Finding Myself (and Site A12) at Howard Creek: A Solo Camping Review for the Over-50s

For 25 years, my life revolved around school bake sales, soccer practices, and perfectly manicured lawns in suburban Portland. Then, a year ago, my marriage ended, and I found myself adrift. So, I did what any newly single, slightly terrified woman in her early 50s would do: I went camping. Alone. This trip to Howard Creek Campground in Silver Falls State Park was my third solo adventure, a deliberate attempt to reconnect with the Carol I’d lost somewhere along the way. This time, I'm reviewing site A12, with all its quirks and charms.

Lost in the Woods… Briefly

Arriving at Howard Creek around 7:30 PM in late September felt like stepping into a different world. The sun was already dipping behind the towering pines, casting long, eerie shadows across the campground. The initial thrill of escape quickly morphed into a mild panic as I tried to find my site, A12. The campground layout was confusing, and the trail intersections within the campground weren’t exactly clearly marked. My trusty park map proved woefully inadequate, a paper testament to my pre-digital life.

Thankfully, modern technology came to my rescue. I pulled out my phone and fired up Gaia GPS, a hiking app I'd splurged on and paid for the offline maps. Within minutes, the app guided me through the maze of campsites, finally leading me to my destination: site A12. Note to self (and you, dear reader): invest in a good GPS app with offline maps. It's worth its weight in gold, especially if you’re directionally challenged like me.

Tent Troubles and Triumph

This image shows the author's Kelty Grand Mesa 4 tent pitched on site A12. It's slightly lopsided due to the sloping ground, highlighting the challenges of setting up camp in damp Oregon conditions. The soft, diffused light suggests the time of day and atmosphere of the forest.

Setting up my Kelty Grand Mesa 4 tent on site A12 was… an experience. The site was noticeably sloped, which I didn't realize when booking online. To add to the fun, the ground was damp from recent rain, making staking a real challenge. The stakes kept slipping and sliding, refusing to stay put. I quickly learned the importance of using all the guy lines, ensuring the tent fly was taut to keep out the inevitable Oregon moisture.

Let’s just say my thumb is still a little bruised from hammering in those stubborn stakes. But hey, I got the tent up, even if it was a bit… off-kilter. (See photographic evidence above.) It wasn't perfect, but it was mine, a small victory against the elements and my own self-doubt. Tent camping damp ground solutions in Oregon are worth reviewing!

Campground Considerations: Rules and Respect

Howard Creek Campground takes its rules seriously, which, as a reformed suburbanite, I actually appreciated. Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM. One night, around 10:15 PM, I had to politely ask a group of younger campers at a neighboring site to lower their music. They were respectful and immediately complied, which was a relief.

Firewood is another important consideration. You can't bring your own firewood into the park due to the risk of spreading invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer. I purchased a bundle of kiln-dried oak firewood from the park store for $12. It burned nicely and helped keep the chill at bay.

Bathroom Breakdown: A Necessary Evil

Let's talk bathrooms. The Howard Creek facilities near site A12 were generally clean, although there was a fair amount of mud tracked in, thanks to the perpetually damp conditions. The toilet paper was… well, single-ply and slightly rough. Bring your own if you're picky.

The showers were coin-operated, requiring $0.50 for 3 minutes of water. The water pressure was adequate but not amazing. The temperature fluctuated wildly, going from briefly scalding to lukewarm without warning. The shower stall had a single metal hook, but no bench, which was inconvenient. The overwhelming smell of industrial cleaner was almost as shocking as the scalding bursts, and the constant echo of water dripping added to the ambiance of camping.

Trail of Ten Falls: A Mindful Hike

This image shows the author from behind hiking on a portion of the Trail of Ten Falls, demonstrating the "moderately challenging with some steep, rocky sections." She is wearing practical hiking clothes, suggesting an emphasis on preparedness and comfort for a solo female hiker over 50.

The highlight of my trip was hiking a section of the Trail of Ten Falls. It’s easy to access South Falls directly from the campground, though initially, I had some trouble finding the connecting trail. There's a small, easily-missed sign that points the way. I managed to do the loop. The trail sections I completed were moderately challenging, with some steep, rocky sections. Trekking poles are highly recommended, especially if you're carrying any weight.

My favorite moment was at the base of South Falls. I closed my eyes and just listened to the sound of the rushing water. It was incredibly grounding, washing away all the anxieties and uncertainties that had been swirling in my head.

I attempted to capture the waterfall's majesty with my iPhone 13 Pro, but the light was harsh and difficult to capture. Getting the right exposure proved trickier than anticipated, and I ended up with a lot of blown-out highlights and muddy shadows. Sometimes, the best moments are the ones you simply experience, rather than try to photograph.

Along the trail, I used the Seek app by iNaturalist to identify a Trillium flower. Its delicate white petals were a welcome sight amidst the lush greenery. It’s amazing what you notice when you slow down and pay attention to the details.

Night Noises and Nervousness

Around 2 AM on the first night, I was jolted awake by rustling noises outside my tent. My heart pounded in my chest. Was it a bear? Despite knowing bears are less common in that area, my imagination ran wild. I fumbled for my bear spray (purchased from REI, just in case) and clutched it tightly. I had also attached a bear bell to the tent zippers, which offered a small measure of comfort.

After what felt like an eternity, I realized the noise was likely a raccoon or a deer, based on the sound and proximity. It was a good reminder that even in a relatively safe environment, it's important to be prepared.

Sensory Symphony

The true magic of Howard Creek lies in its sensory details. The constant trickling of Howard Creek was a soothing soundtrack to my weekend. The scent of pine needles and damp earth filled the air. The cool, misty air on my skin was refreshing. The quality of the light filtering through the trees in the late afternoon was simply breathtaking. It's these small moments of sensory immersion that make camping so restorative.

This image shows a close-up of Carol's muddy Merrell hiking boots, emphasizing the practical, down-to-earth reality of camping and hiking in Oregon's often muddy conditions.

Finding Myself in the Forest

After spending the weekend alone in nature, I felt more connected to myself and more at peace than I had in months. The therapeutic benefits of solo camping are undeniable. I felt a sense of accomplishment after overcoming my initial anxieties and successfully navigating the challenges of setting up camp and hiking the trails. This trip wasn't just about escaping; it was about rediscovering my strength and resilience.

Solo camping after divorce is a terrifying and exhilarating thing. It’s about learning to rely on yourself, trusting your instincts, and finding joy in the simple things. And Howard Creek Campground, despite its quirks, provided the perfect backdrop for that journey.

Have you ever gone solo camping? What are your favorite tips or tricks for staying safe and enjoying the experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!