Thinking about trying solo RV camping but feeling a little nervous? I get it. The first time I took my camper out by myself, I was excited… and terrified. After five years of solo RV camping, I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t come from being fearless. It comes from being prepared.

If you’re interested in solo RV camping for beginners, especially as a female solo camper, these are the things that have helped me feel safer, more confident, and excited to keep camping on my own.


Why I Started Solo RV Camping

For years, my husband Tom and I camped together. He handled the setup, hitching, and many of the little things that I never had to think about.

Then one day, I decided I didn’t want to wait for someone else’s schedule to get out and enjoy camping.

So, I hooked up my camper and headed out by myself.

When I pulled into the campsite, turned off the engine, and realized it was just me, I’ll admit it—I was scared.

What if something went wrong?

What if I couldn’t back into the campsite?

What if bad weather rolled in?

But over the years, I’ve learned a few things that have completely changed the way I feel about solo RV camping.


1. Stay Connected

One of the biggest challenges of solo RV camping for beginners is feeling disconnected.

Ironically, some of the most beautiful campsites have the worst cell service.

There have been plenty of times when I wanted to:

  • Call my husband
  • Text one of my daughters
  • Check the weather
  • Let someone know I arrived safely

That’s why my Starlink Mini has become one of my favorite camping tools.

It’s not really about having internet.

It’s about having peace of mind.

Knowing I can reach the people I care about—and they can reach me—makes solo camping feel a whole lot less intimidating.

👉 Learn More About Starlink Mini for RV Camping: https://geni.us/BPlcJP


2. Always Tell Someone Your Plans

Before I leave for any solo camping trip, I always make sure someone knows:

  • The campground name
  • The address
  • How long I plan to stay
  • When they should expect to hear from me

Thankfully, I’ve never needed someone to use that information.

But if something unexpected ever happened, the people who care about me would know exactly where to start.

This simple habit takes less than five minutes and gives everyone peace of mind—including me.


3. Bring a Dog If You Can

I first discovered the value of having a dog while camping with my sweet dog, Princy.

When she passed away, I missed her terribly, but I knew one thing:

I didn’t want to camp without a dog.

Now I have Thor, and he’s become my:

  • Camping buddy
  • Hiking partner
  • Campground watchdog
  • Constant companion

Does he provide protection?

Not really.

But if someone walks near my campsite or something unusual is happening, Thor notices long before I do.

Most importantly, he makes solo RV camping feel a lot less solo.


4. Use a Backup Camera

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Even after five years of solo camping, backing into a campsite still gets my heart racing.

Trees.

Picnic tables.

Fire rings.

Utility hookups.

Every campsite is different.

A backup camera feels like having an extra set of eyes helping guide me into the campsite.

And here’s what I’ve learned:

The goal isn’t to back in perfectly.

The goal is to get into your campsite safely.

If it takes one try, great.

If it takes five tries, that’s okay too.

Nobody is handing out awards for the fastest campsite parking job.

👉 Watch My Favorite RV Backup Camera Video: https://youtu.be/aIyyb9kSppM


5. Use Checklists

I created checklists out of necessity.

When I first started solo camping, I worried about forgetting something important.

Did I disconnect everything?

Did I miss a step?

Did I secure everything?

Now I use:

  • A setup checklist
  • A teardown checklist

Even after five years, I still use them.

Not because I don’t know what I’m doing.

But because I don’t want to rely on memory.

Checklists act like my second set of eyes.

👉 Download My Free Camping Checklists:

RV Setup Checklist: https://randisadventures.com/travel-trailer-setup-checklist/
RV Teardown Checklist: https://randisadventures.com/hitch-trailer/


6. Park for a Quick Exit

This might sound strange, but whenever possible, I position my tow vehicle so I can leave quickly if I ever need to.

I’ve never had to make a middle-of-the-night getaway.

But I’ve thought about:

  • Severe weather
  • An emergency at home
  • Feeling uncomfortable at a campground

Having a quick exit plan eliminates one more thing to worry about.

And when you’re solo RV camping, reducing little worries can make a big difference.


7. Have a Weather Plan

One of my first solo camping trips included strong winds that actually made my camper move.

That got my attention.

Bad weather feels different when you’re alone.

Not because you’re necessarily in more danger.

But because every decision is yours to make.

That’s why one of the first things I do when I arrive at a campground is ask:

  • Where is the bathhouse?
  • Is there a storm shelter?
  • Is there a sturdy building nearby?
  • What would I do if conditions suddenly changed?

Having a weather plan doesn’t stop storms.

But it does remove a lot of uncertainty.


8. My Two-Chair Theory

For years, I’ve always put out two camping chairs.

One for me.

One that sits empty.

I always felt like it made my campsite look less like I was camping alone.

Then one day I got lazy and only put out one chair.

Later, another camper said:

“Oh, you’re the solo camper with the teardrop trailer.”

When I asked how she knew, she replied:

“Because there was only one chair by your campfire.”

Apparently, people really do notice!

So yes, I still put out two chairs.


9. Choose the Right-Size Camper

This may be the most important lesson I’ve learned.

I don’t think I’d be as comfortable solo camping if I had chosen the wrong camper.

My Little Guy Max isn’t the biggest RV.

And that’s exactly why it works so well for me.

I can:

  • Tow it confidently
  • Back it into campsites
  • Hitch and unhitch it myself
  • Maneuver it through gas stations

The right-size camper is different for everyone.

But if your camper feels overwhelming, it’s hard to relax and enjoy camping.

Confidence comes from knowing you can handle your camper.


Final Thoughts on Solo RV Camping

If you’re thinking about trying solo RV camping for beginners, especially as a female solo camper, here’s what I want you to know:

You don’t have to be fearless.

You don’t have to know everything.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly.

Confidence comes one trip at a time.

One lesson at a time.

And sometimes, one mistake at a time.

The first solo camping trip may feel intimidating.

But it might also become one of the most rewarding adventures you ever take.

👉 Watch My Camper Sizes You Should Avoid At All Costs Video Next: https://youtu.be/gnKzIoqnEhA