Camping fears

Years ago I was an avid camper. A few things happened, and now after a traumatic event totally unrelated to camping, now I am terrified of camping, by myself. I can camp out with others, but by myself is terrifying.

I used to be able to go out with nothing but a pocket knife and a lighter and camp out for a few days, on a whim. And I loved it. Now, way different. Any of you guys has/have this problem?

 

About ten years ago I went hiking in The Great Gulf Wilderness Area in New Hampshire which abuts The Presidential Range. after a day of hiking I pitched my tent and I was just about to fall asleep when I heard a rustling sound outside the tent. I froze in mortal terror, it turned out to be a black bear but for a moment I thought I was about to be abducted by aliens

I had just finished reading Raymond Fowler’s book ‘The Allagash Abductions’ about a group on men who were supposedly abducted back in 1976 while on a camping trip in Northern Maine.


I still occasionally go hiking alone but that’s rare, now I usually go with a group

Hotwater

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGGZq0UInTg"]YouTube- Protection Chant

Call Upon the GREAT MOTHER!!!

 

This makes me feel a lot more comfortable when I'm alone, deep in the woods.

 

Over the years I became the same way...even though nothing traumatic has ever happened to me while camping. I guess maybe as youth and the feel of immortality fade, and reality sets in, we become more cautious with our lives. I have somewhat overcome my fears, mostly by taking more precautions (love camping in my van). It takes away the fun when you are not comfortable camping, so tweak your needs until you are. Now get out there! (Don't forget that big can of bear spray, I pack mine along side my .44)

 

I'm going out this weekend witha friend. That should be good. Who knows, if I'm brave enough I just might stay a few days on my own.

 

Well, I went out. It was just fine while he was there, and then he left Sunday. I stayed Sunday night, and though it has been cold for the weekend it actually felt warmer last night. But by the time afternoon came up I was looking for a reason to leave.

 

A friend of mine was sexually assaulted when out camping alone. It WAS a freak incident- it's unusual to even run into other people when you're in the backcountry- but stuff DOES happen. I stick closer to at least somewhat populated areas these days. I have a dog, but she wouldn't defend me and I know it (she'd bark and might sound intimidating but she's a collie- it's just not in her nature.). THis sort of thing has been a big part of my decision to buy my little vintage camper though- I can't get it into really remote areas, but it does open up more opportunities than I currently have- and it has a door that locks.

 

yeah with the way people are you honestly have to be armed.

 

In remote areas I feel pretty safe. I carry a shotgun with me because I travel with small dogs and I live in a area where there are real predators(animals that is).

I'm not a huge fan of "urban camping," sleeping in reststops or using walmart parking lots. One time I was sleeping in my truck camper and a tweaker opened the hatched to try and steal stuff. I scared him just as much as he scared me, but it wasn't a great feeling.

Still, I don't have a huge problem with it and I've been doing it for years.

 

i always camp with a group of friends and a pack of dogs so I have no fears..however, i'm going to hike a section of the AT with just one other girlfriend soon, and we're taking a lot of precautions..I've heard about a lot of women being assaulted and raped on the AT so we're going to buy a gun and learn how to shoot before we go. also taking dogs because i trust a german shepherd to save me more than i trust a gun

 

I haven't been camping in so long, I barely remember what it was like (I miss it a lot), but I remember always being a little wary of the dark outside the tent. Somehow the tent feels safe to me, though. I'm sure that will change when I'm "all growed up" too.

 

me and a friend found a dead girl hung in the woods in my town, it's gross but true. The UK had this 'Facebook hanging' dilemma last year and she was one off about 3 people around south Wales that month or so.

I don't like camping much anymore, it spooked the shit into me.

 

finding dead bodies is my goal. how come this always happens to people who dont want to find a dead body?

 

Christ in a basket, that's gross.

 

I just couldn't stand being there after the first night alone. Even in the day time.

 

More rapes occur in urban places than camping places. but yes camping as a woman poses more of a risk. it does not happen often but there is always someone that becomes that unlucky person. you should not let it prevent you from camping though. and yeah always bring a knife and maybe a gun. just remember if a guy tries to rape you stab him in his nuts. even if he has a gun pointed at you still try your best to get him because most rapists will rape and then murder you. so I bet you'd rather die not being raped than being raped or maybe have a chance to get a lucky hit on him or chop his junk off so he can't ever rape somebody again.

all that serial killer stuff is super rare too.

 

No one who wants to find bodies finds them because as soon as these people find a body, they wish they hadn't.

Yes, finding a body makes for a good story. But the reality is different that imagined

 

Spiders and bug. And kangaroo bears.

 

I've seen a couple floating in the river, it's not nice