The 100-Mile Rule: How Short Camping Trips Build Confidence & Freedom For Women

What if the freedom you’re craving isn’t across the country… but just down the road? For so many women, camping can feel like something that requires a big commitment—time off work, detailed planning, and a long drive to somewhere far away. But what if that’s not true? In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, I sat down with Jen Young, co-founder and CMO of Outdoorsy, to talk about a powerful shift happening in outdoor travel—especially for women. It’s called the 100-mile rule, and it might just change the way you think about camping. What Is the 100-Mile Rule? The 100-mile rule is simple:You don’t have to travel far to have a meaningful camping experience. In fact, many RVers are choosing destinations within 100 miles of home—and for good reason. These short camping trips for women are easier to plan, less stressful, and often more enjoyable. Instead of spending hours on the road, you can: Arrive earlier and settle in Maximize your time outdoors Feel more relaxed from the start And maybe most importantly… you’re more likely to actually go. Why Short Camping Trips Are Perfect for Women We’re seeing more women step into camping later in life—and not because they suddenly have more time. It’s because they’re giving themselves permission. Short trips remove the pressure. They make camping feel: Doable instead of overwhelming Flexible instead of rigid Fun instead of stressful And when something feels easier to start, it becomes easier to repeat. That’s how confidence is built. Building Confidence One Trip at a Time One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is how powerful that first trip can be. Jen shared how even a simple outing can shift your mindset from:“I don’t know if I can do this…”to“Wow, I actually did it.” That confidence doesn’t come from reading about camping.It comes from doing it—even in the smallest way. And that’s why short camping trips for women are so important. They’re not just trips—they’re stepping stones. Simple Summer Trip Ideas to Get Started You don’t need a big plan to create a meaningful experience. Some of the best ideas are also the simplest: A weekend at a nearby campground Visiting a local festival or winery A girls’ getaway just an hour from home Even a day trip that turns into an overnight One of my favorite stories from the episode? A group of women who rented a camper, drove to a nearby farm, picked strawberries, and spent the day together learning how to make jam. Simple. Fun. Memorable. That’s what this is all about. The “Nature Effect” Is Real Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable—it’s powerful. Research shows that even 20–30 minutes in nature can: Lower stress Improve mood Reset your focus And after a few days unplugged? It’s like hitting a full system reset on your brain. We’re so used to being plugged in, scheduled, and constantly moving that we forget how good it feels to just… be. Short trips make that reset more accessible. You Don’t Have to Go Far to Feel Free Here’s the truth: Freedom in the outdoors doesn’t require a cross-country road trip. It might look like: A campground 40 miles away A spontaneous weekend with friends Trying something new for the first time At Girl Camper, we believe there is no wrong way to camp like a girl—and that includes keeping it simple. Because sometimes, the smallest adventure is the one that changes everything. Ready to Take Your First Trip? If you’ve been waiting for the “right time”… this is it. Start small.Stay close.Try something new. And see where it takes you. Listen or Watch the Full Episode In this episode, we dive deeper into: Why women are reshaping outdoor travel How to overcome fear and hesitation Practical tips for planning your first trip Why the 100-mile rule works 🎧 Tune in to the full Girl Camper Podcast episode now! Ready to explore farther than 100 miles? Check out our America The Beautiful Page for more suggestions on where to camp and what to see. Sponsored by This episode is sponsored by Progressive InsuranceProtect your RV adventures with coverage designed for the road. And RV Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding👉 Use code GIRLCAMPER for 30% OFFGet better sleep at camp: https://rvmattress.com/girlcamper Join the Girl Camper Community Want to connect with other women who love camping? 👉 Visit GirlCamper.com to join our community, attend events, and build your confidence in the outdoors. https://youtu.be/P-uyThdkt0A