Start with Smart Site Selection

Safety starts before you hitch up. Look for well-rated campgrounds with good lighting, visible staff, and a friendly feel. If a site seems off or isolated, trust your gut and choose another — sleep is worth the extra few minutes of searching.

Set Up Smart and Stay Aware

Once parked, do a quick awareness loop. Learn the exits, locate camp hosts or rangers, and meet nearby campers. Most are friendly and can share great local tips. Lock doors and storage bays when you leave, secure your hitch, and keep valuables out of sight. A little consistency in habits builds peace of mind.

Let the Dogs Do Their Job

Our built-in alarm system has fur. The old hound is a seasoned “sound-off” professional; the border collie takes “kid security” to heroic levels. Together they’re motion sensors, wildlife deterrents, and instant vibe detectors in one furry package.

Dogs make camping safer and more enjoyable — they alert you to wildlife, keep small critters at bay, and give you an instant read on nearby campers. Plus, they never miss the chance to announce the arrival of a golf cart three sites over.

Plan for Comfort and Confidence

Feeling safe helps you relax. A few small additions go a long way while staying within campground rules and local laws:

• Install small motion or solar lights outside your trailer.
• Keep a whistle, flashlight, and first aid kit near the door.
• Store wallets and keys in a compact lockbox or hidden drawer.
• Know campground quiet hours and local emergency numbers.

Prepared, not paranoid. A few habits and the right gear make peaceful nights possible.

Personal Safety and Protection Preparedness

While most camping trips are perfectly safe, it’s wise to think ahead about how you’ll respond to the unexpected — whether it’s a curious bear, an over-confident raccoon, or the rare human situation that makes you uneasy.

Non-Lethal Options (Always Check Local Regulations)

• Bear spray or pepper spray: Highly effective in deterring aggressive animals when used responsibly. Always store safely away from children and check local restrictions before traveling.
• Air horns or loud whistles: Excellent for startling wildlife or attracting attention quickly in emergencies.
• Personal alarms or keychain sirens: Small, legal in most places, and ideal for hikes or rest stops away from camp.
• Flashlights and headlamps: Simple but effective for deterring wildlife and improving awareness at night.

Lethal Protection — Where Legally Permitted

In some areas, particularly those with wildlife like bears, mountain lions, or wild hogs, lawful firearm carry may be permitted. If you are properly licensed, trained, and compliant with all applicable state and federal laws, carrying for protection is a personal decision — never one to take lightly.

• Always confirm the specific campground, park, and state regulations before traveling.
• Keep all firearms unloaded and secured when not in active use.
• Ensure anyone carrying is trained, responsible, and aware of safe handling at all times.
• Remember: the goal is deterrence and preparedness — not confrontation.

Our family hopes never to face a situation that requires any form of defense, but being prepared for every reasonable scenario is part of camping smart. Awareness and preparation are what make every trip safe, memorable, and fun.

Rest Easy, Stay Smart

We’ve never felt unsafe while camping because we stay alert without letting worry take over. Make your space welcoming, trust your instincts, and let the dogs snore you to sleep — they’ll wake you long before anything else does.

Coming soon: Camping Safe and Sound: Easy Ways to Feel Secure Without Losing the Fun