RV camping is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors, but is it always as safe as we think?

Stories of sketchy campgrounds, stolen equipment, and creepy encounters have been circulating online, making some travelers question whether their next stop could turn into a horror movie.

While most RVers have overwhelmingly positive experiences, a few bad apples (or paranoid campers) can make the whole community nervous.

We found a great video from Tree Talker The Traveler discussing this very topic—whether dangerous RV campgrounds are a real concern or just exaggerated rumors.

1. Are Campgrounds Really Unsafe?

The video host starts by addressing the online chatter about unsafe campgrounds, saying, “I’ve been going through Facebook and YouTube, and I’ve seen one story after another where people are telling horror stories about unsafe campgrounds—and that just hasn’t been our experience.” He admits that theft and sketchy situations can happen but believes they’re the exception, not the rule.

If campgrounds were as dangerous as some people claim, RVers would need to travel with attack geese instead of just Wi-Fi boosters.

2. The “Meth Heads Will Steal Anything” Theory

When discussing Starlink theft concerns, the host jokes, “Where are you camping that you’re worried about meth heads?” He acknowledges that theft happens but isn’t something he actively worries about, saying, “If someone stole [my Starlink], it would just be a good chance to upgrade.”

If a meth head steals your satellite internet, they’ll probably just use it to livestream their questionable life choices.

3. The Walmart Overnight From Hell

One of the host’s few bad experiences was at a Walmart parking lot where an angry camper van occupant chased them, revved his engine, and forced them to call the police. “The police came and said, ‘You could sleep here if you want,’ but we didn’t want to at that time.”

Walmart parking lots: Where you go for cheap groceries and free adrenaline rushes.

4. The “Services” Provided Next Door

Another unsettling stay involved a last-minute campground booking where their neighbor was running a… questionable business. “There was a female worker in the back of the truck camper van, and I’m not sure if it was just services she was providing… but I think there was also probably some drugs involved.”

Nothing says “family-friendly camping” like your kids asking why the nice lady keeps offering “special candy.”

5. The Horror Movie Campground

The third creepy experience was at a rundown North Dakota campground where “it looked like there was a lot of campers there, but they had all been sitting there a long time… I could have sworn I saw a curtain move from one of the campers.”

If your campground looks like the set of a Stephen King novel, maybe just… keep driving.

6. How to Avoid Sketchy Campgrounds

The host shares his safety tips:

  • Ask friends or RV communities for recommendations.
  • Check reviews on RV Parky for red flags.
  • Trust your gut—if a place feels off, leave.

Have you had a bad experience at a campground? Let us know in our private Facebook group.