Do You Lock Your Tent When Camping

Taking valuables away with you can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to sleeping in a tent at night.

However, some people who are new to camping might be wondering: do you lock your tent when camping?

In this article, I cover all things camping, from whether tents get stolen to if you can lock a tent from the inside. So, let’s get started.

Do You Lock Your Tent When Camping

Do tents get stolen?

If you’re camping, it is highly likely that you’re going to be exploring during the day, and you don’t want to feel limited by the fear of your tent or valuables being stolen.

Generally speaking, tents aren’t at very high risk of being stolen at campsites.

However, the valuables that you keep inside tents can be at risk even when they’re out of sight, so you need to be careful about what you leave behind when you’re out for the day.

That being said, it’s best to plan on only bringing items that are essential to your camping trip.

Although it might initially seem like a great idea to bring a separate digital camera to your phone to capture the memories of the excursion, I recommend that you only bring possessions that you don’t mind carrying around with you throughout the day.

If you imagine that your bag is already going to be pretty full of supplies, you might be less inclined to bring unessential items with you if you know you’ll have to carry them 24/7. 

Furthermore, even some of your essential camping items are at risk, so you’ll want to ensure that you don’t bring very expensive clothing that you would be upset to lose.

Another common area that thieves tend to check is the campsite’s parking lot. You will need to ensure that you lock at your vehicle at all times, and do not store valuables in a place where they are visible.

Thieves know how to break into locked vehicles and can even be willing to damage cars, so don’t display anything that will entice them into doing so. 

As long as you practice safe habits, then your chances of being a victim of tent robbery are fairly low.

How do I keep my tent from being stolen?

It sounds simple, but the most important step that you can take to prevent your tent from being stolen when camping is to camp in a safe area.

Campsites that are marketed as family-friendly are often seen as safer, as there are generally more people around.

Campsites are often packed full of people, so it’d be hard for a thief to make a clean steal without being spotted.

Another great option to take, then, is to be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you build a good rapport with the people camping around you. 

This is not only an excellent way to make new friends but will also mean that when it comes to leaving the campsite, you can politely ask if they could keep an eye on your tent whilst you’re gone and you can offer the same favor in return. 

Keeping your valuables in sight or on you at all times is the best way to ensure that nothing is stolen. This goes for popping to the bathroom or going for a shower, too!

Thieves are often opportunists and rely on you not paying attention, don’t give them the satisfaction of leaving your valuables lying around.

That being said, keep your valuables secure at all times and don’t flash anything around.

Can you lock a tent from the inside?

Yes, using a tent lock is an excellent way of securing the door to your tent from the inside. Although tent walls and doors can be easily accessed, the vast majority of intruders and thieves are looking for easy access.

If they are met with resistance, it is likely that they will be deterred in fear of being spotted in a busy campsite and instead will look for an easier target.

However, you should never advertise the fact you’re using tent locks as instead of securing your tent, this may signify to thieves that you have valuables in your tent.

As a result, you should try to secure the door from the inside as opposed to the outside, as a tent lock on the outside is likely to give thieves the impression that there is something worth stealing in your tent.

In summary

As long as you take the appropriate precautions, camping in a tent is relatively low risk.

Always make sure that you secure your valuables and avoid taking anything expensive away with you if you know you won’t have room to carry it on you at all times.

Most importantly, enjoy and have fun on your trip!

Andrew Mullen

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