Ep. 105: Boondocking Security | RV camping tips tricks how-to

Those who have followed our channel Grand Adventure for a while already know that we'd much rather boondock than camp in a campground or RV park. But we're often asked by folks who may be new to boondocking, about whether or not we're concerned for our security camping alone out in the wilds. We're here to explain why we're not concerned at all, and with only a very few precautions we've never had our security threatened, or had any of our gear walk away on its own.

Be sure to share your own thoughts on your own boondocking security, and the precautions that you take, in the comments section below this video!

Filmed: June 8, 2019 in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southwestern Utah.

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Welcome to Grand Adventure, a YouTube channel that focuses on RV-centric outdoor activities including not only of course camping, but also mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing and more, nearly always filmed in stunning 4K.

We're based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and invite you to come along as we travel all around the western U.S. My wife Patricia and I, and our dogs Zoe and Maggie are avid boondockers, so you'll seldom find us in RV parks or even dry campgrounds. Instead, we're usually camped in some of the most remote and beautiful spots that you could ever pull a travel trailer into. And unlike most other RV channels on YouTube, we're not RV dealers or full-timers -- we're weekend warriors just like you!

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[Racnmasn]

It’s weird when I’d tent camp I was never scared of buglers or theft just bears but when I was in a trailer I was scared of buglers and thieves! By the way I think this is the most you talked in your videos which I throughly enjoy! Please talk, discuss, narrate or just give us a little more of your personal lives while your adventuring. 🙏👍 And, remember life is adventure! Hehe ✌🏼

[OhMySack]

My 90 year old Grandma had her CCW Permit and always carried an S&W 500 Revolver. I thought that was absolute insanity so I asked her one day, "Granny, what is it that you are afraid of that you carry such a behemoth of a weapon?" Her reply? "Not a GAWDAM THING!"

LOL! 🤣

[trumptorianguard]

Situational awareness is key to personal safety. Demographics and culture are rapidly changing in America. When I grew up we left windows open, bicycles unlocked and didn’t think twice about leaving things out when camping … but since Fundamental Change in America … defunding police, no borders, early release, and DA’s who won’t prosecute … things have really changed. I don’t “worry” when out camping but I sure do maintain a good awareness and sense of my surroundings, and I would advise other to do the same. Having a firearm and being competent in it use goes without saying. PEACE🇺🇸👍

[chiefonelung]

Thank you. Lots of good information. I have been camping and boondocking for quite a few years. I am now 70 years old and still go boondocking totally alone. Being single with two small dogs I have never really been frightened or worried in the places I camp. I don't like campgrounds with lots of people anyway. Since I do travel and Boondock alone, I always do put out two chairs and leave a couple pair of boots sitting outside the door if I go for a hike or walk away from the camper. I wear a size 12 and I bought a size 18 at a thrift store. At least that makes it look like a hell of a big dude is camping there.

[LinusWilson]

I have boondocked as much as I spent time in RV parks. I have had scary neighbors at RV parks and once at a small boondock location. A older tattooed toothless tent camper with no transportation started talking about how he thought the world was about to end and guys like me disappear on camping trips. I tried to cheer him up and see the more positive side of things, but I left that camp site an hour later. Perhaps he was just acting mentally unstable to have the camp to himself but I did not want to test the hypothesis.

[northerniltree]

You have a vicious big dog. I only have a parakeet. But, I trained it to say "Help! Police!". It's good to have a wing man.

[johnmills]

If you leave do not leave your weapon. Take it with you always.

[BladeRunner-tdbe]

There's an old saying, "Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear" Still my intuition tells me this guy knows what he's talking about.

[babbalouie]

Though not inexpensive still the best, most advanced security system is a dog(s). We have had two incidents boondocking. Not to ring any alarm bells, but it can and does happen. In both instances a few barks from our 90 pound white lab was enough to convince the perps to move along empty handed. Safe travels to all.

[bigsilverbear]

I wonder if the combo to his basement lock is 751. LOL! LOL!

[aaronchandler]

Leaving your comfort zone is one of the attractions of boondocking. Having said that I know enough about being in the wilderness that things can turn bad quickly and without the security of 911 you need to be prepared. Medical help mechanical help etc.

[alanjohnson]

As you should anywhere, awareness of your surroundings is key.

[dzymslizzy]

Exactly what my dad used to say many years ago when we were tent campers. He wouldn't go to any of the "local" campgrounds that were popular, claiming that they were "too close to the hoodlum element." We always traveled farther afield to the national parks and never once had a problem at any of them. Thumbs up and subscribed as part of my homework preparatory to getting a rig of my own. ;-)

[prostudentdriver]

There was a young girl taken out of a tent near three forks Mt. a local nut job saw the family and came by at night to the tent where the kids were sleeping and cut the back of the tent, Taking the little girl. She was never seen alive again. Don't live in fear but make security a part of your life. Don't be naive.

[stanjones]

Thank you so much for not adding to the paranoia. I have hiked in the wilderness for years and have never ran into any threatening people here in Canada.

[cheriwaller]

I'll chime in on this one. I've been tent camping for years in the Northwest mountains. We finally bought our first RV, and so I've been checking out channels. I love this one, by the way. I'm in the process of writing a book on camping in the Northwest area and I've done tons of camping....tons. I've been with my family, friends, and also out on trips with some girl friends. And, I've taken a few groups out camping. In all the times we've been out, we've never had an issue with anyone dangerous or taking stuff. Never. We do however safely store gear because of grizzly bears and other animals. They smell a hint of food and stuff is toast. That being said, we always do lock vehicles. It is just wisdom.

[waynehead]

Thank you!
Solid info on the basement/undersole locks.
As the son of a locksmith, I did not know that.
As a person who is shopping for an RV, I greatly appreciate it.

[SkypowerwithKarl]

I hope it never happens to you but sooner or I use to love to go motor over to a private island on the weekends. The winter was my favorite because no ones around, just animals. I put out remote motion detectors to wake me up so I can watch the critters. One night 2am the two legged kind showed. It’s amazing when you have one of the most powerful flashlights made can cause someone to think again and retreat when you have temporary removed their primary sense.

[rosshulke]

Very refreshing to hear a reasonable voice. So many people these days are afraid of everything and will take absolutely no risk whatsoever. There are a lot of very good RV channels on YouTube but yours is one of my favorites!

[spellmadam]

Thanks for the combo lock tip.
Had no idea!
Couldn't agree more about the Boondocking experience. Hands down preference over a crowded noisy campground.