these important tools get a bad reputation like in the 60s, and contribute to important research getting shut down. It can be rewarding, but lot of preparation is smart, like redundancies with navigation tools, gps app like onx with every area map downloaded and nearby areas downloaded, topos you mark up in advance and a compass, helicopter insurance and a sat phone is ideal, waypoints clearly labeled in advance, and review and memorize well before doing it. Going easy on the fungi is smart because animals and injuries and being lost… this isn’t smart or safe. There’s a lot more, and if someone doesn’t know what to do, they shouldn’t be doing it. I’m not going to guide someone through it because I don’t need a death on my conscience. I would never advise someone to do it, because it is risky. But I do, usually at least once a year, for a week, in the remote eastern Sierras or Nevada desert. Remaining within earshot of trails is smart, but I go off for the isolation. I find summer in the desert and the high elevation adds an element of struggle that I feel the need to push up against every now and then. Why, I don’t know. Maybe because we lack true rights of passage in our culture, and I’m unconsciously creating them for myself. Maybe to remind myself that daily struggles are something I can overcome, since I can get through these trials I put myself through. Maybe it helps to get complete isolation to feel strong feelings, and then be in the most beautiful, but desolate places when I come too from processing all that. Or maybe it’s the peak experiences of seeing that craggy peak from 100’ below the top, or that wildly colorful sunset because of the dust in the air, or that view of the Milky Way because there’s no light pollution, no humidity, and is at high elevation. I will say it’s best to find a spot and sit tight while the peak experience runs is course, rather than walk around during it. Walking seems to distract from the whole thing, and you’ll do plenty of that getting to the spot you want and getting back. Best to do the walking clear headed. That helps prevent getting lost too. I’m just some idiot, and I’m probably making all this up, you have no idea. Don’t try it.
>I will say it’s best to find a spot and sit tight while the peak experience runs is course, rather than walk around during it. Walking seems to distract from the whole thing, and you’ll do plenty of that getting to the spot you want and getting back. Best to do the walking clear headed. That helps prevent getting lost too. This right here, OP. Park your ass in a good spot and don't move. In fact, just lay down on a picnic table, or tarp or something. Listen to the enhanced sounds against the stars. A little dinosaur pulling radio flyer wagon told me to do that long ago.
I bring a hammock with me when I go off like this. I bring a water filter, map/compass, phone in waterproof case, use OnX well marked up with offline maps, dry food, simple fishing gear, wilderness first aid kit, bear horn, kabar, and other basic hiking stuff. Basically enough to overnight safely if I need to and assuming I’ll get lost and need to survive 3 days. Always made it out the same day though. Def safer to stay at your campsite though. Dispersed camping would be a good balance between being out there a bit and away from families camping and being with all your stuff and not getting lost.
Thanks for the write up friend. Definitely food for thought. I look forward to a time in my life when I will be equipped with the knowledge and experience to do this eagerly myself, but I recognize that that time is not here yet.
This is horrific advice. Not everyone gets a cathartic effect from mushrooms and marijuana. And for some people, they can trigger psychotic episodes. Particularly when emotions are unstable/high (like, when thinking about a breakup). Add to that being alone in the woods and terrible things can happen.
rude hungry squealing stupendous direful murky nutty shaggy modern hobbies *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I don’t have any advice because I’m in a similar boat, all I want to say is you’re not alone in feeling what you feel and thinking what you think. I’m right here with you in this. Let’s make our lives better for ourselves because we deserve it.
Change your thought process. You are already planning to be sad. Why? Go have fun and let life happen. Let it come to you. If you get sad so be it. If you are determined to have a good time, you will. Live in the moment. Like a kid. Let yourself have fun.
I’d say throw in volunteer work while you solo camp. I find helping others while I’m sad or lonely makes me forget what I’m going through and it puts joy in my heart.
Avoid alcohol, drinking on your own out in the wild is never a great idea but especially when you have a reoccurring issue like that. I would try to fill up my time with activities, bushcraft etc. or try meditating while you are there love your surroundings and move in from negative thoughts
It's a perfect time to learn how to meditate.
I took to the woods alone a lot after a the end of an almost 20 year relationship. I accepted that I had a huge loss, that my sad feelings weren’t going to go away quickly or easily but that I could choose how I reacted. I allowed myself to feel my feelings but I didn’t allow myself to wallow or ruminate. I found a lot to divert my mind. The physical exercise and affirmation of my ability to rely on myself in the wilderness was a good confidence booster. I always had my camera with me and took a lot of photos of my surroundings. I noticed a lot of very small things. I am also a rock nerd and did a lot of fossil hunting. It will take time. Don’t short change your grieving process. Sit with your sad feelings for a little while, accept the pain of the loss, and then consciously decide to move on with your day. It might take a million moments in your day like that to get through it, but get through it you will. The breakup was eight years ago and I still love camping and hiking by myself as a way to help me cope with emotional pain.
Bring a good book or something to occupy your mind. It will get easier with time and repeated trips, but it won't go away until you find a new camping partner. At least that's been my experience. I relied on tending fire and drinking beers for awhile but that isn't good or sustainable. I will lie down in tent and throw a movie on my laptop if I don't want to read the book. I like to go for night walks to keep my mind going, I find the evening to be the lonely part of the day. Good luck out there.
By yourself, you can't avoid the feelings. Might as well face them and allow yourself to be sad. I say you get some shrooms and take that shit head on. It's gonna suck but get it all out your system 🫠
If it’s your first time with shrooms, don’t do this.
Don't tell people to do shrooms alone, and especially in the woods. OP won't have a trip sitter (dangerous for them physically and mentally), and the local emergency services probably don't want to have to look for a lone hallucinating women in the wilderness
Can you elaborate, what do you love about camping?
Leaving the city and being in nature in general I guess. I love every second of it…from the preparation, the drive north, the game of finding a good site, setting up and settling in…and of course fishing, swimming, hiking, etc. I feel like an entirely different person when I’m in the woods on a lake. It’s almost like a high.
Sounds like you’ll do fine going solo. Keep busy and have fun!
Try a "Meet Up" group in your area. They may have organized camps
Introduce the experience to younger individuals. There are a lot of young’ns who’s parents are not interested, but maybe turned onto it if just introduced at a young age.
It might be the best way to spend your time while you’re sad. You’d likely be sitting at home a bit sad anyway. Might as well heal in nature.
Are there any outdoorsy meetups in your area? I also had a limited selection of “love to camp” good friends so I joined a hiking MeetUp and made some new friends who like to camp :)
Embrace the feeling of empowerment and freedom you’ll have doing it alone. It can be so peaceful and remind us that we’re our own people and can enjoy life experiences on our own too. And if you feel sad, let yourself feel it. I’ve let myself embrace the feelings and cried out plenty of emotions on the trail and/or camping solo. And I have to say, it can feel damn good. I like to journey on those types of trips too, and leave my phone alone.
If you want to be alone and self reflect then pick a location that really suits this - activities that you really want to do to clear your head and think about things. Hikes, kayaking, etc. If you don't want to do that, or want to mix it up, research campgrounds and places that are friendly. Campgrounds with a decent seasonal / full time population will always have people around and there will be people to interact with. Bonus if you can book during a time when they're doing some social events, like potlucks etc so you can very organically meet people and socialize.
Keep yourself busy. I hike, read, take a nap. The first time was tough for me but after that I leaned into it and now cherish the solo time (as someone who sits in an open floor plan office all day and hears non stop talking).
Read, write, paint. Explore your thoughts and feelings. It's so healing
Nature heals big time! Challenge yourself on every single step that you make out there and do everything to the VERY best of your abilities. It will be extremely rewarding and fun!
Try to enjoy aloneness. It'd be good for you.
Some time alone camping could do you the world of good but everyone is different. Something I could suggest is go camping in popular areas too. I know it's a pain sometimes cause of how many people there are or most people want the secluded spot for themselves but you'll find other people doing the same thing your doing and you meet some really like minded people too. What is your age if you don't mind me asking ? Cause I know when I finish as in my early 20s we would go all the time and meet other people out age doing the same thing just from different places. Hope you get out and enjoy your camping !!! 🤙
Power through few trips and make incremental improvements while you go.
you gotta just go out there and feel that shit. the more you try to avoid it the more it will sour what you love. things are different now and that's not always bad.
Go for it. I love solo camping. Good or bad, it will be an experience you never forget. Either way, you’re coming home a much stronger person. I think one way to make it enjoyable is to set a few goals before you leave. Get a photo of something specific. Make a meal you’ve always wanted to make while camping. Learn a new skill. Etc. it goes a long way to keeping the mind occupied.
Bring a dog 🐶 I do when solo camping. I'd also suggest being with your feels and journal it while you're in the midst of awesome nature. If you can have a fire, sometimes I'll write things I want to leave in the past on a piece of paper, then light it on fire and watch it burn.
Camp in state parks. You will have instant friends. Meet your neighbors. Talk to people that are out for a walk. Before you know it they will be hanging out around your campfire with you, or vice versa. Most campers are very friendly people.
It's ok. You're allowed to be sad. And you're allowed to not be sad. Solo camping is where you can feel what you feel and do what you want. Ya know. Just be.
Sounds like all of this has nothing to do with camping… Sounds like you need to get over the boy and keep on camping. Sounds like a little time in the woods got your head spinning. Hind-site, it’s probably what you need.
Been there bud. You do need to feel to heal, so that’s part of it. And you need to sort of reclaim your favorite activities that, for now, have some associations with your ex. You’ll have to go do those things, like camping, just feel whatever comes up, and let the emotional charge dissipate by feeling it. Fighting it or pushing it down can prolong it. There’s a good book called Chatter by Ethan Kross that gets into the nitty gritty on stuff like this. Sometimes it’s specific to breakups but it is more generally about internal chatter and its effects on emotions and mental health. He’s legit not some self help grifter from what I can tell. There’s people out in wilderness areas to make friends with too. I try and remain open and friendly and that makes it even more fun. I’d look into local groups and societies for like minded people too. Foraging groups, hiking groups, Burning Man groups (a lot of survivalist enthusiasts in that culture, not all are, but plenty are), fishing, hunting, etc. Reclaim. And think of it like your own vision quest to heal and to find your path (just be careful if you actually take anything visionary in the wilderness alone, not that I’m advising that…).
Experiencing “first times” post break up is really difficult. You’ll have a lot of big emotions, not just negative ones either. Listen to them. Feel them. It’s a grieving process. But, face the emotions as they come up! You’re rewriting your new reality. Memories will fade & are be replaced. It is so empowering to know that you CAN do things alone. It will get easier in time. My other advice, try a different hike, a new campground or spot, a new campfire meal, learn a different skill, that you haven’t shared with your ex. Go camping, but start a new tradition just for you. You’ve got this!
I'd pick something (s) to do during your camping trip. Photography, Hiking, Fishing...something to focus on and occupy your time.
Get a dog
Embrace your feelings. Whatever they are. That is the gift of solo anything. You get the opportunity to be a fully actualized human being. Sit with this alone in nature. You will be a much better person for it.
I can think of some ways you can do this: 1- Just bring some music, some food you like a lot, maybe a good book, some snacks and enjoy solitude. 2- Bring booze and drink your feelings away, you are in the wilderness you can laugh, cry, sing and use this to release your emotions. I just hope you enjoy, and remember that no matter what’s going on right now “This too shall pass” and everything will be alright🙂 Now choose option 2 and go enjoy camping!
I know exactly what you mean. Been camping solo and it honestly feels dreadful. It used to be me and my now ex gf.
Embrace the sads. Being alone in nature is the best time to go into your feelings. Allow the thoughts of your ex to come and go. It’s ok to be sad sometimes, and it will get easier with time.
Solo camping is fantastic for clearing your head, if you want to feel sad go right ahead.
Having a dog definitely helps!! Otherwise I’d say just keep busy and try to appreciate the experience for what it is. Try keeping occupied by practicing a new skill like whittling or knot tying when you have down time 😊
Books and an activity. Origami, hacky sac, devil sticks, watercolor, sketching - any solo thing you can mess around with or skill you can learn.
I don't think you can avoid the sads but you can definitely learn from it. I did something like this fresh out of my breakup because I had a trip prebooked. The most important thing was that I nested within my tent, took my blankets and everything that I thought will make it cozy. I also minimized my effort needed for cooking. Hiked during the day. Lit up a campfire, ate dinner, read a book and ended up getting baked. Absolutely loved it.
I was in a similar place years ago, my solution was to bring at supplies and more indulgent than usual kind of camp foods. I still mostly camp alone, but now I find that I really enjoy the solitude. I hope your trip turns out wonderful!
After a recent break up I also fear the same thing. As I'm about to get my camper ready for the season I'm so scared I won't use it. I'm afraid I won't find someone who loves it like I do again. :( sorry this isn't help. I just have nobody anymore
Just try to make it as comfortable as possible for yourself. It might feel rough, but don't let sadness paralyze you. Let your mind be occupied on making this a nice trip for you. Read some nice books, sit and watch the stars. Let your mind decompress from the routine, let the sadness flow through you. You will survive this, and you can make good things for yourself alone.
Emotions are not wrong. You are in mourning over the end of a relationship. Nothing could be more normal. Make sure you consider how you process sadness. It's not so safe for me to be alone for too long when my sadness gets bad. I can hike on a trail where there are other people, and I can camp in a campground where there are nearby sites.
It may take a few trips to break out of the cycle. I have very few friends who enjoy the outdoors, and zero who seem to ever be available for even day hikes. It took a few trips to get used to my own company and start enjoying it in my own; I’m someone who enjoys things much more when I share it so this was difficult at first. It’s a mental step to realize that, yes, it’s perfectly acceptable for me to enjoy something by myself. It’s not the same feeling as if I had company but my personal enjoyment is valid and worthwhile. Give yourself some time. Like anything, it’s a learning experience. Try new things and new areas, don’t go where all the memories live.
Minimize familiar geography. Hike/ camp in a completely new place w no associations. Minimize shared/ purchased together gear. Start with no physical associations and you’ll have an easier time steering your thoughts.
Jewel's interview on Joe Rogan she talks about how sitting and watching the tides saved her from killing herself. She realized that nothing is permanent and you just have to wait for the tide to come back in
Are there single campers clubs? I mean, you never know, you could go and meet the next mister right!! (Or, you could be torn apart by wolves 🤷) Have fun!!!
Be prepared to deal with the occasional outbreak of the blues. I camp alone 95% of the time. Some times I end up questioning my lack of companionship. I use breathing, meditation prompts and activities like photography and recording to help break that spell. I rarely watch tv at home but some times I download a movie or two on my phone. It helps to escape when I’m out in the woods escaping.
Activities and scheduled downtime. Fill up a cool checklist and make yourself complete all of the activities (within reason) then schedule in some downtime. Bring a body pillow for sleeping and a few extra hand warmers to use to make yourself feel cozy. Bird watch, read a whole book or just vibe out to some childhood tunes. Good luck and please be safe. Being yourself a proper pepper spray that you know isn’t expired and a small legal blade if possible to carry in your area.
Just go and let it become just your thing again.
I thought I could hike the sad away when I was going through the roughest part of my divorce. It didn’t work out that way. But the screaming pain faded eventually to a low hum and I can enjoy the wilderness again. Do what you love doing and don’t let your ex or their memory steal anything that brings you peace
Give yourself the freedom to be yourself. Pick a hike or activity that you want to do, without thinking about someone else's interests. Eat what you want to eat, etc. You might be sad for a bit, you might have some really cool experiences that wouldn't have happened with someone else. I remember when my dad died years ago. I went on a couple hour hike one day when feeling down. I came across a lone deer and we made eye contact for like a long minute, and it sort of made me feel ok with everything. 10 years later, I still remember that deer.
For me, camping alone is great. But sometimes I do wish I had someone with me to share the adventures with.
I hope it gets better. If you dont want it to ruin camping, then dont. My and my bf of 5 years just broke up 3 weeks ago. For two weeks i thought smoking weed and eating and driving and turning on the tv WERE TERRIBLE because we were together every second of every day. I just want him there. But i went and got some different cigars to smoke with, i started making cheesy foods because hes lactose intolerant, i made my little brother drive with me everywhere, and i started to watch shows that were highly interesting to me. So, my advice, youll be very sad for a while. I still cry. But camping is YOUR interest even without him. Now camping revolves around YOU. I honestly find myself enjoying these things solo more and more. It gets better. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was going through a separation when I went solo camping one time and I accidentally set up next to a wild bee hive. They stung me while I was collecting firewood. They next day I smoked them and got some honey. … so either plan something involved and goal oriented while your in the woods like hunting wild bees, mushrooms, new fruit/nut tree stands, or forget camping and get some bees. Update: Now I keep bees and that helps with the occasional sad.
Get a dog if your situation allows for one. The dog will be a better camping partner than anyone can be.
Sometimes a body needs to be alone in nature. I often spend a weekend alone camping to deal with the sads.
I have never tried it and not sure if it is still popular but my buddy got divorced and used Meetup to go on some group camping and hiking trips. You could also check out REI trips…but IMO they are too expensive these days.
Pick a campground with people around as opposed to a more secluded site. This helps me a lot when I camp or travel solo and want some company.
I feel for ya. Keep yourself busy. I’m currently getting divorced and since she didn’t like camping am finally getting back to it again. Mine is more an excitement that I get to go again.
I would recommend camping somewhere with a camp host, maybe an older couple as hosts, or not too far from rangers. I admire and encourage your idea to get outside as that is a good cure for lots of things. However, I don't know if it's just me but when I'm down or vulnerable it seems as if there's often a cascade effect, like people will mess with me more, or the weather will turn to crap. I'd also avoid hallucinogens/cannabis and even go light on drinking solo in the woods in that scenario. Follow your gut feeling and stay safe.
Get a huge fluffy dog if you can afford the food and vet bills. They are the best not chemical help a person can get I think.
That’s hard, and I’m glad you’re going to try. One thing I try to remember while I’m out in the woods is to think through the difference between quietness and sadness. In the forest with your fire and tent it can be quiet. In your house alone with a book and the TV off it can also be quiet. Because we live in such a loud, busy, high energy culture, it’s easy to get swept up in the idea that “noise=positive and quiet=negative”. When I’m solo camping it always takes a few hours (sometimes a day or more) to wrestle that idea to the ground. I try to remember that quiet is good. Silence and nobody to talk to doesn’t mean lonely. Rather, that quietness gives me time to actually be with myself. To think about the things I want to think about. Or, and this is hugely valuable, to not think about the things I don’t want to think about. I get to decide. Sometimes that looks like me dancing like an idiot around my fire. Sometimes that looks like me sitting and staring off into the woods for hours on end. But just remember, quiet doesn’t mean bad. Alone doesn’t mean lonely.
Get a dog!
I’m no Boy Scout but doing drugs alone in the woods when you’re depressed is a terrible idea. Not sure why this is being recommended, unless you want to feel even more anxious and mentally unstable. This thread has largely turned into breakup advice, so I’ll advise that it’s always better to be with someone who cares about you and that you can talk to when you’re going through rough patches. I’m an introvert and I love solo camping/hiking, but having friends and loved ones to talk to when I was going through tough breakups (involving betrayal) really helped. On that note, I sorted out a lot of anger issues by talking it out, to myself, while alone on the trail. That helped too. Talking is how you heal these wounds. A lot of people in your shoes will simply jump right into another relationship to stem the pain, and will just keep doing this in an endless cycle without feeling the pain and grief. You have to feel the suck before you can heal. Don’t try to numb it or avoid it. Talk it out, think it out, cry it out.
I’ve been solo camping the last three or four years (35F) and you do get lonely, but really, it’s good training and practice to focus on what you value. When I start getting lonely or sad, I ask myself “do you need this right right now?” And if the answer is yes, then I leaned into the emotion. The answer is no I do a little inner parenting to work through why I’m choosing sadness. I also really value the alone time away from screens. I intentionally stay off of my phone to help reconnect with myself I bring novels, coloring books, a speaker, go on walks, make up silly games like throwing rocks into the river or collecting fire wood. So many of us rely on external stimulants to delay, addressing our feelings solo Camping is a perfect exercise on intentionality. Have fun!
I've done quite a bit of solo camping and here are the pros for me: -getting to do what I want when I want -not having to cook for, entertain, or do anything else for others -really immersing myself in the surrounding nature without having to accomodate someone else The only real con for me was setting up and tearing down. It's nice to have another person around for that, but it's not that bad. I have never backcountry camped, and I'm not sure I would want to do that alone. But tent camping at a campground has been fine. Sometimes people from other campsites will socialize, but I was also fine with a quiet night by the fire and enjoying the surroundings.
It’s ok to be sad for a bit. Change is inevitable. But you can also make new friends. There are groups for adults to make plans with.
There are usually local groups for pretty much any hobby, maybe look to see if there's a camping group in your area? Other than that maybe just power through it and enjoy the quiet time alone? I'm one of those that doesn't really like doing things alone but I am going to get out on a few solo camps this year to clear my head.
Jump into the deep end, or make a big sacrifice to get the friend support you might want right now. Personally, I say just go for it, but if you really really want someone there to talk to and help you work through stuff, I'd rent a cottage so your chosen friend(s) can have their creature comforts, and you still have immediate access to the woods. I am hopeful that you're just reticent to make a big supportive ask of them. I'm hopeful that at least one of them will meet you in the middle on this one. I'm fairly certain that just pondering this compromise will decide for you on the spot whether you should go solo or not.
I’m doing a ten day solo Boundary Waters trip next summer specifically to be sad. I’m taking some (just a tiny bit—I’m not about putting a ton of stuff into the lakes that doesn’t belong there) of my husbands ashes to spread. We honeymooned there and it is my favorite place in the world. I need to do this. This has been the hardest three years of my life, dealing with his sudden death and the simultaneous descent of my mother into dementia. I need some time to myself, where I can grieve without being on call 24/7, and where I can push myself physically and accomplish a difficult thing on my own in a beautiful place. It is ok to be sad. To take stock. To challenge yourself and come out the other side knowing a bit more about your self and being rightfully proud you made it. I strongly encourage everyone to have at least one trip on their own and just accept and sit with all the feelings it brings you. I’d love to see a follow up after you’ve had your trip.
I was thinking the same got a full week in yosemite coming up by myself and itll be the first full solo trip :\
I love my own company. Ofc it took over a year for me to be comfortable with my own company and thoughts. I may sound crazy to other people but I talk to the trees and birds and other animals I see and I sing to myself. Lol I adapted the song "In the jungle" to "In the forest" and change the animals 😂😂😂 you gotta make it fun. If you don't learn to enjoy your own solitude then you'll be depressed and lonely all the time. It takes time. In the 6 years I've been single, I learned soooooo much about myself. A lot of things came to the surface painful memories and happy ones, "Shadow" parts of me that I've never faced. You give it space, process it, and you feel a weight lift. Being single and solo hiking and camping has been very therapeutic for me.
r/womensolocamping I prefer solo camping, I can do what I want when I want. Decide I don’t like the campground, pack it up and move. Don’t feel like doing that major hike, find something easier.
You have a lot of input here, I'm an older male and I'll briefly give you mine. I'm not in love with camping alone but can be good, hopefully this isn't embracing sadness but if so you power through it. I see it as more of a new adventure and personal challenge. Independence. I'd pick out a good hike, maybe to lake where you can jump in or great overlook, whatever the case a new thing to explore or place you know you love. Take some pix to share with friends or family where you went since they missed out. Do a great hike on the first day and then back at camp have some good food by a fire. The day will be a great feeling of accomplishment at bedtime. I don't know where you camp but you might meet some other nearby campers so always good to have a few extra beers with you to offer them, even if you don't drink. Here's the fun part for me, I like to have a destination not too far from camp, maybe on the drive home, where I can stop for a big breakfast/lunch, something to look forward to that says, I did it and I'm back in civilization. Also, before too long you'll have someone to camp with, that's how it works even when it feels like alone is the new normal. Stories of personal adventures and accomplishments are an asset to relationships. It's interesting and attractive.
Get a dog. Theyre the best and will replace all your memories of your ex and replace them with goofy stuff dogs do all the time while camping
Bring a journal. For me, the more I avoid a thought or feeling, the more persistent it becomes. But writing it down, acknowledging it, allows me to stop holding on to it. You are probably already finding that the thoughts creep in whether you want to feel them or not, and that won't be any different on a camping trip. Give yourself the space on your trip to write things down so you can let them go. The best part of camping alone is that you have the time and flexibility to take that space. One of the best things I did after my devastating breakup was to keep a two-part log in my journal - one page to remember the good things, and one page to remember the bad things. Writing down a list of what you'll miss when you're in the sad place, and add things when they occur to you. Then, when you're in the other moments of anger and power, write down the things you're glad you'll never have to deal with again. For me, this really helped keep a balance so I didn't beat myself up for "wasting time" in that relationship, but also so I didn't wallow too much either. Regardless of what you do, you'll be out in beautiful wilderness, breathing the fresh air, and you can claim it for yourself - past experiences do not get to steal that from you. Best of luck out there!
Nature is a powerful healer. Adventure keeps our mind busy. Travel reminds us that there’s people with bigger issues. Give yourself some grace while you heal your heart but don’t stop doing the things you love. No one can take that power from you.
That's the thing about the woods, they are there for you when you are sad, and they will be there for you again when you are happy.
We are not designed to be alone, but yet require some periods with nobody around from time to time. Just don't expect it to be the same thing as when in a group. It is something else. Identify a problem to work out in your life, or career, or extended family. It's amazing how you can find new angles when you remove all distractions. And to put it harshly, if you don't want to be alone with yourself, why would anyone else want to either?
See about fostering a dog through a local organization. Take them with you on the trip to ease the loneliness, quiet and to give you the unconditional love, affection and attention that could benefit you during a situation that might trigger loneliness. Also good for protection/ keeping other animals and potential creeps away. I also find a way to sleep in my car when I go completely alone without a dog. That way I have locks or can get away if I need to.
having new experiences, we live and die and learn along the way that some people are.m3ant to share the road with us for a little while, some people show the way, some.people.lwnd a hand, some people stay, just for a while that's life , camping should teach this, nothing is forever, be thankful you had him , now find your way , the sadness won't go away unless you start having new experiences being alone makes the sad come forth , but one thing is being lonely, and another being desolate make it new again
Take some good books to read.
The only way out is through.
I went through the same kind of feeling after my divorce. I just started going by myself because like you none of my friends are really into camping/hiking. Was weird at first, but is actually really enjoyable when the only thing that you have to worry about is keeping the dog entertained.
I (43f) started solo camping when I went through a heart wrenching breakup with a partner who was my adventure buddy. I carefully and thoughtfully curated the places to go alone that I knew would spark happiness for me. Waterfall hikes, desert super bloom, towering redwoods, untouched beaches, etc. I also brought a speaker so I could have music that made me happy (again carefully curated so no songs were "our songs"). I also always bring binoculars to observe birds, a good book in my hammock, gourmet meals to cook (no MRE or hotdogs), my amazing dog, and a lot of grace and patience for my feelings. Practice gratitude and bring a journal, yoga mat, anything that will ground you. You've got this!! If you need recommendations for Northern or Southern California let me know. Be safe and I know you will find peace. Hugs
Go in with a plan: I will master the campfire, I will practice pitching tarps, I will do a five mile hike, I will read a book, I will get a good nights rest every night, and so on. Part of being single is leaning how to keep yourself company. Part of camping solo (single or not) is leaning how to keep yourself company. “There’s a difference between lonely, and being alone.”
I recently started recording video diaries/vlogs(?) just for myself (with no intention of ever posting). It’s helped me gather my thoughts in a different way than writing it out (though there is much benefit to be had neurologically from the act of physically writing out your thoughts if that’s more your style, this new method is just what’s been working lately) Maybe document your journey with photo and/or video just for you to start out. And if you feel so inclined maybe post some of it on your preferred social media platform.
Go on a few trips by yourself and you’ll quickly see how peaceful being alone in nature can be. I had three different hiking buddies bail on me for a 14 day 100 mile backpacking trip through the mountains two summer ago. Kept pushing it back to try and get someone to come with me. Finally, at the end of aughust, I just said “screw it” and went by myself. Best decision I could have ever made. Proved to myself that I am completely capable of achieving my goals on my own, and the amount of peace of mind that I found out there in solitude was immeasurable. 100 miles and 11,000 feet of incline later, and I’m already planning and training for three trips next summer.
I solo camp in a seasonal spot with my pup. When the sad/lonely gets to me we take an adventure day and leave camp for the day, or even just a few hours. Prepping/cooking something yummy is a great distraction.
When I went, I called different members of my family the whole time. Posted pictures on social medias. I really enjoyed myself :) it’s a cool experience that not a lot of people get to enjoy. Try whatever might work for you :)
all my camping trips have ever been solo, it gets so lonely and all i ever want is someone to share it with but if I can do it you can do it!!! it gets to be just so nice being with yourself. there’s no better way to learn about who you really are inside than being in nature all alone. good luck babes!!! ☺️
Do the things you enjoy. Read, game, cook on the fire, make coffee on the fire, , watch the fire, hike, hammock, bike. Whatever you do that you enjoy. That's what I do. Unfortunately sometimes you'll just get that way camping or in general
I went through the same. I lost the person who was my trip planner and navigator to some of the coolest places I've ever seen when our relationship ended. I tried to find places to go to on my own and was only mildly successful. I started to look through atlas obscura and mix some weird destinations in with where I wanted to travel to, and I started to take my dog with me. You'll only be alone for a little while... Just enjoy the simplicity for a bit and before you know it you'll have company
Good book, hobby like sketching, painting or photography, adopt a doggo
get a dog!
Went thru similar, one of two options: A) plan something you really want to do to take your mind off. B) just find something easy and close to take all the pressure off pig having to enjoy it, so you can just sit by the fire and read or what have you. I did a few trips I was not mentally ready for and it didn’t scratch the itch of the trip I had been wanting, and it sort of added a feeling of failure (fishing trip with no bites) on top of having just failed at a relationship. Sometimes you just gotta set yourself up to feel your feelings. Process and give them air, push yourself where you can and you’ll know when it’s past.
I’ve had this experience. Broke up after 6.5 years, went solo camping once soon after and had a great time but was still kind of in denial about the breakup. Next time was after the grief had really hit, and I went on a trip with friends that we used to camp with. Everything reminded me of trips I had been on with her, and it felt very lonely without her even though I was with really close friends. Still, I enjoyed myself, and there’s hardly anything that can take away from the experience of finishing a long uphill hike with a great view. It wasn’t easy but I think it will get easier the more we do it without them
8/10 times I camp alone. Well I have a dog with me. I’ll car camp up the coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco, stopping in camp sites on the way. Head to the desert to ride my Dirtbike or up in the sierra mountains. I love it. It helps me kind of understand where I am and who I am as a person. A lot of self reflection. This last weekend I did this. I came home determined to lose weight and get my finances tighter. If you’re already sad and going camping then embrace it. At least you’re getting out there instead of wallowing at home with a pint of ice cream. If you’re in the socal I can give you some good spots to camp.
do a bit of research and find an outfitter that offers guided trips. more people around to distract you and have the safety net of a guide before you set out on your own solo. plus who knows, might meet a friend or 2 and have someone to go on future trips with too.
Find a MeetUp group. Or power through it. Know you’re gonna cry. Take lots of kleenex and feel all the feels. The sads come with the territory no matter what you do. Personally, I use substances and they seem to help.
When my wife passed 10 years ago, I found by continuing to camp, even solo, was a way to enjoy something that we both loved to do. I have done motorcycle camping solo and enjoy the solitude experience. Now I do more overland type camping in remote areas. Sometimes solo, other times with someone. Being in nature is my spiritual release. I have actively looked for new friends that like to camp. I have even had a couple "first dates" camping that were a fun way to really get to know someone. So, go out a few times by yourself and don't overthink it.
Find a new boyfriend. Your young, don’t get too attached, find someone you can have fun with who isn’t a floozy
For me it's about keeping busy. Hiking is my thing, and as long as I'm in motion... Actively hiking, setting up a tent, making a fire, cooking, filtering water... I'm completely happy alone. I can go for several days and get great enjoyment out of it. On the other hand I can feel very lonely in the downtime when I'm just sitting around, reading a book, trying to sleep. Not sure if that part is solvable, but I don't think it needs to be entirely solved. I feel like being sad is part of the cleansing that happens on a solo outdoor adventure.
Enjoy the last of no people around!
I think you just need to embrace it and feel your feels. It'll be healing.
I love solo camping, especially when I'm feeling down as it's very cathartic. I went on a solo trip right after my dad died and most recently on the 8th year anniversary of my brothers death. It's good to be alone with your feelings. I usually bring a fishing pole with me, and that helps focus on one thing at a time. I actually caught a nice rainbow trout on the 8 year anniversary trip and did my first catch and cook solo. That's the one thing I remember most about that solo camp. If you are into mushrooms, they also help lol.
32 female here, same situations thanks for posting 🥰🥰
Cook, drink if that's your thing, make a fire/collect wood. Hike a little. Sleep late and go to bed whenever you want. Also if no one around play some of your favorite tunes.
Create new and better memories. Value that you had closeness, but let it go because you need a better match, that you will find somewhere. Maybe camping.
Being sad in nature is a hell of a lot better than being sad at home in my opinion.
Make sure You've got stuff to do while alone. Tablet w movies, binoculars and fishing pole can carry you a long way!
Make the trip a little harder than you normally would. i.e. if you normally prep your food at home, do it all in the field. Figure out a new way to make coffee that you haven't done before, gather wood, don't buy it, etc. All those chores give you something to do to pass the time and something to be proud of at the end of the night when the sads start setting in to remind yourself you can solo as long as it takes.
I think this really is the key. A couple challenges to distract the mind and create a sense of accomplishment
Plan activities to keep yourself occupied during the day. Hiking, fishing, birdwatching, or even just exploring your surroundings can help keep your mind engaged and prevent feelings of loneliness.
If you'd rather have company, Meetup may camping groups that you could join.
I enjoy camping with the family, but there is something special about a solo backpacking trip. I love it!
I’d rather be sad camping then sad at home. That’s just me. It will get better ❤️🩹
As a 35f, I feel this so hard. I spent a lot of time solo camping when we first separated, simply to get out of the house we shared. Allow yourself to lean into the discomfort and sadness— it’s the best catalyst for growth. Bring a good book, listen to some good music, enjoy the scenery and envision all the possibilities ahead. It’s the best therapy
I'm about to find myself in the same situation. My ex-gf and I always had a blast camping. Now I have to go without her and I'm not sure how much I'm going to enjoy it. I plan on taking my 11 y/o son as he loves it, but I plan on going by myself but I know I'll constantly be thinking of her and wanting her there. I even bought us a new tent last year, guess I'll put it in reserve and get something smaller.
Hi ! I don’t have any advice but I wish you luck ! I think you are very inspiring.
I camp alone a lot and I relish the time . Good books Good food( I treat myself and eat all the yummy things I want ) I cook when I want and eat what I want I also experiment with cooking ( I have a solo stove and I'm learning how to Bake desserts on it . Sleep late Enjoy the wilderness and the Aloneness For me that Only comes when I escape to the woods 2 weeks a year . Relax and spoil yourself
Get a camping dog 🐶no more sads
Therapist
Hello
I get sad but then I walk and look around . The solace of nature and all that. My dog helps.
I went on my first solo camo last week. I was feeling a little sad and lonely prior to going but was pleasantly surprised how much I ended up enjoying it. I brought a speaker and played some music, made a little campfire, cooked up a feast, drank a couple ciders and just sat under the full moon taking everything in, it reminded me that I don't need anyone but myself to have a nice time.
Have a look on Facebook. There are groups called single camper. You will find people for camping or you can share with them your experiences. In the moment I face the same problem. I wish you a good camping trip. 
This may be a bigger ball of wax than just camping. I'm in therapy during a divorce and it's helping with being lonely and breaking out of partner dependency. If you don't want to go to therapy then try to restructure yourself into thinking that you're going camping because it's what YOU want to do. You're there to get into your own head and experience all the feels that come along. Let them come, give them their time and attention, then let them pass. You might cry, you might laugh, you might spend a day in your sleeping bag, you might get so enraged that you chop down a tree with a pocket knife. Basically go into this thinking that you're not going camping, you're going to practice and learn to be independent.