By Cheri Sicard
The video below from Roger at GGG4Runner discusses an important topic: campsite security. Our host made the video to highlight things that RVers and campers can do to help stay safer after he encountered some unsavory types while boondocking.
Campsite security tips to make yourself less of a target
• Try not to display too much gear outside your rig, as this invites thieves. If you do have external gear racks, keep everything locked down.
• Don’t keep valuable items in plain sight in your vehicle.
• Be selective of when and where you leave your vehicle unattended.
Campsite security tips for dispersed campers or boondockers
• Find your campsite and set up before dark. It is far easier to check out your surroundings that way.
• Pay attention to whether there are other campers around, how large their party is, and if they seem friendly. Do they give you a friendly wave as you go by, or are they giving you the evil eye? Camp (or not) accordingly.
• Look for signs of irresponsibly drunk people or drug use in the area, such as trash, empty bottles, or used syringes. Avoid these areas.
• Even when traveling alone, always set up two camp chairs so you do not appear alone.
• Plan on good lighting for your campsite—not to have on all the time, but at the ready should you need it.
• Carry adequate lighting on your person, such as a headlamp and a small, powerful flashlight. If you get one with a strobe feature, it can help disorient a potential intruder.
Motion sensor lights and security cameras
Roger also talks about motion sensor lights and security cameras. He is not a fan of either, but I like having my motion sensor lights out if anything is potentially even a little bit sketchy.
The other thing I always do is keep my truck key fob right next to the bed. I could hit the panic button to set off the blaring horn alarm and flashing lights if anyone was outside. I also carry a deafening portable air horn.
Roger also chooses to carry a firearm when he can legally do so, something you may or may not want to do. If not, he recommends that you carry pepper spray or bear spray.
Perhaps the best advice is to get out if your intuition tells you to.
Overall, I have been extremely lucky in my travels, although I recently had a scary, creepy neighbor at a state park campground. If the campground host had not been right next door and within screaming distance, I would have moved on. But it all worked out OK. It turned out I was not the only camper who had expressed concerns over him, and the staff subsequently watched him like a hawk until they found a reason to ask him to leave.
Do you have additional campsite security tips or have you had any unsavory encounters? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
RELATED
- How to safely hike alone
- Tips for staying safe when RVing alone
- RV self-defense, safety, and security tips you NEED to implement now!
- Bear and wasp spray: Good or bad idea for self-defense?
RVDT2747
I carry my Byrna and it does not require a carry license and is legal in all 50 states. Google Byrna.com.
The problem I have with a Byrna is it’s a non lethal weapon that looks like a lethal weapon. Kinda like the old saying don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.
We boondock frequently as I enjoy the solitude and tranquility that comes with being off the beaten path. We leave our camp with our chairs, table and grills set up and have never had a problem but we keep to similar rules as Roger.
We don’t use motion lights as wildlife could trigger them and anyone in the area might think the lights are signaling for help. Ditto with wandering around with a flashlight or building a big campfire that could be mistaken as unattended or unintentional.
Strangely, I feel less secure in an RV Park where someone might consider my stuff a source of spare parts and outdoor accessories.
I keep a pair of BIG muddy boots outside my door whenever I’m gone from my campsite.
As I leave my coach, I say in a loud voice: “And don’t open the door for anyone!” (Even though I travel alone!)
Some good points. Pepper spray may or may not work and may or may not be legal. Wasp/Hornet spray is something that’s legal and will defiantly work…
Any good lawyer will tell you not to use wasp spray because that would be an “Off-Label Use.” The crook would walk on a technicality and you would be in trouble. Silly, but true. Stick with the Byrna as it’s legal everywhere with kinetic rounds.