Is Memphis Too Dangerous for RVers? Our Surprising Experience
Everyone warned us not to visit Memphis in our RV. From fellow travelers to former police officers, we heard numerous cautions about crime and safety concerns. But when our original campground at Tom Sawyer’s RV Resort flooded just days before our arrival, we had to pivot quickly. Would this change of plans become a travel disaster or lead to an unexpected adventure?
Despite the warnings, we found a safer alternative at the Agricenter RV Park near Germantown, just outside Memphis proper. While the park itself is basic compared to luxury resorts, we never felt unsafe during our two-week stay. The location turned out to be super convenient with upscale shopping and great restaurants nearby. A major bonus for long-term travelers: you can get Amazon packages delivered directly to the nearby Whole Foods!
We did take some common-sense precautions – keeping valuable equipment locked up and being mindful of our surroundings – but these are smart practices regardless of location.
Memphis Highlights: Security-Conscious Choices
Instead of finding danger around every corner, we discovered a city rich with music history, incredible food, and unique attractions. What made our experience different? We specifically chose destinations with strong security measures:
🌶️ World Championship Hot Wing Festival
This vibrant food festival (held every May) was completely gated off with police presence throughout the event. We enjoyed sampling different wing flavors while listening to live music in this secure environment – a perfect example of how attending organized events in Memphis can provide both security and an authentic local experience.
🏆 Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
This massive attraction housed in a 32-story steel pyramid is entirely self-contained with its own security team. With aquariums, waterfalls, a cypress swamp, restaurants, and an observation deck, it’s much more than just a store. The controlled access points make this a worry-free destination for RVers concerned about safety.
🐾 PROTECT YOUR PET WHILE EXPLORING MEMPHIS
While we were out enjoying the Hot Wing Festival and exploring the Bass Pro Pyramid, our peace of mind came from knowing Hugo was comfortable and safe back at the RV. The Waggle Pet Monitor gave us real-time temperature updates, while the mini camera let us visually check on him throughout the day.
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🎵 Stax Museum of American Soul Music
One of our favorite stops in Memphis! This museum celebrates the legacy of Stax Records with controlled entry and security throughout. The museum features over 2,000 interactive exhibits, including a recreation of the original recording studio and Isaac Hayes’ gold-trimmed Cadillac.
👑 Graceland
Elvis Presley’s iconic home has comprehensive security measures with gated entry, security personnel, and controlled access throughout the property. You absolutely need to visit Graceland just for the nostalgia and pristine preservation of the decor and memorabilia. We recommend the Elvis Experience tour, which will get you access to just about everything without breaking the bank. The self-guided audio tour narrated by John Stamos (with commentary from Lisa Marie and Priscilla) provides fascinating insights into Elvis’s life and career within this secure environment.
🍖 Central BBQ
Located in a well-monitored commercial area, this restaurant allowed us to enjoy Memphis’s renowned barbecue without venturing into areas with safety concerns. Central BBQ has two locations – the original downtown near the Civil Rights Museum and another in Midtown near the University (where we visited). Their delicious pulled pork, barbecue beans, and variety of sauces (mustard, vinegar, and sweet) let us customize each bite to perfection.
Our Memphis Takeaway
Despite all the warnings about Memphis being “too dangerous,” we actually enjoyed our stay tremendously. The key is being strategic – stick with daytime activities, focus on attractions with security presence, and choose controlled-access locations like museums and organized festivals.
Would we return to Memphis? Absolutely! There was plenty more to explore, but what we’ve shown could easily be done in 48 hours. Memphis offers a rich blend of music history, incredible food, and cultural experiences that shouldn’t be missed just because of its reputation.
Sometimes the places others warn you about turn out to be the most rewarding. Have you visited a destination despite safety concerns? Share your experience in the comments!
LINKS TO PLACES MENTIONED:
