3 Best Camping Tent Locks for Safety and Security

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A camping tent lock adds another layer of security to your vulnerable shelter.

And while they won’t keep an overly determined threat from entering your tent, they will keep away opportunistic burglars from an easy score and even buy you time if somebody tries to enter your tent at night while you’re sleeping.

So, let’s look at the 3 best camping tent locks available today and find the right option for your camping needs.

Comparison Chart

Product Image	Description / Type
Top Pick	Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination Lock Type: Combination Lock	Buy on Amazon
	Lewis N. Clark Cable Lock Type: Combination Lock	Buy on Amazon
	Travel More Flexible Mini Key Padlock Type: Key Lock	Buy on Amazon

*Buying through links in this chart may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.

1. Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination Lock

Master Lock’s 4688D TSA-Approved lock is a great way to protect your suitcase while traveling… and your tent!

The combination lock allows you to set your own 3 digit combination for security. You can also use the Master Lock as a hiking backpack lock or cooler lock.

This travel lock is constructed with a metal body for durability and an abuse-resistant vinyl-covered cable.

It’s available in black, red, blue, and silver.

Here’s a quick overview of the features and benefits of the 4688D lock.

Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination Lock

Price:

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2. Lewis N. Clark Cable Lock

The Lewis N. Clark Cable Lock is another great solution for securing your tent, backpack, or other valuables while traveling abroad.

The cable lock comes with a flexible 30-inch stainless steel cable that retracts inside of the lock. The ABS casing makes this lock extremely durable, especially in outdoor elements.

This lock provides an easy way to secure your tent doors and protect your belongings while still remaining lightweight and compact enough to fit into your hiking backpack.

The thermoplastic rubber housing provides a comfortable grip that’s easy on the hands when securing items.

Lewis N. Clark Cable Lock

Price:

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3. Travel More Flexible Mini Key Padlock

The Travel More Flexible Mini Key Padlock is a sturdy, sleek, and well-designed lock.

Like all of the locks in this list, this lock was designed with travel in mind and is TSA-approved. These locks don’t lack durability as they are made from an extremely tough Zinc Alloy that’s perfect for the great outdoors.

The uniquely designed key lock comes with a detachable wire stem. It includes two keys, and you can use it just like any other traditional zipper lock.

These locks are available in black or orange and come with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Travel More Flexible Mini Key Padlock

Price:

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What to Look For in a Lock for Your Tent

Camping tent locks are essentially locks that attach to the zippers on your tent door. There aren’t specific locks designed and being sold as a “camping tent lock” (at least at this time).

So, the next best alternative to secure your tent is with a “zipper lock”, most of which are designed for luggage and travel use.

Here are some of the things you should know about these types of locks and what you should look for when purchasing one for your tent.

Lock Type

The first consideration when choosing a tent lock is going to be the type of lock.

Typically, padlocks come with either a shackle or a cable locking mechanism. While you might get a shackle to work on your tent door zippers, a cable-style lock is preferred as the cable can go through the two zippers much easier.

Combination or Key?

Portable padlocks lock and unlock in two main ways: with a key or by using a combination.

Either will work, but we prefer using a combination style lock for two reasons:

1. With a combination lock, you don’t have to worry about carrying around or losing the key.
2. If you’re inside a locked tent, you may have to get out fast! Unless you have the key ready to go, a combination lock is usually quicker, especially if you leave the lock combo only one digit off from being unlocked. You could technically leave the key in the lock (in the locked position), but then you risk the key falling out and losing it.

Again, this is purely preference, but we prefer combo-style locks.

Ease of Use

You want a tent lock that is easy to use! And by that we mean:

• A lock that is easy to lock and unlock quickly
• Is easy to change or reset the combination
• Easily fits through tent zippers

The harder it is to lock/unlock your tent lock, or fit it through the tent zippers, etc. the less likely you are to actually use it.

By keeping things easy and simple, you are more likely to take the extra measures to keep your tent and valuables safe.

Portability

All of your camping gear is designed for portability – your tent, backpack, and so on – so why not your tent lock, as well?

While even the largest zipper-lock won’t be much of a burden, if you have to carry multiple locks for multiple tents, your backpack, cooler, and so on, then portability becomes a higher priority.

All of the locks featured on the list above are ultra-lightweight and easy to carry.

Related: Check out our preferred way to lock a tent with a simple step-by-step tutorial in our guide on How to Lock a Tent From the Inside.

What Are Others Ways I Can Secure My Tent When Camping?

Tent locks will provide a very basic level of security when tent camping. Of course, they won’t stop a determined threat from gaining access, but they can slow down or even stop an opportunistic burglar from an easy score.

Beyond camping tent locks, choosing a safe campsite will be your best bet in securing your tent and other valuables. Camping in groups, setting up a camp perimeter alarm system, and taking your dog camping are all great ways to help secure your tent.

Check out our top 10 tent security tips for more ways to secure your tent and campsite when camping.

And again, choosing a safe campground, keeping valuables out of sight, and camping in groups will go a long way in preventing your tent from being stolen on your next camping trip.