Is Boondocking Safe?
05-23-2018
Author: in Education
Related Read: Boondocking 101
First, I would like to discuss RV break ins. It is easier to break into a home than an RV. An RV is more likely to be occupied and therefore a dangerous break in. This is especially true if the RV is in a parking lot or campsite. Another turn off for burglars is the fact that many furnishings and electronics in an RV are screwed or nailed down, making items worth stealing difficult to take. It is for these reasons and possibly others that RV burglaries are rare.Parking Lots
We have stayed overnight in many parking lots while on our travels. Walmarts are among our favorites, but we also frequent truck stops and Cracker Barrels. The safety of these locations changes from town to town. If you get to an area and it just doesn’t look right or you get an unsettling feeling, move on to another place. I have learned that many times we get gut feelings for a reason. However, having said that, among the dozens of parking lots we have stayed in, we have had zero problems. Many of these locations have security guards or are well lit. In the case of truck stops, safety in numbers plays a part. An RV break in is like a car break in at these locations; not many people get their car broken into while they are sitting in it.
Related Read: Camping Safe and Sound
Middle of Nowhere
Many people have fears of camping in an isolated place for fear of the crazy people out there. I’m going to speak logically when I say that if you truly are in a remote location, it is unlikely that anybody would be there to begin with, let alone crazy people waiting in the bushes. I think this fear comes from the plethora of Hills Have Eyes themed horror movies. Most crime stories that we hear about happen in urban areas where there are a lot of people. Movies, books, and other forms of entertainment are entertaining because they are sensational and unlikely. Could there be a person out in the middle of nowhere waiting to terrorize unsuspecting RVers? Perhaps, but statistically you are more likely to wreck your RV on the way to the campsite.
The Point
Many people have expressed an unfounded fear of RVing in unfamiliar places to us. They get caught up in what ifs and forget to ask themselves whether their fears are likely. That isn’t to say you should throw caution to the wind and not worry at all. It’s a healthy dose of worry that reminds you to lock your doors. You should close your blinds at night and use your dayshades when the sun is out, so it is harder to pinpoint whether you are there or not. Follow your intuition. I have never forced myself to stay in a place I have thought was unsafe. I have driven into and immediately driven out of three places that come to mind, and I had what I believe were solid reasons to do so in those occasions. I have written previously about the pros and cons of owning a gun when RVing. If having one makes you feel safer, then know the laws in the places you are traveling and get one.
Related Read: Getting A Gun For The RV?
Having a healthy fear of what is likely to happen is a good thing. A paralyzing, illogical fear of things not likely to take place can keep you from experiencing one of the most fun aspects of RVing.
Comment
I’m a single woman and have been boondocking many times, mostly on parking lots (trucks, casinos, rest areas, grocery stores, roadside, public land, etc,...j. I never felt unsafe. To my friends’ requests I have taken some extra precautions such as a bear pepper spray, inside locks and link chains from door to door. I sleep sound and always follow my intuition. All you have to fear is fear itself!
In my town of Portland Oregon there are soooooo many homeless camps that I do not feel bad about just parking on the street in front a music venue. Enjoying some live music and crashing right there in my RV.
Also, people who've watched the movie "Deliverance" have a morbid fear of banjo music.
I'm sure I'll not be the only one to point out that first, you say "In the case of truck stops, safety in numbers plays a part." Then you say "Most crime stories that we hear about happen in urban areas where there are a lot of people." So, which is safer do you think, lots of people or lots of people?
Author: Levi and Natalie Henley
