Staying safe while boondocking off-grid

One of the primary kinds of questions that I’m asked about boondocking is safety. How do you stay safe or are you afraid?

Boondocking offers us unparalleled freedom and connection with nature — something I highly value. However, one of the most common concerns for those new to this lifestyle is safety. From unpredictable weather to wildlife encounters and the rare but real possibility of human-related risks, staying safe while boondocking requires preparation and awareness.

In this post, I’ll talk about practical steps to ensure your safety, addressing everything from road conditions to self-defense, so you can enjoy the boondocking experience with confidence and peace of mind.

Safety while boondocking off-grid

Boondocking often happens on public lands or in remote areas, so people naturally tend to think about safety. Below are some considerations to stay safe while boondocking. While you think in terms of people — there’s more out there than people.

I’ve been very fortunate to have only had problems once with others. They were drunk and stupid, but everything ended well.

Overall, boondocking is pretty safe.

Check the road and weather

This cannot be emphasized enough because I’ve seen it over and over again. Check the roads before you drive your rig into a place. Most trailers and motorhomes aren’t meant for off-roading or boulder crawling.

However, you’ll always find those that try — for whatever reason to try and go through mud, water, over rocks, or just overall bad terrain. I’ve seen it all, from smashing the backend of the RV to getting stuck in the mud to breaking an axle.

Know where you’re at and the ground. What looks nice now could swallow your RV during a storm. A tow bill is expensive enough, but add a remote location and an RV, and it’s all the more expensive. Find well-draining, firm soil to park.

Also, what is not so obvious is checking the weather. It doesn’t matter the time of year; check the weather. Know when the rainy seasons usually come to that area as well. And just because people say the monsoons come at the end of July or in August doesn’t mean they won’t come in June.

On a side note, before we head into animals, think about elevation. You may breathe differently as there is less oxygen. Not only will you breathe differently, but so will your vehicles, appliances, and generators. Some adjustments may be needed.

Tell others where you are

Let a trusted friend or family member know where you are and consider sharing your location whether live through Google or Apple or the coordinates.

It’s also a good idea to know where the closest hospital or emergency services are.

Have a spare tire and tools

Be sure to have spares for each vehicle and trailer. In addition, here’s a list of tools and such that you may need.

Considerations for animals

I have already written on how to deal with animals. While mice and rats aren’t exactly dangerous, I’ll include those links here as well.

In addition, you may want to consider spiders and scorpions depending on the location. However, I’ve never had any big problems with spiders or scorpions and actually let the spiders (except recluses and widows) live inside during winter. Always check ahead to see what sort of creatures lurk in the area you’ll be staying. And just because a place has these creatures, it doesn’t really mean you’ll encounter them.

Remain aware of your surroundings

Always be aware of your surroundings. In the west, especially Arizona, I’ve found that camping within 10-15 minutes of a bigger city isn’t usually the best idea. Why? Tweakers. You’ll often find drug addicts or more questionable people closer to the bigger cities because they can get the things they need there: drugs, food, stuff to steal, etc.

It’s an unfortunate reality, but look around. It’s also always a good idea to walk around your camp and be sure to go at least a couple of hundred yards out. What do you see around, especially on the ground?

Always know who is around and be prepared to leave in an emergency. You can also check sites such as Campendium, the Dyrt, or Hipcamp for places to camp both free and for a fee. Look at the reviews. If people felt like a place was a little off, they’ll usually say so in a review.

Download the WatchDuty App and be fire aware

The WatchDuty App is a great tool in fire country. It’s run by a nonprofit and is free for most of what you need. You can opt to pay for certain features and extra county notifications (you get 5 for free). If there is a wildfire, you can get information about it as well as notifications. However, fires can be very unpredictable, and there simply may not be time to notify the public.

Out of sight, out of mind – secure everything

Don’t leave stuff of value lying around in plain view. Keep your windows covered when you leave. Out of sight, out of mind. Lock things up, but also know if someone wants in, they’re going to get in. Note, problems are pretty rare.

You can also use chains or ropes to help secure doors from the inside to make it harder for someone to gain entry during the night.

Limit social media posts when you’re currently at a place. I’ve had two different people try to find me based on things I’ve said. Ironically, I was nowhere close to those locations and finding me would have been like a needle in a haystack.

Consider a dog

Dogs don’t just make great companions and help our mental health, but some breeds can make excellent guards or at least alert you to people or other animals.

Consider self-defense tools

For added security while boondocking, consider carrying self-defense tools such as bear spray, pepper spray, or legally permitted firearms. The choice often depends on personal comfort level and the specific laws of the area they’re camping in.

It’s important to research and follow local regulations to ensure you’re complying with safety and legal standards. In the US, laws vary drastically from state to state, such as California vs Idaho. Having a reliable way to protect oneself can offer peace of mind, especially in remote or unfamiliar locations.

Have extra food and water

Always have extra food and water. You never know when a breakdown will happen or when you misplan the amount of food or water needed. Just simply carry more than you need — always. Outside of food and water, consider first aid supplies and medicine for both humans and pets.

Summing it up…

Boondocking is a rewarding way to explore the great outdoors, and with the right precautions, it’s a safe adventure for most.

Embrace the freedom of boondocking, stay vigilant, and make unforgettable memories in the wild. Also, don’t be surprised when someone wants to camp close to you. I don’t do it and don’t like it. But some people just feel safer with others around.

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