Tips for Your Solo Camping Trip

There is something special about camping on your own. When you’re can get out into nature and clear your head without the distractions of modern technology and other people (no matter how much you may love them), it gives you a new perspective and the ability to reset yourself. There aren’t many opportunities quite like it, which is why it is so important to take the time out to do. Taking a solo camping trip in your Bowlus is one of the best and safest ways to do it. Here are some tips so you can have the best camping experience possible.

Why You Should Camp Solo

As humans, we are social by nature. Doing things on our own, especially camping, which really puts you out there, can feel scary or intimidating. However, that’s actually part of why everyone should do it at least once in their lives. 

Nature is good for us, both mentally and physically. Being able to unplug, both from technology and the business of day to day life, is an essential part of self-care, as well. Solo camping combines the benefits of both and challenges you while reminding you that you are capable of doing things on your own. 

We designed our travel trailer so it can be handled by just one person with that in mind. Whether you are heading out with your friends or family or going on your own solo adventure, you shouldn’t have to worry about being able to handle your luxury travel trailer. You deserve the peace and quiet of nature without the stress of a difficult RV.

Plan Your Route And Let Others Know

Unlike camping with others, where you have people to help you if something happens, camping alone comes with its own risks to consider. One of the best ways to negate those risks is by planning your route ahead of time and then letting people know where you’ll be and when you expect to be home. If anything were to happen while you were on your solo camping trip, people would know where to look and when to sound the alarm. 

If this is your first time solo camping, you may want to stay closer to home. That can help you to dip your toes in and get used to it, without having to go too far for help or if it turns out not to be your thing. It also allows you to learn more about managing your Bowlus on your own, including hooking it up. 

Luckily, these travel trailers were designed to be manageable, even by just one person. They are lightweight (the roots of its construction are in aircraft construction, and it weighs less than a car) and can be both hitched and unhitched in under a minute by one person.

If you plan on staying at an established campground, especially one located in a national park like Zion in Utah, you may want to verify whether or not you’ll need reservations. You don’t want to show up and not have a campsite to park your travel trailer in! This will help you know what services they offer, so you can cater your packing list appropriately.  

Pack Appropriately

A major part of the camping process is making sure you bring everything that you need to. Your Bowlus already comes with a few of those essential components, so you can cross them off your list. When you travel in one of our luxury travel trailers, you’ll get:

• Fresh water hose
• Power cord adaptor (30 amp to 15 amp capacity)
• Shore power electrical cord (30 amp capacity)
• Coupler lock
• Two wheel chocks

If this is your first time traveling in your Bowlus, there are a few other essentials you want to make sure that you have before you head out:

• Greywater coupling hose
• Emergency road warning triangle
• Small toolkit
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Outdoor extension cord (3 prong)
• Small hammer
• Solar panel (order through us to verify compatibility)
• 2000 watt generator and gas (optional, but recommended)
• A fully charged cell phone, charger, and battery pack

After you make sure you have the equipment you’ll need to have a safe and successful camping trip, we recommend a few other things that will make your trip as comfortable as possible. 

For the exterior of your luxury travel trailer:

• A camping chair
• Camping rug/doormat (to keep mud out of the interior)
• LED battery string lights (for ambiance) 
• Lanterns
• Speakers

For the kitchen:

• Saucepan
• Non-stick skillet
• Cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knives (large and small)
• Aero-press
• Biodegradable dish detergent and handwashing soap
• Trash bags
• Kettle
• Scissors
• Can opener
• Corkscrew
• Matches/lighter

For the bathroom:

• Any personal medication (including pain relievers)
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Hairbrush
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Razors
• Laundry bag
• Lotion
• Lip balm
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body soap
• Towels
• Extra contacts (or glasses)

Check Over Your Travel Trailer Before You Leave

While it’s essential to check your travel trailer out before taking any camping trip, it’s even more critical that you do it before heading out on your own. This should only take about half an hour before leaving, but it may be the most important half-hour of your whole trip. Here is one of the checklists we use:

• Make sure your registration and insurance are up to date for both your tow vehicle and your Bowlus.
• Verify that your tow vehicle has been serviced recently and is in good working order.
• Know where all of your relevant documents are – driver’s license, passport, etc.
• Check to make sure your wireless router’s SIM cards are current.
• Make sure you have an extra set of keys for both your vehicle and your travel trailer.
• Confirm the battery is fully charged.
• Top off your fresh water tank, or verify there is fresh water at your campground.
• Empty the toilet cassette and grey water tank, if not previously done.
• Check to make sure all of the appliances are in working order, and confirm your propane levels are at least 50%.
• Turn on your refrigerator and stock with fresh groceries.
• Make sure your vehicle hitches and unhitches and that all signals are operational when hitched.

Plan Activities

Knowing what activities you’re interested in doing while camping is another great tip to really prepare for your trip. Mostly, this is so you can pack appropriately. For instance, if you think you’ll be spending a lot of time hiking, make sure to bring enough portable water and good quality hiking shoes. If you plan to swim, bring a swimsuit and extra towels. 

However, especially when you’re camping solo, don’t try to participate in difficult activities that you haven’t done much before. You don’t want to be lost by yourself in the middle of an area you’re not familiar with.

It’s also a great idea to plan for downtime. Even for experienced solo campers, downtime can get lonely. Bringing a good book, a puzzle, or any other type of solo activity you enjoy to tackle any potential loneliness you feel can help. 

In addition, think ahead to the meals you plan to make. Camping alone requires far fewer groceries than camping with other people, but you’ll want to create a general meal plan for yourself before you head out. That way, you’ll know what you need to buy at the store, and you can help eliminate the food waste that often happens when you go shopping without a plan. 

The best part is, when you travel in a Bowlus, you’ll have a refrigerator and freezer with a high-efficiency compressor to store your food, which expands the opportunities you have to cook for yourself, even while you’re in the middle of nowhere.

In Conclusion…

Solo camping is one of the best things you can do for yourself. While it can feel intimidating to head out on your own, when you do it in a Bowlus, you can feel safe and secure in the knowledge that you are traveling in one of the best luxury travel trailers the industry has to offer. 

With the most powerful lithium iron phosphate batteries on the market, and the ability to be off-grid for up to two weeks, you’ll be able to be alone without having to be afraid. It’s a powerful experience and one that everyone should take part in at least once in their lives. 

 

Sources:

BBC – Earth – How nature is good for our health and happiness

https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html