Travel Myth Violence to RVers

[D in Davie]

No. I have never been a victim, seen a crime occur or learned of a crime occurring in a camp ground that I was staying at. And I have stayed at a few that I would never go back to and I did leave one without actually stopping. While my wife likes it when I carry, it is for protection against bears. Now those I've seen a lot of.

[Mac99]

5 years, over 500 nights camping in full hook up campgrounds,
never had a moment of concern. Don't even lock the bay doors
when we go out for the day.

[Tomtall]

Just curious? Has anyone experienced a face to face robbery, late night break-in ( while in residence), or any major crime, personally, while RVing

Not yet. I have witnessed park rangers escorting vagrants out of parks before. I always attempt to being aware of my environment when first entering a campground. I walk the park shortly after arriving and look for possible trouble spots and avoid them for our stay. Most people are very pleasant but I always take the "trust no one" attitude when out of my comfort zone. Staying in desolet campsites and low attendance parks always make me more on edge.

[CampDaven]

Didnt really start camping until 1957, so here are words from a rookie:
Have camped for 57 years and been fulltime for 3 years.
We go where we feel safe, and always sleep well. And why would anyone break in with all of the goodies we leave outside? Have never lost a thing!

State, federal, COE parks and nice campgrounds and resorts. Never in a city. Always highly rated places, like on campgroundreviews.com

Happy Trails!

[Francesca]

Been camping for more than fifty years, and the only time I was really afraid was the time my kid brother and I surprised an old range cow in the bushes with her newborn calf.

If I was afraid of two-legged critters preying on me/my setup, I'd stay home.

[Bumps]

We've never had any run-ins with anybody, either. In fact, I would tell you that the vast majority of the people we meet in campgrounds are the antithesis of "violent." In my experience, RVers are pretty social, down-to-earth, helpful, friendly, and trustworthy (and other Boy Scout stuff) kinduv folks. Even in Walmart parking lots and rest areas we've felt "safe." Having said that, however, we are not yet FullTimers and prolly a bit naive. \ken

[Nana25K]

We have been fulltime for 8 year . Have never even felt threatened. We did get approached by 2 different hustlers in a parking lot one mornin . Both realized thru window conversation that they were out of luck. We just pay close attention to where we are. If we are blacktopping for the night we stay well lit areas that do not send up our antenna.

[Davdeb1]

It's all about common sense. RVers basically are much friendlier and nicer people than the general population. If you a pulled over somewhere alone, you are asking for trouble. Fulltimers for over a year and not one moment of anxiety. Common sense and reasoning are your best protection.

[V3600]

I've heard of minor thefts in rv parks but nothing violent towards people. Away from an rv park (rest stops, etc), I am always armed with my 45 just in case.

[EricGT]

Forget the gun. And we own a couple.
A can of UDAP Bear Spray is all you need.
Unless you are expecting a zombie attack.

[V3600]

Originally Posted by EricGT

Forget the gun. And we own a couple.
A can of UDAP Bear Spray is all you need.
Unless you are expecting a zombie attack.

I'm a retired cop - I'll stick with my 45. I've used stuff much stronger than bear spray and found it may or may not work. If the perp is high on drugs, the spray isn't going to work. Plus some people are immune to the spray. 45 works every time.

UPDATE: Bear spray is 2% OC while police spray is 5% OC.

[Hooligan]

Many years ago, we were at a fish camp in NC, had been there before. Short stay campers were set up in the front, permanent campers in the back section toward the pier & the water. This time it was a winter night, the front section was basically empty. Wife was alone in our Scotty TT. I had gone back to a laundromat in town. Someone made a couple tries to open the trailer door, they ran off when she called my name... Camp owner made a few passes through the area, saw no one and said it was unusual to have any problems..
We always travel with dogs, and I do pay attention on their last walk around midnight. Of course a 140 lb dog could be a deterrent.

[Mr_D]

Good looking Newfie!!

[DBOL]

Originally Posted by V3600

I'm a retired cop - I'll stick with my 45. I've used stuff much stronger than bear spray and found it may or may not work. If the perp is high on drugs, the spray isn't going to work. Plus some people are immune to the spray. 45 works every time.

UPDATE: Bear spray is 2% OC while police spray is 5% OC.

Agree,worked 22 years Texas prisons Co and Bear spray work on some but not all,Hand Gun or 18 in 12 ga pump,the sound of pump may be enough.