Today’s journal entry — “you can never be lonely if you enjoy the person you’re alone with…. yourself.

it’s currently 6:57 am and i’m completely alone sitting on the edge of a cliff in the badlands. i have some half decent coffee & even more than decent views. exploring south dakota solo has been quite the experience. when i first started traveling by myself, i was so uncomfortable with not having any body elses company. i could handle it for a few hours, but a few days? my own company wasn’t “satisfying” enough… and i wanted to change that because i realized that through out my life, the one & only person who’d be a constant in my life, is myself. i wanted to completely fall in love with being alone, find comfort in the uncomfortable, to be more than “satisfied”. it took time, tears, self-discovery, & a few years but today, this morning & these past few days i’ve realized i’m completely at peace with myself, and this solitude is comforting. it’s a beautiful feeling & i’m so glad i found it.”

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I went to South Dakota completely alone on a hiking & camping trip! From Badlands National Park to Custer State Park to the Black Hills National Forest, this trip was such an adventure. Camping at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore was camping at its finest! Had the best time on this trip and hope you enjoy this weekend in my life vlog!!

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TOUR OF MY TENT

Sooo, I’m on a mission to hit all 50 states, and not too long ago, my brother inspired me to finish the 11 states I have left by going on solo adventures, and that’s exactly what I’m doing here in South Dakota.

This beautiful tent is where I stayed at Under Canvas at their Mount Rushmore location. I actually had a view of Mount Rushmore (keep scrolling to see) from the campground, which is amazing! I decided to get a king-size bed – every tent is equipped with a couple lanterns, some charging boxes, and a wood-burning furnace to keep you warm and toasty during the winter months. I also have my own bathroom and shower, which is awesome!

Luxury camping at its finest.

You don’t need a lot here when you have the views. It’s beautiful. It’s comfortable. It’s safe.

It’s the perfect stay for a solo trip. Watch my VLOG for more exclusive looks into my trip…you NEED to see the crazy storm that happened on my first night!!

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Outdoor Activities

Who knew South Dakota was this fricken beautiful?! I’m pleasantly surprised 🙂 From hiking and camping to exploring and swimming, this has been one of the most self-fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had!

Iron Creek Trail

I drove up to Black Hills National Forest. It’s about 1.5 hrs from the campground and this might seem like a bit long but the drive over was SO beautiful, the rock structures, greenery, just everything! I started my action-packed day with a hike through the Iron Creek Trail.

Top | Bottoms | Boots (similar)

Spearfish Falls

Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park

I could have spent my entire trip at this one spot! There was a good amount of people there, but there were enough little crevices and rocks for you to find your own little spot.

Swimsuit Top | Swimsuit Bottoms

If you ever need to humble yourself, just take pictures of yourself with your phone and tripod….I felt so silly and got shy, but the pictures turned out really cool!

The Badlands National Park

At the beginning of this trip, I promised myself I would go to the Badlands to watch the sunrise. Since it was an hour and 45 minute drive from the campground, I had to get up by 3:45 AM and oh my I have never been so violently tired, lol. But I’m so grateful I did because it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Kinda felt like I was hiking on Mars!

Top | Leggings | Boots (similar)

I captured the most amazing footage of the Badlands with my drone – watch my VLOG to see the action! ALSO, on my way out, I saw a sign that said “stop and feed the prairie dogs”, so obviously I immediately pulled over and look at this little guy!! They’re so chunky and cute omg – the cuteness aggression is real!

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Last Day | Little Adventures

Wall Drugstore

If you’re ever in the Badlands, you have to stop at this place – the iconic Wall Drugstore in Wall, South Dakota. There’s so much history and tons of cute little shops. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch or donuts and, of course, what they’re famously known for free ice water.

Mount Rushmore

And for the grand finally!!!

Couldn’t go to Under Canvas at Mount Rushmore without visiting Mount Rushmore!

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My Solo Travel Trip

This trip was the perfect amount of time, but I’m also very sad to be leaving. I genuinely enjoy hanging out with myself – when I first started traveling by myself, I was so uncomfortable being alone for too long (I could handle maybe a couple of hours). This trip made me realize how much I enjoy being by myself and I don’t think I would have had it any other way.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money going to crazy expensive places and doing extravagant tourist activities in order for the trip to be amazing. Just go camping in your nearest state park, explore different hiking trails and swimming holes, and find peace in your solitude.

✨The greatest painting you can look at is a sky full of stars✨

Thank you so much for joining me on my recent solo adventure! Stay tuned for more exciting journeys ahead—your support means the world to me! Want to see what a day in my life looks like? Be sure to stop by my previous DAY IN THE LIFE blog, and watch the VLOG!

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My Solo Trip to South Dakota VLOG…..

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