Campsite security

[RttlTrap]

I have been fishing the surf from the various barrier islands along the Texas coast for the past 20 years or so. This usually involves a buddy or two and myself loading up in someones 4x4, driving (sometimes hours) down some remote beach, and camping for a few nights at a time. As time goes on, family and work obligations make it harder each year to coordinate these trips. Fortunately, my boys are old enough now to join me on these excursions and have made a couple of trips with me in the last year or so.

I have encountered my share of unsavory characters down the beach and have had a couple of "uncomfortable" situations over the years. Nothing that has ever come to blows or gun play, but you get the idea. Its one thing to get in a tight spot with a couple of buddies that are capable of handling themselves, but quite another with the family in tow.

My question for you folks that enjoy similar activities is: what security precautions do you take when setting up camp? How do you make your camp look less like a good target to those up to no good?

[Keith B]

Concertina wire around the perimeter and gun turrets with 50 cals mounted in them at each corner.

[cheezit]

when I used to camp alot we always had a dog with us. the dog enjoys thetime outside as much as you do.

[tbrown]

A strategy that has served me well in both cities and the wilderness is to appear to have little worth stealing. It's not 100% effective but it goes a long way. A dog is also good if she'll stay close and not bring skunks (or other trouble) back to the campsite.

[drjoker]

If you're a light sleeper, tie some aluminum cans to a string and put these in a pattern surrounding your camp. If someone trips on these, it will make a sound that will wake you up. Have a strobe flashlight and gun handy.

[doc.lonestar]

We never go hiking, camping and or fishing without - 1) firearm(s) and 2) rottie and a boerboel combination. The the whole thing is to make yourself more trouble than you are worth.

Have yet to have anything messed with at our camp....

[karder]

I camp a lot. When I go by myself, I carry an bond arms derringer in .45lc, but when my wife comes along always carried my H&K USP .40. There is no way to really secure your site when you are away from it. Try not to have anything of value at your site if possible. Having your family with you definitely ups the anti. Good luck and stay safe.

[RttlTrap]

Thanks for the suggestions. The 50 cals should do the trick!

[papajohn1964]

If you're a light sleeper, tie some aluminum cans to a string and put these in a pattern surrounding your camp. If someone trips on these, it will make a sound that will wake you up. Have a strobe flashlight and gun handy.

If you are a heavy sleeper replace the cans with claymores!

[v-rog]

"I see the light drill sergeant!"

ANother way to secure your campsite is to have roaming guards in shifts- Have a couple of buddies go with you.

Me. I do not go camping anymore. It has something to do with 18 months down-range in Iraq. The military takes all the fun out of camping!

If you're a light sleeper, tie some aluminum cans to a string and put these in a pattern surrounding your camp. If someone trips on these, it will make a sound that will wake you up. Have a strobe flashlight and gun handy.

If you are a heavy sleeper replace the cans with claymores!

[i8godzilla]

Maybe use something like this:

http://www.smarthome.com/7003MS/miniAla ... 501/p.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cctcaden]

+1 on the Claymores

[Gunner21]

Concertina wire around the perimeter and gun turrets with 50 cals mounted in them at each corner.

this

[drjoker]

Guys, all this is not paranoia. My neighbor's neighbor never came back from a camping trip. No body was ever found so it is just another of the millions of missing persons.

[gigag04]

+1 on the Claymores

So mad that someone beat me to it. I would say just carry away and keep your SA up at normal operating levels.