Safety in the National Forest

[coulter]

I thought so, I have pictures that look amazingly similar to those It is a gorgeous place, and so quiet.

Leesa

coulter,

Good memory!  that is indeed lost lake (actually the NFS campground is on Lost Lake Slough).  Lost lake and Dollar lake are a short hike away.  Very beautiful and peaceful.

Jim

[lqthornton]

I was very surprised to see your concerns about camping in a National Forest.  I camp about 15 times a year and most of the time it is in a National Forest.  I have never had any problems with theft or anything like that.  The sites are usually larger and spaced further apart than a private campground or state park.  I have been popup camping for five years and have never used my hookups, as I prefer dry camping.

[tjy355]

You hear all the time about how unsafe the National Forest/Park Campgrounds are from people that have never camped in them, and I wanted the TRUTH...and I can handle the truth, lol.

The truth is - this is nonsense.  I have never heard that the NF or NP campgrounds are unsafe.  

I wonder where you got this information?

[Brantime]

The truth is - this is nonsense.  I have never heard that the NF or NP campgrounds are unsafe.  

I wonder where you got this information?

The information is readily available if you choose to watch the news or read the newspapers! Also during our last trip, the Ranger on Duty told us they had been having some problems with items being appropriated!

An incident happened while I was camping in the mountains with a group some time ago...at the same time, a group of women were camping/hiking and several of them were killed...

The sole purpose of this post was to see how many campers took extra precautions while camping, i.e....Do you lock all your chairs in the trailer while you are away from the site? Do you happen to lock your tounge (on the trailer) when you leave the site? Etc...  

This post had nothing to do with my PERSONAL SAFETY...it had to do with the safety of my Stuff, lol!

Don't be so quick to criticize...I was just after some opinions from some helpful campers...and to those that offered constructive opinions, thanks!

To all those others...Wow!

[ForestCreature]

Originally Posted by tjy355
 The truth is - this is nonsense.  I have never heard that the NF or NP campgrounds are unsafe.  
 
 I wonder where you got this information?

There are isolated incidents that happen. While we personaly have not had any issues arise, my BIL & SIL did have trouble in a NF campground once. Since then they do carry protection when camping back in the woods. If and when we ever did feel the need to carry some sort of protection we would too.

Our current mode of protection has 4 legs, lots of teeth and  a slight protective streak.

[Brantime]

There are isolated incidents that happen. While we personaly have not had any issues arise, my BIL & SIL did have trouble in a NF campground once. Since then they do carry protection when camping back in the woods. If and when we ever did feel the need to carry some sort of protection we would too.

Our current mode of protection has 4 legs, lots of teeth and  a slight protective streak.

Thanks FC...

My current mode of protection is also very protective, weighs about 5 pounds, sleeps under the cover with us, lol, however, she does hear all; she just thinks she is a lot larger than she is

[ForestCreature]

My current mode of protection is also very protective, weighs about 5 pounds,

LOL, ours is a whopping 40 lbs. and sounds like an 80 lb dog. But I have  absolutely no doubt that he would protect us or our posessions.

He's more protective than our old 85 lb bouv mix was, she was a gentle giant just looked scary.  

[CUL8R]

I guess I misunderstood some of what you asked.  We aren't worried about camping in NFS campgrounds (or most other places).  We don't take special precautions, but we are always careful no matter where we camp.  We always lock our vehicles (and anything valuable is in the vehicle), and we always have a hitch lock on the PU.  Our generator is always locked to the PU or in the vehicle.  These precautions are easily gotten around, but that takes time and makes noise.  I think they are just common sense.  We also have 2 classes of personal protection with us on all our trips.  One type we always carry with us(Colorado is a CCW state), and one type who accompanies us on all our trips.  They are pretty well trained, don't bark, and friendly.  But I think +900 lbs of dogs tends to keep problems at bay in the campground and on the trails.




Jim

[ForestCreature]

CUL8R,
What a fantastic bunch of kids you have! That baby on the bottom can come home with me anytime!

[tjy355]

I don't mean to be offensive, but I find it silly to be alarmed or even concerned about media reports of isolated and unrelated incidents WHEREVER.

Yes, I read the papers and watch the news. Have I seen anything that makes me fear my safety in the national forests? No.

For example, there was a well publicized mass murder incident at McDonalds. Does anyone take extra precautions when visiting McDonalds??

Now, if there were reports of a series of crimes taking place in a certain location and the perpetrator(s) were still at large, then yes, I would be concerned and avoid that particular area, whether that be a forest campground or a parking lot at a WalMart.  But to take a few reports and translate that into "NF/NP campgrounds are unsafe" is really... what's the right word... alarmist.

To answer your question, do I take any extra precautions when camping in a National Forest or Park - no.

[DoubleD]

I fell less of a need to protect my valuables and myself when camping in the NF than I do in town.  Yes, I lock the doors of the PU when leaving it for the day, of course, that wouldn't stop someone from cutting the roof to get in.  I leave my chairs, table, stove, grill, and cooking utensils out the entire time, I guess I figure that if someone needs to steal that, they really need it more than I do.  Gives me an excuse to go buy new gear.  I do lock my car at night, but that is more about bears than humans.
I have been camping in the National Forests in Colorado for over 30 years and have never felt like my personal possessions nor my personal safety is being threatened.  I find nicer, friendlier, more neighborly folks in the mountains and National Forests than I do in Denver, and Denver is a pretty friendly place.
I do agree, the media is always looking for the unique stories and more crime happens within 5 miles of my home than it does within 5 miles of my campsite.  I guess it all depends on what you choose to pay attention to.

[Coug]

Boy, I have not even worried about safety in forests and I boondock in the northern Rockies.  I worry more about RV parks.  I camp with dogs so carry "protection" in case someting attacks them, but have never used it.

[gager2002]

We do a lot of hunting and general camping in Sabine National Forest.  Its' NOT a National Campground.  Never have had a problem.  We leave the trailer  (unlocked) and all cars there but one when we go somewhere.  At night we hear if someone comes into camp.  So we'll watch out th window to see who it is, and move on.  We have never had a problem.  The nearest blacktop road is 8 miles, the closest store with phone service is 13 miles.  Our cell do not work most of the time.  Now I will say this I will not go by myself.  But that's just a general rule for any outdoor/wilderness adventure.  Here are some pics.

[DoubleD]

San Isabel National Forest, Colorado, 10-15 miles from blacktop, Memorial Day







Of course, you have to put up with the locals around these parts:

[Billy Bob]

If and when I have safety concerns I always take along a couple of old buddies with me. My favorites are Mr Smith & Mr Wesson