By Gail Marsh
A while ago, we ran a survey asking readers: “Couples: Would you likely keep traveling with an RV if your partner died?” The majority, 67 percent, answered, “Yes, I believe I would.” Many men seemed not worried in the least.
That got me to thinking. What would it take for me to feel comfortable (read: “safe”) when solo camping as a woman? After a bit of research to see what other women do (or have done), this is what I found:
Self-defense
Many people advised exercising your 2nd Amendment rights. Get a gun. Get training. Keep practicing to stay sharp. (Caution: Check state and local gun laws for the places where you plan to camp.)
Self-defense skills help some campers feel secure. Many places offer classes that will refresh your knowledge and keep your abilities sharply honed.
If you travel with a firearm, make sure you carry this resource, too.
Visual ruses when solo camping
Purchase large-sized men’s boots. Place them outside your rig in plain sight. Passersby will assume that you are traveling with a man. (Don’t want to spend a lot of money? Try Goodwill or other second-hand stores.)
Always set out three or more camp chairs near your RV. This tells others that at least three people occupy your campsite.
Purchase a dog toy for a large dog. Put the toy, along with a large dog water bowl outside your rig. Also, find a sound effect (through an app or YouTube) of a dog barking and use it a few times throughout your stay. Or just get a dog! Many singles enjoy the company, and a thief or attacker will think twice before targeting someone with a canine companion.
When drying clothing outside, hang a few men’s shirts on your clothesline along with your own clothes.
Safety precautions for solo camping
Always keep doors and windows securely locked.
Pull down black-out shades well before dusk and leave them down overnight. Also, keep shades down whenever you leave the campsite.
Upon arrival, get the local emergency numbers for the police. Key the numbers into your phone for quick access. Keep your phone near your bed each night in case you need to get to it quickly.
Place your tow vehicle’s or toad’s key fob on your nightstand. The fob’s emergency warning signal is loud and can easily awaken those around you if you need help.
Personal carry items
When hiking alone or simply walking around the campsite, many folks recommend carrying pepper spray. Other folks say that a longer-distance spray will provide better protection. They suggest bear spray, wasp repellent, or mace. (Again, check local regulations.)
A stun gun is the “go-to” for many solo campers. Learn how to carry, access quickly, and use it properly before depending upon it for security.
Personal alarms have grown in popularity in recent years (we recommend this one). The loud sounds will potentially frighten off an attacker, but also alert others to the danger you face.
Many folks carry a whistle on a chain or fastened to a jacket zipper, well within reach. Blasting the noise may distract a would-be attacker and get the attention of other campers.
Flare safety products can, when activated, simultaneously connect with your phone, and call the local police. It will also immediately provide your GPS location. Some personal bracelets will also signal a loud warning sound to alert those near you.
A word of caution
Repellent spray, stun guns, and firearms may be turned against you. Be aware of that fact and choose your protection wisely.
Do you travel alone? What kind of (if any) protections do you rely upon? Please tell us in the comments below.
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RVDT2688
Yes I am a guy, but as a former head for bank security I have a bit more situational training than the average. I will put the ‘bad people’ into 3 categories – although it is actually more a spectrum. The pro, the opportunist, and the crazy. There is little you can do about the crazies because they are unpredictable. Luckily they are the few. Don’t let fear of crazies rule your life. The pro will spend the time to see if the subterfuge in this article is real. Get to know your (however brief) neighbors and make sure they see you regularly. They will help with extra eyes. The subterfuge might work with opportunists. But are the type looking for petty stuff to steal – like unused lawn chairs.
I worry about breakins when I’m away from my coach. If I’m leaving, within sight of others, I loudly announce to the non existent person in the trailer to keep the door locked. I also have an electronic dog barker that senses movement outside the Coach. Above all, situational awareness is key. If being approached at a rest stop, keep your head on a swivel, they work in pairs. Paranoid? No. It’s just they’re out to get me! LOL!
Keep a can of Raid Wasp Spray by the door. Shoots 30′ and costs $4.
Terrible advice. Wasp spray is illegal for self-defense in all 50 states. Wasp spray is regulated as a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Federal law makes it illegal to use wasp spray in any way not consistent with the directions on its label—which is exclusively for killing insects, not fighting people. There’s the real possibility of a Federal charge for misuse of a pesticide, and state charges for assault or aggravated assault. While there is still time to plan ahead, think it through. There are excellent pepper sprays/gels and even pistol pellet delivery options available that won’t get you put in jail and potentially cause someone to lose their eyesight.