Camping Alone in a Dense Cedar Forest | A Quiet Night in the Loess Hills

This week, I headed into the Loess Hills of western Iowa to spend the night in one of the densest cedar forests I’ve ever camped in. The hillside was so thick that it took some searching to find a small opening just big enough for my tent and a fire. Not long after arriving, I realized I wasn’t feeling well. What I thought would be a simple overnight camp turned into a slower and quieter experience than expected. But even on days when the body isn’t cooperating, there’s still something grounding about being outside. Cooking a simple meal over the fire, sitting quietly among the trees, and letting the pace of nature replace the pace of everyday life. Over the past couple of years, these weekly trips have become more than just camping. They’ve become a way to reset, reflect, and keep moving forward. If I’m going to be sick, I’d still rather be out here than lying in bed. Join me for a quiet night in the cedar forest — cooking over the fire, journaling by the flames, and finding beauty in one of the most overlooked landscapes in the Midwest. — Eric Sawmill Hollow Outdoors #camping #solocamping #loesshills #outdoorcooking #naturetherapy #midwestoutdoors