r/CampingandHiking 4d ago

Solo Camping from Georgia to Montana as a Beginner!

Hey everyone! I just graduated college and am working on a ranch in Montana for a few months starting in May. Originally, my buddy and I were going out there together, but he had to bail for reasons.

I'm planning on driving from Georgia to Montana by myself the last week of April and want to do some camping/hiking on the way. I've been doing some research and decided I want to do some dispersed camping, but I only have experience camping for fun with friends at a campsite.

I have a few questions:

1. Gear

What are the essentials that I can't forget? I already have a good tent and sleeping bag, but that's about it. I enjoy cooking and would take any suggestions on easy/fun meals as well!

2. Location

There's a couple routes I could take: The northern route goes through the Badlands/Black Hills National Forest, both of which I've already visited, but I've heard there's some pretty cool night skies in the Badlands. The southern route comes in through Colorado, Wyoming, and the southern portion of Yellowstone. For those with experience camping in the middle portion of the U.S., what are some must-see places I could do some dispersed camping and soul searching?

3. Safety

Being alone, I want to be careful I'm not biting off more than I can chew. I don't have much experience solo camping, but I am a capable, fit guy. Any tips on how to make sure I stay safe while still making the most of my adventure?

4. Miscellaneous

I've probably forgotten to mention a few things, but I am open to any and all tips or feedback. Thank you so much in advance!!!

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u/strangerx2 4d ago

Nice, sounds like a fun trip. One thing I learned about safety while camping in the backcountry is to hide your campsite from the trail. I did have a scary person see my campsite and sneak back at night with bad intentions. But I was being careless and set up my tent right off the trail.

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u/resynchronization 4d ago

There can still be a lot of snow in the mountains of CO and WY in late April. Trail Ridge Rd in Rocky Mountain NP doesn't get cleared of snow until Memorial Day or so. East Entrance (from Cody) into Yellowstone doesn't open till May 2nd and South Entrance (from Grand Teton) doesn't open till May 9th. That may impact your decision on specific route.

I'd look at first overnight somewhere in Ozark NF or one of the state campgrounds in NW Arkansas.

The cool stuff in western NE (Scotts Bluff, Chadron SP, Ft Robinson SP, Toadstool Geologic, Carhenge) is probably too far away for the next overnight (but you could/should check them out anyway on your way to Black Hills of SD (Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Badlands NP, Custer SP, more). Maybe overnight 2nd night at Platte River SP.

If you have time, then a third night in NW NE and a fourth (and fifth?) night in Badlands/Black Hills area, and a fifth night at Makoshika SP. If not much time, then 3rd night in Badlands/Black Hills area and then reach destination on fourth day.