I read the Facebook comment “If you’re anywhere near Crested Butte, I’d love to say hi!!” left by Ottsworld reader, Vicki Hill. I often get messages from people/strangers wanting to meet up when I’m in their town or nearby. If I have time on a trip I LOVE to meet readers. Yes, yes I know – this is the point when most people cringe.
“You meet complete strangers when you are out traveling? Aren’t you worried they are going to be freaks? Is that safe?”
Yes – these are complete strangers to me, and I suppose it’s a bit risky, but I’ve always had really good experiences when I do it. Everyone has been normal so far and I felt an instant connection with most. Even after 12 years of doing this blogging thing, I think there’s simply a part of me that is tickled that people do actually read and follow what I write or share. I work alone 90% of the time, my interactions are mainly on screen, so it’s fun for me to meet people from my ‘work life’ in person.
Of course I answered Vicki back and said “Yes! I’d love to meet up in Crested Butte!”
Little did I know that Vicki would end up being one of the most interesting, intrepid solo female travelers I’d ever met!
Table of Contents
Meet Vicki a Badass Solo Car Camper
Interview with Vicki about how she Solo Car Camps
Vicki’s 8 Solo Car Camping Tips
Gear Every Solo Car Camper Should Have
Organizing Your Car Gear
Safety Gear
Camping Gear for the Car
Car Camping Bedding
Other Essential Car Camping Gear
More SUV Camping Resources
Meeting Interesting People While Traveling
There’s always this tiny bit of nervousness and anticipation when I meet readers I don’t know – there is always a little part of me that thinks…what if they are stalkers?! I had been messaging Vicki coordinating a time and place to meet up in the little town of Crested Butte as I was walking down the street. Suddenly a woman looks at me and says, “Sherry?!” Vicki had found me…no she wasn’t stalking me…Crested Butte is a small town with one main street, so it was inevitable that we’d run into each other.
We grabbed a beer together and talked. We talked about travel, my niece project, hiking, Crested Butte and the fact that she comes to CB every year and solo camps out of her car for a month – and that’s when my ‘girl crush’ with Vicki happened.
Meet Vicki a Badass Solo Car Camper
We sat and talked nonstop – I learned all about her life and travels and was completely mesmerized by her story. A little part of me was beaming with pride; I have such cool people following my travels and writing! I ended up meeting her again for a hike the next day and was able to spend even more time with her. I was so intrigued with her travel style and unconventional way of solo travel even though she was married, had a cat, kids, and even grandkids! She was one badass woman over 40!
I thought to myself – she should be writing a blog. That’s when I decided to ask her if she’d like to be featured on my site to share her travel style and story. She said yes…and here is the rest.
You have a conventional life (wife, home, kids, grandkids) yet you have this side of you for a few months of the year where you live a completely unconventional life out of your 4Runner completely solo. What moved you to live your life this way?
The ‘plan’ backfired: The first time I traveled solo was only because I couldn’t find anyone else to go with me. I thought it would be better to go alone than not go at all, so I took off. And during that initial trip, I quickly fell in love with solo travel!
My goal for any trip is to see amazing scenery, hike every possible day, and meet new people along the way. I also chase great beer! Quickly I realized traveling was a top priority in my life. I married my high school sweetheart who is very ‘tolerant’ of my passion and he joins me for a week each year in Colorado. But my trips have slowly gotten longer (expanding to 2 or 3 months), and more frequent. Going back to the Midwest and staying home is always a bummer (but my cat is glad to see me!).
How has this evolution to the car camper life and wandering evolved? Explain your current setup and how you make it work.
I love long road trips! I’m also cheap and love the simplicity of
I removed the back seats and she’s decked out with a single cushy bed in back, places for a food box, my gear, a cooler, twinkly lights, and my “live happy” prayer flags. It’s my home away from home!
I love to watch storms blow in when I’m tucked in at night, or pop open my door and watch the night sky. The best part is I can change my mind on a whim and move without the hassle of breaking down gear & loading it up. Having a 4 wheel drive vehicle also allows me to drive some crazy backroads to get to those far out trailheads.
I almost always do dispersed camping in the National Forests or on BLM land; it’s free, more roomy than a campground, quiet, and usually located in some beautiful spaces.
Sherry’s Note: I had the pleasure of going to see Vicki’s camper and setup at her campsite in Crested Butte. There aren’t many times where I feel envious of someone’s life, in fact I’m used to people constantly feeling envious of MY LIFE! However, once I saw Vicki’s decked out 4Runner, her serene mountain view, and her way of living – I was completely envious. It seemed perfect. I normally always worry about a situation like that being lonely. However, she had clearly carved out this routine of talking to people throughout the day; having some precious alone time, and doing the things she loved. I was in awe. I walked away so happy I had made a new friend who was such a badass.
What is your Typical Day like car camping Solo?
I am a very social person but I never get lonely while on the road. I talk to my husband daily and often Face Time with my kids and grandkids, who live on both coasts. Reading is my passion, which is how I spend my quiet evenings in camp or in the 4Runner late at night. I spend a little time updating my online travel journal once every week or two. The beauty of my surroundings and being on the trail each day, fill me up and give me so much joy. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. Instead, I feel like this is where I’m meant to be.
How Do You Deal with the car camping Naysayers?
There are a lot of people that will be more encouraging of you to stay home and you frequently hear, “Don’t go alone!” “It’s too dangerous” “You’re a woman!” Here’s my suggestion: find others that do what you want to do. There are so many solo women travelers out there – they camp alone, they hike alone, they eat out alone, and they talk to strangers! They are willing to share information and they love this kind of travel!
Read Why Women Travel Solo
Vicki’s 8 Solo car camping Tips
1. Have AAA Assistance …it’s peace of mind and help when you might need it.
2. Hide a credit card, cash, and a copy of your driver’s license in your vehicle somewhere and a spare key under your car. If you’re wallet, pack, or bag gets lost or stolen, you have something to fall back on and a way to drive your vehicle.
3. Carry a GPS locator device that can be used when you don’t have cell service. Mine has a pre-programed message that is sent to my husband but also includes my GPS coordinates. I send him one when I get to camp & when I get up in the morning or when I start and finish hiking on a trail. This gives him peace of mind and my location.
4. Carry a small toolbox, a tiny battery charger (in case I run my car battery down trying to keep my electronics charged), and a tire inflator/deflator.
5. When there is a glitch, learn from it. Instead of over thinking the situation, decide if there is a way to prevent it from happening again or what you can do to minimize the problems it may cause. (See #2 when I left my wallet in a restaurant. Fortunately, by the time I made it back to the place, my wallet was still there with everything in it. After a couple of times of calling myself an idiot, I came up with plan on what to do if I this happened again.)
6. Listen to your gut and intuition.
“There will be times you are afraid, but you’ll need to assess whether it’s because it’s the first time you’re doing something or if you’re truly in danger.”
Most of the time, it’s because you’re doing something new and to overcome that type of fear is powerful. It makes you mentally stronger and ready to say ‘yes’ to more things in life because you know you can go beyond the doubts that flood your mind. But if you truly feel in danger, stop, leave or turn around. Make a Plan B and change your situation.
7. Be open to meeting new people. It’s one of the best things about solo travel and with social media – it’s easy to keep in touch. It’s also a good way to ‘find your tribe’ because they are usually travelers too.
8. Embrace spontaneity! I love solo travel because I change my mind or plan on a whim. You’ll get suggestions from people you meet on new places to see or trails to hike and you can just go. You can also get lost or make lots of U-turns and no one cares or knows. It’s a lesson for life – be flexible, open, and ready for unplanned adventure!
Gear Every Solo Car Camper Should Have
I asked Vicki for a list of essential gear she uses
Car Camping Organization Gear
Cooler: You will need a quality cooler for keeping food/drink cold for long periods. This is one where you get what you pay for. Check out the Otterbox Venture Coolers. They come in a variety of sizes and extra compartments/shelves. They are an investment, but they will keep your ice ‘alive’ for days.
Accessory Case: I love this accessory case for attaching my phone to my pack strap but it’s got great flexibility to attach to anything
Stacking Drawers: This is what I use for my kitchen. 2 stacking drawers: One for non perishable food; the other for cookware
Shoe Tray: I place all my shoes on a boot tray & it’s covered with a couple of small bungee nets. It seems I change shoes more than clothes in a day & this makes them easily accessible but they all stay on the tray. Works great if shoes are muddy or wet to keep all that mess from getting on anything else. shoe tray—I don’t own this one, but a similar one.
Duffel Bag for Quick Overnights: I carry a couple of these foldable duffels. They work great for extra organization or if you spend the night at someones house or a hotel, you can unfold it & throw your stuff in
Laundry Organization: Here’s my happy little world map laundry bag. Fold into itself really small when not using it. But, it’s nice to have someplace to stash all the dirty stuff & keep it separate while living in such a small space
Portable Shower: My latest addition to my
Rechargeable Shower high Capacity 4800mAh Camping Shower pet Shower, with Shower Valve (Shower with Water Valve)
1.3 Gallon
Travel Jars and Containers
Travel Jars
Container Kit
Safety Gear for Car Camping
A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) I carry this Garmin Mini on my pack in case I need it, but I also keep it close by while driving.
Lifestraw Universal Adapter Filter – This one you can just put into water like a stream or a just a glass if you’re traveling somewhere you’re concerned about the water.
Don’t Drain Your Battery – I changed my interior lights to LED that don’t require as much power; not a fear of draining your battery. Just put in your car make, model and year to get the DODOFUN Interior LED Light Kit for your car.
Inflator/deflator so you can pump up or lower the psi in your tires wherever you are. This Ryobi inflator/deflator /compressor is so easy to work & because it’s battery operated (not included) & not attached to your 12V, you can move it around easily.
Jumper Cables – don’t get stuck with a dead battery! You’ll want regular jumper cables and I recommend this Portable Lithium Car Battery Jump Starter Pack charges your car battery but also has a USB port.
Your phone is often a safety lifeline. In case you drop your phone in water while you’re traveling bring this Absorbits Wet Cell Phone Rescue Pouch
Let there be Light! I carry a variety of headlamps and flashlights with me.
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Maglite Mini flashlight
Super Bright LED Tactical/Zoomable Flashlight
Camping Gear
Screen tent—Even though I car camp, I always carry this tent – the Coleman Instant Screenhouse. It can mark my place when I’m dispersed camping & gone for the day, it’s super easy to put up & break down by yourself & nice to have a spot to hang out in, make food in, etc when it’s buggy, or lightly raining out.
Cooking Gear that is lightweight and small:
Superior Backcountry Cookware
Camping Stove Windshield
TOAKS Light Titanium Pot – great little pot…the one I use 95% of the time
Camp Tea Kettle – I love this tea kettle for exacting your pour
Camp Table – I love this table: big enough for two or preparing food, but folds up super easy, fast & flat. I store it under my bed.
Sturdy refillable water jugs. I love these 1 gallon jugs and they’re so easy to refill with water from most every refilling station. They don’t spill, leak or break. I always carry two.
I also recommend an axe for cutting up kindling. This one comes with a shield: Coghlan’s camp axe compact axe
Car Camping Bedding
Since you are
I Love this Rumpl Traveling Blanket…folds up pretty small when not in use but really warms things up when cold.
A sleeping quilt is a great option instead of a full sleeping bag for
Other Essential Gear for Car Camping
I have one set of window screens to keep bugs out; air in or just if you want more privacy or more darkness.
It looks old lady like, but I drive for hours and this comfy seat for driving is helpful and it gives this short girl a boost to see over the hood when driving those crazy backroads.
ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion - Non-Slip Orthopedic Gel & Memory Foam Coccyx Cushion for Tailbone Pain - Office Chair Car Seat Cushion - Sciatica & Back Pain Relief
Power Inverter for laptop charging. The BESTEK 300W Power Inverter is what I use to plug into my 12V to plug in my computer so it will charge.
Tape to repair things: Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Fabric Repair
Tape to hold things up inside the car: Double Sided Mounting Tape
Maps: I swear these maps are the best. They show great detail for back country roads. I only use this Benchmark Road and Recreation brand.
Don’t forget the decoration and fun stuff! I love little lights anywhere, but especially in my camper.
Bluetooth Speaker for music, podcasts, or whatever. It’s nice to have a speaker with a good battery that you don’t have to drain your car battery. You don’t need anything big…it’s a small space.
I suggest a Hammock. It’s a great way to spend time outside of your car. I love to rock in mine.
Eagle’s Nest Outfitters Hammock
Hammock straps
A battery operated fan to keep me cool on hot nights
Kindle – I use mine all the time; couldn’t travel with out it.
More SUV Camping Resources
Further Reading on SUV RVing: How to travel, camp, sleep, explore, and thrive in the ultimate tiny house. It’s the freedom and flexibility of an RV with the maneuverability, efficiency, low profile, and low price tag of an SUV. Whether you’re going on a short trip and just need to spend one night in your vehicle or are living out of your SUV full-time, you’ll find useful and valuable information in this book.
Once again a reader meetup was completely enlightening and fun. Of course I’ll continue to meet people while I’m on the road – after all in Vicki’s words “be flexible, open, and ready for unplanned adventure!”
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Disclosure:
This post contains some affiliate links. If you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site.
By Richard Brown September 17, 2018 - 3:42 pm
When my wife and I decided to covert a minivan into a mini RV, Vicky was a huge help and inspiration. And she still is!
By Sherry September 19, 2018 - 9:59 pm
That’s super to hear! Hoping one day I’ll try that!
By Markus September 19, 2018 - 6:43 am
Looks like so much fun. I’m totally inspired. Thanks for sharing.
By Simon September 21, 2018 - 6:28 am
This is so amazing. Loved it.
By Amanda September 24, 2018 - 11:59 am
See, I was always afraid of camping solo, This really turned that around for me, might have to try it.
By Sherry September 25, 2018 - 6:01 pm
Yes – channel your inner badass and try it! I want to also and Vicki inspired me!
By Juan Ovalle September 24, 2018 - 5:20 pm
I am so impressed with your courage!
By smith Jone October 3, 2018 - 6:20 pm
This is truly a great read for me!! Once again, thanks for the quality articles
By Patsy J. Penn October 6, 2018 - 6:20 am
Wow. A rush to provide great tips for camping. Thanks
By Rose October 9, 2018 - 4:44 pm
Totally awesome lady. I think Vicki is sooo inspirational in so many ways. Great thinker, generous spirit and very creative. She nurtures herself and others she knows and those she meets along the way. Strong constitution don’t know if I could get back to nature as easily as she does. I am more of a bed and breakfast kind of girl but have done quite a bit of traveling around the world but a cabin is a bit more my speed. Roughing it is for the intrepid traveller and the young at heart. Happy trails to you let us hear more maybe elaborate on the best microbreweries you have discovered on the road. Cheers, Rose
By Elyn Mckenzie October 12, 2018 - 5:04 am
Wow, this article was really inspirational. I have always dreamed of traveling solo, but life has always got in the way. I turned 50 this year and have resolved to face my fears. I have a solo trip to the Cayman Islands planned to get used to the idea of traveling on my own, then I want to go to Yellowstone next year and do some solo hiking. Wish me luck!
By Sherry October 14, 2018 - 3:14 pm
You’ll do great on your own – sounds like you are all prepared and planned – that’s the first step! And once you get over that hurdle of fear the first time – it gets easier and easier every time!
By Jimmy Crawford July 6, 2019 - 4:15 pm
You inspired Me!…At 60 years old …
I’m Ready to head out on my dream trip to America’s beautiful Southwest in October…90% of 2 weeks time will be dispersed camping ..Thank You for great info !!
By Marilyn Rousseau August 29, 2019 - 12:03 am
Loved reading this description of going it alone. Hope I can try it.
By Mary Shurtleff September 6, 2019 - 10:58 pm
Thank you Vicky. I plan to retire in 3 yrs at age 70. I’ve got a 2007 4Runner and I plan to pull my canoe on a trailer and fish my way thru the USA. I love your blog! I can do this!!! ?. Thanks again. ~ Mary
By Sherry September 7, 2019 - 10:27 am
Yes you CAN!!!
By Barb October 18, 2019 - 12:30 am
OK so I want both lives. I have camp/traveled alone. Well with my dog. I am also in the situation of having a family/job/grown kids/grandkid on way/mom living with us. My best trip was the most random. A few years ago my husband went on his last deployment….old guy before retiring from the PTNG. We live in the central west part of Missouri. I dropped him off at Fort Hood. Well drove there to see him and left him there actually. I then decided to go to Bryce Canyon. Was not 100% ready to do this trip, as I did not have all my gear with me to camp. Still I had 2 weeks before needing to be back home, and my brothers ashes to spread there. Long story. Regardless, I drove from Gatesville Texas to Bryce Canyon Utah…camped, (cheap walmart tent…I did have my sleep pad and sleeping bag and other camp gear such as a backpacking fuel stove set. It was the best deal for me as so many things “bad” had happened the few years before. I hiked with the dog….and just chilled. Was hooked on the solo camp thing. I have a small truck, but no camper shell. We are buying a full size truck with an 8 ft bed, four wheel drive and equipping it as our / my lol travel/camping haven. Plan on installing the second battery – already have all the other gear needed. Even a solar shower but want a better set up for that. Also will upgrade to a composite toilet. Portable that is.
By Sherry October 19, 2019 - 7:03 am
Sounds like you are as ready as you’ll ever be!!
By Christine March 20, 2020 - 12:40 pm
I’m completely thrilled to have found this article! I’m almost 54 and camped a good bit when our son was young, usually with another family, always tent camping in a state park.
The last two years I’ve taken my young grandson (8-9yo) on these types of camping trips and they’ve been truly the best times of my life! This year our planned annual adventure is being put off due to the coronavirus situation.
Well I’d already paid the park in full and can’t change my reservation. So just yesterday I started thinking about just going alone. I’m confident I have enough skill and experience for solo state park campground camping, but still wasn’t sure if it was something I would really do. (Haven’t mentioned yet to the hubs, and I’m sure I’ll get a little pushback ?)
But reading this has literally ignited a fire in my soul! I AM going to do it and I can now barely contain my excitement! I may set some more adventurous goals for next time!
By Sherry March 24, 2020 - 4:37 pm
I’m so happy that the article resonated with you Christine!! Go out there and tackle that adventure!!
By Jenifer Coleman June 24, 2020 - 2:46 pm
I am very happy to have found this blog. I do not know if it is still active, but I learned so much from it. I am heading across the country with my daughter – I am 73 and she is 35. She wants to go off solo hiking, etc. I am tagging along for the views and the open space and camping.This is great data for us both. I showed her your comments re the attitudes you have gotten re the subject of “woman solo road tripping and camping”. And your response to that. It was great!
By Sherry June 27, 2020 - 8:18 am
Have a great trip!
By Frankie Jo August 2, 2020 - 5:46 pm
Hey I am 77 yrs old and just finished converting my little Ford minivan into a camper van. Fun project. I joined the National RVing women group and the Solo chapter. So hoping to get out there next year….after virus hopefully.
Loved this blog. Had most of items indicated.
Keep up the good work.
By Sherry August 3, 2020 - 11:43 am
Sounds like you are all ready to go! I’ll have to check out that group!
By Christine August 3, 2020 - 1:52 pm
Well I did it! and it was a resounding success!! 🙂 Seriously, it was was of THE best times of my life. I even extended for a 4th night.
I did a lot of reading, prepping and planning and it paid off. One thing I required of myself was being able to set up my pop-up canopy/shelter. I struggled for quite a while, asked my husband’s advice – but NO help! – I was about to give up when a light bulb went off and I figured it out! Honestly, that was one of the most empowering experiences haha! I really like Vicki’s idea of the easy up screen room though – I’ll be looking into that as well as a lot of her other suggestions, particularly if I get the courage to do dispersed camping
Though I was at a state park that was rather full over the weekend, my site was fairly private and quiet. I hiked all the trails, journal-ed sitting beside waterfalls, made campfires morning and night, cooked delicious meals over the fire, and slept quite comfortably in my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. oh my GOSH what an amazing time I had! Even after 4 nights, I didn’t want to leave. Re-reading this blog has given me even more inspiration now that I’ve a little solo camping under my belt; I am looking to plan something longer and maybe more primative (though not having the toilet/bathhouse handy is something I need to really ponder, lol!)
By Sherry August 4, 2020 - 4:02 pm
Wow! I’m so proud of you and I’m so glad you found it empowering! I find solo travel to be extremely empowering. I don’t have a car, but if I did I would be car camping all the time! I am looking at renting a campervan though so I can do a bit more travel through Colorado by myself! Congrats on your trip!
By Louise December 19, 2020 - 6:08 am
The summer of 2019 I had the opportunity to travel around Scandinavia for several weeks with a small van (Renault Kangoo). Partly I slept in the back of the car and partly in a tiny tent. The first few weeks I stayed at ordinary camping grounds, but the last part of my vacation I was solo camping somewhere around in the wilderness. I did not have any bad experiences. No threatening situations at all. Some places there were others camping around, often young people, but even some at my age (60+). Not many solo campers, mostly couples or families. I cooked my food on a gas stove and I washed myself in the sea or the lakes and creeks around. As to the toilet challenge mentioned by Christine I felt it somewhat embarrassing in the beginning because there often was no other option than “going in the bushes”. But I soon realized that I was not alone having such needs! After a while I got used to it and found it a natural part of outdoor life.
By Sherry December 19, 2020 - 11:54 am
Thanks for sharing your experience! Scandinavia is a great place for camping!
By Lindsay February 12, 2021 - 5:49 am
I am so inspired! We camp a lot and just got a small trailer, pinterest led me here for as I look for hacks. But this adventuresome part of my life always has my husband, 4 kids currently 3-10, and dog…now I am considering a trip where I’m just me! It may be a long while before I can swing it, but I will do it!
By Kris June 26, 2021 - 8:49 pm
I am so glad to have come across this post! I enjoy camping, but my husband and family, not so much. I was thinking of getting an RV to “tempt” them to come and camp with me – but now, nope! I did not know that SUV camping was a thing! I have an SUV! LOL I am empowered to go it alone! Thank you!
By Rhonda Owen. Gardner Ma. August 2, 2021 - 6:35 pm
This is a great blog. I learned a lot. When your car camping where do you store your cooler and food? I worry about bears when sleeping in my SUV car tent. I bought a dry bag ,but it is a hassle to hang it in trees every night .
By Sherry August 29, 2021 - 1:39 pm
That’s a great question – I”ll forward it to Vicki! –Sherry
By Dan Foster October 21, 2021 - 2:49 pm
Hi Vicki, the posts I’ve been reading has helped me a lot. I have been full-timing now for 24 years,
and recently two months, I have lost my wife. It’s been hard to keep going, but I don’t won’t to quit
camping. That’s why we have done this for so many years, Mostly work-camping or volunteering I
have always liked the interactions with people in our travels. so now I’m planning a trip solo and the posts I’ve been reading is very encouraging. Thanks , Dan