| Copyright © 2006 Karin Manning | | | | another vehicle in case of an emergency. |
| The thought of camping alone can be very | | | | There are also a number of security measures |
| intimidating, especially if you’re a woman. | | | | that you can put in place before leaving for your |
| Ideally, it is not something recommended to | | | | camping trip alone. This involves telling your friends |
| women new to camping. In this day and age | | | | and family important information. Here are some |
| women must be armed with both commonsense | | | | ideas below: |
| and experience when camping but in most places | | | | Tell others of your specific plans. |
| campers are a friendly neighbourly bunch of | | | | Tell others the places exactly where you are |
| people who are out to become one with nature, | | | | going. |
| just like you. | | | | Tell others what day and what time you expect |
| There are, however, some basic steps that you | | | | to return. |
| can follow to ensure your camping trip alone is a | | | | Tell others the directions you plan to follow and |
| safe and happy time. | | | | possible alternative routes. |
| Many campgrounds have hosts who reside in | | | | Tell others your mobile phone number. |
| campgrounds. If you camp near a host you will | | | | Tell others of your vehicle description. |
| have access to a person with radio contact with | | | | Tell others of your licence plate numbers. |
| park personnel. | | | | Tell others the local authority phone numbers |
| If you camp in a location where there are no | | | | (Sheriff Department, Police, Game & Fish |
| camp hosts then camp near a large family. | | | | Commission) for the country or area that you will |
| Let the ranger know that you are alone but | | | | be in. |
| don’t broadcast it to everyone else around | | | | Arrange to contact members of your family at a |
| you. | | | | certain timeframe on a certain day to keep them |
| Visit camping forums and see if there are other | | | | posted of your whereabouts and your safety |
| women in your area that love camping who may | | | | during your camping trip if you are enjoying an |
| want to camp nearby to you. | | | | extended time away. |
| If you experience any problem remember that | | | | Always use a good, reliable map. |
| the National Park Service and State Park | | | | Ask local people and travellers for directions and |
| campgrounds are usually very well-patrolled and in | | | | weather and road conditions. |
| most cases will take action if called upon. | | | | If you become lost stay with your vehicle and |
| Instead of going up to other campers and saying, | | | | wait for another to pass by. |
| “Hi, I’m Kerry and I’m here by | | | | If you are heading off on a remote track make |
| myself” ask questions like “How can I | | | | sure someone knows where you are going and |
| contact you if I experience a problem” or | | | | what time you should be there or travel with |
| “is this campground regularly patrolled?” | | | | another vehicle. |
| Don’t advertise you are by yourself by | | | | Calculate how long you should reasonably take to |
| finding campsites away from walking trails. | | | | get to your destination each day. |
| Make sure you have your cell phone with you at | | | | For some added peace of mind, has created a |
| all times and it is fully charged. | | | | fantastic navigation system that you download to |
| As soon as you get to the campground ask for | | | | your cellphone which is free of charge. It is very |
| the phone number of whoever is on call after | | | | user friendly and extremely handy for all outdoor |
| hours. Save that number immediately into your | | | | activities, particularly camping alone. I'd highly |
| cell phone so that all you need to do is push a | | | | recommend you download this free navigitional |
| button rather than search for a piece of paper. | | | | tool. |
| If you’ve got a dog bring it camping with you | | | | By just following a few of these simple |
| as a little extra security. | | | | suggestions you’ll be able to overcome your |
| Avoid camping in isolated areas. | | | | fear of camping alone and feel a real sense of |
| Avoid walking alone at night. | | | | achievement too, all the while enjoying all the |
| Make sure your vehicle is not parked in by | | | | beauty that nature and camping has to offer. |