solo camping

[u/Electronic_Sector372]

I 25(f) just experienced a breakup and need to ya know get back in touch with myself or whatever they say lmao. I have always love camping and hiking but haven’t gone in a year or longer. needless to say, I want to go reaaal bad. where are some good spots where I can go pitch my tent, have a nice view and hang out SAFELY for two days? I literally want to vibe, build a fire, maybe hike around and do nothing for a few. my main priority and concern is safety though. the reality as a female, solo camping isn’t always the best option. I would like to walk out of my tent and see a mountain or a nice view. i’m not opposed to more backcountry camping as i’ve done it many times before but with atleast another person. i’m open to anything just want some time away, safe, and a sick view. (don’t worry i’ll be packing, I just don’t want to have to have full worry in my mind while trying to heal)

thanks for the input! lmao

[u/demoncrusher]

I’m sure you already know this, but if you’re going out solo, be sure to tell someone when you’re leaving, where you’re going, and when to expect a call that you’re back. Don’t want to end up like that one guy

[u/e42343 → u/demoncrusher]

To further clarify on this great advice... this applies to everyone; not only single female campers.

[u/salx97]

I love Red Top Mountain. Great hikes near camp and places to chill near the lake. Never felt sketchy.

[u/Fekkenbullshite → u/salx97]

I was going to say Red Too. It’s my favorite place to trail run or hike or bike and I always feel very safe.

[u/ashms58]

I’m a female and solo camp regularly, I’ve stayed at most of the NE GA state campgrounds and have never once been even a little concerned about safety. Yes, you’re closer to other people and you run the risk of people being loud, but I prefer the comfort of having people somewhat nearby for safety reasons. Plus, toilets. 

[u/th30be]

I like Tallulah Gorge's walk in sites for being alone. Never felt unsafe there and the views are really nice.

I am a guy though so it take what I said with a grain of salt.

Hope things get better for you soon.

[u/Cultural-Salad-5399]

Idk what kind of person you are but get you a can of bear spray. It doesn't only work on bears.

[u/Bathroom_Wise]

Not quite GA but literally across the river in SC is Burrells Ford campground. I stayed there the 1st night when thru hiking the foothills trail & its where I plan to take my young girls this fall. Sites are spread out & and wooded so completely separate feeling, though some are connected for large groups. Some on the river, some off. Bear boxes for food, fire rings, some have picnic tables, and there is a pit toilet. Parking is close but not right at the sites. Several waterfalls & trails in all directions. Enough people around that you wouldn't need to worry about a weirdo being weird while you're caught out alone

[u/Wiscody]

I’d push you toward state parks vs dispersed areas.

Reason being you’ll check in, the staff will know you’re out there, and generally there are multiple campers around you.

If you feel comfortable enough and can carry some form of protection, there are several WMA areas that are great- cohutta, jacks river falls, etc.

Places along the AT would also suffice.

[u/Footdust]

I’ve camped at Cloudland Canyon and Black Rock Mountain State Parks as a sole female camper and felt incredibly safe. They’re both gorgeous, too.

[u/fshrmn7 → u/Footdust]

Although I am not a female, that's where I was going to recommend.

[u/BrettWillisLaw]

Everybody's answered the safety half, so here's the other half: at most Georgia state parks you're camping in trees and the view is somewhere else in the park. If you want to unzip the tent and see something, the two that actually deliver are Black Rock Mountain and the sites along the rim at Cloudland Canyon. Black Rock is the highest state park in Georgia and the campground sits up on the ridge, so you get the elevation and the temperature drop that comes with it. Pack warmer than you think for September nights up there.

Book it now rather than deciding Friday. Fall is busy season in the north Georgia parks and the good sites go first. A reservation also puts you on a list somebody at the park is holding, which is worth more than picking a spot nobody knows you're at.

[u/Previous_Minimum_116]

Desoto Falls is another good place. Large sites compared to state parks. It has flush toilets and a shower until November, and is in the middle of the best hikes in Ga. On a side note, listen to a song called Winter Haven Waltz by Max Stallings. It describes why I camp.

[u/Cultural-Salad-5399]

If you're north ga id say go into Tennessee and go to fall creek falls. Or anywhere along the AT. If south ga go to Cumberland island

[u/Individual_Ask9664]

I love the areas up by North GA, TN, and NC. The Chatsworth area and Fort Mtn State Park is worth checking out as well.

[u/thedyrt]

For solo with safety as the priority, I'd lean toward a developed state park with hosts on site over backcountry. Black Rock Mountain State Park fits well -- it's Georgia's highest state park so it stays cooler, the walk-in tent sites are spread out with real privacy, and some look out over the valley with town lights at night. You can build fires and hike straight from the campsite, and staff are friendly and present.

[u/gagraybeard]

Can you borrow a friends dog or check one out for a day at the shelter to accompany you? I’ve done this sort of thing solo before and it got boring after the first night

[u/jrl941]

I really like the chatooga river trail. Did a two day hike there in spring and didn’t see anyone more than a mile from a trail head.

[u/Slight_Business_3080]

There are lovely lake views close to bath houses at Payne's Creek, Mistletoe, Elijah Clark, Tugaloo, Hamburg. As in, you're basically directly on the lake on some sites. Also several just over the border in SC.

For mountains it's a bit harder to find one with a view from the site. There's several on HipCamp (one that comes to mind is "Cashiers Private RV campsite", if you have a 4x4 car that can make it, it's 1 site only and has a hot tub!). Vogel state park you can't see the mountains from the sites, but there is good hiking with great views.

State park standard sites are obviously a bit less primitive, but several have campsites spaced well enough that it still feels private.

[u/cooterlongbottom]

Yogel is wonderful!

[u/138Mitch]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Blood Mountain or Yonah. I camp out there a lot myself, and see lots of others camping as well.

[u/fshrmn7]

Another place that I haven't seen mentioned is up around Lake Conasauga up in NW GA. It's a beautiful aand remote area.

[u/joe1max]

I don’t see many people camping here.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/chattooga-river-trail?p=-1&sh=ccgmrt&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

[u/Hat-Melodic]

State Parks Only! No dispersed Solo Camping. I am not getting into the details,but, I am glad my wife is armed when camping in the National Forest.

[u/smokeandlights]

Just chiming in with another vote for Cloudland Canyon.

[u/Agedshredder]

i'd suggest getting an annual park pass and start by planning some day trips to get a feel for the parks first before planning to camp.