Camping is a great way to explore new places, experience the wild side of nature, or be alone. It can, however, be scary to camp at night. Maybe you’re worried about what animals you’re sharing the camping space with, or perhaps you get anxious about being alone. It could be that this fear of camping at night is stopping you from camping completely.
Start small and begin by pitching a tent in your backyard. Get comfortable with the sounds of nature and being in the dark. Once you feel more confident, venture out to a local campground for an overnight stay. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying all the wonders of camping at night!
Keep reading for more ways to manage your fear!
18 Ways to Get Over Your Fear of Camping at Night
Some of these tips can be used together or alone, and some will work for you better than others. Check these out and see what works for you.
1. Find the root of your fear
Firstly, you need to ask yourself what you’re afraid of. Is it a fear of being lost? Of being alone? Or maybe you’re worried about wild animals. Finding the root of your fear can help you to overcome it.
We’re not suggesting therapy but have a little 1-on-1 with yourself to determine why you are afraid to camp at night. When you identify the problem, it will make the solution clearer.
2. Find out what sounds you’ll hear at night
If the thought of wild animals keeps you up all night, it could help to identify sounds you’re likely to hear on your camping trip.
Familiarizing yourself with the animal sounds that will be common in your camping area will make them a lot less scary at night.
Frogs, raccoons, owls, and crickets are some animals you could start familiarizing yourself with.
3. Choose a familiar location
Another way to make your camp less daunting is to camp somewhere familiar. It’s helpful to recognize your surroundings, making it much less scary because you’re somewhere you recognize!
A good place to start is even your backyard. It’s a great way to build confidence when camping at night.
4. Avoid alcohol
While having a few drinks might make you feel more relaxed, it may also create a false sense of security. Alcohol also dehydrates you, and it’s best to be focused and hydrated, especially in an emergency.
5. Go car camping first
Car camping is a great way to feel more at ease in your tent at night because you always have the option to escape if it gets too scary. Your car will also cover a side of your tent, so you’re more secure.
6. Make the experience fun!
Where’s the enjoyment if you are sitting inside your tent at night worrying about what might happen? Camping at night is fun. It’s an experience unlike anything else.
Remember to see the fun side of it. Go a little crazy and make spears or howl at the moon. Camping is freeing!
7. Visit a night prior to camping
One way to overcome your fear of camping is to visit the spot you’re going to camp at the night or the day before. Then you are familiar with your surroundings and feel more at ease with what’s around you.
8. Go with a buddy
I always enjoy camping with a friend. If you’re worried about camping at night, then a buddy can always provide support, and let’s be honest, it can be a lot of fun too!
Take a friend who enjoys camping and can provide a calming vibe to your night.
9. Camp near flowing water
If the sounds of the night are keeping you up, it could be relaxing to pitch your tent near a river.
The sounds of flowing water are therapeutic, which can help remove the anxiety of wondering what’s scurrying in the bushes.
10. Camp with something behind you
If you camp with something behind you, whether a big tree, bush, or rock, you can be sure your tent is covered from one side. It will put your mind at ease that your tent is less exposed.
11. Camping with headphones
This may or may not work for you but listening to music with headphones can be calming. However, it could also make you more anxious about camping at night.
I worry that I won’t be able to hear something happening around my tent. What we recommend is trying it out. It might be the solution for you.
12. Do some exercise during the day
Another great way to beat the fear is doing some exercise during the day. Exercise not only eases anxiety but can help you to tire yourself out for a better night’s sleep.
13. Bring something to do
If your mind is working in overdrive about what might be outside your tent, it’s a good idea to preoccupy your mind with something else. You could bring a book to read or a game to play.
Solitaire is a great solo card game to play.
14. Pack for your safety
If you are prepared, you won’t be scared. If you pack for your safety, you can include items that will ease your nighttime stress.
Pack a hard map if you’re planning on going off the grid where you won’t have phone service. If you’re likely to be camping where there are wild animals, pack a knife or bear spray.
15. Let your friends know where you’re camping
Don’t camp in secret. If you’re camping alone, it’s best to let a friend know where you are. It also means that if something does happen to you at night, help won’t be far. This will help you to rest easier.
16. Store all food and scented items before bed
It’s a smart and safe camping practice to store all food and scented items before bed. If you’re worried about an animal venturing into your tent searching for some nibbles, it’s best to store your food correctly.
This will help you to sleep more peacefully.
17. Practice meditation or yoga
Before crawling into your tent, why not try yoga or meditation before bed? It can help to calm your mind and relax your body, making sleep and the nighttime more welcoming than scary.
18. Have faith in yourself
Your fear of camping at night might not disappear overnight. However, if you have faith in yourself, then your confidence will grow. You just need to give yourself time and space to build it.
Conclusion
We hope that this article can help you overcome your fear of camping. Being in the wild can be scary, but it is also exciting and fun.
The tips and tricks we’ve explored here can give you peace of mind while sleeping at night and reduce your anxiety around camping. Remember, camping awakens your senses and is a truly unique experience.