happybooker1

This just came up while reading another thread. I camp out with my 9-YO son. So far it seems pretty 'safe'. Are there any horror stories of tents getting broken in to, campers being mugged, etc.

It seems like everyone so far is pretty friendly & intent on 'doing their own thing' to mess with anyone else. Is that generally true? ARe there things to look out for, places to avoid, etc. Any tips on being safe while camping?

copuswalker

I do a lot of hiking and have been in a number of States. I have yet to have a problem. I leave my truck and have only worried when Texas played Oklahoma amd my truck had longhorn stckers all over it.
Even then it was fine?

There are places I would avoid. I try and stay on Government property.

Now if I were an attractive female instead of a 49 year old guy it might be different

__________________
There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

Shannon

I haven't been camping in a distressingly long time (late 2004), and I stopped just when I was getting into solo camping and hoping to do a couple backpacking trips (vs. dayhiking). I didn't stop for safety reasons, just time constraints and a knee injury that resulted in surgery (knee's great and no longer a viable excuse, though the HEAT is! )

I tell family and friends who seem concerned that I feel I'm safer when hiking and camping at most parks than I am alone at night in any urban/suburban area. For one, the further you are removed from the majority of the people, the more likely others you run into will share your same basic values -- eg. value of nature, solitude, rest and relaxation; afterall, they've had to hike the 5/10/15+ miles you have. The closer your outdoor travels take you to developed, non-natural areas, the more you need to keep your "street smarts" about you because then you can't assume the fellow following behind you is actually a fellow hiker/backpacker but could in fact be someone who's parked their car nearby and decided to hassle/stalk/steal from you.

If you plan to be really far removed from "civilization", then it's best -- regardless of your sex -- to have a companion, though in this case it's more as a safety precaution in case one of you gets hurt. That, and "two brains are better than one."

Enjoy!

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- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal

toejam

I've only run into scary camping partners on the shores of lakes - the boating wasted crowd. There seems to be more wildness in the springtime. This is usually at corps of engineers parks. >5 miles from the trailhead in a wilderness area is real safe. State parks are about the safest places I can think of.

CyberCelt

double post. sorry.

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CyberCelt

USAer.com ~ RVing Texas
USAer Blog ~ Scenic Byways and Backroads

CyberCelt

Stay only at State parks or private campgrounds that have rangers or hosts, and a locked gate after hours. Due to budget cutbacks, many State parks are on the "iron ranger" system, where you pay at a lockbox.

Watch where you set up camp. Beware of large groups of men, any people that appear inebriated, and people who are loud (music, voices, cussing, etc.). Camp near another family and make yourself known to them.

Do not leave valuables in your tent, keep in car and out of sight. Keep a set of emergency keys on your car somewhere. This will keep you from having to accept help from someone whom you would rather not.

If you believe in guns, carry one. If not, get some Mace or a tazer. Do I believe you will need to use any of these? No. But if you do, you will be glad you have them.

Women traveling alone and with children are at a disadvantage in this world. Listen to your inner voice and your child. If either tells you that things are strange (that little niggling feeling), leave.

Be safe, not sorry.

__________________
Keep Your Wheels on the Road!

CyberCelt

USAer.com ~ RVing Texas
USAer Blog ~ Scenic Byways and Backroads

campermom

I agree with Cybercelt, if it doesn't feel right, it ain't.

Ive taken my 5 YO son to many state parks and felt real safe. If there are families with kids, its a plus, the kids can play while you do camp chores.

The mace idea is a good one. I always relied on a fillet knife when fishing at the lake. I just won't camp there. The reference to drunken men posted previously comes true pretty often.

Just go have some fun.

dwalsdorf

At SP's, the biggest "risk" to me or my kids are ants and wasps (the six-legged variety). I haven't even encountered a drunk at a SP since they have stressed "no public consumption"

__________________
In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell...it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.

Cube

As Clint Smith says, "If you look like food, you will be eaten." Lot's of good advice so far.

Harden your campsite, make you and your 9 year old look tough to digest. 99 percent of the time, the outdoors is about peaceful tranquility and isolation. The predators use that isolation in the other 1% and they are ruthless. I totally agree that camping is one of the safest activities available to us. Just don't get complacent.

Have a great summer, y'all.

__________________
Hal Skaggs

Unregistered

Just always remember you must look out for your self there are goofballs in all walks of life. We just got back from a scary trip and learned to trust in ourselfs and always always trust your instinct.