Being Alone Vs. Being By Yourself

What Overlanding Taught Me About Connection

How a solo camping trip helped me understand my need for community

Some adventures change your perspective in ways you never expected. That’s exactly what happened during my time at Wheelers Overland Weekend, a trip that helped me realize something important: I enjoy being by myself, but I don’t enjoy true isolation.

This experience, paired with a solo trip to Moab, helped me understand the difference between solitude and loneliness and why connection is such a meaningful part of my Jeep journey.

Tips for Cold Weather Camping 

Selfie with my Jeep and dispersed campsite

My Solo Trip to Moab: Alone, But Never Lonely

Last year, I took a solo trip to Moab. I hiked alone, ate alone, and adventured alone but I was surrounded by people. Friendly hikers. Trail talk. New conversations. New friends.

I realized something important:
I love being independent, but I thrive when I can still connect with people.

Moab Selfie

Discovering My Need for Connection

I’ve always enjoyed solo activities like hiking alone, exploring new trails, setting up camp with just my Jeep and my thoughts. But “being by yourself” isn’t the same as “being alone.”

At Wheelers Overland Weekend, that truth hit me hard.

Wheelers Overland Adventure 2018: A Lesson in Solitude

In May, I attended the Wheelers Overland Adventure at AOAA, three days of wheeling, learning, camping, and community. But instead of staying in the main campground, I chose a primitive campsite in an open field at the edge of the park.

It was just me and my Jeep.

No voices.
No sounds.
Just wind, brush, and silence.

After setting up camp, I felt unsettled, so I drove into town for dinner and a glass of wine (or two) to calm my nerves. Even though campers were only a few hundred yards away, I felt completely isolated.

That night, exhaustion sent me to bed early. The faint “whoops” from the group campfire lulled me to sleep until I woke up at 2 a.m. from a nightmare about a bear breaking into my tent. The eerie silence didn’t help.

That was my breaking point.
I realized I needed to be around people. I love primitive camping however I need to share it. 

My Jeep and the sunset

My primitive campsite

Finding My People (And My Peace)

The next morning, I packed up and moved camp. As I began setting up, I suddenly heard my name.

My online Jeep friend, who listened to the Jeep Talk Show, was camped right next to me.

It felt like a sign.

That night, we sat around the fire with new friends, sharing stories and laughing about Jeep adventures, UPS deliveries, and everything in between. Jesse, Mike, and the Long Island crew made the night unforgettable.

In that moment, I felt grounded again. I wasn’t alone because I had found my people.

My tent at the campsite

My new friend Jesse

Campfire tales

Learning, Wheeling, and Embracing My Social Side

Throughout the weekend, I wheeled the green trails at AOAA, taking in the peaceful views from the comfort of my Jeep. But the real reason I attended was for the navigation classes.

JoMarie, an inspiring woman who has wheeled around the world and competed in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles in Morocco, taught us:

• topographic map reading

• compass use

• plotting coordinates

• navigation fundamentals

There were additional sessions on overlanding planning, recovery basics, and winching skills I’m still excited to build.

Despite the rain, it was an unforgettable weekend. Next time, I’ll book a campsite from the start because even though I love nature and quiet moments by the fire, I also need community.

That’s just who I am.

And this trip helped me fully embrace it.

JoMarie teaching navigation class

Reading the topo map

Navigation Class

Being Alone vs. Being By Yourself: What I Learned

I now understand the difference:

Being By Yourself

You’re physically solo, but emotionally supported.
You know people are nearby, and connection is still within reach.

Being Alone

You’re isolated.
You feel disconnected from others.
Your mind can wander to dark places (like imaginary bears at 2 a.m.).

I enjoy independence.
I enjoy adventure.
But I thrive on connection.

My Jeep at camp

If You’re Heading Out on Your Own Adventure…

Remember:
It’s not just about the trails you conquer.
It’s the people you meet, the campfire stories you share, and the community you build along the way.

FAQ: Solo Camping, Connection & Overlanding

1. What’s the difference between being alone and being by yourself?

Being by yourself means you’re physically solo but still feel safe and connected. Being alone feels emotionally isolating, even if people are nearby.

2. Is solo camping safe?

Solo camping can be safe with the right preparation—choosing populated areas, researching the campground, and trusting your comfort level.

3. What if I get scared when camping alone?

You’re not alone—many people do. Move campsites, seek nearby campers, or choose developed campgrounds if it helps you feel more secure.

4. How do I know if solo adventures are right for me?

Try them in small doses. Pay attention to how you feel—your energy, comfort, and mindset. Everyone’s comfort zone is different.

5. Can you enjoy solo adventures if you’re a social person?

Absolutely. You can love independence and still crave connection. Both can exist together.

6. Does needing people mean you’re not “adventurous”?

Not at all. Adventure is personal. Knowing your limits and needs is part of being a confident, self-aware explorer.

7. How can I stay connected while solo overlanding?

Choose campgrounds with people nearby, attend group events, join Jeep meetups, or participate in off-road weekends like Wheelers Overland.