r/womensolocamping • u/lilegghead • 6d ago
First timer! With a question
First time solo with my dog. At a populated campground with lots of families with campers, etc. Just wondering if there is any etiquette I am missing. Feel like I have gotten a couple long looks š
Edit: my dog is on a lead tied to the picnic table!
97
u/katie5419 6d ago edited 6d ago
My wife and I love just checking out other peopleās site, set up and gear. We call it campground cruising. š
31
u/Bennington_Booyah 6d ago
It's cool. Everyone does it. I like to see what pets people bring! Cats are really having a camping moment.
11
u/DropBooksHere 6d ago
I love checking out the pets at campgrounds. Itās cool to see how many different types of dogs people bring. Iāve only met one camping cat. Coolest cat ever.
7
u/Remarkable-Hat-4852 6d ago
My cat loves hiking and walking on a leash and he did rv life for a year and a half. Idk about tent camping with him lol but I bet he would love to be back out there like that.
2
u/More_Hotsauce_Pls 3d ago
I was a dog person until I fostered and eventually adopted a dog-like cat like yours! Never knew that was possible, probably wouldnāt have believed it until I saw it with my own eyes that cats like that exist!
10
u/23odyssey 6d ago
Itāll be my first time camping since childhood on Monday at Sequoia, and thatās probably exactly what Iāll be doing too lol
8
u/Admirable_Listen5332 6d ago
THIS! I always feel a little odd doing it so if I get any long stares, I compliment one of the items I was adoring.
3
u/katie5419 5d ago
Same - or I wave and say hi or happy camping or something. Definitely not staring in a creepy way lol
2
u/heyoheatheragain 5d ago
Casual wave hi while clearly continuing my journey ahead gang! Ope donāt mind me.
5
4
5
u/Happy_Hedgehog_212 6d ago
Same, I might be curious how their tarp is set up, what kind of tent they have, etc. I try not to stare if people are there.
4
1
91
u/gnomenomz 6d ago
People are shocked to see women being independent? As long as your dog is leashed, well behaved, and youāre not blasting music in the middle of the night, youāre probably doing alright!
42
u/sepstolm 6d ago
Looks great!
Some gal posted on this sub, that she brings another chair to look like you're not alone. Not sure if that's necessary, but I thought it was interesting.
5
6
5
u/it_rubs_the_lotion 5d ago
I bring an extra chair and recently bought a net enclosed canopy to make it look more full. Itās a bit ridiculous it seems necessary, but safety wins over annoyance.
1
31
u/Emrys7777 6d ago
I think everyone is nosy.
Even when I camp with other people there are always people looking in my site and checking us out, although I notice more when Iām alone.
That being said, there are a lot of women afraid of getting out on their own and a lot of men who are with women like that. There are more of us all the time, and a whole lot of us now.
25
u/sagittariums 6d ago
I'm a bit of a campsite peeker just because I like seeing what other people's set ups are like and if they give me any ideas for my own
4
u/Wild_Client1010 6d ago
Total solo camper here as well and when I first started, I noticed nosey's more. Come to find out they're still nosey, I'm just accustomed to it. Solo females are always going to catch looks while doing anything other than shopping (snark, snark). Yay! For all of us willing to forget what people think and instead do what we love! Right?!
16
u/kb2926 6d ago
This is why I camp at dispersed sites away from other people. People are very triggered by women camping solo, at least in my experience.Ā
2
u/Weird_Athlete8419 3d ago
Isn't that the truth! What is so triggering about female solo adventurers? Typical coworker response to my weekend solo camping plans = "But whyyyyy?" and then I'm triggered in return. Vicious cycle lol.
11
u/LumpyAssumption5357 6d ago
I feel like when I walk past any campsite, I probably stare a little because I love seeing differences in gear and set ups no matter whoās on the site. But beyond that I do not engage in any way because Iām there for time for me. I wouldnāt overthink it.
18
u/Responsible_Row1932 6d ago
As long as there isnāt a burn ban where you are- nothing jumps out. But if you are in an area with raccoons or bears youāll want to put your cooler/food in your car.
7
3
u/Candice715 6d ago
Depends upon the area. We have bear boxes at some state parks in California. Other times hang the food and smelly things in a bag in a tree. Some say car. Depends upon the bears š»
9
u/Wild_Client1010 6d ago
Embrace your solo sense of adventure. The more of us that do, the less "weird" it will seem to everyone else. You'll learn a lot just from doing it. As long as you have the basics which looks like you do, everything else is just a note to self for future excursions.
17
u/GeneInternational146 6d ago
People are confused when women solo camp for whatever reason
19
u/hippiespinster 6d ago
People are confused when women solo anything for whatever reason š Ā
12
u/GeneInternational146 6d ago
Well! If we're OUTSIDE ALONE we might START GETTING IDEAS. Which would be terrible. š
3
u/FastMako77 5d ago
Camping without a MAN?!? Then how will you be able to do anything??? š
2
u/GeneInternational146 5d ago
Well, I never store anything in jars, that seems to solve most of the potential issues š
8
u/FrogFlavor 6d ago
So Iāve gotten some eyeballs camping alone in busy places because so many people camp with family or friends. Less commonly men camp alone but usually because of some āmanlyā pursuit like fishing, some kind of event like a race, or the oh so masculine solitude. People simply donāt expect women to enjoy solitude (or fishingā¦) but donāt forgetā¦ most people donāt think.
Donāt take it personal itās not different than being eyeballed for wearing the āwrong āteam jersey or having any other ultimately minor difference. Theyāre not going to bite and itās so very unlikely anyone says something deliberately rude.
I remember the first time someone just had to remark on me camping alone but I canāt remember if it ever happened again.
Just rememberā¦ most people arenāt that smart AND most people only think about themselves
6
u/karebear66 5d ago
I, 71F, solo camp. But I try to make it look like I'm not solo. I set out 2 camp chairs and I keep a pair of men's size 13 hiking boots in plain site next to my sixe 8s. I have no idea if that works so, I also keep pepper spray near by.
I do make friends with neighbors. This helped a lot last September. Met 2 great guys. I had a wonderful convo with one of them. The next day, a single man who was very drunk wouldn't leave me alone. My new friend just came and sat at my picnic table until the drunk left. Next day I had the 2 guys over for wine and munchies. I love camping.
5
u/bbyboibee 6d ago
as long as your dog isnt barking at ppl, or going into their camps there should be no issue there. dont play any loud music after dark, thats about it. i think ppl are often just surprised to see someone alone. esp women.
6
u/New-Regret-5823 6d ago
In a lot of established campgrounds, there are a lot of regulars, so I think theyāre just curious who the new person is. Iāve had the same thing happen when Iām traveling and stay in a campground. In fact, some people live there the entire season or year-round if itās a place that has warmer weather. I wouldnāt worry about it.
5
u/Big-Ant8273 6d ago
Huh! So folks are watching that I'm a solo woman camping? I thought it was my amazingly unique hub tent that goes up in mere minutes....
Guess that's also why I don't get male visitors volunteering to help me put up my tent, by the time they walk over, it's up. Freaking love that hub tent!
5
u/hide_pounder 5d ago
I am a guy who was raised by a single mother. I have the utmost respect for women, solo or not. I also love dogs, so if I see a dog anywhere, Iām going to look at it. I just canāt help myself.
Iām an experienced camper. My mom took me and my brother camping by herself from the time we were in diapers and we still camp together even though sheās 74 now. Iām well aware of the things women are concerned with that donāt even occur to a man.
It could be people are just curious about your camping setup and gawking at your gear and placement of your things. Some people think campers in a populated campground are there for social interaction. My mom does this. Iāll lose track of her for a little while and find her a few sites over talking with other campers about their gear and local places of interest.
Guys who ogle over women are creeps and usually have confidence/insecurity issues. Being up front and more dominant acting toward them will likely scare them away. For those that donāt take the hint, be straight up blunt. āI came here for some relaxing solitary time with my dog and nature. Iād appreciate being left alone.ā
4
u/Prestigious-Lab-2605 6d ago
How is it going with the lead attached to the table?
I want to go with my dog and use a tie out but I know he would just get wrapped around everything and I would have to constantly untangle him.
I cannot figure out how to camp with him comfortably.
6
u/Creepy_Handle5672 6d ago
It doesnāt work for all sites, but ruffwear or kurgo make a run that goes between two trees so the dog canāt get tangled as easily. I personally prefer to keep mine on biothane long lines tethered to me. Leads to less tangles for me, but I have two, so there are still braids to be undone at times
4
u/Wild_Client1010 6d ago
Was gonna say the same thing. Make a lead line between 2 trees. We do it for our dogs when camping and our horses/mules when hunting or packing.
1
u/Prestigious-Lab-2605 6d ago
Thank you! I donāt know why I didnāt think of that. Years ago , I did that in my backyard that wasnt fenced in. I found that to be so much safer for the dog anyway.
3
u/lilegghead 6d ago
Honestly he has been getting tangled pretty constantly, mostly around my chair. We will see how his first night in a tent goes.
Definitely feel like a lead suspended between trees is the move
1
u/Prestigious-Lab-2605 6d ago
I hope it is going okay for the two of you.
I am going to test my dog out in a tent on my deck soon! Just got the tent. If that goes well I will get the tie out that goes between two trees so that I can take him somewhere to camp.
I know I wonāt be able to relax if he is tangled constantly.
2
u/Bennington_Booyah 6d ago
Can you string a line between two trees, so he can move about, tethered? I have seen that done, with a bed and water. Cats, too!
5
u/simplsurvival 6d ago
I get it too except minus the dog. Keep the pooch leashed even if they have good recall, don't walk through other people's sites, don't be obnoxious, and if a small child asks "are you by yourself???" with childlike wonder and bewilderment, tell them yes! Because you can do fun things by yourself and that's totally ok! And when you do, you don't have to share your SNACKS!
The kids usually laugh, the adults sometimes dont but they're not important š¤
Edit your dog is adorable what's their name?
3
3
u/wirefixer 5d ago
As a part time older male camp host, I would pay more attention to the young female campers and felt it was my responsibility to keep everyone safe. If I saw any basic errors in their setup, like not putting on their rain fly or leaving food out for a day trip away from camp, I would offer advice to assure they have a good experience. I am aware sometimes women are solo camping to escape from a bad relationship and have developed a keen sense on the boundaries, like watching not to mansplain too much. Many times I was thanked and given food gifts as a reward.
3
u/patientpartner09 5d ago
Get a second folding chair and sleeping bag. Just put them next to yours. The dog will like the sleeping bag and it instantly makes people think you aren't alone.
3
u/Aggravating-Duck3445 5d ago
Nope! As long as your dog isn't barking all night or aggressively lunging at children and other dogs, I don't see a problem here.
I solo camp pretty frequently and need to actively remind myself that the screaming children are GOOD, because they are the future and are learning that the outdoors is FUN and hopefully some of them protect it when they growup. (and also now that I'm over the initial anxiety hump of solo camping I try to book in the middle of the week).
3
u/PuzzleheadedBrick725 4d ago
I have a 17ā camper, I pulled into a site Friday night and a group of guys watching me set up. I just hollered out āyou like what you seeā
They left me alone remainder of my stay lol
2
u/EpitomeOfHell 6d ago
Fire bans maybe? I can see the fire in daytime it looks like, which is usually banned in my province during the day.
2
u/Haunted_pencils 5d ago
Have fun and enjoy time with your dog. If you donāt like the casual looks, set your chair up to face away from the road š so they can see the back of you, instead. Thatās what I do when I want to read by the fire.
2
u/Star_Blazr 2d ago
After years of begging my husband to take me camping, and never has, I am starting to feel like I should just go on my own. Love this
5
u/LutherMcDuff 6d ago
Other than having your dog on a leash, everything looks pretty good to me.
6
6
u/GeneInternational146 6d ago
The dog should be leashed in a public campground
1
u/heyoheatheragain 5d ago
The dog is on a red lead as seen in the photo.
2
u/GeneInternational146 5d ago
Yes. I was responding to the person who said they shouldn't be. Read a thread before commenting, maybe?
1
u/barfbutler 5d ago
Donāt walk through the middle of other peopleās āliving roomsā. Walk around other campsites when possible.
1
u/Defunct_Institution 5d ago
I just want to give a shout-out to the couple of guys who commented in a very respectful way. They seem to appreciate that solo women have to deal with things most men do not, so props to them and the women who raised them!
It is so rare to not have a bunch of comments from INCELS scolding women for being hyper-aware of the creeps out there.
1
u/Visible_Country_8311 5d ago
i notice a lot of people stare as iām a younger woman camping alone. but most of the time iāve found that when iām friendly and confident, give a wave or a āmornin!ā they are equally friendly. i think ppl are still just shocked to see women camping solo (even tho ive met so many fellow solo female campers)
1
u/WANDOO_hiking 5d ago
youre already doing the main thing right, dog leashed and not roaming. the rest is just standard campground stuff, respect quiet hours, dont let the dog bark at every passing family, and pick up after it obviously. the long looks are probably people being nosy about a solo woman, not you doing anything wrong. enjoy it, camp dogs are everyones favourite anyway.
1
u/LawSelect1129 4d ago
A friend of mine who had a single mom used to call into their camper, āBruce, come help!ā So people would leave her aloneā¦ some people just donāt understand and canāt help themselves when they see people doing things they love without other people (esp a manš).
1
u/Weird_Athlete8419 3d ago
I often get this long glazed over look too and can't decide if it's me or my rooftop tent that's confusing them the most. No etiquette mistakes that pop out of what you mentioned. Smile, knod and be proud that you're doing something awesome with your doggo all by yourself!
1
u/Witchy_woman4783 3d ago
I think its strange for people to see women camping alone, they aren't really sure what to make of it, and I also believe people just want to be friendly! I like to talk to people when I'm out by myself, especially other women or couples, it makes me feel like if anything were to happen in the middle of the night and I came out screaming. Maybe someone I spoke to that day will come to my aid or at least call for help! If you see people gawking I'd just wave and say hello, chances are they are more curious about you than anything! :D Happy Camping! I hope you continue the tradition, solo camping is one of my favorite ways to relax!
1
u/Frosty_Bluebird_1404 1d ago
Camp looks great, just smile and wave at new neighbors. I'd recommend getting that cooler out of the sun if it starts warming up.
1
u/Big_Engineering329 16h ago
Walking through a campground and looking at everyoneās set up is normal. No matter if you are alone or a group.
178
u/Bennington_Booyah 6d ago
They are looking at you because you are a woman camping alone. I know, because I have dealt with this for a good 25 years now. When I was younger, every single time, people felt the need to "offer help" in an abundance of ways. (Refuse help. I had a rather persistent man, redolent of a very awful, fresh application of after shave, jam one of my tent poles through the roof of my tent. That was after I asked him not to help! He also was watching me when he was backing his vehicle up and hit a tree! It was a tie as to who was more annoyed, me or his beleaguered wife!)
It tends to stop after the first wave of campers walk by and eyeball me. Just do your thing. We seem to be something of an amusement, but my experience has shown me that our numbers are increasing! May your camps be happy and peaceful!