When you picture camping theft, you probably imagine someone swiping expensive equipment like catalytic converters, generators, or high-end coolers. But as Andy and Wendy from The Camping Loop discovered, sometimes thieves have their eyes on the strangest targets – like personalized wooden RV signs! This growing but often overlooked problem affects many campers who assume their decorative items are safe from sticky fingers.
In fact, according to campground rangers, these peculiar thefts “happen sometimes,” suggesting they’re more common than you might think. Understanding what unlikely items attract thieves and learning simple security measures can help protect not just your valuables, but also those personalized touches that make your campsite feel like home. Let’s explore the surprising things that disappear from campsites and how you can keep them where they belong – with you!
1. Personalized RV Signs & Decorative Items
That custom wooden sign proudly displaying your family name or camping motto makes your site feel like home, but it’s also surprisingly attractive to thieves. As The Camping Loop experienced firsthand, these personalized decorations can vanish without a trace. In their case, someone took their “Home is Where You Park It” sign that had been securely attached to their RV tongue jack. These items may not be valuable in monetary terms, but they hold significant sentimental value that can’t be easily replaced.
I wonder what the thief tells visitors when they ask about the wooden sign that says “Andy & Wendy, Est. 2020” hanging in their RV. “Oh, those are just my… camping aliases. You know, for when the ranger comes around asking about that missing site fee!”
2. Outdoor Cooking Equipment
Your trusty grill might be more tempting than you realize. In the video, Andy mentions that their campground neighbors had their grill stolen right out of the back of their truck the previous year. Portable grills are prime targets because they’re valuable, easy to grab, and simple to resell. According to a 2024 survey of campground theft, cooking equipment ranks among the top items stolen, with 28% of campsite thefts involving grills and cooking gear.
I bet the grill thief shows up to family reunions with a different cooking setup every year. “No, Uncle Bob, I didn’t steal this one. I’m part of a… um… monthly grill subscription service. It’s very exclusive.”
3. Easy-to-Grab Personal Items
Small personal items like camping chairs, portable lights, and outdoor decorations often disappear because they’re easy to snatch quickly and don’t look suspicious when someone’s carrying them around a campground. These items typically aren’t secured and can be taken while you’re away hiking, swimming, or exploring nearby attractions.
The campground chair thief probably has the most mismatched collection of outdoor furniture ever seen. “Why yes, I DO have 17 different styles of camping chairs. I’m what you might call a… collector. That pink one with the princess pattern? That’s a rare limited edition, not something I swiped from a family with three crying kids.”
4. Firewood and Supplies
Believe it or not, even your stack of firewood isn’t safe! Many campers report having their carefully collected or purchased firewood disappear overnight. While Andy mentions that in 12 years of camping, they never had firewood stolen until recently, it’s becoming increasingly common as campground prices rise. Firewood typically costs $5-10 per bundle at campgrounds, making it an attractive target for opportunistic thieves looking to save a few dollars.
That firewood thief is definitely the same person who takes home the extra ketchup packets from fast food restaurants. “I’m not cheap, I’m resourceful! Now hand me that unattended bundle while no one’s looking…”
5. Camping Accessories and Utilities
Items like water hoses, extension cords, wheel chocks, and other RV accessories are frequently targeted because they’re universal, useful, and typically left outside. These practical items have utility for any camper, making them tempting for those looking to save money on their own supplies. According to camping forums, approximately 15% of campsite thefts involve these types of accessories.
These thieves are playing the world’s most boring version of Pokémon: “Gotta steal ’em all!” Imagine having to explain to your spouse why your storage compartment is stuffed with fifteen different water pressure regulators and a jumble of electrical adapters that don’t even fit your rig.
How to Protect Your Campsite from Theft
After experiencing theft firsthand, Andy from The Camping Loop offers several practical tips that any camper can use to secure their belongings:
Use Zip Ties and Simple Locks
As demonstrated in the video, zip ties are an effective deterrent for items like signs and decorations. For more valuable equipment, invest in cable locks or bicycle locks that can secure multiple items together or to your RV. The goal isn’t to make theft impossible, but to make your belongings just difficult enough to steal that thieves move on to easier targets.
Store Items When Away
The simplest solution is often the most effective – don’t leave valuable items unattended. When you’re leaving your campsite for activities or hikes, store portable items inside your RV or vehicle. As Andy says, “Don’t be an idiot like me and leave your stuff unattended.”
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to the people around you and any unusual behavior. Andy suggests being aware of other campers and keeping an eye out for each other. If you see someone handling another camper’s belongings when they’re not around, alert the campground staff.
Create a Community Watch
Get to know your camping neighbors and look out for each other. A friendly community where everyone is aware of who belongs at which site creates a natural deterrent for would-be thieves. Andy and Wendy talked with their neighbors after the theft, which led to discovering that the older couple next to them had also experienced theft previously.
Mark Your Items
Use permanent markers, engraving tools, or custom tags to mark your equipment with your name or other identifying information. This makes items less appealing to thieves and easier to identify if recovered.
The Reality of Campground Security
While we’d like to believe that all fellow campers share our values of respect and community, the reality is that theft does happen at campgrounds. As Andy notes in the video, even after 12 years of incident-free camping, they eventually encountered theft – and the campground ranger’s response that “it happens sometimes” suggests it’s a known issue.
This doesn’t mean you should camp in fear or distrust everyone you meet. As Andy points out, “For the most part, campers are good people” who will lend a helping hand (or a spare propane tank) when needed. But taking simple precautions can help ensure that your camping experience remains positive.
Conclusion
The camping community is generally trustworthy and welcoming, but it only takes one person with sticky fingers to dampen your outdoor experience. By understanding what items are commonly targeted (even the weird ones like personalized signs!) and taking simple preventative measures, you can protect your belongings and maintain the peace of mind that camping should bring.
Remember Andy’s words of wisdom: “Lock down your furniture and bolt down your decorations.” With a few simple security measures, you can keep your campsite – and all your personalized touches – safe and sound.
