How to Make Your RV More Secure: Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe (2025)

Deep in the desert of Arizona, I had a spooky boondocking experience—so I put together this guide to RV security tips so you can stay safe.

We pulled off of the highway and onto a narrow dirt road in Somewhere (or Nowhere), Arizona. The sun had already set and the sky was darkening rapidly. A half-mile of washboard track later, we passed a Bureau of Land Management sign. That’s good, I thought. This is public land, after all. I was starting to feel spooked at the thought of arriving at a remote campsite at dusk, with little time to survey my surroundings. Nonetheless, we kept driving. We were tired.

A few other vehicles were already parked up in pull-outs along the road. We bumbled along, eventually coming to a nice, flat clearing. The only problem: Three large zipped-up event tents stood around the clearing.

Weird. My husband went to check out the tents to make sure no one was lurking. The first contained stacked bins of what appeared to be party supplies: paper towels, plastic cutlery, Solo cups. The next had folding chairs around a plastic table. The other was empty save a lone hammer on the ground.

Weirder. Still, we sensed no real threat. So we settled into bed. Less than half an hour passed when someone shone a flashlight into our van, and a few moments later, a convoy of SUVs pulled up. We made quick work to get out of there, luckily without any incident.

Camping is generally a super-safe activity, and most people in the community are friendly, kind, and honest. But oddities do occur, and with the freedom of RVing comes the responsibility of keeping yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings safe while on the road. Whether you're boondocking or in a busy RV park, security should always be a top priority.

RV experts at GoRVing, part of the RV Industry Association, contributed expertise to this article.

How to Keep Yourself Safe in Your RV

Simple tricks, like placing surveillance stickers on your rig, can deter potential criminals from messing with you or your RV. Photo by Amanda Capritto.

Trust Your Intuition

First things first: Trust your gut. Always. My husband and I broke that cardinal rule in the desert, and it didn’t take but a few minutes for my intuition to prove itself right. Never stay in a campsite where something feels off, even if you can’t put your finger on what’s not right.

Arrive at Your Spot Before Dark

Try to get to camp before dark, so you have time to survey the surroundings and take stock of the people and/or wildlife nearby. When you arrive in the dark, you don’t have the opportunity to get ahead of potential threats.

Maintain Emergency Supplies

As Nate and Christian Axxness of ProjectTrek put it, “Don’t be caught without something you really need. Pack emergency items such as a first aid kit, emergency blanket(s), tools, spare tires, extra fuel, paper maps, satellite communicator, etc. You may never use these things, but if you need them, you’ll sure be glad you packed them.”

Additionally, “Always know your GPS coordinates in case you need to call 911,” the Axnesses say. “It’s also a good idea to share those coordinates with someone you trust and communicate with often. Lastly, be sure you know where the closest emergency room is.”

Lock Doors and Windows At Night

This goes without saying, but even at remote boondocking sites, lock all entrances to your RV. Even if you’re far, far away from the nearest humans, wildlife could enter your RV if doors are unsecured. Yes, bears are known to open car doors.

Install Automatic Exterior Lighting

Motion-activated lighting is standard practice in traditional residences, so why not on your RV or van? Installing motion-sensor lights around your RV can help deter intruders. These lights will automatically turn on when they detect movement, making it difficult for anyone to approach unnoticed.

Place Surveillance Stickers Around Your Rig

Secret’s out: Even if you don’t have surveillance on your RV, you can still buy stickers that say you do. I have stickers on my van that say, “NOTICE: Vehicle Is Equipped With Audio and Video Surveillance.” This simple practice can deter criminals who are simply opportunists.

Have a Safe and Reliable Internet Setup

One of the most important aspects of staying secure on the road is having a reliable internet connection. Whether you need to check in with loved ones, monitor your surveillance system remotely, or access emergency services, a strong internet connection is essential. Portable hotspots and routers support multiple device connections and allow you to access information and services when you need them most.

How to Keep Your RV Secure When You’re Gone

Always cover your windows to prevent thieves from peering inside. This can prevent a break-in. Photo by Amanda Capritto.

Install a Security Camera System

Keeping an eye on your surroundings is crucial, especially when you're in unfamiliar territory. A surveillance system with cameras that provide real-time footage can deter potential thieves and give you a sense of security.

Invest in High-Quality Locks

The first line of defense for any RV is a good set of locks. Ensure that all doors, windows, and storage compartments have sturdy, high-quality locks. Consider upgrading to deadbolts or adding additional locking mechanisms for extra security. This includes steering wheel locks and boot locks on wheels to prevent theft of the RV in its entirety.

Put Items Away When Gone

I know, I know. It’s incredibly annoying to pack up all of your stuff when you leave your campsite and unpack it when you return. And the reality is, in most established campgrounds, you don’t need to. Theft of personal effects in that setting is unlikely. But it’s not impossible, and packing up is the only surefire way to prevent it.

Lock Up Valuables

For items that aren’t easily put away, lock them up. A strong U-lock goes a long way for bikes, scooters, grills, and other bulky belongings.

Close Window Treatments

Don’t tempt an opportunist. By putting up your window shades or drawing the curtains, you prevent a potential thief from peering in your RV and seeing something they’ve gotta have.

How to Keep Your RV (and Yourself) Safe When Driving

Follow basic safety precautions and all driving laws while on the road. Photo by Roadpass on Unsplash

Conduct a Pre-Trip Safety Check

Keep your RV maintained and serviced regularly, and double-check everything before you go. This includes all fluids, filters, hitch and tow vehicle connections, tire tread and pressure, pullouts/retractables, windshield chips and cracks, wheel lug nuts, and more. You can download TravlFi’s RV pre-trip checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Be Prepared

Kate Mullen of The Road to Adventure says it’s key to have spare parts, fuses, tire kits, etc., ready for an emergency. Additionally, “Keep call numbers handy or programmed in your phone and be prepared to advocate for the level of service you feel is required,” she says. “If you do not have a tow vehicle, consider an e-bike as a back-up or Lyft/Uber car services (depending on availability in the area) that could transport you to a safer location.”

Install a Dash Cam

For on-the-road incidents, a dash cam can save you from he-said-she-said situations and insurance hassles. With a dash cam—ideally front and rear—there’s no speculation, only facts.

Follow All Traffic Laws and Regulations

This is another point that goes without saying but is always a good reminder. Obey traffic signs, speed limits, and other regulations in the area you are traveling in. This is the best way to not only avoid incidents with other drivers but also to prevent unnecessary damage to your RV from any cause. And be sure to know your vehicle clearance and take alternate routes if necessary.

Give All Non-Driving Duties to the Passenger

When you’re driving, drive. Your passenger can be your DJ, GPS, and snack provider. If you’re traveling solo, get your route and playlist loaded before pulling out of the driveway. Keep a stash of snacks and drinks within arm’s reach, or pull over for a break.

FAQs

Keep your campsite clean and lock up valuables when away. Photo by Vladimir Haltakov on Unsplash.

How to keep my RV from being stolen?

Make it difficult for a thief to steal your RV. Invest in high-quality locks for your doors, windows, wheels, and steering wheel. Try to park in safe areas. Traveling with friends helps, too—there’s safety in numbers.

How do I protect my RV from theft?

Lock up your valuables; lock your doors and windows; close your window shades; install security cameras and motion-sensor lighting; and place stickers warning thefts of surveillance on your rig. These are my top RV security tips as far as preventing theft.

Are RVs safe to live in?

Generally, yes, it is safe to live in an RV. As a full-time RV-er, I would argue that I feel much safer living in my van than I ever did living in a busy city, and even in some suburbs. I tend to boondock, so my greatest threats are typically wildlife. But in campgrounds, there is often some kind of security presence; plus, RVers are some of the kindest people I have ever met. The community is strong and helpful!

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Article By: Amanda Capritto

Amanda Capritto is a fitness and outdoors journalist who travels full-time in a Winnebago camper van. Her work has appeared in national and global outlets like Lonely Planet, Reader's Digest, CleverHiker, CNET, and more.