Camping Tips for Women: A Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Outdoor Adventures

The wilderness always has been and always will be wild, just as it should be. That’s what makes it so incredible to explore. And while its wild nature is part of why we leave the comforts of home for camping trips, it’s also why preparation and planning are so necessary. In this guide, we’ll look at some camping tips specifically curated for the women in the audience, including safety, lodging selection, solo camping considerations, and more to help you make the most of your time out in the beautiful expanse of nature. Let’s dive in!

1. Safety Tips

When it comes to camping, safety is a high priority, especially for female campers. Let’s take a look at some safety considerations to think about as you’re planning and heading out on your adventure.

Solo Camping Safety

Share Your Itinerary: Always be sure to tell a family member or trusted friend about your travel plans, including your itinerary and expected return date. You might also consider sharing your iphone location with this person so they can check your last whereabouts if you somehow deviate from your itinerary.

Regular Check-Ins: Establish regular check-in times with someone you trust. Whether through a text, call, or satellite communication, these check-ins provide reassurance to your loved ones and create a safety net for you on your solo adventure.

Opt for Well-Traveled Campgrounds: This isn’t to say that you can’t venture out on a solo backpacking trip through your favorite State Park. But if safety is your top priority, you might be better off finding a busy campground with camp rangers and security measures. From there, you can head out on day hikes in the area.

Stay Aware: Be mindful of your environment, from natural hazards to the behavior of nearby wildlife. If you’re going to listen to music while you’re out exploring, consider bringing along a speaker or opt for one headphone over two. And be sure to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures specific to the area you’re visiting in case you run into any situations where you need assistance.

Navigating Social Media: Real-time location tagging on posts and stories on your social media can inadvertently expose your current whereabouts to a wider audience than you intended. A safer practice is to delay sharing your experiences until after you've moved on from a specific location.

Self-Defense Essentials

While worst-case scenarios are unlikely, it can’t hurt to stay prepared for adverse situations on your adventure. It can also help with your overall confidence level as a female camper, even if you never need to use them.

Carry Defense Tools: Having pepper spray or bear spray within easy reach is a great line of defense against both humans and potentially dangerous wildlife. Make sure you know how to use these tools effectively and safely before you’re in a high-intensity situation.

Learn Self-Defense Techniques: Consider taking a class before your trip to familiarize yourself with techniques that could help in various situations.

Use Noise-Making Devices: A whistle or other noise-making device can be a lifesaver in multiple scenarios in the wilderness. Whether you're lost, injured, or trying to scare off wildlife, the ability to create a loud noise can draw attention and help. It’s a good idea to have a whistle attached to your gear for easy access.

Emergency Preparedness

Preparation is key when it comes to handling unexpected situations during camping trips. A first aid kit and a few additional safety measures can make a significant difference in emergencies. Here are a few things to pack along with you:

First Aid Kit: Beyond basic bandages and antiseptics, your kit should include items like sterile gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines for allergic reactions, and rehydration salts for managing dehydration. It’s also wise to carry specific medications if you have known allergies or conditions.

Emergency Contact Numbers: Always have a physical list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services (police, fire department, nearest hospital) and personal contacts. Since cell service can be unreliable, consider programming these numbers into a satellite phone or a GPS device with messaging capabilities if you’re venturing into remote areas.

Whistle and Signal Mirror: A whistle can also be a lifesaver. Three sharp blasts are the universal signal of distress. You should also include a signal mirror in your kit. In bright sunlight, a mirror can be used to signal search and rescue teams from huge distances away.

Emergency Blanket: Pack a lightweight, space-saving emergency blanket. These help retain body heat in cold weather, signal for help (if reflective), and even provide makeshift shelter in dire situations.

Information Card: In your first aid kit, include a waterproof card with your personal information, medical history, allergies, and any medication you're taking. This can make all the difference for first responders in case you're unconscious or unable to communicate.

Wildlife Awareness

When you enter wilderness areas, you’re entering the home of thousands of animal species. Here are a few tips to help you limit unwelcome encounters:

Maintain a Clean Campsite: Always keep your camping area tidy to avoid attracting wildlife with food smells. Use airtight containers or bear-proof canisters to store your food and dispose of trash in designated areas or carry it out with you until you find disposal bins. Remember, even small crumbs or spills can attract animals.

Secure Food Storage: Especially in bear country, hanging your food, trash, and other scented items at least 10 feet off the ground and a good distance away from your campsite can prevent wildlife encounters.

Educate Yourself About Local Wildlife: Before your trip, research the types of wildlife you might encounter in the area and make sure you’re prepared with the right knowledge and gear in case you do run upon an animal. It’s hard to remember if you should play dead or get big with a black bear if you haven’t thought about it since your last trip!

Avoid Wildlife Encounters: While it might be tempting to get a closer look or a photograph, always observe wildlife from a distance. Do not attempt to feed or touch wild animals, as this can lead to aggressive behavior and alter their natural behaviors, making them more dangerous to future campers.

2. Packing Essentials for Female Campers

While this isn’t everything you need for a camping trip, here is a list of camping gear to add to your packing list for a comfortable experience:

Shelter and Comfort

Tent: While you might be tempted to opt for a one-person tent, you might consider a larger size for safety reasons. You’re less likely to draw attention from unwanted visitors if they think you’re in a group. Many women also find security in placing a pair of men’s shoes outside the tent while they sleep to deter any unwelcome folks.

Stakes and Tarp: For securing your tent and additional weather protection. A tarp can also serve as a makeshift shelter or ground cover.

Sleep System: Invest in a high-quality sleeping bag rated for the specific weather conditions of your destination. Pair it with a sleeping pad or air mattress for insulation and cushioning against the ground.

Hygiene Hacks

Toiletries: Opt for biodegradable soap to minimize environmental impact. Don’t forget toothpaste and a toothbrush as well as unscented deodorant and 50 spf sunscreen!

Sanitation: Pack along some hand sanitizer and wet wipes for quick cleaning. A small trowel, toilet paper, and a pee funnel are also must-haves if you don’t have access to campground toilets.

Menstruation Management: Consider packing a menstrual cup instead of tampons or pads. Cups are eco-friendly and reduce the amount of waste you have to manage at your site.

Additional Essentials

Navigation Tools: A physical map and compass, or a GPS device, are great tools for navigating unfamiliar terrain.

Multi-Tool: A good multi-tool can be incredibly useful for repairs, food preparation, and emergency situations.

Fire Starting: Waterproof matches, a lighter, or a fire starter kit. Knowing how to safely and responsibly make a fire is something you’ll want to be able to do before setting out on an adventure where you’ll rely on fire for heat and cooking. Make sure to check fire restrictions in the area you’re headed.

Clothing: Bring lots of layers including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and waterproof outer layers. Also make sure you break in your hiking boots before you head out for a hiking adventure. Nothing

Food Storage: Containers or bags to protect your food from animals and keep it fresh. If you’re planning to hang your food and other scented items, make sure you bring some sort of rope or paracord.

Personal locator beacon (PLB): If your adventures have you trekking through areas with little to no cell service, a personal locator beacon or satellite phone can be a helpful safety tool.

Headlamp: A headlamp is crucial for solo campers as it provides hands-free illumination, allowing them to perform tasks like setting up camp or cooking safely in the dark. Additionally, in emergency situations, a headlamp ensures visibility and facilitates navigation, enhancing overall safety and peace of mind during solitary camping trips.

3. Lodging Selection

Nowadays, there are so many different ways to camp. Tent camping, glamping, yurts, and more all offer unique camping experiences. Not sure which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at some of the differences.

Tent Camping

Tent camping, or car camping, usually refers to booking a drive-up campsite in a designated campground. Tent camping is a great way to fully disconnect from the amenities of home while still being able to bring everything you need with you for a comfortable stay. This is a great option for a low-maintenance, budget-friendly trip.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is similar to tent camping, but it’s far more primitive. You’ll still be sleeping in a tent, but you’ll need to pack everything in and everything out from your site. You’ll only have access to the things you can carry in a backpacking pack. This means you’ll need lightweight gear, a comfortable pack, thoughtfully planned food and cooking supplies, and your own water source. You also likely won’t have access to restrooms and you have a much higher likelihood of encountering wildlife. Backcountry camping is extremely rewarding if your goal is to really disconnect and spend time in nature.

Glamping

Glamping is a newer form of camping that stands for “glamorous camping”. Glamping can vary depending on the campground, but it typically offers campers an experience that combines the basic principles of tent camping with some added comforts you might expect from a cabin or vacation home. You might find high-end canvas tents, heating and cooling systems, kitchenettes, private bathrooms, running water, TVs, and more when you book a glamping accommodation. This is a great option for first-time campers, campers who prefer to remain on the grid, and campers who are looking for an experience that truly allows them to relax without having to worry about the typical logistics of a tent camping trip.

RV Camping

RV camping is a great option for female campers that provides a greater degree of safety than traditional camping experiences. You also have greater access to amenities and RVs can be great options if you’re bringing your furry friends along. If you don’t own an RV, companies like RVshare offer RV rentals.

Indoor Lodging

Believe it or not, many campgrounds also offer a variety of indoor lodging options like cabins, tiny homes, motels, and more. The benefits of indoor lodging are similar to those of RV camping without the hassle of prepping, hauling, and cleaning out an RV. It’s a great way to get out into nature, check out new campsites and areas around the country, and still maintain a pretty high level of comfort and safety.

4. Leave No Trace Principles

And finally, we’d like to leave you with the leave no trace principles. This tip is for campers everywhere no matter your gender, destination, or camping accommodation. It’s so important to remember that you should leave your surroundings better than you found them. Here are a few ways to make sure your time in nature doesn’t negatively impact the delicate ecosystem you’re visiting.

Plan Ahead and Prepare: Check local regulations and weather, pack essentials, and avoid times of high use.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, and walk on established trails.

Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.

Leave What You Find: Preserve the past; examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use a camp stove for cooking and a candle lantern for light if you’re near water sources or if your area is experiencing dry weather.

Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance and never feed animals.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Let nature's sounds prevail and be courteous on the trail.

Book Your Trip With Spot2Nite

Ready to start planning your next camping trip? With our interactive booking platform, you can browse campsites throughout the U.S. and Canada using a wide range of filters to help you find just the right spot where adventure and safety collide. Our platform features tent camping, RV sites, glamping, and lodging so whatever your camping style, you’ll find it right here. Get started today!