Embracing the solitude of camping alone
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A solo camper's setup. Photo: Courtesy of Aric Wilmunder
Solo camping trips are increasingly becoming more popular — and for many Bay Area residents, the appeal lies in solitude, silence and the freedom to wander.
Why it matters: Depending on whom you ask, it's either another symptom of America's loneliness epidemic or a healthy move for people who just need a break from the chaos of everyday life.
The big picture: About 31% of campers nationwide went solo at least one night in 2024, according to a survey of more than 4,000 campers by The Dyrt, a camping app.
- That's up from 30% in 2023, 24% in 2022 and 19% in 2021.
- "We just keep seeing this go up, up, up," CEO Kevin Long told Axios.
Reality check: Many solo campers are also traveling with a four-legged friend: About half brought their dog with them in 2024, per The Dyrt.
Between the lines: Readers tell us the solo trend is fueled by a love of solitude and a chance to connect quietly with nature.
- "It is the ultimate chance to recharge and experience genuine solitude. Proving to myself that I am still physically capable of the endurance and self-reliance required for these trips has enormous value," wrote E.P., who enjoys the strenuous challenge of backpacking.
- "I like the quiet and me time away from it all," said Candy Corbitt, who enjoys her solo trips to Lake Tahoe, Angel Island and Jenner.
- "It was nice to have the time and space to read and reset," said Caleb Alldrin, who camped alone last year at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Zoom in: For Aric Wilmunder, who frequently backpacks in Point Reyes and Yosemite, solo camping often becomes a shared experience.
- While some people camp alone to bask in solitude, Wilmunder said he loves the experience because of the people he's met along the way.
- "I've met fellow hikers and campers from around the world, many of whom are checking off lifelong dreams of visiting our national parks," he told Axios.
- "There's a quiet camaraderie in the outdoors that transcends age and background, and those spontaneous connections have become some of my favorite memories," he added.
The bottom line: Many people who love camping solo find that time alone in nature helps them recharge.
- "Solo camping is just a massive reset button," Long said.