When RVing, whether set up at a campground or boondockin' it in a remote area, your RV is your home. It's your shelter from the storm. It protect you from bad weather and wildlife. It's where you keep all your belongings. And most importantly, it's where you and your family sleep.
In other words, RV safety and security is no laughing matter.
Now, we're not suggesting you need a full-scale maximum security theft prevention system on your RV. And most RVs and campers have decent security features that prevent them from being broken into or stolen.
However, we believe all RVers can benefit from understanding the importance of RV safety, keeping security front of mind while traveling, and knowing how to keep their rigs safe.
In the following guide, we break down the most important things to consider when choosing camp sites, as well as the best ways to secure your RV, and other simple steps to prevent theft and keep your family safe.
How To Pick Safe RV Parking Spots At Campgrounds & While Boondocking
Dad always used to say that picking a campsite was a lot like picking the woman you’ll marry… The wrong one will leave you stuck, unlevel, and wondering where all your free time went.
And he wasn't wrong! One of the simplest ways to keep your RV secure is to park at reputable campgrounds, trailer parks, or sites, as well as choosing smart, safe camping sites.
For example, you should always park in bright, clear, wide-open spots whenever possible. When camping spots are secluded, surrounded by trees, or far from other campers, they're easier targets for thieves.
That said, most RV campgrounds are relatively safe. So if you're staying in one, you won't need to worry about theft as much. But you can never be too safe when thinking about ways to protect your RV from theft.
Here are a handful of other factors to keep in mind to help you choose safe camp sites.
- Read campground reviews and customer testimonials to make sure you're staying at reputable RV parks or resorts.
- Whether you're at an RV park or parked anywhere else, always choose campsites in well-lit, open sites.
- Lock up your valuables and consider using fireproof/waterproof safes
- Choose flat, level sites to make setting up easier and safer
- Choose campgrounds with gated entrances or on-site staff
- Introduce yourself to neighbors and get to know your fellow campers
- Never leave belongings outside overnight or while you're away from the vehicle
- When boondocking, scout out your camp site during daylight hours
How To Secure Your RV & Deter Thieves
Theft is probably one of the most common security concerns while traveling.
Having IDs or passports stolen can be devastating, especially when traveling internationally. But even having things like credit cards, jewelry, electronics, or cash stolen when traveling locally can ruin even the best family vacations.
Fortunately, protecting your RV from theft is relatively easy. It just takes a bit of pre-trip planning, as well as having a few RV security items on hand and staying vigilant while camping in new and uncharted locations.
Here are a handful of tips for keeping your RV secure and deterring thieves:
- Choose safe campsites and areas you trust
- Keep your RV windows and doors locked when away
- Consider upgrading locks and deadbolts
- Use a steering wheel club when parked
- Never leave your keys unsupervised in the RV
- Look online for official or well-known boondocking spots
- Install RV security cameras or motion detectors in visible locations near your RV
- GPS trackers can be useful in helping you recovering your RV or camper if it's stolen
- Use extra security measures like a fireproof safe or lock box to protect important items.
- Always store valuables (IDs, passports, jewelry, and cash) out of sight.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
- Consider forming a community watch if you’re staying long-term at a campground.
- Use wheel locks and hitch locks to deter and prevent theft
Furthermore, if you're boondocking, always know the risks of where you're staying. Parking lots and well-known areas are always safer to camp in. Meanwhile, staying at secluded or remote camp sites can be more enjoyable due to the peace and quiet. But such sites tend to be riskier because there are fewer people around.
Ultimately, no matter where you're staying, plan ahead, be aware of your surroudnings, and take simple steps to protect your RV like keeping it locked and storing your valuables out of sight.
RV Wildlife Safety & Animal Deterrents
Snakes, bears, coyotes, raccoons, and even cougars... Whether you're staying at a family campground or off-grid, these are just a few of the wildlife intruders you could encounter when staying outdoors.
But even encounters with smaller critters like rodents or insects can turn a perfectly good RV vacation sour if you're not prepared.
That's why it's important to understand how to keep your RV rodent-free and to take wildlife safety serious. Always bring bug spray or pest repellents, keep your campsite clean, and be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for signs of wild animals, which is particularly important when staying off-grid.
One thing that has always stuck with me about deterring wildlife is the way my old man always used to tell us that protecting a campsite from wildlife was a lot like his marriage… keep things clean, secure your food, take out the trash, and you won't have any problems.
Most RV parks or resorts take precautions to deter wildlife from roaming around, such as using pesticides, ultrasonic devices, bear-resistant trash containers or other wildlife-proof storage systems, as well as educating visitors on how to avoid unwanted encounters.
Always follow campground rules, keep your site clean and tidy, don't leave pet food or water dishes outside overnight, and never attempting to approach or feed wild animals. And, if you do encounter wildlife, no matter how cute or fluffy it might look, always keep a safe distance.
Finally, for the boondockers and those who enjoy backcountry RV camping, it might even be worth it to take a wildlife safety course to learn how to protect yourself and your RV from wild animals.
RV Campground Safety Tips Checklist
Camping out in an RV or travel trailer can truly be a fun and exciting experience. But all that fun and excitement can sometimes cause you to forget about safety. So no matter where you're staying, always be mindful of your surroundings, your camp site, your neighbors, and potential wildlife.
Want a smart and simple checklist to download, print or to bring with you on your next RV road trip? Click here to download our RV campground safety tips checklist.
Image courtesy of Joe Gadd @ Unsplash.com
Frequently Asked Questions - How To Secure Your RV
RV security and theft prevention aren't rocket science. And even though most RVers travel without issue and stay safely campgrounds across the country, there's always a risk of being targeted by thieves, criminals or unwanted animals.
What is the best RV security system?
The best RV security systems include GPS trackers (built-in or aftermarket), security cameras, and motion-activated lights or sensors. We also recommend using a portable fireproof safe with locking mechanism to store and secure your valuables.
How to prevent RV from getting stolen?
Use a steering wheel lock or club. Keep your RV keys with you, and never leave them in the ignition while parked. If your RV is winterized for the off-season, you can also disconnect the battery to prevent thieves from being able to start the recreational vehicle.
Are anti-theft RV wheel bolts worth it?
Yes, anti-theft wheel bolts can be worth it, especially if your RV has expensive rims or tires mounted. Wheel locks can prevent and deter thieves. But they're not foolproof and determined criminals can still remove them.
What is the 10-year rules with RV parks?
The 10-year rule is a policy at some RV camps or parks that prevents RVs that are more than 10 years old from staying. This rule is mainly found at high-end parks and upscale RV resorts to maintain a certain appearance amongst visitors.
How can I secure my RV campsite to prevent theft?
You can secure your RV site by parking in secure locations, keeping windows and doors locked, removing valuables or keeping them stored in a safe or fireproof case, or by installing theft deterrents like cameras, motion lights, or alarms, and never leaving items outside overnight or unattended.
What is the 3-3-3 rules for RV and motorhome travel?
The 3-3-3 rule refers to when you're traveling in an RV travel on the road. It promotes a safer and more relaxed trip by suggesting RVers drive no more than 300 miles per day, planning to arrive at your site before 3pm, and always staying in one location for at least 3 days.
Does Walmart allow overnight RV parking?
Most Walmart stores do allow overnight RV parking. But there's no guarantee. Some Walmart stores prohibit RVs, camper trailers, or overnight parking of all sorts. So it's important to know the rules before parking and staying anywhere overnight.
Where can I stay in my RV overnight while traveling?
RV parks or campgrounds are the safest places to stay. But while you're on the road, you may be permitted to park in certain public parking lots, which includes staying overnight in Walmart parking lots, Home Depot parking lots, truck stops, roadside pull-offs, or other locations that allow or even encourage overnight parking