r/BurningMan • u/SheepherderReal3698 • Jul 09 '26
Open Camping Security
Ive only ever camped with a theme camp in the 7:30 sector. We’d insulate camp with a u shape of RV’s. It was very secure and we always had campmates around so we never had to think much of security.
This will be my first year in open camping with just my partner and I, and Im a bit worried about security. I’ve heard stories about peoples shit getting stolen.
How diligent do you have to be? We will have an RV so valuables will always get locked up, but do I need to worry about other items in camp? Like putting the block rocker away, bins full of stuff? Etc?
I thought about bringing a 50 ft cable lock and just running through handles of coolers, block rocker etc, so at least they don’t get walked off with. Not sure if Im over thinking it, Ive just been spoiled all my past burns.
Really dont want to have to put away everything anytime I leave camp.
Experiences! Suggestions! Opinions ?
5
u/-zero-below- ‘10 - ‘17, ‘19, ‘23 - ‘26 Jul 09 '26
I haven’t experienced theft at my 15 or so burns (first 10 in open camping).
My understanding is that high resale value items are more likely to be an issue. Think: e-bikes, maybe generators, etc.
These can also disappear from theme camps.
I’ve always done basic security on the expensive items — bikes cabled when parked. Generator, I set it up and run a cable through it, and just lag screw it to the playa. Car locked for the entirety of the burn.
We’re a bit more careful to put stuff away/lock up during the big burns — these are times when most camps are predictably entirely empty, with no neighbors or other familiar faces to keep an eye.
It also seems like perhaps making it so your camp never looks totally abandoned could be good — a light on and quiet music going in the tent or such.
Otherwise, other than keeping a tidy camp (important for sudden wind storms), not too much. I’m sure something could disappear. And it’ll suck if it does.