Six Ways to Find Incredible Wild Camping Spots as a Solo Female Traveller
When I travel in my campervan I like to have a good mix of wild camping and campsites to keep me sane.
Campsites provide all the wonderful little luxuries such as, hot showers and flushing toilets, that vanlife can’t provide. But wild camping means I have stayed in some of the most stunning places for free. Discovering unspoilt and secluded wild camping park ups is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Here are my six tried and tested methods of how I find incredible wild camping park ups.
1.Park4night
The app Park4night is my go-to wild camping park up finder. I don’t go to a new destination without checking this app first. I only choose spots that have photos and no less than 4* in reviews. I find the high ratings and images somewhat comforting.
I then copy the GPS coordinates and put them into Google Maps.
2. Google Maps
Thank the gods for Google Maps who is the ultimate travel companion. I use Google Maps for everything. Once I have found a spot on Park4night I put the GPS coordinates into google maps to get an accurate look at where the site is. I then change the layout to the terrain option so I can see exactly what the area looks like and what is nearby.
If I like the look of the site I then “star” it on the map so I can find it easily. You can use the features such as, save as ‘want to go’ or ‘star’ a place once you have signed into Google Maps.
3. Other Useful Apps
I do occasionally use other apps or sites such as, Search For Sites which I’m starting to prefer over Park4Night, but it does tend to be geared towards large caravans. More recently in Spain, I use Furgo Perfectos, which a Spanish van lifer recommended as it includes service points too.
4. BritStops and French Passion
These two organisations link local businesses such as, pubs in Britain and vineyards in France, with travellers. You can stay on their sites for free for one night. There is an expectation that you explore and buy their produce but there is no obligation. I’ve stayed at quite a few BritStops and it is a mixed bag. Some are really nice, while others are just a pub on the side of a road, but they feel safe and that is what matters.
Big downside is there is no app for either organisation. They send you a book with all the locations in with maps that aren’t wonderfully accurate, so I find them a bit of a faff to use!
5. Drive around
I did this a lot in Scotland as it was so easy to wild camp. There was never a bad spot in Scotland. The risk is of course, that you can’t find a place. It grows dark. You’re still driving. You’re tired. You get stressed and the world feels like it is ending.
This happened to me twice in Scotland. I’m not up for a third time.
As a solo traveller, it is all on you - the driving, finding the water, navigating a foreign country, the decision making - everything. Why add finding a spot in the dark to the list?
Every couple of days I plan where I want to go and flag night spots with the above routine to keep the stress levels to a minimum.
6. Ask the locals
This is by far the best method as locals can guide you to some real hidden gems.
Leave No Trace
My year on the road has taught me that wild camping in nature is an absolute privilege. Too often I have seen other vanlifers abuse this privilege by disrespecting the land. Remember, to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles wherever you go;
Plan ahead & prepare
Travel & camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly (including your 💩)
Leave what you find
Minimise campfire impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be considerate of others
Happy travelling! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect.