OP, I used to have the same problem in regards to solo camping trips. Being alone at night in the woods used to really freak me out to the point where I barely slept. Our fear of the dark is a primal instinct so it's normal to have. I imagine many more people have it than would like to admit to it. Here's what helped me:
First, check the place out in the daytime. Look all around. It looks exactly the same at night; you just can't see it as well. Second, realize that in most cases, you are the most dangerous thing there. Seriously, this helped me a lot. If I am out alone in the woods, I am going to be the most dangerous thing around barring some other person in the vicinity. This may not be entirely true in some scenarios (bear country for example), but it at least gives a mental boost. Of course, your situation is a bit different so your mileage my vary. Third and last, you will get accustomed to it in time if you continue to do it!
First, check the place out in the daytime. Look all around. It looks exactly the same at night; you just can't see it as well. Second, realize that in most cases, you are the most dangerous thing there. Seriously, this helped me a lot. If I am out alone in the woods, I am going to be the most dangerous thing around barring some other person in the vicinity. This may not be entirely true in some scenarios (bear country for example), but it at least gives a mental boost. Of course, your situation is a bit different so your mileage my vary. Third and last, you will get accustomed to it in time if you continue to do it!
"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." ~ Benjamin Franklin
