Why I’m Choosing to Take More Solo Camping Staycations This Year

Time and money—two resources that always seem in short supply. Even still, one of my goals for the New Year is to microdose more moments in nature.

While social media often showcases big, amazing adventures (and I should know, running social media for Hipcamp), I’ve realised that smaller, simpler escapes count just as much. In fact, they’re exactly what I need.

Not every adventure has to be epic to be meaningful. Sometimes, a single night under the stars is all it takes to recharge. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, reconnecting with yourself, moving your body, practicing gratitude, or simply watching the birds, quick getaways can offer space to focus on what truly matters to you.

As someone who works in the camping industry, I feel that camping should be part of my regular routine. So instead of waiting for the perfect moment to get out there, I purposely create those moments.

My new approach? Simple Friday night campouts, solo or occasionally with a friend. No elaborate, multi-day plans or long drives. Staying close to home saves both time and money. Fuel is expensive, so why spend more when I don’t need to?

And getting out there as often as I do means my kit is dialed. Here are the must-haves on my packing list.

What’s in my solo camping kit?

• Sleeping:
  • Swag (a small, single-person Australian tent)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Inflatable pillow
• Cooking and eating:
  • Jetboil for heating water
  • Sometimes a larger gas cooker for more elaborate meals
  • Pre-marinated steak and veggies for dinner
  • Overnight oats with berries for breakfast
  • Plenty of water
  • A chocolate treat, of course
• Drinking:
  • Coffee (a must)
  • A few cans of kombucha to enjoy during sunset
• Clothing:
  • Don’t call me a grub, but I usually just wear the same clothes until I get home. Throw in a jacket. Better still, book a camp near a river for an evening dip. A change of socks before bed is the one rule I have. 🙂
• Miscellaneous:
  • Rubbish bag
  • A good book
  • Firewood and gas lighter (if I plan to make a fire)
  • Headtorch
  • Simple plate, bowl, and cutlery
  • Towel or blanket to lay on
  • Chair

Brooke’s top tips for planning a last-minute solo trip

Given all of the above, I’m here to share what I’ve learned so you can get out there too—little planning required.

Just go for it.

Don’t wait for others or rely on their plans—they might only slow you down. Let your friends know where you’ll be, and if they join, it’ll be a pleasant surprise. But don’t depend on anyone to make your adventure happen.

Keep it simple.

By keeping these trips affordable, they’ve become a sustainable part of my life. Prepping meals ahead of time reduces costs and keeps things low-pressure. That simplicity is what makes these stays so freeing. With a small, basic camping kit always ready, I don’t stress over packing or whether I’ve forgotten something.

Use Hipcamp’s Instant Booking feature.

I like to decide where I’m going on the fly, by Thursday night or Friday morning. Hipcamp’s Instant Book filter helps me find sites that confirm bookings immediately—no need to wait.

Embrace the solitude.

Spending time alone can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s an opportunity for personal growth—it has been for me. Use the quiet to journal, read, move your body, or simply take in the peace. Learning to enjoy your own company can be a powerful, rewarding experience. I’ve since had friends ask to join my trips, which adds to the fun (sometimes..).

A final piece of advice

If you’ve been craving more time in nature but feel short on time or money, consider a solo camping staycation, or “microadventure.” You don’t need an epic, multi-day adventure to reap the benefits—just one night away, close to home, can help you recharge and reconnect with yourself. Lastly, I always tell someone where I’m going (usually my kids), and when I’m expected home. I know they’d only come looking for me when the fridge is empty.