Van Camping Safety: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Secure on The Road

Van camping is the ultimate escape into nature, offering freedom, adventure, and the open road. But if you're new to the experience, you might have some concerns about safety—whether it’s traveling solo, encountering wildlife, or dealing with breakdowns along the way.

While van camping might seem risky at first glance, the reality is that it’s no more dangerous than staying at home. Rare events like bear attacks or violent crimes against campers make headlines simply because they are unusual. To put your mind at ease (and reassure your loved ones), we’ve put together a list of essential safety tips to help you feel confident and prepared for your van camping adventures.

Assessing Your Risk

Every camping trip carries its own set of risks, and how much you’re willing to take on is a personal decision. Here are a few scenarios to help you evaluate what feels right for you:

Remote Boondocking: You’ve discovered a stunning off-the-grid camping spot, but it’s down a challenging 4WD road with no cell service. To reduce risks, consider scouting it out on foot first, traveling with a companion, and carrying essential self-rescue gear. If you’d prefer a safer option, you can always park near the rough road and hike or bike in to enjoy the views.

Your First Solo Trip: If you’re feeling apprehensive about venturing out alone, you might want to invite a friend along. But keep in mind, part of the appeal of solo travel is the freedom it offers. Ease into it by starting with a short, local trip, camping at established campgrounds with hosts, or choosing areas that have reliable cell service for added peace of mind.

Everyone’s idea of what feels safe and comfortable is different—whether you're a solo female traveler, an LGBTQ couple, a person of color, an older adventurer, or traveling with kids. The key is to find what works best for you and your unique needs.

Being self-sufficient and well-prepared is one of the most effective ways to stay safe on the road. Whether you take a class, learn from a friend, or research on your own, here are some skills that can boost your confidence:

Basic Van Maintenance: Know how to handle minor van issues, such as jump-starting your vehicle, changing a flat tire, and making simple repairs. And don’t wait until your gas light turns on to fill up!

Wilderness First Aid: Learn how to address common injuries and handle emergencies while camping in remote areas. This skill can help you stay safe and ensure that others around you are well-cared-for, too.

Self-Defense: A basic self-defense class can teach you essential skills like awareness, prevention, and escape techniques. It’s all about building confidence and knowing how to protect yourself if needed.

Plan Ahead for Safety

A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a checklist of things to keep in mind as you plan your trip:

Research Your Campsites: The Wayfarer App is a good starting point, but dive deeper by checking other resources like Campendium, FreeRoam, or iOverlander for up-to-date reviews. Google Maps can help you find urban camping options and give you street views for a closer look.

Reliable Navigation: Always have a backup plan for navigation. Paper maps, offline map apps, or GPS devices are great alternatives when your phone loses signal.

Communication is Crucial: Make sure you have a reliable way to stay in touch with someone while camping in remote areas. Satellite communicators like the Garmin inReach are excellent when cell service is spotty.

Share Your Itinerary: Leave a detailed itinerary with someone you trust, including a timeline for when they should contact authorities if they haven’t heard from you. You may also want to share your phone’s location so they can track your progress.

Ask Locals for Advice: If you’re looking for the best and safest camping spots, visit a local gear shop or outdoor store. Ask specific questions like, “Is this area safe for solo campers?” or “Where can I get good Verizon coverage?”

Securing Your Campsite

Once you arrive at your campsite, taking a few precautions can help ensure your safety and peace of mind:

Arrive Early: Setting up camp in daylight gives you a better view of your surroundings and makes everything easier.

Be Ready to Leave Quickly: Back into your campsite, keep your driver’s seat clear, and have your keys easily accessible in case you need to make a quick exit.

Assess Your Environment: Take note of nearby campers and surroundings. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. While it’s nice to chat with others, maintain your boundaries and avoid sharing too many personal details like who you’re traveling with, how long you’re staying, or what’s in your van.

Keep Things Low-Key: Don’t leave valuables visible in your van. Store items like bikes and kayaks securely, and use window coverings early to keep prying eyes from seeing inside your van.

Watch for Natural Hazards: Whether it’s flash floods, falling trees, or avalanches, check the weather and stay aware of natural risks in your area. Know when it’s time to head back to safety.

Be Aware of Wildlife: In bear country, follow local food storage guidelines to avoid attracting animals. In other areas, check for smaller critters like scorpions or rodents by doing a quick sweep of your van before settling in.

And of course, remember the basics—lock your doors!

Extra Safety Gear: Do You Need It?

Not everyone feels the need for extra safety gear, but it’s worth considering if it helps you feel more secure. Here are some options:

Self-Defense Tools: Whether it’s pepper spray, bear spray, a knife, or even a firearm, choose a form of self-defense that works for you. Just make sure you know how to use it properly and follow local laws. If traveling with kids, safe storage is essential.

Security Devices: If you’ll be leaving your van unattended or camping in higher-risk areas, consider adding extra security measures like:

Motion sensor lights

Outdoor cameras

Indoor alarms or cameras

Anti-theft tools like steering wheel locks or wheel clamps

GPS vehicle tracking devices

Embrace the Right Mindset

Van camping should be a fun, liberating experience—not one that leaves you constantly on edge. Here are a few tips to keep your mindset positive:

Avoid Fear-Mongering: If you’re still building confidence, it might be best to avoid reading or watching content that could increase your anxiety—like true crime stories or movies about animal attacks. Save those for another time.

Create a Positive Atmosphere: Set the tone at your campsite by surrounding yourself with things that make you feel at ease. Whether it’s a morning routine, a favorite playlist, or simply arranging your space just the way you like it, make your camp feel like a personal sanctuary.

Confidence is Your Best Protection: When you project confidence and self-assurance, people are less likely to approach you with bad intentions. Stand tall, trust your instincts, and remember that confidence can be a powerful deterrent.

Conclusion

The world can be unpredictable, but we believe that most people are good, and with the right knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy your van camping experience with confidence and peace of mind. Our goal is to empower you to create unforgettable memories while staying safe and secure.

If you have any questions or feel we’ve missed something, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve met campers from all walks of life, and we’re always here to help you stay safe on the road. Whatever’s on your mind, we’re just a call away!