That reminds me of Fairy Lake Montana. I was sleeping on a picnic table and at 4:30 am my lab went nuts. Next a wolf ran through the campsite.

Nobody sleeps on short, time definite patrols, err I mean camping trips. I use one of those super loud personal alarms when at hotels as a door alarm. No reason with a little fishing line it could not serve as a perimeter alarm in the woods.

Guys....I got two kids with me....neither one of those girls are gonna carry a pack over 5-10lbs


This is just an introduction to being outside.  I'll slowly work up to actually backpacking and camping out in the boonies......for now it's large tents and campfire s'mores and weeines.


If I throw them straight into "swamp phase" they'll never want to go camping again.

I always keep a belt loaded in my M60.

Have two tents. One a high viz color and out in the open. During the day you all use it as if it's the only one. At night you go to a camouflaged tent nearby thats well hidden. String out a parameter around both tents, maybe even hang some bells up on the floss. Critters/perps might go for the easy tent first. The ensuing commotion would then let you make a counter assault from nearby. God damn I love camping. Just remember, have fun!!

Common sense would dictate that if he's that worried about something happening to his kids, not to go camping in that area.

I would personally think a Ranger could come up with some shit to keep his camp safe, but I'm just a dumb Marine grunt, so what would I know.

Ditto, mine was all over the armadillo that was attempting to infiltrate our post lastnight. The little vermin can thank the K9 restraining system that yoke up on said k9 in full charge and allowed for a clean get-away.

No worries, I'll come up with something.


Oh, and don't beat yourself up, "dumb Marines" (that's redundant) are like cute dumb puppies....always fun to have around. Well, until they eat their own poop, try and hump your leg, and then piss everywhere. Fuck, you guys really are like dumb puppies!

Ranger?

For God's Sake, if you're going camping with the kids in a state park please don't string dental floss or other traps/wires in the goddamned trees. Other people are going to use that site after you. Do you think they want their kids running into that shit?

WTF man? Bring a damned dog or something.

If you are setting up defensive positions or perimeter security in a public park then you shouldn't be there in the first place. Situational awareness and proper planning should suffice.

Sad part about those links about Ocala-



Is that they could have been written by more than a few here that believe all kinds of bullshit about the country. And hey you know, THAT'S GOOD. Better to stay in the city when the SHTF, definitely DON'T head to the country where all this strange shit happens! Stay right there in the subdivision and wait for the Red Cross truck with hot coffee and donuts!

For crying out loud, does anyone even bother to read the OP anymore?  Or take time to digest what it is saying?  Dental floss and trips flares and other such shit were things I did in actual combat locations or in training for combat. For f*#%^ sake people READ.  

I was asking about a low impact low signature alert.......LIKE THE F'ing FLOOD/MOTION LIGHT I POSTED AND ASKED ABOUT.  

Again, I know you didn't read because I said dogs weren't allowed at this park. And I'm betting you are not an LEO who has had to respond to crime calls in  a state park.   Crimes happen......they happen a lot loess to people who take a little extra steps to be safe.


A flood light........a battery operated motion flood light......the size of a small flashlight.  Get over your fucking self.



Ughhhhhhh,  idiots.....I'm surrounded by idiots.  

GD is that way ------------>

This and where are you camping? Somalia?

I don't want to make fun because I do think it's somewhat of a serious question by the op. What I can't figure out is of he is a deep sleeper how would a light help at all?

Depends. Sometimes, sometimes not a deep sleeper. But like was said in OP and throughout the thread I'll also be using a motion chime/driveway announcer. Lights scare a lot of people and animals off.  Plus if I'm emerging from the tent I'll have the advantage with a light shining In their direction and me not being backlit.

Ranger, if you find a battery powered motion light or driveway chime, would you post links to the ones you decide to purchase?

So..... my suggestion that you move out of that hot festering swamp was helpful?  

Same here. I did lots of backpacking when I had no wife and children. With a 7& 4 y/o campgrounds are all I can get these days.

again..if you must ....



jogging alarms.



they are small. mod them by removing the slip/d rings/key rings. tape,screw,zip tie in place, run some wire or fishing string across path.



group of bad guys terrorizing the camp ground trips it you can emerge from the 12x12 dome tent and confront them.....



only to see its a group of over weight coons trying to steal your kids pop tarts....



4$ and some paint. as big as some car key fobs.

That.

Whatever you use should be reliable. Frequent false alarms will wear you out and you won't have much sleep.
A light fishing line tied to a tin can with rocks should do the trick. I once made simple perimeter alarms out of Pull-String (or whatever they call them) fireworks and 5lb fishing line. You can dip them in hot wax for moisture resistance.
Motion lights are somewhat useless unless you plan on staying awake all night.
If you want to go with IR motion sensor alarm then Harbor Freight sells Driveway Alarms for about $12. The reliable range is at least 400 feet. Mount a sensor head on a tree and cover it with a small plastic bag to keep moisture out. Plastic is transparent to IR, Glass is not.
Point away from your camp  and you should be ok. It will get triggered by small animals.

I guess I question why you would go camping, if you don't feel safe without a motion light.

Sorry.   I believe in safety and preparedness too.   But that's beyond me.

I'm thinking you should probably camp in your backyard if you're deathly afraid of the boogie man.  Grow a pair!

If you think it's completely ridiculous to set up some sort of camp security when you're out in the woods; why own or carry a gun?  It's the same logic used by liberals, "if you don't feel safe where you are move."  "If you think you need to carry a gun don't go to places where you don't feel safe" or "what kind of crazy person thinks they need to own a gun because of some irrational fear that someone will try to rob you which really never happens."  I can actually find those statements on anti-gun boards and in this thread, and that's sad.  

Fact is just like out in the city, I worry about my kids just as much in the woods.  You can cal it whatever you want but it's responsible parenting to take you kids out into the woods and teach them what it's like.  It's completely irresponsible to stop worrying about their safety because there are trees around you instead of buildings.  I would actually go a step further and say if you stop worrying about and preparing for the safety of your children because you're in a nylon tent on the dirt, you're a bad parent.  Are car seats crazy too?  What about smoke alarms?  Security systems?  I never stop worrying about my kids no matter how pretty the scenery is, I'm sorry you have a switch where you stop giving a fuck and you feel the need to try to jump on someone who is, unlike you, forced to be burdened with actually caring about his kids 100% of the time.  If you don't have kids then you should just make it a point to not comment on the worries of a parent.  Danger, human or animal, doesn't stop because the wilderness is a hobby for you.

Yeah, you get it.  I bet your right, the nay Sayers most likely do not have kids.

Has ARFCOM been infested with dumb liberals? So many derp posts about growing a pair and etc. Believe it or not national forests and outdoor recreational areas are a nice target for creepy fucks, so having a little security like a light or sound alarm isn't a bad idea.

As others have said, a light would be good, if you think it'd wake you up. Otherwise, those jogger sound alarms are very loud and will most definitely wake you up. Be safe, have fun!

I'm definitely not a liberal.  All I'm saying is this...  If National Parks are frequented by "creepy fucks", camp elsewhere.  I do carry a firearm when I go camping which I think is at the level of my environment.  I just don't understand the need to put yourself in a disadvantage in a known "bad location".  Drive an extra hour, save an extra buck (not buying the stuff), and camp.  You're more than welcome to have a series of air-raid horns set up in the event a squirrel wanders through your campsite.  I'm simply suggesting that is overkill!

Considering camping from the roadside traveler....I'm going into an unknown area by nature. I have neither the resource or TIME to know what campsites are "family friendly" Unless I've researched the beforehand which is always preferable.

Nonetheless, even with all the 2 legged creature qualifications

I will put up whatever means to keep my family safe and wake me so that I defend them

I think the cheap jogger alarm is much like my personal alarm but smaller. Good alternative and I believe sound is a good deterrent; day or night.

I have one of the hotel door alarms that has a pull string.  Works just fine with a trip wire.

the one in my picture has a pin, that the key ring attaches via a small D ring. remove key ring... and attach wire/thread,mono etc. pull out like a grenade, wont shut off till reinserted. has a test switch that will light up a small LED (red) to show batts are g2g.  the one pictured was un wrapped,modded and had the battery protector(the plastic that keeps batts from contact) removed about 4 years ago. 2 weeks ago it still lit up. zero issue. when tested.



cost was 4-5$



 

he has a point..if its just to introduce the kids a fast back yard camp is the way to do it. just not as fun for you. but is that who its about.....



that said. i have kids,,,and your alert mode stays on high. but honestly...where your camping..unless your out on the FT or a private rented site via the state it will be like your back yard just...no house to run to when the coons and bugs come out lol.



just dont stress and enjoy.



 

Wow, great post brah




OP: I like to camp in remote locations like national forests that are fairly accessible by car so I worry a bit about 2 legged critters. I bought a door alarm that bolts
to the door close to the frame with a small sensor that attaches on the frame next to the alarm device. Works very well - I string fishing line around my camp then
tie one end of the line to the small sensor that would normally attach to the frame and simply lay it next to the alarm device. I remember paying about $100 for it.
It looks and operates like this one from Graingers but this particular one is about double that. Oh, and I REMOVE it when I'm done camping. Good luck and have
fun! I'm sorry you are getting so much grief here in a non GD forum for a legitimate topic

http://www.grainger.com/product/ALARM-LOCK-Exit-Door-Alarm-1U108?s_pp=false

Most helpful would be some kind of perimeter motion detectorwith a wireless audible alarm around high theft items like motorcycles.
Any way to rig that using op's idea?

I agree with TJ.
Ill pull gaurd duty so you and kids sleep. I just want a good steak and a six pack of Guinness.
Can I wear my line two set up....:p

Just have fun with your kids....don't be paranoid.it filters back to them. Keep your head on tight...and that's it. No different than stay at a hotel. Except for the elements and bugs LOL.

I camp in the ONF...which as posted has a death rate of 20 campers per day due to killers and man eating swamp apes.
I've been going there since my teens and I day hike /camp with the family regularly.  Head on swivel....eyes open....wife and kid get good sleep...I'm 2 on....2 off till AM.   Even at home.being a watch dog isn't bad....just don't let it over take and ruin the trip...

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

I agree with TJ.
Ill pull gaurd duty so you and kids sleep. I just want a good steak and a six pack of Guinness.
Can I wear my line two set up....:p

Just have fun with your kids....don't be paranoid.it filters back to them. Keep your head on tight...and that's it. No different than stay at a hotel. Except for the elements and bugs LOL.

I camp in the ONF...which as posted has a death rate of 20 campers per day due to killers and man eating swamp apes.
I've been going there since my teens and I day hike /camp with the family regularly.  Head on swivel....eyes open....wife and kid get good sleep...I'm 2 on....2 off till AM.   Even at home.being a watch dog isn't bad....just don't let it over take and ruin the trip...

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Oh we get "it" in regards to the security of our families.  Why not rig up some solar lights (in case your batteries die) to a bulletproof, slashproof, waterproof box that is sizeable enough for your camping party.  Throw in a few claymores for the boogie man (don't forget "Front Toward Enemy") and route them all to your big-toe like ole' Snuffy Smiths so you'll have "rapid response". Before I forget, throw in some wind chimes so you'll know which way to face for scenting your boogie men.  While your at it, dig a field-expedient moat!

Or you can throw a pistol on your hip and lean a rifle against the closest tree and enjoy NATURE!

The key to remember is that yes, most of the time there's not going to be an issue. But it only takes once to be final. You can go out camping 10,000 times with no problem, but that one time could be a final one. A little extra caution doesn't hurt a thing.
Hell! I live in the country in a wooded area. I take nothing for granted in this day and age! I have a loaded gun in close proximity at all times. I never venture out in the back part of my woods without being armed and aware of my surroundings! It's a fairy tale to believe that there's nothing out there that will ever hurt you.

As I said, it only takes once...................

Eh, whatever man. Floodlights = kosher in a crowded state park (I guess), perimeter patrols with the long guns + booby traps and shit not so much. String + tin cans + rocks maybe and a dog is not overkill, just be careful that you clean up after yourself. And you DO need to consider your neighbors. Also consider that in a state park you do not own that real estate, and people CAN walk through or near your campsite - and you  have no right to stop them as long as they aren't threatening you -  so be VERY careful what you string between the trees. Or otherwise decide to set up to "surprise" unsuspecting interlopers.

Have fun with your floodlights. Your park neighbors are gonna love you for it. So will the raccoons

If you're trying to get the family to enjoy the camping experience, turning it into a mini-fortress in the woods is not going to do it, neither is rotating guard duty. Is it a survival situation, or is it a recreational situation? If the latter, then why post it here?

Hahahahahaha, yeah not so much. My edit was to add "in my Army days" for the idiots that couldn't figure out that "my guys" and "LP/OP" wasn't referencing my current camping trip.

Whatever dude.

Like I said....GD is that way------->


Edit: if I'm not mistaken, the mods can see what was edited.  How about we wager.....if I edited out anything like you mentioned (patrols, rifles, booby traps, etc) then I'll buy you 10 years of platinum memberships, if all I added was "in my Army days" you buy me just one year of a gold membership.

Well, pal....what do you say?   Or maybe you're not found of eating crow.



Again, GD------>

This is a technical forum.

And if you aren't in the Army anymore you should know that you don;t run in a state park the same way you did in the field on exercises. If this is a freaking family camping trip and you are not on private property then you need to THINK about what you are setting up.

What if you set up some trap/early warning system and someone trips over it in the middle of the night walking to take a piss? YOU are responsible for that. What if you get paranoid and draw down on that individual because you think it's a meth head?

You're a freaking civilian now, or at least you are when camping with the family in a public park. Check yourself.

TJ had it right. Stay armed and ready, but no need to go overboard. Some things are not really appropriate in that setting.

Are you being deliberately obtuse or just an idiot? My OP referenced a motion light and a motion chime. That's it......let me say it again if you missed it..... A motion light and a motion chime.


Bet still stands......10 years or 1 year.  

Please , either take the wager or exit this thread.

I'll let this thread go and post an AAR later on the motion light I choose along with the motion chime I already have.

So you edit a post to bet me that you didn't edit an earlier post? NICE.

I edit my posts all the time, but usually only within a few minutes of posting them. Afterthoughts, correcting spelling mistakes, whatever. I'm not gonna bet you on that because you made the post several days ago and I don't care enough to keep track of every lunatic post I see here in GD in the SF. And I only take bets I know I can win.

I will reiterate. If you are planning on setting up some elaborate security system for taking the kids car camping or whatever in a public park, where there are likely to be random people walking all over the place in the dark, then you are a fucking loon, and I wouldn't want to camp with or next to you. Your reference to setting up OPs buys you nothing with me (know what a fister is? I have a little tank too, ya know ), and frankly I think you're a bit out there for trying to use the same game plan you use in the Army on a family camping trip.

This is a technical forum, but that doesn't preclude us telling someone that what they're asking is a bit out there. You DO need to take your neighbors into consideration when camping in a public park. If there are other people around you can NOT automatically assume that anyone who strays near your fire or tent is there to crash your party in a bad way. You cannot set freaking booby traps or whatever. If you want to set up floodlights and motion sensors at least that won't hurt anyone, but your neighbors aren't going to like it, and they WILL get set off repeatedly in the woods by critters and wind if nothing else.

Sounds to me like you want someone to validate your setting up an elaborate OP in a state park, as opposed to getting real feedback. If that's what you want you won't get it from me. And I am by no means the only person here who thinks you're a tad off base.

Dude, if you're going to spend an entire page on rants at least read the original post.  How dense are you?  He never said anything about setting traps.  He specifically said, repeatedly, motion lights and alarms.  I feel like maybe he should just write a post with a full paragraph saying "motion lights and alarms" over and over and over since you're having trouble with it.  Also most people don't camp with nearby neighbors, definitely not close enough to be walking around your tent, unless you're in an RV park type of place.  But I have a feeling that's not what he's thinking of since he's mentioning woods and wild animals, not power outlets and permanent grills.

ive been nice so far. YOU read the OP. and his replys.





One he is camping in a state park down here. Our state parks are like fucking KOA camp grounds. I asked the OP which camp ground..but he did not answer. I can list about 100 of them. Reason is ive lived here and camped here all my life. My folks started us camping young, prolly in the OP's AO since i grew up in broward county. We camped from jax to glades to the ONF and all in between. Even in the 80's most state park sites  land you with in 10-12 FEET of another camper.





This means even though your in the "woods" you still will


1- see others


2- hear others


3- smell others


4- have folks walking BY the front of your lil camp site drive way..


There will be open areas in some,,just big fields with marked sites with grill'stables and water spigots.and again..like a lil subdivison of sites ...where folks will walk right past your site all day,,all night etc.





UNLESS..like I posted already he is a private rental spot aka like from the forest service ( this means a primitive area in a WMA)  or actually hiking on the FT..he will be in a camping parking lot. MOre or less.
im by no means saying the OP is wrong for wanting to be protective of his family. NOT being protective is stupid. BUT..putting out lights,,buzzers,,etc will at best give him a 1-5 yard advantage i...at best if theres going to be issues. That means at 3Am,,when the over weight ghetto racoons raid his cooler,, set off the piezo alarm or strobe or flood light ( which he'll see while alseep)..he'll have X amount of seconds to


decide what the threat is


arm himself


,which may included getting out of a sleeping bag,wake up kids, or not wake them, and address the threat at hand while inside a fucking tent..in the dark.





Now..maybe the OP is /has super tactical ninja skills that i do not possess..but by the time all that goes down,,his cooler is tipped,,his steak stolen,,his kids awake and sacred because "what was that big crash daddy.." while dads ..clammering around going tier one super seal on the coons.
granted im being very smart assed here...but.....
we all need to read,,think things through for the best of our families,, BUTU over all we do not need to over act and RUIN others trips because we feel it is an unsafe place. AS Kev pointed out.





OP no offense,,but if i had alarms and sirens going off next to me all night.....id have the rangers at your camp in 2 mins flat to shut that shit down...and since most state parks are run by park nazi's ,,who charge 14-20$ a night to camp in a parking lot..youd HAVe to our they'll remove you.....





if you feel its that unsafe camp else where...if you want to play OP/LP with trip wire etc go somewhere where you wont ruin someones elses weekend getaway into "nature...."