Travel Security
Camping Safety Tips
for Women
Violent crimes are statistically rare in U.S. National Parks - most emergencies involve injuries, fatigue, dehydration, or getting lost - not crime. Nevertheless, it's wise to protect yourself from crime as well.
Safety Tips
► Stay aware of your surroundings and limit distractions in isolated areas.
► Leave a detailed plan with a trusted contact. Include your exact trailhead, and the specific time they should call authorities if they don't hear from you.
► Trust your instincts – leave any situation that feels uncomfortable. You are not obligated to tell a stranger your name, if you are alone, or where you are sleeping. If a situation feels "off," do not risk your safety to be "polite." If they ignore your "No," then leave, head toward other people, and access your pepper spray.
► Camp in designated areas when possible, but keep your gear organized so you can break camp quickly if necessary. If you feel you've been followed or watched, move further down the trail or into another designated area where there are "good" witnesses.
► Keep your children within sight - or better yet, they must keep you within their sight. And/or have them carry a personal alarm, and/or have them use wearable GPS tracking devices.
► Many Search and Rescue missions involve day hikers who underestimated conditions. Be truly prepared every time, no matter how familiar the trail feels.
► Females commit approximately 20% of violent crime (per the FBI). So evaluate ALL strangers by their behavior and red flags.
Still, the U.S. National Parks remain among the safest places on earth for recreation. By building these habits, you shift your focus from "what might happen" to "what I am prepared for."
Personal Safety Devices
► Have Pepper Spray for humans AND bear spray for bears.
► Personal Security Alarm (or screamer).
► Keep your child near you with a GPS Child Locator.
► See Camping Safety & Hiking Safety FAQ.
NOTICE: This non-profit website is for informational purposes only and is drawn from the bibliography and USDOJ. Use the information at your own risk. See disclaimers.
