Lock, store, ignore: How to prevent theft and wildlife intrusion while camping.

Camping is all about escaping the noise of everyday life and connecting with nature—but a visit from raccoons, bears, or even opportunistic thieves can quickly ruin the experience. Whether you’re in a busy campground or a backcountry site, your best defense is a simple three-part mantra: Lock. Store. Ignore.

Here’s how to use this approach to keep your campsite safe from wildlife and theft.

Tips to prevent theft and intrusion

You can take steps to prevent theft—from humans and animals alike—by taking some easy precautionary steps to keep your campsite clear, clean, and safe.

Tip 1 – Use a bear locker or cache

Bear lockers and caches are for you to use while you’re camping in the wild. They provide secure storage for food and all scented items (hello, toothpaste, hand cream, etc.) so that bears and other animals can’t access them.

Bear Lockers:

If you haven’t seen a bear locker before, it’s usually brown metal box provided onsite in backcountry camping areas. Just put your food in and close the door.

Bear Cache:

A cache usually involves hanging food from a tree or designated structure away from your campsite. This will require you to have a bear barrel and rope.

Tip 2 Keep your vehicle safe.

To avoid damage to and/or theft from your vehicle:

• Make sure your valuables are secured and concealed (better yet: leave them at home!) 
• Lock your vehicle when you’re not around and when you’re sleeping 
• Secure chairs, solar panels, jerry cans, and fuel bottles when not in use. 
• Store strong attractants in a locked hard-sided vehicle or trailer; not in a soft-side tent trailer or truck bed.

Tip 3 Get to know your neighbours.

Say hello from a distance and, if it feels right, shake a hand and have a conversation. Knowing your neighbours not only creates community but also builds respect and helps keep everyone safe. 

Tip 4 Create a clean camping routine.

Get in the habit of doing these things to keep your campsite free of wildlife and theft:

• Use bear canisters or hang bags
• Every night, pack away all gear, clean and store dishes, and secure your garbage
• Every time you leave camp, lock your vehicle, stow your valuables, and double-check closures
• If you do encounter wildlife at your campsite, remain calm, speak softly, back away slowly.
• Clean your campsite by wiping surfaces, avoiding spills, and packing out waste.

Safe campsites are clean campsites!

Lock. Store. Ignore.

This three-word rule is simple, effective, and keeps you—and your wild neighbours—safe. Following these steps helps ensure you leave no trace and take only memories.

Whether you’re in the mountains, forest, or near a lake, use this approach to protect your experience from four-legged and two-legged intruders alike.

Essential Campsite Safety Gear for Tent Campers in BC

If you take your campsite security seriously (and we hope you do!), here’s a list of recommended safety gear:

• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Use bear-proof canisters or campsite food caches where available — storing food properly is required in many BC parks and privately operated campgrounds.
• Lockable Dry Storage Bin: A weatherproof, lockable tote to secure valuables like phones, wallets, and keys when away from camp.
• Solar-Powered Motion Lights: Compact, easy-to-pack lights help deter curious wildlife and unwelcome visitors at night.
• Heavy-Duty Zip Ties or Cable Locks: Handy for securing gear like coolers, chairs, and bikes when you’re out hiking.
• Personal Safety Alarm or Whistle: Small but loud, useful in emergencies or to scare off wildlife.
• High-Visibility Flashlight/Headlamp: Essential for moving around safely after dark—bonus if it has a strobe or SOS function.
• Basic First Aid Kit: Stocked with bandages, antiseptics, and medications for cuts, scrapes, and minor emergencies.
• Pepper Spray/Bear Spray: A must-have in BC’s backcountry (check local regulations) — store it safely and know how to use it.
• Fireproof Container for Important Items: Protect ID, cash, and electronics from unexpected fire risks.
• Weather-Resistant Tent Lock: Light deterrent to discourage opportunistic theft while you’re away exploring.

Reminder: In British Columbia, securing your site isn’t just about theft — it’s also about preventing wildlife conflicts and staying safe in remote areas. Oh and why not Take the pledge to follow the Camper’s Code. Note: Please check your email for verification email and to ensure your mailing address is correct, so we can send your sticker.

Happy camping—and may your only visitors be the stars.

Published: July 22, 2025

Last Updated: August 15, 2025