Staying Safe In Campgrounds and While Boondocking

:Here are some of the things we think about and do while traveling and camping. The news we are constantly bombarded with is enough to send us all to the basement with a ton of survival food, but is it actually any worse while traveling in our RV? That depends on you and how you decide to camp. Are you planning on staying at RV parks with lots of other rigs? Or are you going to stay in National Forest or BLM campgrounds? What about camping in remote areas by yourself? That's the focus of this video. Bloopers at the end!
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[@gonagain]

Linda and I love to hear your comments, but please be polite and leave out any cuss words because this is a family channel. Happy trails!

[@bouncingbetty3636]

I'm sorry I will refrain but if there were some please do what you may but I don't have the patience to search through everything.

[@gonagain]

@@bouncingbetty3636 it's ok Amy, please continue to contribute to this channel. Your thoughts are welcome.

[@Adventureswithbecky]

So glad you said that! So often I end up leaving a channel because comments are horrid and hateful. Thanks for making a great video!

[@laylow8648]

The wife and I earlier in life travel to about 35 NP’s and some of them more. We have been thinking on and off about camping in are approaching retirement. We bought a lake cabin about 15 years ago and still love it. We know our neighbors & friendlier with some than others for this I feel is normal. We mostly stay to ourselves and mind our own business. With the unrest and the craziness going on I think we are going to continue the Cabin idea. We also live in a town about 65,000 people and low crime. But as of late it’s starting to increase with Theft of vehicle and breaking into vehicles. I guess that is going to happen when they let criminals out of jail & prison. Things are changing and we are now carrying & have our homes alarmed. We Don’t really feel good about the need to do that. I think we are going to give up on the camping idea. I feel safer around people I recognize. Things are changing way to radically and fast. I don’t think this is an adventure we need to take. I’m glad we did it when we did. I wish I had a better gut feeling. God Bless You & Be Safe.

[@bernardfarley1469]

Don't bother me but i cuss like a sailor any way

[@loriw2661]

I always take a friend. Since I’m 58 and a single female. His first name is “Desert” and his last name is “Eagle”. He’s kind of heavy but I love him.

[@omikredarhcs8221]

I have a German friend, Walther is a great comfort

[@hannahshepherd9073]

I have a German friend too, but she has 4 legs, plus I keep a fire extinguisher handy, the NYC police use them to take out pitbulls that attack when busting into a drug house

[@gonagain]

Good info on the fire extinguisher.

[@nohomenomad1427]

@@gonagain Yeah.....great Idea, maybe I'll invest in a couple if/when I hit the road. But most my travel will be in "survival" mode so will ether stay in or just outside of the city.

[@bobbydee1187]

I know Desert. He and I are very close friends too. 😂

[@DB-zk6td]

I love the analogy of calling the police. Most people don’t get that concept. Your safety is your responsibility.

[@gonagain]

And then there's folks that don't think they need to protect themselves at all. I just don't understand that. One fellow actually told me that "Bad things don't happen to good people". Thanks for watching D B!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Your exaclty right!

[@freedomrider266]

I've seen police respond MANY times under 5 minutes, and actually catch the invader....You people need to friggin move!!! And besides, even with your own weapon, "safe" is never a reality. Arm yourself, lock doors and windows, do all the things you reasonably can, but if you had no police, you'd crap your pants every time you saw someone you didn't know.

[@bouncingbetty3636]

@@gonagain like the folks that decided to hitchhike Iraq?

[@bigjohn860]

Saw a youtube video about a man that had his guns stolen, cops came to his house and shot his jack russell dog. to call the cops to your home or camp site can cost you lots of money or your life.

[@MrClaimbuster]

I’ve been camping for years and I’ve had many places where that “6th sense” kicked in and I’ve moved on. If it kicked in, I don’t hesitant.

[@me-yy9zz]

Here's my take on camping today. I am 80 years old. I started camping as a young teenager and did so many times up until my mid 60's. Kids grew up and I started different interests so I haven't camped for a long time. I done both boondocking and in camp sites. Today, with society as it is I would not feel safe camping anywhere or in any mode. There are too many people looking to take advantage of others stealing for drug money or just plain harm. I always carried a gun everytime I went camping and never in all those years did I ever need it to tackle a problem, today, I would fear for my life while I'm asleep in my tent or camper gun or no gun. Sorry, but the world has gone bananas..................

[@jeffk464]

Statistically things were safest probably 1990-2005 we like to look at the good old days but the 70's and 80's had crazy high violent crime rates.

[@kolsen6330]

@@jeffk464 Yes, but the crazy ones stayed out of the back country.

[@denisestarr2314]

I'm glad I'm not as paranoid and scared as you . Stay home . Makes camping safe for otheres .

[@kolsen6330]

@@denisestarr2314 Guess you havnt spent much time alone in the back country lately. Between meth heads and thieves, the bears are the least of the problem. Just keep staying at KOA and you will be fine.

[@leecowell8165]

@@kolsen6330 Pricey. You gotta be rich to travel with those IF you can find a spot in them nowadays at all. Last time we "camped" they were about $14/night along i95 I cannot even imagine what the cost of those are nowadays cheaper to stay in a motel6.

[@diana3599]

Anyone traveling around should remember it was a maintenance worker at Yosemite that committed 3 heinous murders years ago. Even being among many does not guarantee your safety. Thanks for your tips.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for commenting Diana. Good point.

[@loub8294]

@Sma 556 Amen!

[@randyneilson7465]

So true, I remember that. Horrific

[@nohomenomad1427]

Good point.

[@expressivepets1]

OMG!

[@mixflip]

Just be prepared no matter where you go. I camp with firearms. I have come across mentally unstable people while camping. People forget...loners who hate people often live in remote places. People problems are not common but very much a possibility.

[@joanies6778]

Yeah, saw a video yesterday where some weirdo broke into the front of a guy's truck and got into his food while he camped in a tent in the truck bed. He yells at the guy to "get out" and the intruder tries to get into the back of his buddy's truck next to him. It was a very cold night and the fool was bleeding, just seemed to come out of nowhere. They chased him off and called the cops. When the police showed up, he was trying to break into a school bus up the road. The cops got there fast and apprehended the guy. They had no idea how he got out there... no shoes, bleeding. The YTer even opened his truck and you could see the blood on the floor. SCARY!

[@MikeWillyZillo]

Personally, I think if you go camping these days, firearms would be at the top of the list of things to bring! With open borders and police being unavailable or unable to help and with a government that cares nothing about American's safety whatsoever, personal protection is up to each individual! My advice is stay aware and stay armed!

[@mixflip]

@@MikeWillyZillo agree 100%.

[@RVingwithG]

I followed a reporter and off duty officer around for a week, and they both said that it is better to have NO LIGHTS on OUTSIDE your home for the thieves to SEE what you have... If the light is on they can inventory what you have and come back later with a bigger truck and friends and take more. Also if the thief has to use a flashlight to see around your home/campsite, YOU CAN SEE THEM doing that. I put one of these (2 part) motion detectors around my camp about 100 feet up the incoming road. I keep the speaker inside the RV and senor up the road. I have time to get up and get my ;) (wink) Bear spray and see what's going on. I have a small motion detector around my bike to scare off the cats and dogs from peeing on it too.

[@pwb0511]

I’d rather have protection and never need it than need it and don’t have it! That’s code lol

[@archie764]

I camp with Grizzly bears I always bring a slower friend

[@gonagain]

LOL! I haven't been eaten yet, but it's been close a couple of times. You might enjoy this video I did last Spring: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3LEmH-slJ6tla8

[@reempire888]

Hahaha omg

[@svongsa]

Archie 😂😂😂 good one!

[@justlivelovelaughfrugally]

😂😂

[@RogerMorris-gk1zl]

sage advice

[@xnakxx]

It seems like Linda is more and more comfortable speaking and chiming in the more I watch. It may just be me but man she sure does have a lot of good things to add. Love the videos and the information.

[@gonagain]

Linda and I we're talking about that yesterday and you're right, she's feeling more comfortable in front of a camera. Thanks for watching Jason!

[@anamericaninamericavotesblue]

@@gonagain I love how you give her space to talk and are happy for her input. The respect and tenderness you show her is heartwarming. Her laughter is heartwarming.

[@maureendry3916]

My favorite couple to follow on KZbin.

[@terrymoline8260]

Put a sign up that says ammo is very expensive and so a warning shot wont be fired.

[@jonschmitz7189]

I see your point but isn’t that inviting trouble or triggering a challenge? I don’t really know. Maybe it just says your not an easy target

[@carlerickson74]

It’s also a sign maybe that says if we’re not around the camper, break in and steal our firearms!

[@sheilasmith-boring7439]

better yet have a sign that says.....we dont dial 911. my neighbor but that up and i giggled all the way home

[@timothywilson1493]

KEEP OUT…this is your only warning sign.

[@dianabalto]

If we let fear rule out lives, we are missing out. I agree use you six sense and have a plan to protect yourself when camping..

[@cametientaucoeur]

We use to primitive tent camp in AZ 40 yrs. ago. Walking a fire road we encountered 2 bad men in their ancient truck. My husband, ex army, saw them reaching for their guns. He had his backpack with 357 magnum off & ready, as I froze. They left saying we know where you are camped sleep tight. We moved to campground. We had that size gun for hiking in Grizzly country. Also my 6th sense saved me several times working alone, as a public health RN, in 5 states. Stay safe.

[@msgus55]

wow!!

[@noworriesmate8287]

Always camp with friends. Smith & Wesson are always with me!

[@gonagain]

Good choice of friends. Thank you for watching!

[@tomcatt1824]

Trust Mr Glock

[@Blogengezer]

Canada, border crossing for RVers, is a 'Disarmed and Safe'.... utopian fallacy... Searches of RVs are intense btw.

[@EKEACRES]

I camp alone in wilderness, isolated areas. I used to build homemade Teardrop campers, but now I Van camp for one reason. I want to be able to get behind the wheel of my van if I have to in the night, versus exiting a camper and have to be outside to get to my tow vehicle. I don't do that anymore.

[@Suuegrl]

I camp alone a lot n the wilderness. Bring dog, and go armed.

[@sexyladyakb]

Suuegrl what city are you in? I’m in Houston and need camp friends lol

[@johnnyhalf6558]

Suue gril"I don't leave home without it !

[@MrMriggy11]

@@mbdamnit haha I was about to comment the same thing!!! 2 rotties a loaded 12 gauge and a 1911 can be easily best friends!!

[@lynnwillis4332]

I bring 2 dogs and 2 arms.

[@slackleashdogtraining3598]

from age 14-54 I camped often; by myself with my dog. We were snowed in on three different occasions, once to the point of rationing food, and loosing 18 lbs. Being in the field was like being at home with the window open. So many adventures and opportunities to grow, to observe, adapt and overcome, as some of you say. A client of mine is a wildlife conservation officer and he patrols BLM land. He has to carry a fully automatic short barrel AR pattern rifle that he says he’s used quite a bit happening upon smugglers, labs, and people that don’t want to be found. My adventures now don’t include backpacking, but never say never right? Due to an experimental radio license… I can use short wave radio to transmit.

[@smokint2649]

Great tips! Always trust your gut instincts.

[@gonagain]

You bet! Thanks for watching SmokinT.

[@scaldedfrog917]

Yep, I agree. hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Happy campers.

[@gonagain]

That's a good way to put it. Thanks scalded frog!

[@BulletSpoung]

We bought a new 35' RV and before we ever left on our first trip I spent two weeks building a hiding place for a Mossberg 590, two Glock handguns and ammo. I needed to pull a large portion of the RV apart to do this but it worked out great. I made a 16ga. SS box and mounted it onto existing bolts on the slides with the guns held in place with very strong magnets. It was built into the bottom of our slide-out and was only accessible from outside with the slide extended. I kept my handgun on me at all times and my wife kept hers handy. We rarely ever stayed in a campground or anyplace that had other people, one thing nice about being self-contained is that you can just keep on rolling if needed. I also added two 30" long battery trays under the RV on the frame rails to hold four more deep cycle batters for a total of six. We were always hunting for good hiding spots just like you, out away from city's, interstates and people. The longest that I can remember staying in one spot was three nights. One thing we learned quickly was to only interact with people who had nice well-kept rigs. If they were persnickety about things we were good to go.

[@DontStopBrent]

I like your delivery. I trust you. You’re common sense. You’ve thought through your opinions. I also like the fact that you’re both thinking the same, simultaneously. You didn’t waste my time with nonsense. Concise and to the point. No idea how you’d make it better. I give you a ten.

[@gonagain]

That's a nice compliment, thank you.

[@ValerieTrucksa]

Good advice. I camp and travel by myself sometimes. I have two dogs with me and always keep aware of my surroundings. Knowing I have something to defend myself helps psychologically. Always believe your sixth sense!😊

[@davidlang4442]

I camp with my 2 lb apple head chihuahua. I feel safe.

[@davidbarts6144]

I've camped alone in remote areas and never felt afraid. There's so much fear of becoming the victim of a violent crime even though the chances for most of becoming one are quite remote. Most murder victims knew their killers. (Domestic violence and gang warfare explain a huge number of murders.) Such it has always been; even the worst towns in the Wild West era were actually quite safe places to live in; their astronomically high murder rates were due to gunslingers fighting each other. If you weren't part of gunslinger culture, you were just part of the scenery to that crowd. (Yes, occasionally bystanders _do_ get shot, but it's rare.) If you want to worry about danger, worry about mitigating the danger from traffic crashes. They kill far more people than criminals do, and if you're an RVer you drive a lot.

[@44Dell]

As a Full timer I was aware of many of the topics and concerns you covered. However, we all get a little too comfortable in our past experiences so its important we get a reminder from time to time.

[@gonagain]

"Too comfortable" is a good way to put it I think.

[@drillsergeant5338]

Thanks for the tip on the motion alarm devices. Makes sense.

[@davidfromtexas9681]

Really great advice. I never go out camping in the wilderness, even in our RV, without my trusty old 1911.

[@gonagain]

I love my 1911. Thanks for watching David.

[@jimrees1778]

You guys seem like a great couple, and I really enjoyed your video. Stay safe out there !

[@gonagain]

Thanks Jim!

[@NewtonWashinton]

At my home or on the road i always feel safe, because i am prepared. Life is not a fluffy pink world

[@gonagain]

You got that right. Just being aware at all times is the key I think.

[@josh3326]

Don’t say that! It is too! When I get home from A crappy day at work in the city, I sit back and turn on the Disney channel.

[@joebailey3007]

I keep a small friend in my pocket and his big buddy in my camper

[@heuristicnepenthean7727]

lol

[@tomcatt1824]

A midget and a bigger midget 👍LOL👍

[@TomTomTom87]

your pecker?!

[@sjordan7085]

And, I don't think you're talking about heaters...LOL

[@audigit]

I thank you for two things, being trusting, and being prepared. Thanks. Awesome.

[@gonagain]

Thanks James.

[@chiefonelung3416]

Great advice. I am 70 years old and I travel and Camp alone. I do have two really old small dogs that are beginning to be deaf and are no protection in alerting me of an intruder or someone around my camp. I pull a small 13 foot fiberglass camper. I camped all over the Southwest in 2017. This winter I'm staying home in East Tennessee. Thanks for the information on the motion sensor alarms. I will certainly check into that. I have never at any time been afraid or have someone threatening me. I do also keep an extra pair of boots sitting outside the camper. I wear a size 12 and I bought a size 18 used pair at a thrift store. I always put out two chairs and have the boots sitting close to the camper door under the awning. At least someone walking up would think there's really two big damn dudes there. I also packed some heat. Thanks for the information I just subscribed to your channel. I hope to catch up and watch some more. Have fun and be safe out there.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for taking the time to write Chiefonelung! That cracks me up about the oversize boots. Thank you for subscribing!

[@bondee5865]

Good ideas!

[@sharilynn3024]

This is an EXCELLENT video. Especially for women who want to camp by themselves!!

[@gonagain]

I have two daughters and four grand daughters, so when I do my videos it's always with you ladies in mind. Thank you Shari.

[@larryamos6214]

Watched your video from a remote camp with no one else aroundfor the past week. I camp about 8 months out of year and find a 10mm Glock a comforting companion, man or beast.

[@gonagain]

My Glock 20 is also what I carry in bear country. Good choice. 8 months a year? I envy you!

[@bobbydaniel3787]

Amen

[@philbiagi721]

It's always good to have your friends along, to help you stay safe, no telling what kind of critters you can run into while minding your own business.

[@adambatchelder4121]

Always be prepared, dont slack off on what you carry for protection just because you are not camping most trouble will hit at the gas station or last minute run to the store.

[@NaomiSims-w5g]

I like the sensor sound alarm, sensor lights, & cameras.

[@mommaMcDoogle]

Good advice and I LOVE the bloopers at the end!!!

[@leroyjarvis5617]

There are many places still in this country that people feel safe leaving their doors unlocked, that doesn't make them fools. Some have a dog and some are maybe lite sleepers. I will agree though it's getting more dangerous no matter where you live. I have a boxer that lets me know immediately if something is moving outside my rural home. Good video

[@bondee5865]

Low tech, and loyal. Even the Whitehouse uses guard dogs.

[@michaelciceraro7707]

I'm in my 60's, I don't camp alone. I take my buddies Mr Smith and Mr Wesson along with me. I'm such good buddies with these guys I carry them with me every where I go. Even while I'm fishing. Isn't it sad to have to do this.

[@justmona9647]

It was great advice especially for those who worry too much. Pointing your vehicle to get out is a great idea! When you said indiscreet and Linda started laughing my mind headed straight to the gutter😂

[@gonagain]

I knew something was wrong by the look on her face. Lol!

[@Pickitout]

You are always safe with a good blaster by your side.

[@richardowens9061]

When remote camping or Rving, always make sure you have a well-equipped first aid kit! Be prepared to stop bleeding and suture or staple wounds. It would be really terrible to die from something as simple as a cut that you couldn't stop the bleeding and you were too far away for anyone else to help you in time.

[@Blogengezer]

Tampons for plugging holes and sanitary pads for the compression bandage. Middle East lessons.

[@robertmoore3762]

I so appreciate your post and have shared it. Somehow I perceive that remote and Rural camp-sites will become one of the easiest places for perpetrators to target. Good Job Folk's !!!

[@steventhomas3225]

Great comments for what to look for and what to watch out for for finding a great place to camp out, and for what to avoid. Thought I was pretty good with my judgement decisions, but not so schooled for those experiences on the road and in remote locations. Thanks for your info. 👍

[@jessew-j2c]

I always carry a sidearm when out in the woods. Anything comes messing around It's nice to know that I have 16 rounds of big 10mm ready to go!

[@dandog7653]

"News now days, you shouldn't be watching anyways!". Lots of very good advice here, but the last line held the most wisdom.

[@freetoroam7769]

I agree with your assessment 100%. Most of my camping is boondocking, and I will always look for a location where it's difficult or impossible for somebody else to camp anywhere near me. Just have had too many experiences with bad (American) camping neighbors. I've had good experiences in expensive pay campgrounds because the undesirables (I'm filtering my words) tend to not go to those locations. Problem is, I prefer the serenity of the isolated locations, so will continue seeking those out.

[@mikestevens2053]

From our perspective of extended van camping travels I can say this video contains a lot of wisdom and truth. The basic principles in the video should help people avoid 90% of all safety/security problems on the road. It really boils down to not making oneself an easy or attractive target.

[@yourcaseworker6916]

I recommend a thermal imaging device as well as a motion detection alarm... FLIR TK scope is perfect for camping security with the ability to see a heat signature clearly out 90 yards in the pitch of black.

[@nearlynormal2293]

Your comment about being discrete and trying to hide your campsite is the best trick I've found to avoid being disturbed. It's also a good idea to park your vehicle so the reflectors won't show up in someone's headlights.

[@gonagain]

That's a very good tip! It's hard to think outside the box and come up with something new like that, but I like it!

[@neversharpenuff9274]

I agree with having a small toolkit, but I wouldn't go where a towtruck couldn't reach. Now screwdrivers and a couple pliers can do quite a bit, but sometimes you need the one specialty tool out of the entire garage, or a better mechanic.

[@gonagain]

I make it a rule to turn around when it gets too far to realistically walk out. Breakdowns happen. Thanks for watching never sharpenough!

[@JohnSmith-cx7zt]

I am a full timer 14 years. Clean neat places for boondocking are the safest.. I agree with your assessments .

[@retiresoon5639]

It would be very unsafe for anyone wanting to bother me.

[@williammccaslin8527]

Oh I agree, I would be in the same boat

[@loub8294]

Amen!

[@michaelrees5563]

Really like your videos, down to earth, I'm 75 and as the guy said I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two. Safe travels and keep smiling my friends.

[@gonagain]

Thank you very much for watching and for your kind comment Michael!

[@shredders3881]

I just got an idea to bring caution tape, to establish MY area for the night. That makes it a little less ambiguous as to what "MY" area is. It seems that not clearly establishing the boundaries would tend to invite unwanted visitors.

[@texasnative4803]

Shredders - Crime scene tape might deter someone too 😂😂 LOL

[@vamingxiong4376]

Be safe guys and yes always carry probably more than needed.

[@wkndwarrior8935]

Great idea never thought about motion detector I have the lights but no sound /and always carry that ppd/happy trails

[@alansach8437]

I have been camping in every form, from backpacking, car camping, tent camping and RV camping, front and back country, campgrounds and boondocks and Walmart parking lots since I was in my early twenties (over fifty years). I have never had a single incident, which I cannot say about just about any other activity I have ever been involved with!

[@HyperJoe]

I'm an older Camping Enthusiast Myself, I drive a Jeep and Camp alone most the time, I usually Camp way out and personally, I think it's all about Situational Awareness at all times, plus I believe in self Protection, I have a Concealed Carry Permit so I carry a 45/410 in My Boot and 9mm on My Hip. It's a good deterrent. I like the Tip on the type of Rubbish, good Call as it does tell a lot about what actually goes on in an area. Great Video and stay Safe out there! :)

[@gonagain]

Thanks for sharing Hyper Joe!

[@Arculus192]

I definitely refined my attitude towards boon docking after the Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky story. I always carry my 870 tactical and buckshot.

[@MacQ1955]

A .357 mag. on my person and a 12 gauge in the camper. I feel safe.

[@michaelmoore2802]

Perfect

[@debbiebaker291]

fantastic advice... thank you. I totally agree about being able to move out quickly in the event of trouble...

[@428steve]

Having a weapon on your belt is the way to go, and of course a dog to act as an alarm. I've had 4 instances in NM and Colorado but the interlopers recognized that I was armed. And on each occasion I was well out in the backcountry where you don't expect much.

[@gonagain]

It did give you peace of mind. The thing I noticed when I started carrying (48 years ago) is that it made me more aware off my surroundings than I was beforehand. I didn't want to have to use it if at all possible. Thanks for watching 428steve.

[@Blogengezer]

James, retired US Navy and Michelle Butler from New Hampshire, camped in their trailer on the beach near Corpus Christi Texas. Their RV was discovered in Mexico and their bodies were buried in the sand of the beach. Oct 2019

[@charlesrainey6830]

Not worried. Got a shot gun, pistol. As retired military and law enforcement I don't leave home without them. God bless

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

Great advice, and food for thought thank you .

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching!

[@TM-lw8wn]

200 pounds of dog and 240 grains of lead always make me feel safe when out in the boonies.

[@georgewashington938]

get that dog on a diet!

[@TM-lw8wn]

@@georgewashington938 shhh....it's 5 dogs.

[@georgewashington938]

@@TM-lw8wn ahh - that makes s difference! I assume the 240 grain is for a 45 ACP. That will work.

[@AlaskaErik]

60,000 people is a small town?! In Alaska that would be the second largest city.

[@sandersjones1577]

Thank you for the heads up. Y’all be safe out there.

[@gonagain]

Thank you! Will do!

[@NateWilburn1]

Google "Mossberg 590 Shockwave". They come in 12, 20, and .410 gauge.

[@gonagain]

That looks rather handy.

[@gregoryadkins2213]

Nate Wilburn To cumbersome to carry around in the campground or hike,A handgun is much more important.Caliber style or handgun style is ones choice.But I will have my Remington 870 nearby in camp.

[@NateWilburn1]

Greg, around here on the Rocky Mountain Front, we have these guys known as grizzly bears. A .44 Magnum or .454 Casull handgun would be adequate, hopefully, to dissuade Yogi and Boo Boo. I'm a pretty good sized guy so packing that Mossberg isn't really much of a problem for me. Just a tip, if you use 3" magnum .12 gauge shells, wear some kind of protective gloves, like Mechanix brand. It will rattle your cage and the sliding safety button has been known to jump back and open up the web between the thumb and trigger finger. I found that out the hard way. If you only have to worry about two-legged bad guys, a 9mm, .40, .45 ACP, or .357 Magnum will do just fine.

[@TheReslers]

I think you tip about looking at the trash is a really good point. If it’s full of beer cans you know it’s a local party spot and it will NOT be a quiet weekend.

[@MotoCampAdv]

I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6

[@VoklstWestie]

Screenshot that! Thnx

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Facts

[@antoniomartin2229]

Sunshine Moto “God made man but Sam Colt made men equal”

[@seamus-xi7hz]

@@antoniomartin2229 More interesting when everyone is armed; changes the perspective when the opponent is shooting back in your direction ??

[@loub8294]

Amen!

[@freeshrugs63]

You're a nice couple. I can see the respect for each other. Hope it's real!!! And that youre out there having fun. I think we do have to follow our "sixth sense" and also i have camped by myself all over the western US, in parking lots, campgrounds, and alone in the woods. No dog, no gun. No incidents.

[@Serf_dumb]

Watch the local news to realize that unless you're boondocking in a major city, you'll be infinitely safer.

[@DronesForGodsGlory]

Hey thanks for the great tips my new friends...i always move on if theres a ton of empty beer cans layin around in a campsite as that surely means someone was or is around who just doesnt care about nobody but their self...and probably drunk as well... always seems to be trouble when folks put them spirits inside themselves :( thanks again for the spot on tips and i pray God may bless your paths...

[@enriquelaroche5370]

I have a protection trained Police dog, Malinois we don't get any surprise visitors. Time to aim carefully

[@julianavanhorn]

You two are great! I just found you and I really enjoyed this video on safety. Take care and have a great time out there.

[@gonagain]

Thank you! Will do!

[@brucemulvey9948]

My AK-47 would be among the items I’d bring to protect me. The 6 inches between my ears are the most important defense that id have.

[@phillipmorris1334]

hello from the Ozarks!! great advice! Grace be with you!

[@kylerichards4723]

I sleep in my toy hauler bed like I sleep in my bed at home.....870 express with 3" slugs and a .40 s&w under my pillow.

[@gonagain]

I think that's called "safety in numbers", lol! Thanks for watching Kyle!

[@kylerichards4723]

@@gonagain thanks for making that video. I've never not once payed any attention to how much garbage is around. Ha I'll hafto gander next time I'm pulling into a spot👍

[@lukequixere7235]

A man after my own heart! Can't go wrong with an 870 and a good handgun.

[@hvacmike1175]

Kyle Richards not under your pillow sir should be mid thigh on your dominate side.

[@faithrada]

This is why I prefer a travel van to a trailer unit... you dont have to leave your dwelling... just jump in the driver's seat. Always park facing out... good advice.

[@nameredacted7955]

True, park facing out until someone blocks you in with another vehicle......then you have a big decision to make at that point.......

[@faithrada]

@@nameredacted7955... Indeed... always be Situationally Aware. Plus... "Trust your gut". One time... for no *Apparent* reason... my 'spidey senses' went off... big time. It made no sense BUT it just felt right to move on. Better safe than sorry.

[@ianhillman4007]

Great tips and advice. We're planning a trip your way next year from Canada. What can you tell me about these BLM's ? Is there some way of learning these locations? Thanks 🇨🇦👍🏻🍻

[@gonagain]

BLM stands for Bureau Of Land Management and is our public land here in the U.S. along with our National Forests. It's mostly in the western states with some states, like Nevada, being mostly comprised of BLM land. There are campgrounds, but most people prefer to just camp in out-of-the-way spots for free. Here's more info for you: www.blm.gov/maps Thanks for watching Ian!

[@ianhillman4007]

Gonagain Thank you so much for your reply and information. My wife and I purchased a roof top tent that I mounted above the bed of my pickup truck. We are planning a three month adventure across the states next summer then pop back into Canada to visit our kids then into the Maritimes, back into the eastern states and work our way home. Happy trails to you and your wife. Be safe. Cheers 🍻

[@SilverGorilla1776]

Great advice from folks who’ve been there. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us. Safe travels!

[@john-kp2uv]

my wife and I are both armed when we are traveling and RVing.

[@Blogengezer]

Gary and LInda Haas from Oklahoma, stopped in rest area on I-40 near Santa Rosa NM 8-14-2010. Both were CCW certified, but, possibly unsure of state laws while on trip to Colorado, had left their weapons in the RV trailer. John Mcklusky and friends, escaped from Arizona prison, caught them unarmed. Their bodies were discovered inside their burned to the ground RV trailer near Santa Rosa NM.

[@nameredacted7955]

@@Blogengezer I carry, concealed wherever I go, I reserve the right to defend myself and my family with any force necessary, including deadly , that is at at my disposal regardless of any state, federal, county or city laws that restrict me from doing so. In my opinion if you are unsure that you might violate some 'feel good' Colorado law that is not a help to you in protecting your freedoms, press on with your concealed carry, unless you are the type that attracts law enforcement scrutiny for some reason, you'll be fine and no one will know if you have a weapon. Laws that restrict your freedom are not laws, but chains and should be thrown off.

[@georgewashington938]

a dog (even a small one can be a good alarm), motion sensor light, handgun, pepper spray, trail camera are all good things to consider using

[@WestCoastRoller]

The bloopers were great at the end! LOL🤣 I disagree with a lot of the negative videos going around the tubes regarding camping safety. I've never experienced a problem. Had a few questionable occurrences. I guess everyones intuition is different. I rely on mine all the time! If I don't feel comfortable somewhere I don't camp there. I have said next a couple times in the free camping areas. I do think that you have to have a plan for the worst. Carry a firearm. Airhorn. Bear spray. Educate yourself on how to use them. There are no guarantees in life. Just saying. If you can't accept that than hire a bodyguard and hope they are nearby when you need them!

[@gonagain]

Good points West Coast Roller. You should know. Also, there's things that a trucker needs to think about, like someone trying to hijack your load.

[@darthvaderlxxi1233]

Good and well thought-out video. Things are not very much of a problem, but a lot more of concern than when I started boondocking back in the early 70's. Even back then, I carried personal protection and it got me out of a jam a few times. One thing I learned, was to stay away from creek beds. Sending the Day digging out of a pool of quicksand taught me not to use creek beds as a means of access. Flash floods were also a big danger. I was parked above a creek bed in Big Bend, when I noticed some lightning in the distant mountains. I went on hiking up the dry bed when I noticed some water beginning to come down. I decided,luckily, to return to my vehicle. As I drove away, a wall of mud and boulders came roaring down the creek, and where my vehicle had been parked was a churning mass of boulders and gravel, mixed with water to the consistency of freshly mixed concrete. Be warned, stay away, or you may not ever find your vehicle, or if you do, what's left may not be worth recovering.

[@gonagain]

This is really good advice for all who read it! Even the desert can drown you if you camp in a wash. Thank you Darth Vader LXXI.

[@darthvaderlxxi1233]

You are very welcome. Luckily, I used my 6th sense that warned me something was afoot. Those of us who are not so situational aware might not fare so well. The good thing about these videos is that we can share our experiences. One was rather funny. We were camped at Moon Lake in Utah, before the campground had opened for the season. The Host had stopped by earlier and given us his blessing to stay. It was early in the evening but quite dark, when a couple of vehicles pulled-up nearby. A group of Native Americans had come up from the nearby Reservation to have some fun with the White Eyes camped there. They were obviously drinking and having a hoot of a good time. I calmly walked over to my camper, grabbed a couple of bandoliers of loaded magazines for my assault rifle along with a couple of cans of ammunition. I calmly walked back to the campfire, making sure they saw what was possible. Suddenly car doors began to slam and they sped off. They are probably talking about it to this Day. They were just having fun, but so was I. We had a good laugh about it later

[@gonagain]

@@darthvaderlxxi1233 We''ve had to do that twice, but neither time while camping. Both times were while traveling with our sailboat.

[@darthvaderlxxi1233]

Sometimes, having Loki along for the ride, saves a lot of angst.

[@CITAP1]

Try a game camera. I know a guy who sets up three or four when he camps. Bear spray is good. An Idaho enhanced or advanced concealed carry license is good in I think 35 states. Concealed carry licenses should be honored wherever you travel in the US. You can always push the panic button on your car alarm and the noise will usually scare whoever away.

[@gonagain]

Coincidentally, we just bought two game cams, just for fun to see what's prowling around. One of our favorite things to do is to check out the scat and tracks in whatever area we're in and try to identify the animal that made them. Because we "carry" we're comfortable camping almost anywhere, but I think some folks aren't at ease with that and would feel better camping in places with like minded people around. Like you, I wish they'd get that reciprocity bill passed! Thanks for watching CITAP1!

[@JM-gk7we]

Hilarious! My wife overheard me listening to your video here and said if only they knew how familiar we are with that, from campsites, to towns, to cities, and even some states we've left because the feeling wasn't right. Oh so funny. Great info, thanks !

[@gonagain]

Thanks JM! Some places just don't feel right.

[@robfninh]

Where I live homeowners are armed to protect home and family. Seems like this is the way to go on travel also?

[@gonagain]

Exactly Rob. Treat it the same as being at home. Each state has it's own laws governing armed self defense, but it's not hard to figure out. We use an app called "CCW" and find it easy to navigate. We avoid states that don't let us protect ourselves and spend our money elsewhere.

[@robfninh]

@@gonagain I have never heard of this but it should be put out there in the RV community. It is tricky....

[@sjordan7085]

After a home invasion, the sheriff told me to take personal protection with me, because there are 'some bad people out there.' it is true, not everyone is a good person, even someone one thought they had known for twenty years can prove one wrong. My great-uncle who was a soldier in the Crimea War, used to say, "Trust no man, suspect everyone!" Of course, I wasn't born long enough ago to ever hear him say that...LOL, but he had a point!

[@robertrhoades983]

In AZ I've found that if I go to an area and there are lots of beer bottles n empty shell casings I avoid that area.

[@davidkilby1043]

I live in an RV park in rural Oregon. Although it is a safe area, I always have access to my weapons. Better safe than sorry

[@gonagain]

Yeah David, we're responsible for our own safety. 911 doesn't work for break-ins and attacks, unless you're calling an ambulance for the other guy.

[@vincentgagnon6224]

i like the way they get along. they seems in love

[@tronkleds1209]

I would be more scared of robbery in a KOA. Then a secluded camping spot. And if you are unsure and scares pack a side arm.

[@stuartstuart866]

Years ago, my wife and I boondocked by the Kern river. My wife got spooked by unexplained noises at night, and she wasn’t able to get back to sleep. Since then, we have only camped at established campgrounds with other people. In the meantime, I’ve secured several self defense “implements” so I’m hopeful to try boondocking again and see how things go.

[@gonagain]

We just spent a night in a county fairground parking lot (out of necessity) and expected the Sherriff to wake us up in the middle of the night to have us move. I'd rather be boondocking and I hope you get out there and try it again.

[@jasonkuck8192]

A lot of people talking about how they have guns, which I am not against, but if you whip out your gun, you better plan on using it. In other words, don't be whipping out your gun over the slightest thing. You can escalate things by whipping out your gun.

[@loganandthehobo]

This is sage advice right here. Thank you for the wisdom, I think a lot of people don’t think about this.

[@curtissharris8914]

@@loganandthehobo Not only that know use of force legalities in and out. It's amazing how what you think is a clear cut thing gets twisted around into something that can come back and bite you.

[@kolsen6330]

Dad was a Wa State Trooper. He taught me that you never point a gun at a man unless you were going to shoot him and that if you shoot a man you are meaning to kill him. A gun is a tremendous responsibility, life and death in your hand, and should never be treated as a magic wand to wave in the air to solve a problem. Even if you are armed, even if you are in the right, its better to turn and run, if you can do it safely, than shoot another man.

[@welfarepolice4761]

Shut up jason

[@freedomrider266]

More people die by their own gun used against them, so many on here are "cowboy" types that love to front.

[@dadcochran852]

98% of the camping I've done was within an hour of home and is mostly in state parks with game wardens that patrol. Now that the kids are adults, still living at home but going to school at local college wife and I may start venturing out. And the idea of a cargo trailer is very appealing for the simple fact that it can be cleared out and used as a cargo trailer.

[@marketshare5273]

Don’t think I’ll be putting the motion detector around my rig want to get a good nights sleep, Placed trail cams outside several times and every time I captured on video either coyotes, skunks, bear, elk, and a mountain lion The worst of all a raccoon scratched on my door like I was gonna let him in. 380 LCP and I get a good nights sleep. 👊👍😎

[@danielkinney8166]

Had a black bear 10 feet from my hammock one night near Lake Michigan. 44 magnum always close.

[@gonagain]

Yeah. That's a little close!!! Great caliber.

[@gonagain]

I ordered a pair of those motion detector/alarms and we'll give a report on how they do. I'm thinking of putting them on the trailer, one on either side. We had that experience of being woke up by something pushing the trailer hard and thought the tracks looked like mountain lion. Weird.

[@danielkinney8166]

It's odd sleeping in my hammock in a tree I never thought twice about something getting to me, now in my little cargo trailer every noise puts me on alert.

[@gonagain]

@@danielkinney8166 maybe it's because you're inside and can't see what's out there as readily.

[@randyneilson7465]

Good to hear many folk are "self protected". That insures a lot of mutual respect out there.

[@gonagain]

Seems to work in states like ours, folks are mostly polite.

[@flingmonkey5494]

Everyone knows that all RVers have guns in their rigs, so it is dangerous to threaten them. I like that, because if everyone knows that, then I don't need to have a gun. :)