Solo RV Travel for Women: Wonderful or Risky?

From coast to coast, women are embracing solo RV travel like never before. In fact, a study from the RV Industry Association found that women now make up nearly a quarter of all owners.

However, traveling alone isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll need to prepare yourself for anything and expect the unexpected.

Today, we’re discussing what women love about RVing alone and offering tips for a safe adventure.

Let’s jump right in!

A woman fixes a tire on her camper. She's probably a pro when it comes to solo RV travel!

The Joys of Solo RV Travel for Women

While everyone can benefit from a little alone time, solo RV travel is an excellent way for women to step outside their comfort zone, boost their confidence, and test their abilities.

When you take off by yourself, you’ll have unlimited freedom to enjoy the activities you love without catering to anyone else’s needs or preferences. Stay where you want for as long as you want. And when you’re ready for the next experience, you can hit the road at your leisure.

Freedom isn’t the only perk of exploring on your own. This is a time to hone your skills and expand your horizons. It’s also a great way to get to know yourself on a deeper level. You’re sure to face unexpected challenges along the way. After all, that’s part of the fun!

Of course, forging your own path can be isolating in ways you might not anticipate. Groups like RVing Women connect you with like-minded campers who can ease the loneliness many feel on extended solo ventures.

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Tips for Safe RV Travel for Solo Women

Before embarking on your epic adventure in solitude, preparing mentally and physically for whatever may come is important. Here are a few suggestions for a safe and successful solo trip.

#1 Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

As a woman RVing along, maintaining awareness of your surroundings is paramount. This task begins before you arrive at your destination.

Research the crime levels for places you plan to camp using sites such as communitycrimemap.com. In addition to police scanners and news reports, you can read reviews of different campgrounds on public forums to see what others have experienced. You’ll also want to consider the types of wildlife you may encounter and environmental threats, such as flooding.

Of course, you’ll need to stay alert once you arrive at your campsite and as you come and go from your RV. If something feels off, trust your instincts and relocate if necessary.

Are you used to traveling with a partner? Here are 5 Ways to Transition from Couple to Solo Travel!

#2 Opt for Designated Campsites When Possible

Boondocking is the ultimate way to achieve solitude. Without neighbors, you can enjoy the splendors of nature in true isolation. However, women traveling solo in their RV should limit their time in the backcountry.

No matter how self-reliant you are, all that distance can make you vulnerable to people with bad intentions. Furthermore, a minor accident could spell disaster if you can’t signal for help.

Things can go wrong without warning. For example, your rig could break down, or you could encounter a dangerous wild animal. Since you won’t have an extra set of hands, staying close to civilization is essential.

Instead of dispersed camping, opt for designated campsites that offer safety in numbers.

#3 Carry Personal Protection

Women enjoying solo RV travel should consider personal protection methods in the event of a worst-case scenario. Although a handgun might be the first weapon that comes to mind, you’ll need a license. Additionally, regulations vary by state, and carrying across certain state lines is illegal.

Bear spray is an effective option to defend against man and beast. Many varieties can stop an attacker that’s 20 to 30 feet away. Tasers, kubatons, and other handheld items may ward off offenders within reach.

You can also deter potential human predators by leaving a muddy pair of men’s work boots outside your rig to create the illusion of a travel partner.

Considering a protective device? Here are the Best RV Self-Protection for Traveling This Year!

#4 Recruit a Remote Buddy to Ensure You’re Safe

As a woman, safely RVing alone requires regular contact with the people you love. Enlisting a close friend or family member as your virtual travel buddy can help protect you throughout your journey.

Touch base with your chosen contact to let them know where you are, how long you plan to stay, and where you intend to go next. If possible, send them your exact GPS coordinates or share your location data so they can check on your status. And, of course, inform them when your plans change.

Another safeguard is scheduling a weekly phone call with your contact. They’ll know something is amiss if they don’t hear from you. This regular communication can also help you fight off any loneliness you may feel on your solo travels.

Finally, have a system in place for what they should do if you fail to check in.

#5 Avoid Falling into a Predictable Routine

If you catch the eye of someone with bad intentions, following a predictable routine will only make it easier for them to attack. Mix up your daily schedule so potential predators can’t anticipate your next move. After all, leaving your rig for a sunrise walk every morning gives criminals an easy opportunity to break in, or worse.

You can also install automated lights to make it look like someone is home.

Remember, the most successful predators are typically those that go undetected. Assume someone is studying your habits, even if you don’t have any solid reason to believe so.

A woman works from her laptop in the back of her camper van.

Bonus Tip: Know Your RV Inside and Out

Our final tip for women traveling solo is to know the inner workings of your RV. Being comfortable behind the wheel is only the beginning. You should understand how the engine works, how the plumbing operates, and how to troubleshoot electrical issues.

You must also be comfortable with routine maintenance tasks that keep your rig running in peak condition.

Newer RVers might want to start their solo travels closer to home to reduce the overwhelming feeling many experience in the early days of journeying alone. It’ll also ensure that help is close by if you need it.

Protect yourself with a Pepper Spray and Taser Multi-Tool!

Is Solo RV Travel Worth It for Women?

Many women have already discovered the joys of solo RV travel. The freedom and independence that come with the lifestyle are hard to beat, especially for those who appreciate solitude and self-reflection.

However, planning, using your wits, and listening to your gut is essential. It’s all too easy to brush off that nagging feeling that something isn’t quite right, but trusting your intuition is essential to women RVing alone!