Camping in remote areas can be one of the best times of your life - under the stars, in nature, away from the cities and the hustle bustle.

In recent years, however, there has been an increase in the need for safety when in the wilderness. While crime is still primarily in the cities, being prepared in the wilderness is still essential.

- Security in numbers

Sticking to campgrounds and park camping areas is a way to ensure better security. With other people around, you'll be less likely to have a security issue.

That being said, it is still important to keep your items secure when camping - having more people around can lead to a small increase in petty activity.

In the larger wilderness, travel in groups if you can. You don't have to be camping right over each other, and can still have a safety factor by having neighbors around.

- Be conscious of what your accommodation can protect

Motorhome campers give much better protection for your articles than a tent. Leaving articles around in an unsecured location can lead to potential theft. If you don't have a place you can secure them, look to leave valuables in a vehicle.

- Camp before daylight ends

This allows you to properly set up, as well gauge your surroundings

Is there a farmhouse nearby you could run to for help if you needed it?

Does it look like people are having a party nearby?

Understanding your surroundings helps you prepare and know that if you have to move in the dark where you can go.

- Keep a flashlight handy

Always know where you have a flashlight - this saves you from stumbling around, it also saves you from spending precious minutes looking for light.

- Light on a timer

Putting a light on a random timer, set for every 15-20 minutes prevents anyone waiting for a camper to fall asleep from moving in - it will make you look like an insomniac and prevent people from coming in

- Communications

Look ahead to ensure that your cell phone will work in the area you're travelling to, and make arrangements if this will not be the case.


- Keep peeping toms out

Ensure that when not in use, curtains are drawn, especially on motohome campers. This will prevent peeping toms from looking in to see what you have inside