Creepy Encounters Don’t Have to Ruin Your Plans!

Facing Creepy Encounters? Trust Your Gut Early and Often

Let’s be honest—being a woman camping or hiking solo can be empowering, freeing, and healing… but it also means tuning into our female instincts and gut feeling, even more so than usual!

At Miles and Hikes we have camped countless times! And the situations are endless. We may encounter a stranger lingering too long at our campsite or someone asking too many questions on the trail, and these moments can rattle your sense of safety and peace. Sometimes, it’s not even other people that make us uncomfortable: it can be wildlife, or even the unseen (yes! It has happened to me. Keep on reading to find out about my creepy situation out in the wild)

Here’s how to handle those situations—calmly, confidently, and on your terms.

Trust Your Gut Early and Often
I can’t emphasize this one enough! You know that feeling in your stomach that tells you something’s off? Never ignore it. Many times we are conditioned to doubt or downplay our intuition—especially if you feel uncomfortable by a person and he/she isn’t doing anything “technically wrong”, at least not just yet …
But that gut feeling is a signal, and in remote areas, it’s smart to pay attention early.

My Creepy Encounters

The same goes for anything you can’t see. A few years ago, I was hiking a small quiet stretch of the Appalachian Trail. I was loving every moment—the solitude, the scenery, the rhythm of the trail. But suddenly, out of nowhere, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I had the distinct feeling I was being watched. There was no one in sight. I was completely alone—or so it seemed. But, I wasn’t about to stick around to find out if something—or someone—was actually there. Long story short: I turned around, and that hike back to my car was the fastest I’ve ever done.

Speaking of creepy encounters, one of the creepiest encounters I’ve experienced happened while camping remotely by the Sea of Cortez. We had set up camp on a quiet stretch of beach below a short cliff, far from any other people. Around midnight, out of the darkness, a pickup truck suddenly appeared at the top of the cliff—no headlights, no engine noise until it was almost right above us. The driver called down, asking for someone by name—a person who definitely wasn’t with us. The chilling part wasn’t just the question; it was the realization that they had clearly been watching us for some time with all their lights off. I’ve never forgotten that feeling of being observed without knowing it—and how important it is to trust your instincts when something feels off.

If you feel uneasy, that’s reason enough to act.

Don’t Overshare Your Plans or Location

While it’s normal and even fun to chat with people on the trail or at campgrounds, if someone starts asking questions like:

“Are you out here alone?”, “Where are you headed next?” or “How long are you staying here?”

Definitely keep your answers vague or redirect the conversation. You can say something vague like “I’m not sure yet—I move around a lot.”

Also, avoid geo-tagging your location on social media in real time. You never know who’s watching, and your safety is worth more than a few likes. In fact, part of the beauty of camping is disconnecting—less screen, more nature. Let yourself be fully present. Nature is best experienced without a phone in your hand.

Create a Confidence Ritual

To avoid creepy encounters, even before I get out of my car or start setting up camp, I mentally go through a checklist:
– I know my exits.
– If you camp in your car, meaning you sleep in it like I do, park it facing forward so if you need to get out fast, you don’t have to maneuver much.
– Spot my nearest neighbors (or decide if I want to be out of sight).
– Keep a safety device handy.
– Be confident! People are less likely to mess with someone who walks with purpose and looks aware.

Use Your Voice—Calm, Firm, Direct

If someone makes you uncomfortable, speak up early and with clarity. You don’t need to explain or apologize.

Examples:
“That’s close enough, thanks” or “I don’t need help, I’m good.”

Have an Exit Strategy

Always give yourself options:
– As mentioned above, park your car facing out.
– Set up your tent in a spot where you can pack up quickly if needed. But the most important thing is being able to get in your car and leave fast if needed. If you need to leave it behind, a tent can be replaced.
– Keep your headlamp, keys, and phone accessible.
– Download offline maps or use a GPS app that doesn’t require cell service.

Connect with Safe People Around You

If someone creeps you out, it can help to ally yourself with others nearby. Strike up a casual conversation with another solo female camper or a family group.

Let them know: “Just FYI, there’s someone lingering around that gave me a weird vibe. I might move sites, but wanted to say hey.”

Community is a powerful safety tool—even temporary ones.

Don’t Be Afraid to Leave

If the vibe feels off, leave. Worst case scenario, you cut your trip short, or find a new camping spot somewhere else—but your peace of mind is worth it.
Camping should be a calming, restorative experience—not one where you’re constantly on edge.Pack up, move sites, drive to the next trailhead, or go into town.

Final Thoughts

Most solo campers will tell you that 99% of the people you meet in the outdoors are respectful, kind, and just doing their thing. And to be honest , that has absolutely been the case for me.
But, we don’t prepare for the 99%—we prepare for the 1%.

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