Solo Camping in the UK

The UK is full of beautiful destinations waiting to be explored, and what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a solo camping trip? While solo travel can feel daunting at first, it can also be incredibly empowering. That’s why we’ve created this practical solo camping guide, packed with tips to help you plan, stay safe, and make the most of your adventure. We’ve also included some of the best solo travel destinations in the UK, plus fun things to do while you're camping.

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• Solo camping tips to stay safe
• Solo camping packing guide
• Best solo travel destinations in the UK
• Fun solo activities

Benefits of solo camping

Solo camping isn’t just about spending a night under the stars, it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, challenging yourself, learning new skills, and pushing your boundaries. It’s a chance to discover how capable you really are, while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors on your own terms. Here are some of the top benefits of giving solo camping a go:

Practical perks

• Complete freedom and flexibility: Plan your trip exactly how you want it. Change your itinerary at a moment’s notice, sleep in, or pack up early without having to consider anyone else’s schedule.
• Convenient and affordable: You don’t have to go far to enjoy a solo trip. Start with a familiar campsite close to home to build confidence, then branch out. Camping is also one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel, especially when you’re only paying for yourself.
• Meeting new people: Even if you set off alone, campsites are great places to meet like-minded adventurers, swap stories, and make friends.

Personal growth

• Learning new skills: From pitching a tent to perfecting a one-pan camping meal, solo camping is a crash course in self-sufficiency.
• Problem-solving under pressure: When it’s just you, you become resourceful fast, whether that’s finding an alternative hiking route or fixing a broken tent pole on the fly.
• Building mental strength: Spending time alone outdoors fosters confidence, resilience, and the ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone: With no safety net of friends or family, you discover your limits, and often find they’re much further out than you imagined.

Emotional rewards

• Build a deeper connection with nature: Without distractions, you’ll notice more – from the sound of leaves blowing in the wind to birds chirping and wildlife grazing.
• Time for reflection: With no one else’s schedule to follow, you can simply sit with your thoughts, practise mindfulness, and be fully present in the moment.
• Sense of achievement: Knowing you navigated, camped, and thrived entirely on your own is incredibly rewarding and stays with you long after the trip ends.

Solo camping tips to stay safe

Arrive in daylight

Whenever possible, plan your journey so you arrive at the campsite during daylight hours. This gives you time to set up your pitch safely, familiarise yourself with the area, and locate facilities before it gets dark.

Share your live location and itinerary

If you have a strong signal, use apps like WhatsApp or Google Maps to share your live location with a trusted friend or family member. This can give you (and them) extra peace of mind, especially when travelling to more remote areas.

Top tip from solo camper Abbie Simmons (@wanderingwithluna) is to share your estimated time of arrival with a trusted friend or family member.

We recommend taking it one step further and sharing your full itinerary, including your campsite location, travel route, and any places you plan to visit. You can then check in regularly so they know you’re safe. If you’re heading somewhere with poor reception, let them know in advance and send a message once you have signal.

Store emergency contacts offline

Be sure to write down the phone numbers of trusted family members or friends, as well as local emergency services, including your vet if you’re camping with your dog. Keep these numbers written on a note in your wallet or backpack so you can easily access them if your phone is lost or out of battery.

Plan ahead

Good planning makes all the difference when camping solo. If you have health needs such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, or anything requiring regular medication, be sure to bring enough medication for the whole trip, and a little extra just in case. Think EpiPen, inhaler, insulin, or antihistamines.

Also, note down the locations of nearby hospitals and police stations so you’re prepared for any emergency.

Read campsite reviews before you book

Check recent reviews for information on safety, cleanliness, and facilities. Look for mentions of well-lit areas, secure access, and helpful staff. Some campsites also list emergency contacts or have on-site wardens, which can provide extra reassurance.

If you’re staying at one of our Club Sites and have questions, scroll to the ‘Travel Info’ section on the campsite page and give the site managers a call.

Inform the campsite manager that you're a solo camper

A great tip provided by Lottie Gross is to inform the campsite manager that you're a solo camper. 

"While disturbing incidents for solo travellers on campsites are rare, it pays to have someone looking out for you while you're on site and the campsite managers can be a friendly pair of ears and eyes when you need them. Letting them know you're travelling alone means they can look out for any unusual activity of behaviour around your pitch that others may not bat an eyelid at."

Trust your instincts

A lovely camper who stayed at Clent Hills Club Site said,

“If something doesn’t feel right, I talk to a member of staff on site. I also save the off-duty hours number on my phone for emergencies. There’s no badge for sticking it out in a place that makes you uneasy! Thankfully, that’s not the case on a Camping & Caravanning Club Site.” Abbie Simmons, @wanderingwithluna.

Avoid carrying valuables

Only bring the essentials and leave expensive items, such as jewellery, at home. If you must carry something valuable, keep it with you at all times or store it securely out of sight.

Tip: When sleeping, tuck small valuables at the bottom of your sleeping bag for extra peace of mind.

Pack enough food and water

Whether you’re camping solo or with your pooch, make sure you carry enough food and water for both of you.

“Solo camping means I have all the coolbox space for myself! I prep easy things ahead of time: pasta pots, overnight oats, one-pan dinners. Luna has her meals portioned out in zip bags, and I keep everything sealed so that it's organised when I get there.” Abbie Simmons, @wanderingwithluna.

Discover our simple camping meals for mouth-watering inspiration.

Carry a portable door lock

If you’re in a campervan, caravan, or motorhome, a portable door lock adds an extra layer of security and can help you sleep more soundly.

Pack a first aid kit

Carry a small first aid kit stocked with all the essentials, from plasters and bandages to antiseptic wipes and scissors. If you’re camping with your dog, make sure you include a tick remover and paw wash.

Prep your vehicle before you go

If you’re driving, thoroughly inspect your vehicle before departure. This includes testing the battery, topping up fluids, replacing filters, checking the lights and brakes, and inspecting the tyres.

Carry legal personal safety gear

In the UK, many self-defence items are illegal to carry, but there are still legal ways to help protect yourself. Pack a whistle to attract attention, a personal safety alarm for emergencies, a high-powered torch for visibility (and disorienting a threat), and a sturdy trekking pole that doubles as a hiking aid and barrier.

Pack entertainment for your dog

If you're solo camping with your pooch, make sure you have plenty of things to keep them entertained while you're busy pitching, cooking, or cleaning. 

"Solo camping with a dog can be a bit of a juggle; some don't settle well alone in your set-up on a campsite and may bark, whine or howl when you leave them to do your washing up or head into the facilities block for a shower. To help with this, make sure you've done plenty of practice runs at home before you head out on your adventure. I often get a miniature Lickimat with yoghurt and honey, or Arden Grange dog pate, slathered on top: I pop in the freezer and then give it to the dog when I'm heading out for a shower. This gives him something to do and focus on while keeping him calm while I'm out." Lottie Gross, @lottiegross.

Solo camping packing guide

Packing for a solo camping trip is all about finding the balance between bringing the essentials and keeping your load light. The right kit will keep you safe, comfortable, and prepared without weighing you down. Here’s a list of what to take with you on your solo travels.

Camping essentials

• Two-person tent
• Tent repair kit (patches, seam sealer, spare pegs)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat or airbed
• Pillow
• Bedding
• Camping chair

Cooking and food

• Camping stove and fuel
• Lighter and waterproof matches
• Cooking pot, pan, and utensils
• Reusable plate, bowl, and mug
• Food supplies (prepped meals, snacks, condiments)
• Washing-up kit (biodegradable soap, sponge, tea towel)
• Coolbox or insulated food bag

Find more camping cooking equipment and must-haves here.

Clothing and footwear

• Weather-appropriate layers (base, mid, waterproof)
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
• Pyjamas
• Hat and gloves
• Spare socks and underwear

Navigation and safety

• Map and compass (plus GPS device or phone app)
• Fully charged phone and power bank
• Head torch or torch with spare batteries
• Whistle or personal safety alarm
• First aid kit (include any personal medication)
• Emergency contact card

Personal items

• Reusable water bottle
• Charger and spare charging cable for your phone
• Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary towels)
• Medicine
• Wet wipes or biodegradable wipes
• Quick-dry towel
• Sun cream and insect repellent
• Rubbish bags
• Activities or entertainment

If you’re solo camping with your dog, take a look at our dog camping checklist to make sure you’ve got everything your four-legged companion needs. You can also check out our ultimate camping checklist to see if you’re missing anything else.

Note: If you’re backpacking or cycle camping, pack less and invest in lightweight equipment so you don't get worn down.

Best solo travel destinations in the UK

Choosing a spot for solo camping in the UK can be tricky, given the sheer number of stunning locations on offer. To make things easier, we’ve put together some of our favourite solo camping destinations. Each offers a range of welcoming campsites where you can pitch up, unwind, and then set out to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Fun solo travel activities

Looking for ideas to make the most of your solo camping adventure? Spending time alone in nature can be incredibly rewarding, but sometimes you might want a few activities to keep things interesting. Here are some fun and creative activities you can enjoy while camping solo to relax, explore, and appreciate your own company.

What others say about solo camping