Safety and Security

[Bigairh20]

We are taking our first trip in Feb, to Charleston SC...very much looking forward to getting out and having a great time. With that said, I have placed a rear cargo rack, with a scooter and bikes...and was wondering about campground security and safety...Do you all put all of your outdoor stuff away and lock it up when you leave for a day trip...Is there any crime, or theft...just wondering and any input is appreciated

[rather_b_camping]

I've never had anything stolen but I do make sure all my outdoor storage and doors are all locked over night or if I leave the site for an extended period.... Only takes a minute and gives you piece of mind. I do not lock my bikes up though and have never had a problem.

[A32Deuce]

I close all the bins and lock them, but don't put other stuff away. Haven't had a problem yet.

[Mtelkman]

I put everything away and lock all doors with the exception of a cooler with drinks that I leave under the 5er. Never had anything stolen. My friends have had items (beer,etc.) from their cooler left outside stolen.

[CWSWine]

This is what I purchased to keep honest people honest, if someone brings bolt cutters then won't help. They do sell mounts to mount to the bumper or frame of your RV. http://www.amazon.com/Lippert-337120...s+secure+cable

[5picker]

99% of reputable campgrounds I've visited leave me with no fear at all of something being stolen or bothered with.

I have been in a few places where it seemed they had a several long term/permanent sites that were suspicious. Look the place over when you arrive and make your own conclusions.

I will add, I have a friend who is a campground owner and he once told me that almost all the problems that occured in his campground came from folks who weren't staying in the campground. They went to a gated entrance system.

[ependydad]

I've never had an issue, but I have had my spidey-sense tingle a couple of times. In those occasions, I locked things up with a very thin cable and crappy lock. Basically enough that you couldn't just grab and walk away with stuff, but likely not to slow down someone intent on stealing. I'll keep out/lock up bikes, strollers, and grill. Chairs aren't locked up but are often kept out.

[RedLdr1]

In my experience crime in campgrounds is fairly minimal. The only time I've had anything bothered was at a "campground" that allowed full timing in older mobile homes and worn out RV's being used as full time residences. Some time during the night someone decided to look around under the vinyl tonneau bed cover on my pickup and didn't close it. Nothing was in the bed for them to steal but it was very obvious someone had looked. As others have said check out the campground when you arrive as the potential trouble spots are usually fairly visible.

[mjones12]

Good advice here. Every campground is different.

[Terier]

Most RVers are honest but it's the other people I worry about. Someone broke into a TT about 5 sites down from mine during the afternoon. I rather not lose anything so I tend to put stuff away. Of course if they really wanted it I can't stop them but just not going to make it super easy.

[4mula1fan]

Around here the only thing I've heard of getting stolen was things in boats pulled up on the bank. They must have paddled in and cleaned a bunch of people out of fishing gear.

[Oaklevel]

We rarely lock anything up including the doors of the camper. Nothing has been stolen in 30-35 years of camping ........ Having said that I would lock bikes to keep kids from joy riding & teenagers have been known to steal coolers hoping for beer.

[asquared]

We do lock our door at night and when we leave. We keep our basement compartment locked but don't fool yourself as it us only keeping honest people honest. Almost every tt is equipped with ch751 locks on the pass through compartment. In the beginning we locked bikes up, now we don't. We don't leave anything of value lying around though. We figure everybody is equally vulnerable at a campground.

[Bigairh20]

Thanks all for the feedback. It is much appreciated.

[actadh]

When I had my 14ft TT, I would bring a 4 person instant tent and use it as an outbuilding. No one ever messed with my stuff and it was nice to have it out of sight. I would just set it up behind the TT. The TT and the 8ft tent combined still had me under the length of most other rigs.

I upgraded to an 18ft this year, and used the bunks for storage for the two weekend trips we were able to squeeze in. But, for longer trips I will bring the tent as long as the campground allows two "dwellings". It is handy for keeping chairs and gear out of the weather and takes little time to set up. And, it gives my introverted self an extra room.