Campsites are typically safe havens for campers. They're where you enjoy campfire meals with friends or rest your muscles after an arduous hike. Unfortunately, campsites are not immune to safety threats, including theft.
A general rule among avid campers is to never leave your tent unlocked, especially during the nighttime. After all, that expensive gear you've been lugging around all day could be just a few unzip-and-grab steps away from being stolen.
Just in time for your next camping trip, we've rounded up easy steps to lock a tent and add to the level of your campsite security, so you can enjoy your time in the backcountry.
- It's not uncommon to see expensive items like coolers and speakers outside of campsites, which can lure thieves.
- Keep valuables inside your tent or vehicle when you're not using them and always bring them inside at night.
- A lively campsite is less likely to be targeted by thieves.
- Camping with friends creates a lively campsite and deters thieves.
- Use security cameras, lights, and alarms to secure your campsite.
Is Locking Your Tent Even Worth It?
The answer is "yes." A tent lock is a deterrent for thieves. They see the lock and would rather move on to an easier subject than risk getting caught breaking the lock or cutting the tent walls. The likelihood of a thief stealing all of your valuable items without someone seeing them is low.
Tent locks also provide peace of mind and a sense of security. You can go on a long hike, head into town, or embark on countless other adventures without constantly worrying about your possessions inside the tent.
A tent lock allows you to leave items you won't need on your excursion safely locked inside your tent. There's no need to carry your full overnight pack on your back if you're going on a day hike.
Campers must understand that safety is not 100 percent guaranteed with a tent lock. A determined thief can still cut the tent or may have the tools to break a lock.
We still recommend taking your most valuable items, like phones, wallets, and passports, with you when you leave the tent.
How to Lock a Tent
Avid campers use one of several methods for locking their tents. Like locking a shed or storage space, you can use a combination lock, key lock, or cable closure lock.
Choosing the lock is the first step in the locking process. Next, you need to be sure you lock the tent correctly.
Remember you may need multiple locks if your tent has several doors.
Use a Combination Tent Lock
A combination lock lets you set a code for security. Depending on the lock you choose, this code will include numbers, letters, or a combination of both.
The combination eliminates the need for a key, so you don't have to worry about losing your key on an adventure and coming home to a locked tent. When family members take separate paths throughout the day, everyone who knows the code can still access their belongings inside.
A combination tent lock can also lock a hiking pack, a cooler, a suitcase, and a variety of other items, so you won't be throwing away money by purchasing one.
Keep in mind that if you plan on using your lock for a backpack or suitcase while traveling, buy one that's TSA-approved.
Why choose a combination lock?
- no key to lose
- everyone with the code can open
- multiple uses
- durable, difficult to break
- resettable code
Use a Key Lock
A key lock, or padlock, offers many of the same advantages as a combination lock. They are sturdy and hold up well over time in the outdoors. A zinc alloy key lock is extremely strong, stable, and corrosion resistant.
Many key locks are also TSA-approved, so campers can use them on travel adventures too.
They usually come with two keys, and you can make more, to allow trusted friends or family members access to the possessions inside the tent.
Why choose a key lock?
- sturdy and reliable
- multiple uses, including travel when TSA approved
- can make several keys for friends/family
Use a Cable Closure Lock
Cable closure locks have many purposes. Many adventurers use cable closure locks to secure their snowboards, mountain bikes, and other gear.
They're versatile and often TSA-approved, so you can use your cable lock for your tent and later for non-camping adventures.
Cable locks operate via a combination, which means no key can get lost. They are surprisingly durable and resistant to harm caused by the elements.
Why choose a cable lock?
- no key to lose
- trusted friends and family can enter via the chosen code
- reset the code as desired
- countless uses for adventure and travel
- compact to fit in a pocket
Choosing a tent lock is purely a matter of preference.
Some campers prefer having a designated key for the tent while others like the convenience of a combination. Choose the lock that will serve you and your family best.
Securely Locking the Tent
Now that you have a lock, it's time to put it to use. Locking a tent is simple when following the steps below:
- Locate the two zippers on the door of the tent.
- Bring the two zippers together.
- Loop the lock or cable through the zipper holes, so you cannot unzip the tent.
- Secure the lock and place the key someplace safe. Or, spin the dial on the combination lock, and then test it to ensure the tent is secure.
Locking a tent is as simple as it sounds. And the few seconds you take to lock your tent could be the difference between a great camping experience and a bad one.
Best Practices to Ensure Tent Security
A critical element of tent and campground safety is to never let your guard down.
Theft and other unfavorable events happen when campers become lackadaisical about locking the tent or finding a safe place to camp.
The following are several things to always keep in mind for a safe and fun camping experience.
Choose a Safe Campsite
Finding a safe place to pitch your tent is critical. This means keeping yourself and fellow campers safe from theft and the elements, like excess wind, flooding, uncomfortable terrain, and more.
Choose a flat area to pitch your tent that is close to your vehicle (if possible) and away from any busy roads or trails. Highly-trafficked sites are more likely to experience theft. A campsite with one way in and one way out is ideal.
Camping within a popular campground is ideal. Many campgrounds now include 24/7 security and other safety measures, like cameras and authority figures on-site to help. Check if criminal activity is common within the campground and surrounding areas before booking.
What qualifies as "safe" is different for everyone. However, you probably know when you feel comfortable at a campground and when something feels "off."
Use your judgment alongside research to find a campsite that feels safe to you.
Camp With Others
You've probably heard the phrase "strength in numbers." It applies well to camping. Having other campers nearby often keeps thieves at bay, as these campers can serve as witnesses to any wrongdoing.
Camping with others also provides the peace of mind that someone else is nearby to help if something happens.
Make Self-Defense a Priority
Your camping kit probably contains a few tools and knives to perform everyday camping duties, like cooking, chopping firewood, or clearing brush. Place items that can also serve as self-defense tools in a designated place where the adults in your group easily access them.
Pepper and bear spray are irritants that can halt thieves and even dangerous or wild animals. Discuss safety and self-defense with capable members of your camping group upon arrival at the campsite.
Remember not to bring weapons to campgrounds, as they are often illegal or against campground rules.
Take Security Up a Notch
Campgrounds are getting more crowded, and safety is a greater concern for many campers. However, prepared adventurers with safe habits can camp with peace of mind and have an overall more enjoyable camping experience.
These tips will help you increase your campsite security, so you can truly relax in the great outdoors.
Do Not Display Valuables
It's not uncommon to pass a campsite and see a $300 cooler or $100 speaker outside. These items can lure thieves to your site because they know you have at least a few expensive possessions inside or outside your tent.
Keep valuables out of sight and always bring them indoors at night.
Lock them inside your vehicle when you go to bed if there's no space inside the tent.
Create a Lively Campsite
Creating a lively campsite doesn't mean it's time to turn up the volume on your speaker. However, a campsite that appears occupied or has people moving about is less likely to be a target.
A thief who feels there is someone on-site or that someone could come back any minute will likely search for an easier target.
Ask a Friend to Camp Nearby
Camping with friends is an excellent safety measure, especially when backpacking or camping in the wilderness. This inevitably creates a livelier campsite and shows "bad guys" they'll have to deal with more than one person if they attempt to steal or cause harm.
Use Cameras and Security Lights
Technology is on your side when it comes to staying safe at the campsite. Several companies manufacture security cameras for RVs, campers, and backcountry campsites.
Solar motion sensor camping lights are available for everything from RV parks to wilderness tent sites. They operate on solar power, so you don't have to worry about being near an outlet for optimal security.
Lights at a campsite also make thieves question if someone might be awake, leading them to choose a different, darker site.
Lights are also helpful for yourself and fellow campers, as they can illuminate the campsite for locating items or finding the "bathroom" at night.
Make Your Own Security System
Some campers take it upon themselves to create security measures. These are especially handy when camping outside of a campground or somewhere without security services.
Create a tin-can tripwire or choose from numerous safety products that can convert from home to camping use.
Examples include buried cable detection systems and infrared motion sensors. Both detect intruders and send signals to the camper without causing physical harm. Some can even notify campers on their smartphones or authorities via management software.
Unless you have highly valuable items at your campsite or a clear need to worry about nearby crime, a simple camping perimeter alarm or tripwire tent alarm is plenty to alarm and deter intruders.
Conclusion
Camping trips are supposed to combine the most favorable elements of adventure and relaxation. You don't want to worry about security for yourself and your fellow campers.
There are numerous reasons why taking safety precautions, like locking your tent or camping near others, is worth the slight hassle. No matter how you decide to secure your tent, the best method is to find a balance between the security of your items and convenience for you.
Locking your tent protects gear and other valuables inside, allowing you to rest assured that there's always a barricade against potential threats.
This provides the peace of mind needed to enjoy your adventures to the fullest.
How to Lock a Tent FAQs
Here are our answers to some of your most commonly asked questions about locking a tent.
Can I lock a tent from the inside?
We explained you need to lock a tent at night, but that doesn't quite explain how to do it when you're inside.
Fortunately, locking a tent from the inside is just as easy as securing it from the outside. Simply lock the two interior zippers together as you would with the exterior zippers when leaving the campsite.
Remember to purchase a lock for each door in your tent, so a thief cannot enter from another side.
What if I forgot my lock?
There are so many items to remember when going camping. You may have forgotten your tent lock.
You can still make theft more difficult for intruders and keep your valuables safe, especially at night.
Use any piece of thin rope or a shoelace to tie the two tent zippers together. A zip tie also works, but remember you'll need a knife or scissors accessible to cut the tie when you want to open the tent.
How can I secure items outside?
Vehicle access isn't always easy when camping, so items that don't fit in the tent must remain outside. You can secure outdoor items like coolers, chairs, and other gear with cable locks. Just be sure to lock them to something difficult to carry away, such as a tree or picnic table.
Is camping alone unsafe?
Many outdoors people seek solitude in the wilderness, so you're not crazy if you prefer to camp alone.
We recommend implementing extra safety precautions for camping alone, such as notifying loved ones where you'll be, keeping in contact when possible, and choosing safe camping areas.
