what does a single person do when camping?

I'm not single but I do enjoy camping alone if I don't have someone that wants to go with me. I'm generally out hiking and mountain biking during the day even though it's best to not go alone. I generally go somewhere other than a national park so I can take my dog.

I love taking photos when I'm out and then spend the evening going through them on the laptop. You should give photography a try. You can find interesting flowers, bugs, rocks, etc right in camp. You don't need a fancy camera. Having an eye for a good shot is more important than the camera. I've had magazines use photos I took with a little point and shoot that fits in my pocket.

I do a lot of solo camping as well. But I look at it as kind of a sanctuary. After setting up camp and eating, I do day hikes, exploring, taking pictures, checking out wildlife (I once not to long ago followed an army of ants to see where they were heading), etc. Also, booze, bring some sort of booze if you like to drink. When the sun starts to set, all is done, find a nice spot at camp to sit back, relax, get drunk, smoke and enjoy the loneliness. I just know all the crap and people I have to deal with when I get back so I don't think about that and enjoy the time to myself in the middle of no were.

Well I drink a lot of beer, and I smoke cigars. But besides that I do the usual, I read, work on the camp, walk trails ect. I like being alone though somtimes which is one of the reasons I go out to the back country. You could try writing as well. Number one suggestion is visiting all the other people camping at the same site (assuming since it is in a park you are at a designated camp ground), if you see some college students go hang out with them, they will give you beer and would be happy to have your company.

I go camping to reach wilderness locations so remote that there is no other way to reach the areas. With dogs, I suggest that you board them or buy service dog capes. Although I love dogs, I have given-up on keeping pets for their sake. No one wants the nuisance of your pets in their lives, so there are many regulations against dogs: dogs on short-leash, no dogs allowed, scoop poop into baggies, no barking, no aggressive dogs, and no dog hair. If you cannot find enough time and space in your lifestyle to keep dogs, then you must live without their companionship. I have been looking for women who like to camp for thirty years. Sames rules apply as for dogs.

I camp alone. I fish & hike during the day. The first night is usually OK, but the next nights get lonely.

Well, I relax, watch the local wildlife, and just enjoy the differences.

Join a hikeing club.