Freedom, open roads and adventures – that’s the magic of van camping. But is it really safe to camp solo? What about crime, breaking down on the side of the road or encountering wildlife along the way?

While van camping might seem risky at first glance, we don’t think it is any more dangerous than staying at home. The truth is, bear attacks or violent crimes against campers make the news because they’re so rare. 

To help ease your worries (and reassure your loved ones), we’ve put together a list of safety tips to minimize risks and give you confidence before you hit the road.

Weigh Your Risks 

Not every trip carries the same risks, and it’s all about balancing what you’re comfortable with. Consider these scenarios:

• You’ve found the perfect boondocking spot, but it’s down a tricky 4WD road with no cell service. You can reduce the risk by scouting it out on foot, traveling with others, and having self-rescue gear (plus the know-how) ready. Or, park just before things get rough and hike or bike in to enjoy the views.
• Planning your first solo trip? You could ask a friend to tag along if you are feeling nervous, but then you’d miss out on that solo adventure you’ve been dreaming of. Try a shorter, local trip to ease in, stick to campgrounds with hosts, or choose areas with good cell service to boost your confidence.

We get that traveling and camping can feel different for everyone. Whether you’re a solo female traveler, an LGBTQ couple, a person of color, an older adventurer, or camping with kids, what feels safe and comfortable can vary. It’s all about finding the right choices that work for you.

Knowledge Is Power

Being self-sufficient and prepared for any scenario is one of the best investments you can make in your safety. Whether you take a formal class, ask a knowledgeable friend, or dig into some books at the library, here are a few key skills to sharpen up on:

Van Repair: Learn the basics—how to jumpstart your van, change a flat and handle minor repairs so you’re not stranded. And don’t forget to fill up before the gas light comes on.

Wilderness First Aid: Knowing how to treat common injuries and handle medical emergencies can help keep you and other campers safe in remote areas.

Self-Defense: A basic class will cover awareness and prevention techniques, defensive moves, escape techniques and mindset training that can help build your confidence.

Plan Ahead

Before you hit the road, make sure you’re ready with our daily dozen packing list, and keep these tips in mind:

Research Your Campsites – The Wayfarer App is a great place to start, but don’t stop there. Dive into resources like Campendium, FreeRoam, or iOverlander and look for recent reviews of campsites. Google Maps can also help you scope out urban camping spots with recent street views.

Reliable Navigation – Know where you are going and have backups. Paper maps, downloaded offline maps, and GPS devices are great options when tech fails.

Communication is Key – Make sure you have a dependable way to stay in touch, even in remote areas. Satellite communicators like Garmin inReach are great backups if cell service is spotty.

Share Your Itinerary – Leave a detailed plan with someone you trust. Include a timeline for when they should contact local authorities if they haven’t heard from you. Also consider sharing your phone’s location with this individual so they can monitor your progress.

Ask a Local – Want insider tips on the best (and safest) boondocking spots? Stop by a local gear shop, climbing gym, or bike shop and ask a local. Be specific with your questions: “Is this spot safe for solo campers?” or “Do you know how far from town there is service for Verizon?”

Setting Up A Secure Camp

When you arrive at your campsite, a few thoughtful actions can go a long way in minimizing risks and ensuring a safe night at camp. 

Arrive in the daylight – Setting up camp is always easier when you’ve got plenty of light and you can get a good feel about where you are staying.

Be ready to roll – Backing into your campsite, keeping your driver’s seat clear, and having your keys handy means you can make a quick exit if ever needed.

Scout your surroundings – If there are others nearby, take note of who’s around. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is. Being friendly with fellow campers can be reassuring, but it’s also wise to maintain boundaries. Be cautious about oversharing details like who you’re traveling with, how long you’re staying or what gear you’ve got inside your van.

Keep it low-key – Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Store gear like bikes or kayaks securely, and use your window coverings early to keep prying eyes from seeing inside your van. Keeping things out of sight minimizes the chance for crimes of opportunity.

Watch out for natural hazards – Whether it’s flash floods, avalanches, or falling trees, be mindful of the natural risks where you’re camping. Check the forecast for local weather conditions and know when to head back to town.

Mind the critters – In bear country, follow the local food storage guidelines to avoid trouble. In other regions, keep an eye out for smaller critters like scorpions or rodents. A quick shoe check or a van sweep can save you from some uninvited guests!

Oh, and don’t forget the basics your mama taught you like locking the doors.

What About Safety Gear?

Not everyone may feel a need for extra safety gear, but for those who do, there are numerous options available. 

Self-protection – Everyone’s comfort level is different, and we’re not here to tell you what’s right for you. Some campers feel better having a form of self-defense, whether it’s pepper spray, bear spray, wasp spray, a knife or even a firearm. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re confident in how to use it and understand the laws in each state or country you visit. And if there is any chance of a kid accessing your van, safe storage is non-negotiable.

Cameras and alarms – If you plan to leave your van unattended for long periods of time or camp in higher-risk areas, additional security devices might be worth considering. We won’t dive into specific products, since new ones hit the market all the time, but here are some categories to explore:

• Motion sensor lights
• Outdoor cameras
• Indoor cameras or alarms
• Anti-theft tools like a steering wheel club or exterior wheel lock
• Vehicle tracking devices

It’s All About Your Mindset

You’re out here to enjoy yourself, not spend the whole trip looking over your shoulder. There is no need to make yourself so nervous that you can’t have fun!

Avoid scaring yourself – If you’re still building up your camping confidence, maybe skip the Dateline murder mysteries or the latest novel about a grizzly bear attack. Save those for another time!

Create an empowering vibe – Set the tone at your campsite with things that make you feel comfortable and strong. Whether it’s a morning routine, a good playlist on your Bluetooth speaker, or simply setting up your space just the way you like it, the goal is to create a spot where you feel at ease.

Confidence shows – When you are feeling good and empowered, others pick up on that. People are less likely to mess with someone who looks self-assured and in control. So stand tall, feel empowered, and trust that your confidence can be its own form of protection.

Conclusion

We believe most people are good, and we know that bad things can happen anywhere. But with the right knowledge and preparation, even the most cautious campers can become confident, self-sufficient travelers. Our goal is for everyone to feel empowered to camp, create amazing memories, and return home safely.

If we missed anything or you have questions, please reach out! With thousands of vans on the road, we’ve met campers from all walks of life and helped them figure out how to camp safely. Whatever’s on your mind, we’re here to help. Just give us a call!