Car Camping. As A Female. Alone.

There's no question that it's slightly nerve racking sleeping alone in your car, as anyone, let alone being a female. We hear the scary stories all the time about things that happen to girls that should only be happening in horror movies, but unfortunately things can't always be as great as we'd like.

The first time I decided to go Car Camping, sleeping in my car was my biggest concern. I knew I didn't want anyone to be able to look in and see me (because someone watching you sleep.. how creepy is that?). The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I didn't want anyone to think that I was in my car at all. First things first, I watched tons of YouTube videos on how to correctly block out your car windows so that any light you might have coming from the inside at night doesn't show through, giving you a dead give-a-way for being in your car. After watching, learning and comparing, I came to the conclusion that foam/Reflectix cut-outs covered in black fabric was the best option. Having a black side to put against the windows makes your car appear to be completely vacant to anyone on the outside, which is exactly what you want for your discreet, solo Car Camping trip.

Below is a great tutorial I found on YouTube which gives you a light-weight, easy to make option for blacking out your own windows!

Submitted by Metal Tent Diaries:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqq5EUAT7HQ

I think this is an easy way to get that good and discreet look that anyone who's car camping would be looking for. They're easy to make as well as easy to store under the seats since we're working with a limited about of space. If putting Velcro on your windows isn't the route for you, or you simply need a thicker material for camping in colder climates, try using a Styrofoam cut out to the shape of your windows and it should slide in and hold perfectly without falling out.

The next big thing I was concerned about was where I would be sleeping. Now, as most of you know I do have my Camping On The Road 101 blog, which gives you a complete variety of different sites to use for dispersed camping while on your road trips, but truly, I only use those when I'm with a group or anyone more than just myself. When I'm Car Camping alone, I typically tend to stick with very populated areas such as, Planet Fitness's, Walmart's, McDonald's etc. Typically these places tend not to tow and have lights in the parking lots, making it a less likely place for anything to go not as planned. BONUS. You won't be disturbed by the light you post up under for the night since you've already made your genuine window covers (since they don't let any light out, they certainly won't let any light in).

My final tip for solo female Car Camping, is simply being safe. Never tell anyone your direct plans or what your next move is. If you do happen to get to talking with someone that's interested in your trip, there's a way to explain your trip and things you might be doing along the way, without giving away what days you'll be doing those things or especially where you'll be camping that night. Also, it's always a good idea to carry at least a little bit of protection on you at all times. Not recommending to go out and be extreme, but having a taser, pepper spray, knife, etc. is definitely a good move to have, if that card must be played.

Hope this helps with any of you planning a solo road trip or simply taking a long drive which will require you to spend the night in your car. Be sure to stay tuned for more tips and tricks about being on the road with me!

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