Best Security Cameras for Your Lake House

Security cameras are one of the most necessary tools for your home. Especially for lake properties, which are typically second homes, it’s even more crucial to make your house less vulnerable to break-ins. Plus, security systems provide a significant advantage to deterring robbers. According to High Security Home, not having a home security system increases your chances of being robbed by 300%. Thankfully, with modern technology, keeping your home safe is easier than ever. Primarily with Wi-Fi access, you can check on your lake house’s safety from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re new to home safety systems or looking to upgrade your technology, check out the best security cameras for your lake house from top brands.

Lorex Technology Wi-Fi Security Cameras

Lorex Home Center.

The newest Wi-Fi security camera from Lorex is perfect for any lake homeowner. With two outdoor cameras and one indoor camera, you can keep a close eye on both curbs of your home — your home front and lakefront. The stand-out feature of this product is the ability to control the cameras with the sound of your voice. Commands like “Lorex, show me all outdoor cameras” and “Lorex, turn on all warning lights on outdoor cameras” utilize the same technology as an Alexa to help you keep tabs on your home from anywhere. In response, sensors can be linked to a nearby Wi-Fi camera to start recording. After the sun has set, color night vision helps provide maximum security.

Piper Home Security Cameras

Piper Security System.

New from Piper, this all-in-one security camera is a simple yet effective way to equip your lake house for maximum protection. It has all the features of the best security cameras, complete with pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities to view all parts of the room. You can set this device on one of three different modes: home, security, and vacation. If ever security mode is breached, an intruder deterrent siren will immediately go off. The two-way audio system allows you to use Piper as a video intercom to check in with family or pets. This way, it feels like you never left your home! No matter where you are in the world — whether you’re at your permanent residence or on vacation — you can watch live or recorded videos of your lake home from your phone or tablet.

Blink XT Wireless Security Camera

Photo courtesy of Digital Trends.

Ranked by Security.org as the most affordable outdoor camera (starting at $99.99), the Blink XT is undoubtedly one of the best security cameras out there. New from this Amazon-owned company, this product can run for an impressive two years with only two AA batteries. The simple set up makes this a perfect product if you’re just getting started in home security. Plus, its waterproof capabilities make it ideal for screening your lakefront property. So you can monitor your lake home while you’re away, the Blink XT comes with an easy-to-use app that can work with your Alexa. At a low price, you can have peace of mind about your home’s safety.

Ring Spotlight Cam

Photo courtesy of Ring.com.

Ring’s products consistently rank among the best security cameras for a reason. The wire-free and waterproof features, combined with a simple installation, makes it very attractive to homeowners. The new spotlight cam is specifically known for its integrated spotlight, siren, and motion detection. With instant motion-activated alerts and a high-quality night vision camera, you can quickly determine whether it’s your mom or a total stranger at the door. The ability to hear, see, and speak to anyone on your property from a phone or tablet offers an additional stand-out feature. 

Nest Outdoor Cam

Photo courtesy of Chris Monroe/CNET.

Nest, a product of Google, is another well-known contender among the best security cameras. The Nest Outdoor Cam has every important feature of a high-quality outdoor camera — two-way audio, HD vision, face detection, night vision, and 24-hour recording. If you’re a new lake homeowner, you might be attracted to Nest’s simple installation process, using only a magnet. With push notifications for any activity in your front and backyard, you’ll be able to monitor your home’s safety easily — even if it’s been a month since you’ve made the trek to the lake house.   

Security cameras with remote access provide the best solution for most lake homeowners. These security cameras are worth investing in, especially if you don’t live on the lake full time. Which one is your top pick?

The Latest in Lake Home Security

Man in suit pressing high tech screen with security icons

Whether your lake place is a primary residence or a home away from home, protecting it from break-ins and uninvited house guests should be at the top of your priority list. This security tip is true, especially if the property will be unoccupied this off-season.

It’s always a good idea to ask a friendly neighbor to keep an eye on your property while you’re away. Hire someone to maintain the yard in your absence. Planting thorny shrubbery under your home’s windows and installing an alarm system are great options for keeping your lake place safe, too.

Adding the latest lake home security systems and gadgets to your property can provide you with a little extra peace of mind that your investment is secure while you’re away.

Smart Locks/Keyless Entry

Smart lock on blue glass front door
Photo courtesy of HGTV.

Instead of trying to keep up with who has keys to your home and fretting about finding a safe spot to keep a spare, consider using the latest in security technology for your lake home

Replace your traditional locks with keyless entry devices, which can be programmed to recognize multiple unique access codes, reducing the chances of a stolen or copied key.  

Every member of your household can have a user-specific entry ID, safeguarding your property against potential wrongdoers who may try to memorize entry strokes.

Assigning family and friends with personal entry codes can also help you identify who enters your home and when through your device’s accompanying app.

Additional smart lock safety features include password-protected Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, remote accessibility, voice command options, and even fingerprint scanners on some models.

You can purchase most smart locks for less than $275, and installation usually takes less than a day. 

For a list of the top-rated keyless door locks on the market in 2019, check out this helpful PCMag article.

Remote-Access/Controlled Lighting

Smart device with controlled lighting app
Photo courtesy of Protect America.

Creating the illusion that your home is occupied is a simple way to deter burglars and vandals from entering the property while you’re away for the off-season.

Installing remote-access lighting makes this easier by allowing you to turn lights on and off in different areas of the home to mimic your presence.

Most programs allow you to manually program your lights, via your smart home hub or wireless app, to activate and deactivate at specific times throughout the day and in specified areas.

Other options allow you to set your lighting system to “vacation mode,” which will turn your lights on and off randomly. Smart lights can also be set to turn on when they detect motion or sound. 

You can purchase the Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch Starter Kit for about $100 at The Home Depot, a relatively inexpensive smart device option.

Lutron’s Caseta wireless devices take roughly 15 minutes to install per dimmer switch, each of which can control up to 17 light bulbs in a single circuit.

Facial Recognition Security Cameras

Facial recognition security camera by Google
Photo courtesy of The Silicon Review.

Security cameras equipped with facial recognition software are the latest lake home security devices to hit the market.

These camera systems alert homeowners when a device registers anyone on the property whose face is not in its user-programmed recognition databank.

Some facial recognition-equipped cameras can also be programmed to monitor specific areas around the house that may be most susceptible to unlawful entry or damage.

More advanced systems offer heat mapping and analysis capabilities and can even alert homeowners when cars with unfamiliar license plates are detected.

Nest smart home devices, like the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, are among the most popular security camera systems available.

You can purchase this particular model for about $350. However, Nest IQ systems do not include “familiar face alerts” automatically. This bonus feature is accessible through a monthly subscription to Nest Aware.

Subscriptions start at $5 a month.

Do you have a favorite lake home security tip to share? Tell us in our comments section below!

Home Security for Your Lake Home While You’re Away

It’s always a good idea to have some form of home security, but it is especially important when you will be away from your place for extended periods of time. The following tips are useful for making sure your lake home is safe and sound while you are away!

Property ManagementHome Security Panel

Property management is used quite often for vacation homes. They will ensure that all the bills are paid on time and that the property remains safe. The company will also ensure that the place is cleaned and in order. It will be ready for your visit when you are ready.

Hiring a Caretaker

Should a property management company not be for you, then hiring a caretaker may be an option to consider. This is when you hire a person to live in the home while you are away.

A contract will be signed that includes the time in which they will live there, what duties they will need to perform while you are away like watering plants, lawn care, and others that you will specify, and it will also include their rate of pay or salary for doing this.

Security Systems

Security systems can be installed for a very reasonable price and as a substitute for having a person at the house. It will alert the police to break-ins, the fire department should the smoke detectors go off, or any other disaster that can occur.

There are some companies that offer the service of visiting the property if there is a reason to if the owner is far away. This will include giving the company a key to the home.

Camera Systems

Camera systems can be installed with another security measure or by itself. The cameras are usually installed at the front door, the back door, the yard, and even at times strategically throughout the house. The cameras will help you keep an eye on the home at any time from anywhere.

Motion Detector Lights

Motion detector lights are the cheapest of security options available. It will deter those who pose a threat from entering the property or home. Thieves can not get away if they are seen. What better to offer them less coverage than installing lights that come on when sensing motion?

It is suggested to have at least once of these measures set into place for your vacation home. However, it is better if you have at least two or more. You spend your money and your time on this home, keep it safe while you are away.