CampSecure™ says: “You already have your alarm system. It’s just sitting in a drawer.”
Many households still have an old smartphone lying unused. Yet, it contains impressive technology: a camera, microphone, motion sensors, GPS, and a powerful processor. Why buy additional electronics when the essential components are already available?
That’s exactly where the new Android app CampSecure comes in. It transforms an outdated smartphone into a smart alarm system for camper vans, motorhomes, and caravans—without requiring complex installation, additional alarm control units, or a focus solely on reactive alerts.
The Cologne-based company is currently seeking additional testers. Selected participants can use the app for free for three months.
Prevention: Deterring Theft Before It Happens
A broken window, damaged door locks, or stolen camping gear can lead to significant costs. That’s why CampSecure doesn’t rely solely on alerting you to a break-in.
The app aims to react early to suspicious events. How critical early deterrence is for camper vans and motorhomes is also highlighted in our article on break-ins and prevention for campers.
If the smartphone detects unusual movement or sounds, it can first emit an audible voice warning. If an alarm is triggered, a loud alarm tone follows.
Additionally, CampSecure uses light signals (warning lights) to draw attention to active monitoring.
The combination of voice warnings, light signals, and alarm tones aims to deter potential intruders before significant damage occurs.
While an alarm system cannot prevent break-ins entirely, early intervention can help reduce risks.
The Key CampSecure Features
CampSecure combines multiple security functions into a single Android app.
Motion and Sound Detection
The smartphone monitors unusual movements and sounds inside the vehicle.
The app evaluates different sensor signals and combines them to better distinguish between normal background noise and suspicious events.
Voice Warning, Light Signals, and Alarm Tone
When suspicious activity is detected, CampSecure can first emit a voice warning.
Additionally, light signals can be used. If an alarm is triggered, a loud alarm tone follows.
This multi-stage response is a central part of the prevention concept.
Alarm Notification with Photo and Location
In case of an alarm, the app can automatically capture a photo and transmit the GPS location of the vehicle.
The owner is notified and receives information to better assess the situation.
Daily Security Status
Especially useful for extended periods of inactivity is the automatic daily status report.
CampSecure can send a current photo and the vehicle’s location once a day.
This allows you to remotely check if the monitoring device is still active and where the vehicle is located.
Automatic Night Mode
Between 10 PM and 6 AM, CampSecure automatically switches to night mode.
Audio detection becomes slightly more sensitive, and the warning light activates during voice announcements and alarm tones. There’s no separate switch—the transition occurs based on the time.
This feature is particularly useful on camping sites, parking areas, or during extended periods of inactivity.
Remote Control
CampSecure can also be managed remotely.
Owners can check the current status or deactivate monitoring without having to return to the vehicle.
The Processing Power Is Already in Your Old Smartphone
The technical approach of CampSecure differs from many traditional alarm systems.
While conventional systems require additional control units, sensors, and electronic components, CampSecure uses the existing hardware of a smartphone.
Even several years old Android devices often have sufficient processing power to directly evaluate movements and sounds.
The processing of sensor signals occurs on the smartphone itself, requiring no additional external computing unit.
This simplifies installation and reduces the need for new hardware.
The requirement is a suitable Android device running at least Android 10 with a minimum of 3 GB RAM.
Sustainability: Reusing Existing Technology
Smartphones are often replaced even when they still function technically.
With CampSecure, such a device gains a new purpose.
The camera, processor, microphone, and motion sensors were already produced. Instead of purchasing new electronics, these components are reused.
This extends the lifespan of a smartphone and reduces the demand for additional hardware.
Especially in camping, where sustainability and responsible resource use are increasingly important, this approach is appealing.
An old smartphone becomes a new security system.
Also Useful During Extended Periods of Inactivity
Many camper vans and motorhomes are left unattended for extended periods.
This can happen on a campsite, a private parking area, or during the winter off-season.
CampSecure allows you to monitor the vehicle even during these times.
For power supply, a small solar panel with an appropriate charging and buffering solution can be used.
This allows the smartphone to operate independently of a constant mains power connection under suitable conditions.
How such a power supply works is explained in our guide on power supply and SIM for the alarm phone.
Simple Setup Without Modifying the Vehicle
No additional alarm system needs to be installed for CampSecure.
The app is installed on a suitable Android smartphone, which is then positioned inside the camper van or motorhome, and monitoring is activated.
Drilling, modifications to the vehicle’s electrical system, or permanently installed control units are not required for basic functions.
Different monitoring profiles allow customization for various use cases.
For example, the app can be used for a parked camper van, a motorhome, or a campervan.
Three Months Free: CampSecure Seeks Testers
CampSecure is a new Android application that is continuously being developed.
To gather more real-world experience under camping conditions, the Cologne-based company is looking for additional testers.
Selected participants will receive a voucher code for three months of free use.
Owners of camper vans, motorhomes, and campervans who want to test the app in their own vehicle and share their experiences are encouraged to apply.
Especially valuable feedback includes insights on motion detection, usability, and the reliability of alarm functions.
The tester action is an independent offer and separate from the standard seven-day free trial available on Google Play.
Get to know CampSecure and apply to become a tester:
What Is the Regular Cost of CampSecure?
CampSecure can initially be tested for free for seven days via Google Play.
After that, two subscription models are available:
- Monthly: €3.99
- Annual: €39.99
Subscriptions are managed through Google Play.
If you already have a suitable Android smartphone, no additional alarm hardware is needed for the basic security functions.
Conclusion: Your Alarm System Might Already Exist
CampSecure demonstrates how existing smartphone technology can be used to enhance the security of camper vans and motorhomes.
Motion and sound detection, voice warnings, light signals, alarm notifications, GPS location, and daily status updates are all combined into one application.
The focus is on early deterrence and the ability to keep an eye on the vehicle even from a distance.
At the same time, existing hardware is reused instead of purchasing additional electronics.
With the three-month tester program, interested campers can try the new app for free and contribute their experiences to its development.
“You already have your alarm system. It’s just sitting in a drawer.”
Editorial Note: CampSecure is a product of the publisher of this magazine. This article introduces the application and the current tester action.