How to Lock Your Tent When Camping

When you’re out and about exploring the outdoors on your camping trip, there’s so much to see and do. You’ll likely spend most of your day away from your tent having fun, and as such it’s important to make sure your tent and all of your belongings are safe. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how to lock a tent with a trusty tent lock and other measures you can take to secure your campsite and help you feel safe and sound. 

Are you still searching for the right tent for your trip? Check out our selection of high-quality bell tents and get a taste of luxury camping that keeps you safe and cosy. 

Why Should You Lock Your Tent?

There are several reasons why you should invest in a tent lock and learn the best ways to keep your tent secure. Whilst locking a tent doesn’t provide the same security as locking a home or car, when you’re out camping it’s important to lock your tent for security measures and protect the contents inside.

Deter Thieves

If you’re camping in an area with lots of people like a festival or a public campsite there is ample opportunity for thieves to take advantage of unattended tents. Across UK festivals, over 1 in 10 festival goers report their smartphone lost, damaged or stolen so it’s extra important to ensure your items are safe and secure. Locking a tent is a deterrent against potential theft and makes it clear you’ve taken precautions. 

Keeping Wildlife Out

When exploring the wilderness or out wild camping in the UK, you’ll get to encounter some stunning wildlife including birds, squirrels and other animals. Whilst seeing these creatures is an exciting experience, you’ll want to ensure you don’t have any close encounters in your tent. Wildlife are attracted to food, warmth and shelter so to keep you and your belongings safe from Pooh and friends it’s best to lock up your tent. 

Peace of Mind

We know the chances of anything happening are low, but ensuring your tent is locked is always a great “just in case” and can help you feel safer and more comfortable at night or when you’re away from your tent. If you’re camping with kids this can also keep them safe and stop them wandering whilst you’re asleep. 

How to Lock a Tent

The simple but effective way to lock your tent is with small padlocks. A few small padlocks should be amongst your camping essentials for securing bags and other personal items as well as your tent. 

1. Zip the tent closed and locate the zipper hooks or pulls on your doors. 

2. If your zippers have no pulls, use a cable or loop to join your tent zips and then lock them.

3. If you’ve got tent windows like those on the Luna Bell tent, make sure to lock these in the same way too. 

When choosing the right tent lock, you want to make sure you choose a lock that is lightweight and not too heavy. A simple combination lock or small key lock will do the trick.

Other Ways to Secure Your Tent

Whilst a tent lock is a quick and easy way to secure your tent, it’s not always the most effective and reliable method. There are a few other steps you can take to increase your security. 

Motion Detectors/Alarms

These alarms will detect movement around your tent and make a noise or activate a sensor light. This helps to deter both intruders and wildlife from entering your campsite or tent. 

Mini Safe or Lockbox

It’s always best to carry your valuables on you, but if this isn’t possible you can keep them secure in a lockbox or safe. Be sure to attach the safe or box to something that can’t be moved like a large rock or tree.  

Tracker or Airtag

In the event that something should be lost or stolen, you should consider placing hidden trackers or tags in the pockets of your clothing or bags so you can relocate your items. 

Animal Deterrents 

If you want to keep animals away from your tent be sure to keep food stored safely away. You can purchase wildlife deterrents like scented sprays or sensors that emit sound when motion is detected to safely scare animals away. 

To ensure you’ve got all the essentials, check out our complete glamping checklist to keep yourself safe and prepared wherever you choose to venture. 

How to Stay Safe When Camping

As well as security measures there are some general tips you can take to keep safe when camping. One thing that people forget is to keep themselves safe whilst worrying about personal belongings. This means taking care to have all the right equipment, emergency first aid supplies and the right clothing to prevent illness from the cold.  

If you’re in need of extra help to keep warm when camping in colder months, check out our dedicated blog. 

Hold onto Your Valuables

Any important items like your ID, phone, money and other valuable electronics should be with you at all times. If you’re out hiking, make sure to bring them with you or if you’re sleeping at night have them in your line of sight.

If it’s not possible to bring all your valuables with you if you’re at events like a festival, make sure to bring the absolute essentials like ID, credit card and your phone with you in a bum bag and hide the rest in your tent. 

Choose the Right Campsite

Joining a camping community or opting for private glamping sites is a brilliant way to ensure your safety. Not only will you get access to luxury amenities but you’ll have peace of mind with round-the-clock security and access to an enclosed space. 

Consider Your Pitching Location

If you’re wild camping or not on a private campsite, make sure you follow a few simple steps for extra safety. Make sure you pitch your tent away from any roads, paths or public areas. Ensure you have a private spot to pitch out of sight from onlookers to reduce the chances of enticing intruders. 

Utilise Inner Tents

An inner tent creates a literal layer of additional protection, creating a separate room inside your tent that can also be secured and hold you and your valuables out of sight. An inner tent also gives you the benefit of extra warmth and a feeling of security inside your tent.  

Safe and Stylish Tents from Boutique Camping

Now you know how to keep your tent safe with a tent lock, it’s time to choose the best glamping tent from Boutique Camping. Each one of our bell tent models offers you a spacious, stylish camping experience so whichever option you choose, you’ll be off enjoying the outdoors in a comfortable, secure tent. 

We’re proud to say we’ve got a fabulous range of high-quality bell tents, but with so much choice we know it can be hard to choose just one perfect tent for you. To find the tent best suited for all your adventures or to find out more about staying safe when camping, get in touch with our camping experts.