Camping is a wonderful way to connect with nature and unwind, but it’s important to be prepared for anything that might come your way. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and keep your marshmallows secure while enjoying your outdoor adventure:
Choose Your Campsite Wisely: Select a campsite that is well-lit, not too isolated, and preferably with other campers nearby. Get to know your neighbors by greeting them. If they know who you are, they are more likely to look out for you and your stuff. Avoid setting up camp near cliffs, water bodies, or dense vegetation where wild animals and people might lurk. Trust your instincts when meeting strangers and if something doesn’t feel right, move to a different location.
Pack Smart: Bring essential safety items like a first aid kit, bright flashlight with a strobe function, whistle or personal alarm, and a multi-tool. Pepper spray works on most people and animals as a powerful deterrent but make sure you know how to use it. If you are in an area where bears hang out bring bear spray. Don’t bring your precious valuables. The Rolex and grandma’s diamond earrings need to stay home.
Conceal Your Important Items: If you leave your campsite, hide your valuables in your car. Pro Tip: The glove compartment and center console are not good hiding spots. I use a cheap car trash bag that hangs off the back of my passenger seat. Make sure to put some trash items over what you have hidden to conceal it. If you don’t have a vehicle and must leave items in your tent, make sure you hide them as well. A trash can or (my favorite) a fake food can are a great place to stash your cash and important items. No one will want to steal your can of sliced beets.
Lock It Up: It goes without saying that your vehicle should be locked at all times, but what about your tent? A toddler with a sharp blade can get into a locked tent so is it worth it? Thieves like opportunity and easy access. If you are leaving valuables in a tent, it is a good idea to secure the opening, making it more difficult to easily enter. A simple combination luggage cable lock can do the trick by threading the cable through the zippers and tucking the lock on the inside, so it is not visible. Concealing the lock is important because a tent with a big lock on the zipper screams “Hey I left my laptop in here!”. You can use the same lock on the inside when you are sleeping, just don’t engage the dial so it is easy to get out in an emergency. In a pinch, even tying the zippers securely with a shoelace can deter a looky-loo from popping in.
Light It Up: Make sure your campsite is well lit to prevent critters and creepers from lurking in the shadows. Solar lights work great and are cheap and easy to set up. They also give your new digs a festive look. A solar motion sensing spotlight can alert you if a prowler comes near your tent in the middle of the night.
Practice Self-Defense: Consider taking a self-defense class before your camping trip. Knowing the physical techniques you need to protect yourself can boost your confidence and help you stay safe. In case of an emergency, stay calm and assess the situation. Use your knowledge and resources to address the issue and seek help if needed.
Remember, the key to staying safe when camping is preparation and awareness. By following these tips, you can ensure your personal safety and enjoy a worry-free outdoor experience.