People get shot, or knifed, or robbed, or have stuff stolen in campgrounds too; don't kid yourself. If you read enough here, you'll realize that you get an 'interesting' mix of guns, booze, testosterone, and loutish neighbors in some campers. I'd much rather sleep someplace where I can just slip into the driver's seat and drive off without any sense financial loss.
Try to park where you can't easily be blocked in. If you can, stay inside. use your own bathroom. Save your vehicle checks for early AM hours when any creeps are likely sleeping it off. If you have to go out, be aware of who's around.
I drive a small C that can be parked with the cars. I prefer large truck stops like FJ, best where there's a separate auto parking lot for the restaurant. If you have mobile data service, you can partly scout stops beforehand with Google Earth & its 'Street View' feature.
For routes that you'll drive again, note the good spots. For instance, I drive I-40 to the east of here pretty often, and have a stop at a FJ that I use regularly. They have a pretty quiet separate lot for cars & RV's. I'll be staying there one night soon on the way to the OBX, and maybe on the return.
As other have said, be observant and trust your senses.
Jim, "All's fair in love and eBay."
