Reclaiming Peace: Transgender Camping Without the Crowds

As a transgender woman who’s recently found herself with more free time than she’s had in decades, I’ve started looking for new ways to reconnect with the world beyond my front door. I’ve always loved nature: the quiet, the wildness, the way it reminds me that I belong here regardless of what the headlines say. So, I decided it was time to invest in something just for me: short, manageable camping trips where I could get away, breathe deeply, work on my novel, and snap some honest photos of the world in bloom.

Nature has always been a refuge, and for many of us in the transgender community, finding peace outside the daily chaos is more than a luxury; it’s survival. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of writing under a canopy of stars, photographing wildflowers at dawn, or simply getting away from crowded spaces, short camping trips offer a practical and deeply healing path to self-connection.

If you’re another transgender soul craving a slice of solitude or just someone looking to taste a little more freedom, this guide is for you.

Why Short Trips Make Sense

Let’s start with the obvious: you don’t need to disappear into the Alaskan backcountry for a month to find yourself. In fact, shorter trips, overnight or a quick weekend, offer all the magic without the logistical overwhelm. This section is about embracing the manageable.

Short camping trips are easier to plan, easier to adjust if things don’t go perfectly, and easier to recover from. For those of us balancing hormone regimens, post-surgical care, work schedules, or simply the stress of public life, committing to a brief escape can be far more realistic than planning a weeklong expedition. Even just one night out can provide the stillness and clarity you need to reset your mind and body.

These trips are also more budget-friendly, often requiring less gear and preparation. And let’s face it, some of us are new to this. Starting small lets you learn your rhythm, find your favorite spots, and grow your confidence.

Choosing Your Campsite: Avoiding the Crowds

Now that you know shorter trips are both doable and worthwhile, let’s talk about where to go. Not all campsites are created equal, and if you’re seeking solitude, privacy, and time with your own thoughts, it’s important to choose wisely.

KOA-style campgrounds, with their neatly packed RVs, kids running around, and bustling convenience stores, can feel more like a theme park than a nature escape. If your goal is to reconnect with yourself, you’ll want something quieter and farther removed from other people. Here are some better options, with expanded details to help you decide:

• State Parks and National Forests: Many offer “primitive” or “dispersed” camping areas. These are usually located away from the main campgrounds and have fewer amenities, but they allow for more privacy and a closer experience with nature. Always check the official website for the park or forest you’re interested in. Regulations can vary greatly. Some require permits for dispersed camping, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
• BLM Land (Bureau of Land Management): Found primarily in the western U.S., BLM land is often open for free camping for up to 14 consecutive days. There are usually no facilities, no restrooms, and no trash bins, so you’ll need to pack in and pack out everything. These areas are ideal for folks who want peace and seclusion, but be aware that you’ll need to research maps carefully and check for fire restrictions or wildlife warnings.
• Private Land Rentals: Websites like Hipcamp and Tentrr connect you with private landowners offering campsites on their property. This sort of arrangement can be a great middle ground: you often get the privacy of dispersed camping without the risk of wandering into unsafe or off-limits land. Some listings include basic amenities like outhouses or fire pits.

If you truly want to go “off-grid,” dispersed camping on public land is your best bet. Just be certain you understand your area’s rules and know how to leave no trace.

What You’ll Need: Supplies for Different Comfort Levels

Now that you’ve chosen your getaway spot, it’s time to pack smart. This section breaks down your must-haves and nice-to-haves depending on your comfort level. Whether you’re a minimalist or someone who enjoys a few creature comforts, proper gear can make or break your trip.

The Essentials (No Matter What)

These items are non-negotiable for a safe and successful overnight trip:

• Tent: Look for a lightweight, waterproof tent that’s easy to set up solo. A two-person tent often gives you extra space for gear without being too bulky. Practice setting it up in your yard first.
• Sleeping Pad and Sleeping Bag: A sleeping pad provides insulation and comfort against the cold, uneven ground. Choose a sleeping bag rated at least 10 degrees cooler than the lowest temperature you expect at night.
• Headlamp and Lantern: A headlamp allows you to navigate in the dark while keeping your hands free. A lantern helps you light up your tent or cooking area in a soft, ambient way.
• First Aid Kit: Go beyond the basics. Include wound care supplies, tweezers, anti-inflammatory meds, and any prescriptions or HRT essentials you might need.
• Portable Charger (or Two): Your phone is your lifeline for maps, communication, and emergency help. Bring one fully charged power bank, and consider a backup.
• Cooking Setup: A single-burner camp stove, small fuel canister, windscreen, and lighter are the core. Add a spatula, cooking pot, and small cutting board.
• Food and Water: You’ll need at least one gallon of water per day. If you’re near a water source, bring a filtration system as backup. Food should be shelf-stable or stored in a cooler.
• Navigation: Even if you’re sticking to marked campsites, download offline maps in apps like Gaia or AllTrails. A physical map and compass are a wise backup.

Upgraded Comfort Items

If you’re not trying to win a survival contest, these upgrades will make your experience more enjoyable:

• Portable Power Bank or Solar Charger: Ideal for charging laptops or keeping your phone alive longer. A power station like the Jackery can even run small electronics.
• Camp Chair: Lightweight and foldable, this gives your back a break and makes writing or reading outdoors so much more pleasant.
• Lightweight Table: Useful for cooking, setting up your laptop, or organizing your food. Many fold flat for easy transport.
• Better Food Options: As a professionally trained chef, I bring marinated proteins, pre-chopped vegetables, rice, and spices. I do prep work at home so I can assemble and reheat easily.
• Wi-Fi Hotspot: If you’re staying within cell range, a dedicated hotspot provides stronger and more stable internet than your phone’s connection alone.

For the Nearly Off-Grid Experience

For those who want to feel truly removed from society but still safe and sustainable:

• Multi-Day Coolers: Brands like Yeti or Coleman Extreme can keep ice for 3-5 days, which helps preserve fresh ingredients.
• Backpacking Stove and Minimal Cookware: A compact stove saves fuel and space. Bring one pot that can cook everything from oatmeal to pasta.
• Water Filtration System: Whether it’s a pump, gravity bag, or squeeze filter, clean water is essential. Always filter water from natural sources.
• Emergency Beacon: A GPS-enabled beacon like a Garmin InReach can send emergency signals even without cell service. It’s pricey but could save your life.

Food Prep: Cooking Like a Chef in the Wild

Let’s talk food. Camping doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. As a chef, I want good meals even in the woods. With a little planning, you can eat well without stress.

For short trips, I prep meals in advance, storing ingredients in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers. My menu typically looks like this:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs pre-mixed with cream and herbs in a bottle, sautéed veggies, and instant coffee. You can pack cheese or precooked sausage for added protein.
• Lunch: Sandwiches made with crusty bread, cured meats, hard cheeses, and fruit. Or assemble a snack plate with nuts, olives, jerky, and dried apricots.
• Dinner: One-pot meals like pasta with pesto and sundried tomatoes, or grilled chicken thighs with couscous. I also love warming soups in cooler weather.

Bring seasonings in labeled zip bags or a spice rack designed for camping. Use heavy-duty foil to create simple grill packets.

Power and Internet: Keeping Your Laptop Alive

Writing and photography are central to my trips, so I need reliable power. If you’re planning to work in nature, you’ll want to set up your energy solutions in advance.

• Jackery Portable Power Station: These are versatile, quiet, and strong enough to recharge your phone, camera, or laptop multiple times. I charge mine before the trip and top it off with solar if needed.
• Solar Panel Setup: A foldable 60W or 100W solar panel can trickle charge your power station during the day. Just set it out when you arrive at camp.
• Phone Hotspot: In areas with LTE service, I use my phone as a hotspot for brief email sessions and photo uploads. For longer work, I bring a standalone hotspot device.
• Offline Work Plan: I always download documents and photo presets before I leave so I can work offline without stress.

Staying Safe as a Transgender Camper

This is perhaps the most vital section. The reality is that transgender folks have to think about safety in ways others don’t. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go. It means you prepare smartly.

• Choose LGBTQ+ Friendly Locations: Research parks, counties, or private camp hosts known for being inclusive. Avoid areas with documented hostility or harassment.
• Share Your Plans: Let a friend know your itinerary. Text them when you arrive and when you leave. Apps like Life360 or Google Maps location sharing can help too.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a place feels wrong, or someone gives you a weird vibe, leave. Your safety is more important than pushing through a bad feeling.
• Carry Self-Defense: Pepper spray, a whistle, or even a personal alarm can offer peace of mind. Take a self-defense class if you can.

Nature doesn’t judge. It doesn’t care about gender. But people do, and until the world catches up, we protect ourselves and each other.

My First Few Destinations

For my initial trips, I’m focusing on destinations within a two-hour drive. This range keeps things low-pressure. If something goes wrong or I forget a key item, I can head home without a full-day drive.

• Hidden State Forests: Lesser-known forests often have quiet, primitive campsites. They’re usually accessible via well-marked trails and are ideal for a night or two.
• County Parks with Remote Sites: These parks are often ignored by major guidebooks but are maintained and relatively safe. I call ahead to ask about crowd levels and site locations.
• Private Land Rentals: I’ve booked a few single-tent listings where I’ll have acres to myself. Most offer good cell reception and allow fires for cooking.

These destinations allow me to ease into camping without getting too remote. Over time, I’ll branch out further.

Bathroom Options and Outdoor Hygiene

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in camping guides but absolutely should: bathroom needs. For transgender campers, especially, having a plan for hygiene and privacy can make or break your experience. Whether you’re camping somewhere with established facilities or heading into the backcountry, you deserve to feel safe and prepared.

If you’re camping at a site with restrooms, take a moment to check reviews or call ahead to ask what kind of facilities are available. Some have flush toilets; others only have pit latrines or composting toilets. For more remote spots or dispersed camping, you’ll need to bring your own solution.

Here are your main options, along with the supplies you’ll want to pack:

• Established Campground Toilets: These are the easiest option and usually include pit toilets or vault toilets. While not glamorous, they work. Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and perhaps a small pack of flushable wipes for added comfort.
• Portable Toilet Systems: These include foldable toilet seats with waste bags, compact bucket toilets with disposable liners, or even chemical toilets. They give you privacy and are ideal if you’re not near any facilities but still want a dignified solution.
• Cat Holes (Leave No Trace Style): For dispersed or wilderness camping, dig a hole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from any water source, trail, or camp. Cover it well when finished. Bring a small, lightweight trowel and biodegradable toilet paper, and pack out used TP in a sealed zip bag unless you know it can be safely buried.
• Urination Options: For overnight or cold conditions, some campers bring a designated pee bottle (clearly marked!) or a female urination device (FUD) that allows for standing urination with privacy and ease.

Bathroom and Hygiene Supplies to Bring:

• Toilet Paper and Wipes: Biodegradable preferred. Store in a dry bag.
• Zip Bags: For used toilet paper and other hygiene waste. Label and seal securely.
• Trowel: Lightweight and durable for digging cat holes.
• Hand Sanitizer and Soap Sheets: For clean hands before meals or after bathroom use.
• Pee Funnel or Urination Device: Practice at home first for confidence.
• Travel Bidet Bottle: Optional but refreshing and hygienic.
• Menstrual Products: Pack out all waste if using tampons or pads. Consider reusable menstrual cups to reduce waste and packing needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to outdoor hygiene, but preparation gives you freedom. Knowing that you can take care of yourself; your body, your privacy, your comfort—means you can focus on the parts of the trip that matter most.

Campfires: Comfort, Cooking, and Caution

One of the most iconic parts of camping is the campfire. There’s something deeply soothing about watching flames dance in the dark, listening to crackling wood while the stars peek out. It’s also one of the most functional elements of outdoor life: for warmth, for cooking, and for creating a cozy atmosphere. But with great beauty comes great responsibility.

If you’re considering having a campfire, here’s what you need to know to do it safely, and legally:

• Know the Fire Rules Where You Camp: Fire bans are increasingly common due to dry conditions. Before you strike a match, check the regulations of the area. State parks, BLM land, and forests often have posted notices or updated info on their websites.
• Use Established Fire Rings or Pits: If your campsite has a designated fire ring, use it. Never build a new one unless the land manager allows it. In wilderness settings, stick to a small mound fire or bring a portable fire pan to protect the ground.
• Keep it Small and Manageable: You don’t need a bonfire to toast marshmallows. A small fire is safer, uses less wood, and is easier to put out.
• Never Leave it Unattended: This should go without saying. Even for a quick bathroom break, make sure someone is tending the flames, or extinguish it completely before leaving.
• Put it Out Completely: Douse your fire with water, stir the ashes, and repeat until it’s cool to the touch. If you can’t touch it, it’s not out.

Campfire Supplies to Bring:

• Fire Starter: Waterproof matches, a ferro rod, or a reliable lighter are all good options. I always pack a couple of each.
• Tinder and Kindling: Bring your own dry material if the area is damp or firewood is scarce. Wax-dipped cotton balls or dryer lint in a tin are lightweight, effective starters.
• Compact Camp Axe or Saw: For breaking down firewood safely. Always use responsibly and never harvest live trees.
• Bucket or Collapsible Water Container: For extinguishing the fire. Keep it filled and nearby at all times.
• Fire Gloves or Tongs: Especially helpful if you’re cooking over the fire or managing hot coals.

While I often cook on a camp stove, I still love building a small fire when conditions allow. It makes me feel connected—to myself, to the earth, and to generations of storytellers who have gathered around fires before me. Just remember: safety first, always.

Top 5 Amazon Products for Transgender Solo Campers

If you’re building your camping kit or upgrading your current gear, these five Amazon finds are worth checking out. All are chosen for portability, reliability, and solo-friendly design:

1. Night Cat Pop-up Camping Tent: Spacious enough for you and your gear, easy to set up alone, and holds up well in weather.
2. Camping Sleeping Pad: Comfortable, packs down small, and insulates against the cold. A game changer for restful sleep.
3. BioLite CampStove 2+: A camp stove that charges your phone while you cook. Brilliant for power-conscious campers.
4. Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station: Keeps your laptop, phone, and camera charged without the noise of a generator.
5. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System: Lightweight, fast, and reliable for filtering water straight from the stream.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, TransVitae earns from qualifying purchases. These recommendations are independently selected by the author for their quality and usefulness.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to reclaim your space in nature. You just have to be willing to meet yourself there, in open skies, by quiet waters, in golden fields that no headline can touch.

For me, these short trips are acts of resistance and renewal. They are how I honor the life I’ve fought to live: a life where I get to choose silence, stars, creativity, and peace.

If you’re reading this and wondering if you can do it too, you can. Nature doesn’t check IDs. It doesn’t care what your voice sounds like or what name is on your license. It only asks that you show up.

And so, I will. And maybe you will too.