⚠️ SAFETY when BOONDOCKING & DISPERSED CAMPING 🏕

With campgrounds closed right now, many people are looking into dispersed camping as an alternative. Understandably many people are concerned about the safety aspects of camping remotely on public land. It's a sad fact that there are criminals who will prey on campers and hikers out in the wilderness by intruding on and raiding campsites, breaking into vehicles or worse. Hopefully some of these camp security tips can help you stay safe and feel secure out in the wilderness whether you are living in an RV full time or out for the weekend tent camping on public lands.

RESOURCES FOR FREE CAMPING

[hooekoo]

One thing I do when I go camping by myself is bring two camp chairs and set them up around the campfire, that way if someone rolls up while your sleeping or whenever it gives the illusion that there's at least two people.

[randomcitizen]

I would have a dog not so much for scaring others, but as an early warning system. That dog will see and smell danger long before you will.

[gwilson]

Learned a Long Time Ago in The Sticks .. It's Not The 4 Legged animals You Have To Worry About, It's The 2 Legged Ones ..

[Hitch]

If I'm able to have my car right by camp (as opposed to hiking in), I'll park my car with the headlights pointing toward my tent. That way, if I hear something in the middle of the night, I can hit the unlock button on my key fob and my headlights will turn on and illuminate the entire area around my tent.

[yukon]

I spent over 30 years as a police officer in a major city. My advice is to ALWAYS carry a firearm, whether you're in the city or the wilderness. Whether you're in a crowd or alone in the middle of nowhere, better to have and not need than need and not have. If you don't need it, nobody even has to know to know you have it. I agree with Donnie completely in that you need to be comfortable with the weapon, so don't neglect training. My wife and I always boondock and seek out there areas that are way off the beaten path. We've on occasion run into some sketchy characters out there. I've never had to draw the weapon but it's a comfort to know it's handy. I've worked literally thousands of violent crimes during my career, and have NEVER had a victim say: "I'm so glad I didn't have a gun". Have fun out there, and be safe!

[gypsysue]

being a woman who is most of the time alone out like that, , then yes i take gun... can't help if that offends anyone, Lord I pray that i never have to use one, , but if something does happen then i will be happy to have my gun by my side...

[michaelquillen]

Been carrying firearms with me while camping for the past 41 years. Never had to brandish it and that's good. As for a dog, it's a great warning system...that's why mine comes along.

[loriw]

I’m a single, 59 y/o female and I always have a firearm with me when I’m camping. But I’ve been shooting my whole life and can break it down and put it back together quickly. I’ve taken safety courses and practice frequently. If someone isn’t comfortable with a firearm, it can be more harmful to force themselves to have one.
Love your dog! One of my favorite breeds. Their separation anxiety issues make it necessary that they be with you almost all the time but if you can do that, they’re amazing to have.

[haha]

‘Best to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it’

[WhiteFox]

Very well done video! I particularly liked that you advised others to stay in their comfort zones, and yes bear spray works on more than bears. The only thing that i wish you had discussed is that everyone needs to listen to their intuition, because it is usually spot on! Good job over all.

[enough]

I am 66, camp alone often with my Maltipoo. No gun. But, I do out three chairs out, and have a recording of a conversation I have played twice, lol 
This granny is nuts, yes! 
But have never had a bad moment! Camp safety first always and much love to all!

[davidgodley]

Most bad people won't be out in the middle of the great outdoors. But just the same I have my guns. Trust your gut feeling. I grew up with guns.
Keep your vehicle turned around and ready to run if necessary.

[lonniet.]

I almost always carry when out in the woods. I worry more about people than animals.

[ktkt]

A key element of Safety anywhere is situational awareness- being in touch with your surroundings/situation can often prevent trouble before anything begins to develop. Bear spray is a very useful deterrent- having it handy (and being able to deploy it in a few seconds) is a good alternative to firearms. Dogs are a deterrent too, and even a dog who appears friendly may be very protective when he understands you really need help.

[brenchomsky]

Better have it and not needing it, than not having it when you need it.

[catbee]

Thanks, Donnie. You are very level headed and have a calm, reassuring presence. Thanks for this video:)

[chiefonelung]

I appreciate all your good information here. I turned 72 years old this year Going on 30. Due to health reasons I had to downsize and sold my small travel trailer but I still have it in me to One account so I bought a really good Kodiak temp and I will be camping alone throughout East Tennessee Mountains this summer. When I had the travel trailer I really never thought about people are problems I felt a little more secure inside of a hardside vehicle. So this will be a new experience sleeping in a tent this year. Thank you for your great information and please stay safe and healthy out there.

[tritchie]

The dog we have is to small to do much protection. But he makes a good alarm system and can be a distraction.

[terrysmith]

I would never recommend ot anyone to go into the wilderness without firearms, rifle and pistol. Case in point, my friend was out overlanding solo in eastern Oregon. He was setting up camp for the evening when a car with four methheads drove up and exited their vehicle. My friend picked up his rifle, the methheads got back into their vecicle and left. My friend packed up his kit and left to find a different place to camp that night.

[gailivey]

camping was so different when I was a kid in the 60s. For one thing, you rarely saw RVs other than truck campers, or little pop ups. We tent camped a lot, had a truck camper a few years, then went back to tent camping. Other campers were respectful, quiet at night. We would often be visited by deer, but rarely any large predators. In 19 years of camping, the only bears I ever saw were raiding the garbage dump in Yosemite, back when they used to have a big garbage dump there. My dad always had a weapon stowed safely away and I doubt we even gave it a single thought as to necessity. Only once did I see my dad kind of get nervous about something and dig it out from where he kept it. Campgrounds were cheap and rarely full, except in the larger touristy spots. The peace and quiet of the mountains I still think of as the best nights of my life.