Usually leaving your tent unattended whilst you hike or tour your campsite is standard practice. However, you need to maintain some safety procedures before leaving your tent, to avoid theft or vandalism.
Yes, it is normal to leave your tent unattended while you hike, however you should practice safe security habits to avoid campsite theft, like; inquiring about the safety of your campsite, being friendly with your campsite neighbors, storing all valuables, food, or belongings out of sight, zipping your tent, and keep your surroundings clean.
Leaving your campsite and tent unruly may lure unwanted attention, thefts, or animal vandalism, which is why even if your tent is unattended, make it appear attended, this way all your belongings and camping gear are intact, as you return from hiking.
Here are some essential precautions and security tips to use, for the safety of your tent and camping gear;
Safety Precautions When Leaving Your Tent
Take these steps to avoid theft and vandalism.
1. Inquire about the safety of the campsite
You can easily check social media about the reviews of a particular campsite, to check if it’s theft-proven. Another safety tip is to inquire from the camp staff if the campsite you chose is prone to robberies and what safety tips they’d advise you to take.
2. The issue of using padlocks on your tent
Zipping your tent alone, already attracts attention, as people can tell you are not around, but it’s worse when you use padlocks on it when you’re away. It creates this sense of you have highly valuable things you’re protecting, and lures unwanted thefts and damage to your most precious camping gear.
3. Being friendly to your campsite neighbors
Most campers are usually good-natured and everyone simply wants to enjoy the serenity of nature. Once you’re easily pleasant to your neighbors or the campers around, they can easily help monitor your camp area, as you go hiking, and wade off any unwanted attention or activities.
4. Make your campsite appear attended, even if it isn’t
You can easily deter theft or vandalism on your tent when you make it appear you’re around, even if you are not. You can leave a small light turned on, let the radio play on very low volume, set your bed and pillows to appear like someone is in the tent, and leave some used water bottles on the table. This method is highly effective and a life-saver.
5. Have an inventory checklist
You should carry mostly necessities and camping gear when going camping, an easy way to track all your belongings and not carry unnecessary loads, is to have a checklist. This way you can simply monitor your goods and carry only essential camping items.
6. Valuable items should be hidden & stored in your car
It is not advisable to carry very valuable items to the campsite, and it is even worse to keep them in your tent, this can easily lead to robbery. Items like generators, electronics, cameras, RV batteries, and coolers should be stored in your vehicle when you’re not around.
7. Light valuables should be stored in your backpack
Backpacks or waist strap pouches, are necessary gear to bring along when camping, instead of keeping light valuables in your tent, store them in your backpack, like wedding rings, jewelry, walkie-talkie, snacks, keys to your vehicle, etc.
You can also opt to wear silicone rings instead of your expensive wedding/engagement ring to avoid attention.
8. Food & snacks should be cleanly stored
It is important to wash up all cookware and eating utensils, as well as store your food in animal-proof containers to prevent attracting animals to your camp area. Bears, insects, and wildlife can also tear up your tent in the process of searching for your food, thus invest in bear-resistant food contains and cooler locks and ensure all thrash are disposed of before you head out.
9. Leave your campsite clean
Although you want to make your campsite appear attended to while you’re away, it shouldn’t look messy or unruly, if it is, it attracts attention, animals, and the stuff left about could be easily stolen or torn apart.
Keep all valuable safely hidden, clean your campsite, and still make it look like you’re there before you head out.
10. Lock it up
Although using a lock on camping gear that can’t fit your car, doesn’t mean it’s not accessible to theft. This way it is harder to be easily taken, and a neighbor could be alerted by the sound of it.
You can lock up your coolers, food canisters, bicycles, grills, and trailers to a tent or a concrete bench at your campsite. It is advisable not to put a lock on your tent when you’re away, to avoid attention.
When faced with a thief or wild animal, think of the best safety method to use, do not confront without a plan, as your life is more important.
11. Practice personal safety
Be aware that campsites especially remote ones have pretty low chances of theft occurring, and you can enjoy the serenity of nature without worrying about modern things. However these safety precautions are easy and helpful to protect your sleeping tent and essential camping gear, so you enjoy camping unbothered.
When faced with a thief or wild animal, think of the best safety method to use, do not confront without a plan, as your life is more important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put a tarp over my tent?
Yes, adding a tarp over your tent, is an easy way to add extra protection to your camping setup. The tarps shield you from rain, helps with insulation, and extend your storage options.
Do people steal at Coachella camping?
Camping at a large festival can leave your possessions at risk, theft is quite common at Coachella or any event, its size. Opt to keep your belongings secure and locked as mishaps can happen.
Do I need to lock my tent when camping?
It is good practice to lock your tent when you are around or visiting a campsite neighbor. However, it isn’t safe to lock your tent while you’re away to avoid attention. Zipping your tent is better and all valuables should be hidden and locked to your vehicle or car.
Conclusion
Many campers rarely face campsite theft or vandalism, as campsites are usually protected and safe areas away from true society.
However, practicing safety precautions can help you enjoy your camping experience without the shortage of camping gear or your tent. Cause without your tent or camping gear, the camping experience wouldn’t be as enjoyable.
