USFS (and alikes) safety?

[Acei]

Admittedly, I've never been to a USFS. Is it safe to leave trailers all day long while you visit surrounding places?

[Off_Pavement]

We boondock as much as possible, and utilize public campgrounds whenever necessary over commercial campgrounds (we've stayed in a couple scary commercial parks over the years) and don't worry much about safety, but as noted above, you need some common sense...

The last accident I (well... my vehicle) was involved in was in a US National Forest campground. We were enjoying a nice campfire with friends when BANG! Someone not paying attention backed into my Jeep... $800 damage!

We've never felt threatened in a public campground of any type. We have felt threatened boondocking twice, once when what sounded like drunken partiers not far away (we didn't see 'em at all) started unloading their weapons the noisy way... we packed up and left!

The second time was boondocking near Quartzsite, AZ in late Spring. Most of the 14 day areas were already mostly vacant, and we parked at the extreme edge of the area as far from the road as possible. A little after sunset I heard a noise outside, but decided to ignore it as it didn't bother the dog, but a few minutes later there is a knock on the door. I was totally surprised, and glad the dog was acting like he was a trained attack dog. They guy asked for water, we gave it to him and he left... the whole time the dog barking and me holding him back.

I've never felt good about the scenario, and wonder what might have been if our 100lb dog hadn't been ready to attack.

[agesilaus]

I guess they are called the Rainbow Family not tribe:

link

For awhile they were taking over NF CG and living in them for long periods, way past the normal camping limit. The Rangers seem to have orders, at least when the we in the Ocala NF, to leave them alone. But they trash the CG, do not pick up their debris, have very poor hygiene in where they choose to eliminate wastes to be delicate about it.

We accidentally drove thru one of the Ocala NF CG when they were there and got some very threatening looks and gestures from the inhabitants. I'll describe them as hostile 'hippies' for lack of a better word.

But again this happened once to us in 30 years so it is a rare event.

[2gypsies1]

I had to look up the Rainbow Tribe as I've never heard of them either.

http://www.rainbowtribe.net/

Back to the OP's question of safety in national forests... we've used them extensively - campgrounds and boondocking - in our 16 years of full-timing with not a problem.

[4X4Dodger]

agesilaus wrote:

WE-C-USA wrote:
Never had a problem at any sites, whether organized or not. Always be aware of your site, if you're not comfortable being there, while you're there. Don't leave anything unattended.

We haven't either after 30 years of camping. But use common sense. The 'Rainbow Tribe' took over some CG in the Ocala NF. That would not be a good time to camp near there. Look around and if it doesn't look safe, leave.

And just what is the "RAINBOW TRIBE" you write about?? And why are they inherently more suspect than any one else?

[ksbowman]

I've boondocked and camped on BLM land a lot and always felt safe and have never had anything taken. In contrast I stayed in cabins (rental) while canoeing and had people come in snooping or casing and luckily had a guy that decided to stay back two different times that had to run off locals that came in thinking everyone was gone.

[kohldad]

Where I disperse camp in NF I've never worried about my gear. They are usually so far from normal routes that thieves aren't likely to find my site. I am much more worried about leaving my gear at a trail head that is frequented by a couple dozen folks a day. Enough possibilities for a thief to score but not enough for them to be noticed while they break into a vehicle.

I try not to leave anything that can't be replaced in the vehicle or where it can be quickly found. It may be an inconvience if they break in and steal something like my laptop, but I will still be able to continue my travels. The phones, cameras, money, and credit cards are with me on the trail anyhow so there isn't much left of value in my rig anyhow.

[agesilaus]

WE-C-USA wrote:
Never had a problem at any sites, whether organized or not. Always be aware of your site, if you're not comfortable being there, while you're there. Don't leave anything unattended.

We haven't either after 30 years of camping. But use common sense. The 'Rainbow Tribe' took over some CG in the Ocala NF. That would not be a good time to camp near there. Look around and if it doesn't look safe, leave.

[RoyB]

The OFF-ROAD places around here in the local NATL FOREST Areas are patrolled by rangers. Most all of the areas have forest service roads... The places we like to camp at are somewhat popular and sometimes get abit crowded. One in particular is a popular 4WD Jeep trail...

I will admit however there is more foot traffic of late not seen much in the past. Makes one think that maybe some folks are actually living back in these woods...

One must keep a watchful eye in these trying times...

When I was camping out West in the large dispersed area of High Country Arizona back in the 60s you would go for days and never see another person...

I used go out and stay for many days by myself when I was younger but now old age has creeped up on me and sadly I have to admit I am much more cautious of my surroundings...

Roy Ken

[WE-C-USA]

Never had a problem at any sites, whether organized or not. Always be aware of your site, if you're not comfortable being there, while you're there. Don't leave anything unattended.

[enblethen]

We have never had issues with USFS, BLM or Corp of engineer parks.
We do not leave "gifts" for quick crooks. Satellight dish has stainless cable tether. Secure your hitch if left at site.
Some items I wish they would take! Had left garbage out at commercial locations and someone took it and it wasn't the park people!

[Johno02]

USFS campgrounds aLand between the Lakes in Kentucky are some of the better ones. We feel as safe there as anywhere. And much safer than in some private campgrounds. But it depends a lot on where you are going. In most campgrounds, with other RVs around, are some of the safest places around, because people look out for each other. I wil be the first to admit though, we have seen places that not only would I not leave anything unprotected, I wouldn't ever get out of the rig! The only time we have ever been worried was in a state park campground when we were the only ones there in a remote, and DARK area!

[coolmom42]

I've spent many nights in USFS campgrounds, and have never had a problem with anything being bothered by people or wildlife.

If you don't put up your food correctly, it WILL attract bears, raccoons, squirrels, etc.

[DownTheAvenue]

Some of the commercial campgrounds, with long term people living in defunct trailers, probably using drugs and are just poor trash people, pose a much greater risk than most government operations.

[Acei]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Should I be more concerned about leaving the trailer in boondocking locations vs campgrounds? Are there any rangers or security driving in these areas?