How to Find the Perfect Camping Travel Partner When You're Single

So, you’re a solo traveler, craving the great outdoors, but you don’t quite want to pitch your tent alone. Or maybe you're sick of solo camping and you're looking for someone to share campfire stories and those killer sunrise views with. Either way, finding the perfect camping travel partner can be a game-changer—someone who shares your love of nature, knows how to handle a tent, and won’t mind splitting the last marshmallow. But how do you find someone who clicks? Let’s dive into a few simple, real-world ways to connect with fellow camping enthusiasts.

1. Start with Your Social Circle (You Never Know Who's Into It!)

First things first, don’t discount the people already in your life. You’d be surprised at how many of your friends, acquaintances, or family members might secretly love the idea of a camping trip. Maybe they’re not super outdoorsy but want to give it a try, or maybe they’re full-fledged camping aficionados who just haven’t had the time to go lately.

Ask around casually. A “Hey, anyone up for a weekend camping trip?” can spark some interesting responses. It doesn’t hurt to throw out the question on social media too—your friend group might surprise you. And who knows? Your cousin who usually talks about Netflix binges could be dreaming of starlit nights by a campfire.

2. Join Local Outdoor or Hiking Groups

One of the best ways to find someone who shares your passion for camping is to get involved in outdoor communities. You don’t have to be an expert hiker to meet potential camping buddies. Check out local hiking, backpacking, or outdoor groups on platforms like Meetup or Facebook Groups. Many of these groups organize camping trips that are open to everyone, regardless of experience.

The beauty of these communities is that they’re full of people who are there for the same reason: to enjoy nature and maybe make some new friends while they’re at it. You’ll also have the benefit of meeting folks who are already familiar with camping—bonus points if they’re knowledgeable about gear, setting up tents, or starting a fire without matches.

3. Hit Up Campground or Outdoor Events

If you’re not into online groups and prefer to meet people in real life, local outdoor events are a great way to find camping buddies. Whether it's a gear expo, a wilderness survival workshop, or a local nature reserve with regular clean-up days, these events attract people who are passionate about outdoor activities.

Not only can you learn some new skills, but you might also run into someone who shares your camping goals. And hey, if the event is centered around hiking, rock climbing, or kayaking, you’re likely to meet people who are into the same kind of adventures you want to have on your camping trips.

4. Use Specialized Apps and Websites

Alright, so if you're feeling a little adventurous and want to cut through the awkward “let’s go camping!” conversations, there are actually apps and websites designed specifically for meeting travel partners. Sites like Backpackr and Meetup connect like-minded travellers based on destinations and/or activities.

It's always a good idea to spend a little time reviewing how the apps work, rules and protocols, and seeing what events/groups are already offered.

5. Get in Touch with a Guide or Group Tour

If you want to meet a camping partner without doing all the planning yourself, consider booking a spot with an organized group camping tour. A lot of companies offer group trips where solo travelers can join in and camp with other like-minded people. This can be a great option if you're not 100% sure where to go or what to do and want the safety of having a guide around.

Group tours can also help break the ice since everyone is there for the same reason, and you may end up finding someone you connect with enough to plan your next camping trip together.

6. Online Forums and Communities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Let’s face it, there’s a huge world of outdoor lovers out there on the internet. Websites like Reddit, Backpacking Light, or The Dyrt have active communities of people sharing tips, plans, and trip reports. Reddit, in particular, has subreddits like r/CampingandHiking, r/Backpacking, or r/Outdoors that often have threads where people are looking for partners for specific trips.

A quick post or comment saying you're looking for a travel partner can lead to some amazing connections. The great thing about online communities is you can get a sense of people’s personalities and interests before you even meet in person. If they’ve shared a bunch of gear tips or trip ideas that resonate with you, you’re already halfway there.

7. Check Out Travel and Camping Festivals

Another fun way to meet potential camping partners is to check out outdoor festivals and events. These festivals usually combine the camping culture with activities like outdoor cooking classes, survival skill workshops, or group hikes. You'll be in an environment full of people who love the outdoors, and that makes it much easier to strike up a conversation and bond over shared interests.

Think of it as a laid-back way to “network” with other campers without the formalities. Plus, you can learn a ton while getting to know your future camping buddy.

8. Be Honest About What You’re Looking For

When you finally find someone who seems like a good fit, don’t shy away from having an open, honest conversation about expectations for the trip. Are you both looking for a laid-back, relaxing camping weekend or an intense backcountry hike? Do you have certain camping styles (e.g., tent camping vs. RVing) or gear preferences that need to match? The more upfront you are about what you're after, the easier it will be to avoid any awkward moments later.

Also, remember to talk about what responsibilities each person is comfortable with—like who’ll bring the stove, who’ll handle food, or who’s setting up the tent. It sounds boring, but it helps make sure everything goes smoothly when you’re out there in the wild.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Adventure Buddy!

Camping is all about connecting with nature, but it’s also a great chance to connect with others. Whether you find a partner through a local group, an app, or even a festival, the goal is to find someone who will make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable. You never know—you could end up with a lifelong camping buddy or, at the very least, a great story to tell around the next campfire.

Happy camping! 🌲🔥