Boondocking safety. - RV-Dreams Community Forum

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Boondocking safety.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome to the RV Dreams forums, Red. Glad to have you as part of the "family" here.

As for boondocking safely, much of that will depend on where one is looking to camp. We used to camp in a National Forest campground in Colorado, and in the later years, much of the time we were the only ones in the campground. However, even in many of them, they are keeping "camp hosts" whose job is to maintain the facilities and insure that campers are paying their fees. In the case of our favorite place, it was about 40 miles from the nearest city of any size and 3 1/2 miles up off of the nearest paved highway.

I think that for the most part, most boondocking locations are safe enough. However, in some areas that actually draw a bunch of campers, the possibility of theft goes up. I've read stories of folks that were attending the Quartzite affair telling of thieves using the natural gullies and draws in the camping areas to ease up on a group of RV's and steal the portable generators. Those thieves know that with a lot of campers around, there are more things to steal.

So, when considering locations, one will always be subject to thieves, but I can't recall many instances of people being subject to physical danger.

Terry

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I boondock alone most of the time and am very selective about joining the company of others........basically if you get that gut feeling that its not right...move on til you feel its comfortable.

as far as finding spots I use mapquest satellite view to look at areas around me and use topographical maps to see if it is state or parkland.....and make a few calls

I have found if it is farmland, simply stopping and asking works out well!!

if its overniting your asking about where you are using a parking lot or wallydocking , again ask the manager or owner

Dont put your pods down....they damage the asphalt

if you have to use your slide.....park your rig so that the open slide is on the grass or curbside. an open slide is a hazard to oncoming traffic that doesnt see it...and a physical hazzard to pedestrians...(Im sure you have already banged your head) you are liable if either occur

overnite parking in a lot to be respectful me pulling in in the evening and being out in the early AM....camping out for a few days is the reason most places now dont want overniters

I boondock all the time and take 2 days every 2 weeks in a campground for water & Septic and a little socializing!!

boondocking by yourself takes a little diligence and patience to feel secure.....I am in a class A so if I dont feel comfortable its a matter of simply starting the engine and moving without leaving the security of being inside the rig........a trailer or 5ver would be a different story!

Loretta · RV-Dreams Family Member

We boondocked in Q and never felt unsafe but we were with a group of about 30+ others. In the winter in Q there are tons of people around. Other than that, when we stop for overnight in a WalMart or Cracker Barrel they usually have parking lot security cameras. One WM lot we were in, most are open 24 hours, they had a security guard on duty to monitor the lot, and he would drive passed several times during the night. I am with Mike, and look at the area on Google satellite if I have any concerns. You can also check out this web site that offers overnight parking from people have have room, http://www.boondockerswelcome.com/.

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the responses. We have always stayed in camp grounds. Never liked the idea staying on asphalt in a parking lot, but preparing to full time I'm looking at other options. We've thought about Q, more for the fellowship than price.

Loretta · RV-Dreams Family Member

We also just joined the Elks and they have some hook ups at some of their clubs, and their places usually have a bar and food at reasonable prices. It is fun meeting new people too. We also belong to http://www.harvesthosts.com/ where you can park at wineries and farms along the way. The funny thing about these 'free' boondocking sites, if you aren't careful you will spend more than one night in a campground but the experiences are worth it. smile

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

We never feel unsafe.......we are prepared but relaxed......

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Only time we felt unsafe was out in the middle of the desert we were camped about about 50 yards from a dirt road. A pickup truck with a bed full of drunk caballeros was coming down the road & got stuck. Luckily it was so dark I don't think they saw our RV. They were there for about an hour until another truck came and pulled them out. We kept all of the lights out and watched from a window until they were gone.

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

As you can see, it just depends a lot on where you are boondocking. I have read that in the desert, you may run into illegals crossing through but it is my understanding that if they bother you, it is usually looking for food or water.

blijil · RV-Dreams Family Member

We don't boondock where there is no cell (911) coverage. We don't boondock without neighbors we have met if we are going to leave the rig for a day. We do boondock often, National Forest, State Forest, BLM, private but isolated land, and we have experienced the theft of a generator in a nearly full campground by some professional theives (yes they caught them six month later in California.) Isolation does increase personal risk and I wouldn't encourage it. If you feel uncomfortable and have no contact with the outside world, move on it isn't worth the risk.

But frankly I doubt boondocking is more risky than some campgrounds. It always pays to be aware of your surroundings and vulnerabilities no matter where you are, even is western NY where we are right now.

Larry

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Most crimes- robbery, theft, assults, are crimes of opportunity. Most persons that commit these type of crimes live in towns/cities where there is ample opportunity to commit them.

DAVIDnRENEE · RV-Dreams Community Member

We always boondock between points of interest whether it be a Walmart parking lot, truck stop or highway rest area. I (not much worries my husband) admit I do feel more secure when there are others (campers or truckers) parked as well. We have been in a few areas alone, and we were fine. One of the Walmart lots had security personal (Albuquerque) but the others have not. We do prefer the 24 hour super centers, but have had to stay in lots of the "old time" Walmart stores (not 24 hours). We have used portable generators and have been lucky (did keep them chained up to slide out). However, with our newest RV it has a generator to make things easier and safer. We do have plans to boondock more with the ease of the installed generator. I appreciate the above mentioned suggestions to use for future trips...Thank you!

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

Haven't quite gone all the way yet, but with being fulltime now, I'm planning on boondocking to save $$$. I have a very alert and watchful dog, who will attack anyone who enters the RV, and now that I am a Nevada resident, I bought a 38, and can get CC with a short class. Just in case. blankstare

BruceandTrisha · RV-Dreams Family Member

A few of our virgin trips were boondocking...roadside parks a couple of times, and the big one - a truck stop in Atlanta because we were just too dang tired to drive any further! No room for a dog, but if someone invented a motion detector that set off the sound of a barking dog --- I'd be interested! :)

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

I pretty much boondock all the time although I do enjoy the" flooded areas" [lot of people] once in a while. I think if you have not grown up in natures backyard [fishing, hunting, camping, etc ] you should start out in safe zones to check your comfort level. Always be prepared to move out at a moments notice. Pets are always good when boondocking in very isolated areas as they will always signal an approach [ bark, or just hop up to look out the window, you will get to know your pets signal]. If you really want to test it out and get comfortable the North is great as there is no darkness for extended months and the scenery is beauuutiful. Every once in a while I get the uneasy feeling about a vehicle if I see it's roaming around where I am, I would just leave and only once [caught off guard] faked a huge swearing argument with myself as 2 guys were approaching and they quickly left thinking some crazy mean drunks were inside. The funny thing is I have found the more isolated boondocking has been "safer" than the semi- scattered areas as most people up to no good have to go where the people are. Be safe and start out slow, you'll soon find what you like best....Deb

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ruth also mentioned on another thread about a motion sensor entry light - very good idea.

Deb, I love your "drunken sailor" story. No offense to any naval personnel. Deb we have got to meet, my eyes are already watering up from the laughter that will ensue, you have got a very quick wit.

Red

-- Edited by el Rojo on Tuesday 8th of October 2013 12:46:11 PM

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

The fake argument is a good idea! As for the "semi-scattered" areas, I would agree... I did the South Lake Tahoe flea market a week or two ago, and boondocked overnight, with a few other sellers. We woke up to a dead guy in a pick up truck in the parking lot. Apparently, the flea market parking lot is a popular place for the locals to party, and do drug deals. The dead guy apparently had a little too much fun.

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

After seeing the humor posted on another site, seems I agree with an old lady . She was stopped by the patrolman. He asked do you have any weapons in the car? Why yes, I have a .44 Desert Eagle pistol in the glove box. Wow, he said, any others? Yes, I have a 9 mm in the bra holster. Goodness he said, any more? Yes, the 12 guage riot gun under the seat. Lady what in the world are you afraid of? She answered, not a darn thing.
So, in that respect I am like Gencop. Prepared, but calm.

Lonney Wade · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here's one for you all, I have a 9mm Smith & Wesson hand gun with 15 in the clip, I don't know if I should take it with us when we go FT RVing, I'm 50-50 whether I should take it with us on the road, it would stay in the 5th wheel RV that would be are home, I do like what Gencop said, Prepared, but calm, you just never know if we would ever need it.

I do like this fire bolt http://www.fireboltusa.com/ Fire Bolt combines a high power flashlight with a stun gun that will give you the shocking of your life LOL!!!!

Lonney

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

a weapon is great.....but remember they also could be armed and ready and you must get out to confront them.....

Remember the old saying......only a fool shows up at a gunfight with a knife!!

but on the same thought.....we are all responsible for our own actions...and when its over you will be judged by whats written in black and white by 12 strangers....be sure your right!!!...(our personal opinion of how the law should be is not always as it is!!)

JeffDan1908 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Here's another twist to the question...

My sister is getting married this weekend so we are staying at a Walmart which is literally a half mile from the hotel where the reception is. We checked ahead and they allow it and I know and am comfortable with the area.

However, the next day we want to head up and spend some time in NYC. The NJ Turnpike seriously frowned on the idea of parking there overnight. Not an outright NO but sorta insinuated the cops might be paying us a visit at some point in the night and might ask us to leave depending on their mood.

So I called around and found a Sam's Club in Secaucus NJ that will allow overnights. No one could tell me for sure at the store if they have overnight security on the property. So that leaves me in an uncomfortable position of having to decide if it's safe or not to stay there. If you've ever been to Secaucus you could understand my concern.

Any ideas?

JeffDan1908 · RV-Dreams Community Member

As an update, I just joined the www.boondockerswelcome.com site. There is a member that lives on Long Island which would be ideal. It seems like a great service and I look forward to trying it out. If you join up I'll tell ya we have a real nice set-up at home where we can provide water and electric so shoot me a msg if you ever make it through RI. And, of course, Lucky Mike you have a standing invitation. No need to join the club. I still need to get me one of those signs you make!
-Jeff

jimindenver · RV-Dreams Family Member

In the time we have been going up to the hills we have only seen others near camp three times. Twice it was this year, a sheriff letting us know of a fire ban and then a deputy that thought my camera was a chainsaw. The only other time was long ago when some kids decided to have a party starting about 10pm and ending at 6am. It's the only time I've ever worried but they never messed with the rig, our stuff or us, left one heck of a mess though.

We do take Bessy along for the ride, mostly for the big and fuzzy things that live in the areas we go to.

charles · RV-Dreams Family Member

On our extended trip to Alaska through Canada we often "boon docked" in the pull outs on the side of the road. Legal and often done. Even on what would be considered "major" roads little traffic at night, often none.
Many times very scenic spots, overlooking lakes or streams or mountains.
YMMV
CCC

Grams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Theft can happen anywhere. We spent our first nights as RV owners in a sparsely occupied Missouri State Park on the lake where folks just a few spaces from us on their honeymoon asked us if we noticed anyone around their camp one morning while they were gone into town for breakfast. We hadn't, but we suspect the folks on the other side had taken off with some very nice lawn chairs, ice chest and the solar lights owned by the honeymooners. Not cool!

French Bikers · RV-Dreams Family Member

You could look this site www.boondockerswelcome.com it might help you.