7 Solo Travel Safety Tips for RVers

7 Solo Travel Safety Tips for RVers
Plus, go-to gear for better peace of mind.

By: Morgan Field

Hi, I’m Morgan Field—an open-road enthusiast with a passion for wide skies, quiet mornings, and the magic of solo travel. I roam part-time in my 2019 Winnebago Travato 59K, alongside my furry co-pilot Teddy, an expert in joy-making, mischief, and master-level snuggles.

As a solo traveler, I’ve learned that freedom and safety go hand in hand. With a little awareness, any adventure can feel peaceful and empowered. Whether I’m boondocking under the stars, stealth camping in the city, or moochdocking, these street-smart tips and safety gear help me feel calm, confident, and secure in my home on wheels.

1. Be Alert, Not Anxious

I grew up in the Chicagoland area and spent over a decade riding public transportation to school and work. That experience made me street smart—and taught me the importance of situational awareness. Not from a place of fear, but from a place of presence.

The more grounded and aware you are, the more likely you are to deter anything shady before it ever begins. One of the simplest ways to avoid drawing unwanted attention is to not look distracted. So, when you're walking your dog or exploring a new spot, skip the headphones. Keep your senses tuned in—eyes up, ears open, and energy anchored.

While in your RV, also remember that your horn is a tool. If someone suspicious approaches, hit the horn to make noise. I once had a man try to peer through my tinted windows—he was startled when he saw my dog, and a quick honk made him leave fast.

2. Strategic Parking

Even in places you don’t feel there is any potential threat, it never hurts to make strategic safe choices. How you park your RV is a simple way to do this:

• Park facing out whenever possible. This is especially helpful for engine-based rigs because it gives you a quick getaway option if anything feels off. Choose spots with visibility and exits nearby.
• Well-lit areas are your friend. Criminals tend to avoid light.
• Leave yourself some “wiggle room.” Don’t wedge into tight spots where maneuvering out in a hurry would be stressful.
• There’s often safety in numbers—parking where there are others around can feel more secure, as long as the surroundings seem stable and the other vehicles look like legit travelers. 

3. Discreet is Smart

While not leaving valuables in easy-to-spot places, there are other ways you can also be discreet while traveling. Here are my tips, especially for solo RVers:

Keep your van exterior gender-neutral. If you are a woman, go bananas on the inside, but don’t advertise your solo female traveler status on the outside. When boondocking or stealth camping, I often throw on tomboy sweats, a hoodie, or baseball cap when stepping out. It’s not about hiding who I am—it’s about minimizing the wrong kind of attention.

Plan your stops in layers. If you're doing something that requires leaving your RV (walking the dog, using a public restroom), stop somewhere else before heading to your overnight boondocking or stealth camping spot. Don’t do any extra movement or exposure at the final sleep spot—roll in, shut it down, shades up, lights off.

Use privacy shades and tint where you can. If I am doing stealth-mode parking for the night, when I am close to my location I’ll often put up as many shades as I can while still being able to drive. Then I pop the rest up immediately when parked. That way, no one sees who or how many are in the vehicle. 

If I’m heading out for a hike or running errands, I do the same: full-on, 360-privacy shade coverage before I leave the van. If I’m not taking my pup with me, I’ll run the generator for the A/C, leave one small window shade open for him to peek out, and that’s it. If someone does try snooping around, all they’ll see is a pup—no clue how many people are inside or what’s going on. 

4. Bedtime Lockdown Checklist

Before you cozy in for the night, run through a quick “Lockdown Checklist.” This isn’t about paranoia—it’s about peace of mind. When you know everything’s secure, you sleep deeper.

• Lock all doors (double check them—even the ones you didn’t use).
• Secure any chain latches or interior door bars, especially on cargo or rear doors.
• Engage your alarm or anti-theft system if you have one.
• Close all your shades or blackout panels.
• Set yourself up for an easy, fast exit if needed:
• Keep your keys next to you—ideally within arm’s reach.
• Sleep with your shoes and phone nearby, so you can grab and go if needed.
• Leave the driver’s seat clear and easy to slide into from the back if your layout allows.

Over time, this routine becomes muscle memory. A minute or two of prep can give you hours of deep, uninterrupted rest.

5. Follow Your Intuition (Even If It's Inconvenient)

Sometimes your body knows something your mind hasn’t caught up to yet. If a spot feels off—even if you can’t explain why—trust that feeling.

Staying flexible gives you power. Don’t be afraid to re-route, even if it means wasting gas, leaving a paid site, or driving farther than planned. Your safety is never a waste.

Also, stop driving well before you're tired. Know your limits and honor them. Personally, I’ve noticed I’m way more likely to listen to my intuition when I have energy—and more likely to override it when I’m exhausted. So, I’ve conditioned myself to find a couple of overnight options early on in my day and commit to one before I hit decision fatigue.

6. Keep a Low Profile

When you’re traveling solo, the less information you broadcast in real time, the better. Avoid posting your exact location on social media while you’re still there. Save the photo dump and epic captions for after you’ve moved on to your next spot.

If it feels supportive, consider sharing your location with someone you trust. Whether it’s a quick check-in text or using your phone’s live location feature—it’s an option if you want a little extra peace of mind.

At night, bring in anything that signals how many people are in the rig—camp chairs, bikes, shoes, or gear. If you’re somewhere that feels super safe, sure, leave things out and enjoy. But when in doubt, bring it all in.

And, maybe most importantly—practice unattachment. If you do leave something outside, make peace with the possibility that it could walk away. Your stuff is not worth your safety, and sometimes leaving things behind is part of moving quickly and wisely.

7. Safety Gear

Thoughtful gear can make a big difference in how safe and confident you feel on the road. Here are some go-to safety tools and gear that you can consider to help you travel solo with more peace of mind:

• Blackout shades for total privacy—after trying several options, my top pick is Vanmade Gear shades. They pop into place in seconds, fold flat when not in use, and instantly make the space feel cozy and secure. Whether I’m changing after a swim, stealth camping, or just trying to block out the blazing sun and create privacy at a rest stop, they regulate temperature, block light, and keep curious eyes out. They take up virtually no space, and they’re backed by a lifetime warranty. One-and-done solution. No-brainer. Highly recommend these if you have a travel van. (See more of my go-to summer gear items!)

• Medical ID bracelet with emergency contact info and a note that pets are in the vehicle.
• AirTags or Tile trackers on bikes, valuables, gear bags—or even hidden somewhere inside your rig.
• GPS tracker for your RV that alerts you if the vehicle is moved without you.
• Dash cam with parking mode for surveillance while you're away or asleep.
• Decals for added deterrence that say “Smile, You’re on Camera” / “Security System Installed” / “K9 on Board.” 
• Anti-theft car alarm or vehicle alarm system for added protection. Some aftermarket systems let you add an alarm or panic fob to older rigs. Keep it next to the bed, along with a horn trigger you can hit without moving.
• Motion sensor lights (solar or battery-powered) to illuminate the area around your van or RV at night. 
• Interior security bar or chain lock on the rear or sliding doors (for engine-based rigs).
• Pepper spray, bear spray, or firearm (based on your comfort level and always in compliance with local laws—these vary widely by state).
• Personal alarm keychain or emergency whistle for walks or solo hikes.
• I chose a foldable e-bike I can store inside my van vs. a mounted rack. Less visible gear means less temptation for theft.
• Wsdcam 113dB Bike Alarm: One of my favorite finds! It’s a wireless vibration alarm with a remote and can be used on bikes, trailer doors, cargo boxes, your RV doors, and more. It arms/disarms with a simple remote. It’s tiny, lightweight, easy to install (double-sided tape or zip ties), and runs on AAA batteries that last for months. The best part? No wiring, no setup headaches. Just instant deterrence in a sleek little box.

Closing Thoughts

The world, in my experience, is overwhelmingly full of kind, curious, and generous people. Solo travel has only reaffirmed that truth for me again and again. This isn’t about living in fear—it’s about moving through the world with grounded awareness. Most people mean no harm, but if someone is looking to snoop or swipe something, the goal is to make your space uninviting to that kind of attention.

At the end of the day, things are just things. Most of your belongings can be replaced—and a good RV insurance policy often includes personal property coverage (check your policy or ask about adding coverage for the stuff inside your rig). 

The real treasure is your peace of mind, your freedom, and your ability to rest easy under the stars. Take what’s helpful from this list, trust yourself to know what’s right for you, and then—go live your fullest, most beautiful, bold, brave adventures. Joyous solo travels to you!

 —Morgan & Teddy, Follow along on Instagram (@themorganfield) or on Facebook.