How to Feel Safe When Camping Solo: Essential Tips for Vanlife Adventurers

Vanlife offers so many opportunities to discover new and exciting places, but do you ever feel nervous traveling alone? I often go camping with my husband, but there are times that I travel solo. When I do, I want to be sure that I have not created any situations where I feel unsafe. There are lots of things you can do to feel safe when camping solo.

Planning Your Destination Enhance Safety When Camping Solo

Planning out your trip and what you do when you are at your destination can make all the difference to feeling safe when camping solo.

• Always research with RV Life Campgrounds where you plan to camp – Read reviews of the campground, boondocking area, or land where you plan to stay.
• Let someone know where you are staying – Leave a travel plan with a loved one. If you won’t have a cell phone signal, you can always drop a pin on Google Maps and send it to others before you arrive.
• Park facing the exit – You want to be able to leave your campsite easily if you need to.
• Don’t arrive in the dark – Do your best not to arrive and set up in the dark. Having a clear visual during the daylight is essential to knowing the lay of the land and of others camping near you.
• Put valuables and toys away – You don’t want to attract attention to your campsite by leaving items out that may grab the interest of others.

Create the Illusion That You Are Not Traveling Alone

Trying some of these tactics can be helpful in making it appear that you have a companion with you on your trip.

• Set out at least two chairs at your campsite.
• Put out a second pair of men’s or women’s shoes.
• Play soft music or an audiobook in a closed camper.
• Don’t tell others that you are traveling solo.
• Use plural languages such as we, us, and our.

How Can You Ensure Your Van Is Safe for Solo Camping?

You can make yourself feel safe when camping solo by making your van as safe as possible. There are many things that can be done to keep someone from approaching it or you while you are camping.

• Visually inspect your van at least once a day – Check the tire pressure and your fuel level to be sure that there are no issues if you need to leave suddenly. A quick walk around will alert you to any potential problems that could cause an unsafe situation.
• Place protection near the entry and exit points – Always have something within easy reach to protect yourself if needed.
• Put a beware sticker in a window – It can be anything from “Warning dog bites” to “Cameras Monitoring.” It doesn’t have to be true, but it may deter someone from approaching.
• Be sure you can get to the driver’s seat easily – If you need to make a quick escape, you want to be able to get to the driver’s seat as easily as possible.
• Install security cameras – These can be installed inside, outside, or both.
• Use motion-activated solar lights – These will turn on when you or someone else approaches your van. Aim one underneath the chassis and hang others above doors or windows.
• Add secondary locks – Either purchase or create additional locks for added security inside and out.
• Shut curtains and lock the doors – Whenever possible, keep the window covers shut so others can’t see in your van. Always lock the doors at night, and anytime you leave, even to go the bathhouse.

Personal Protection Options

You have several options available to help increase your sense of security while camping solo. Choose what aligns best with your comfort level and experience, keeping in mind local regulations and campground rules.

• Canine Companions – A dog can be an excellent camping partner. Beyond providing companionship, their natural alertness and protective instincts can help deter unwanted visitors. Even a small dog’s bark can serve as an effective early warning system.
• Basic Safety Equipment – Consider keeping simple deterrents like an extendable walking stick or camping tool within easy reach. These serve dual purposes as both camping equipment and security measures.
• Personal Safety Devices – If you choose to carry personal protection devices like stun guns or firearms, ensure you’re properly trained, licensed, and aware of all local regulations. Always check campground policies and state laws as you travel.
• Multi-Purpose Tools – Many standard camping items can serve as improvised protection if needed. Keep essential tools organized and easily accessible.
• Natural Deterrents – Items like bear spray, pepper spray, or wasp spray can be effective deterrents. Keep at least one of these near each entrance point of your van, making sure they’re secured when traveling.

How to keep yourself protected

• Take a self-defense class – Knowing how to protect yourself in any situation can be life-saving.
• Know where your keys are – Always carry your keys when leaving the van. Keep them in the same, safe place when you are in your van.
• Trust your gut instinct – If at any time you feel something is off or unsafe, don’t ignore it. Leave the area ASAP.
• Use an air horn, whistle, or car alarm- Any of these items will let others know that you are in danger or scare someone away from your campsite.

The end goal of any vanlife trip is to have a relaxing and enjoyable camping experience. Camping by yourself doesn’t have to be a scary experience. The key is to think of all possible situations and prepare in advance. Feeling safe when camping solo will help you enjoy your trip so much more.

To help us all feel safe when camping solo, please share any tips that you may have.