Campground Etiquette – What You Need To Know

Campground Etiquette

Generally, RVers are chill people. Surely, they have a flair for adventure and are eager to meet new people. In most cases, they’re happy to assist you with anything you need since the majority are laid-back, cool individuals. 

That’s most probably why the RV community is so wholesome and special. However, just like any other neighborhood, a campground also has a set of rules and regulations that everyone should follow. 

While some of them are dictated by the campground authorities, others are mainly unspoken and constitute the campground etiquette. If you’re a beginner, here are some dos and don’ts of staying in an RV park or campground. 

Tips For Campground Etiquette

If you want to get the most out of your trip and make friends along the way, here are some tips to stay mindful of those around you in the campground. 

Follow The Quiet Time 

Each campground has quiet hours – for sleeping or resting – and you should abide by them. Yes, you might be pumped about hitting all your favorite national parks the next day, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep your neighbors up the whole night. 

That means keeping the radio down, the TV off, and the chatter quiet. Also, most campgrounds have several designated hours for using your generator during the day. 

So, the generators stay off during the quiet time. 

Respect Everyone’s Privacy 

Don’t take the shortcut to the bathroom going through your neighbor’s occupied space. Be mindful of other people’s space and don’t invade their privacy. 

Also, if you have kids with you, make sure they also follow these rules. 

Keep Clean 

If you wouldn’t litter in the surroundings of your house, there’s no reason for you to do it at a campsite. Make sure you pick up your garbage. If you’ve got the camping grill set up outside, clean up after yourself. 

Otherwise, birds, and other critters, might be seen crowding around the campground. Also, if you leave crumbs of food outside your trailer, the edible litter will attract rodents, raccoons, and bears. 

Respect The Campsite Facilities 

Some RV parks and campsites have facilities, such as changing rooms, toilets, and showers. You should keep in mind that someone cleans these places every day, and you have to be respectful of them. 

Not flushing the bathroom or leaving garbage on the floor are rude behaviors. Think of the campground as your neighborhood at home and treat it as such. 

No Foul Language 

While it may seem like you’re separated by camper walls, the partition is pretty thin, and noise travels. So, it’s very likely that your neighbors can hear you if you’re loud. 

While some people might not mind swearing, it’s good to avoid it to keep things pleasant. You should be particularly careful about the foul language if you’re staying in a family-friendly campground. 

Control Your Pets 

While some campgrounds allow pets, it doesn’t mean you can give your little buddies free rein. Make sure your pup is on a leash, and you never leave any of your pets alone on the campground. 

Most importantly, clean after your pets so as to not become a nuisance for others. 

As for interactions, keep them to a minimum unless your neighbors are all over your pup. Most people would love to say hi to your pooch and pet the little furry guy, but not everyone will want a dog in their face. 

Making Friends 

Respecting people’s privacy and avoiding being too noisy is integral, but you also need to make friends. Here are some tips on how to do it without invading someone’s space: 

  • Bring Instruments: If you can play an instrument, why not entertain everyone else in the campground? However, don’t be a pain for everyone else playing your drums in the middle of the night. Make sure everyone is on board with you playing for them. 
  • Beverages: Another great way to make friends is to share a beverage. Are you the self-proclaimed master of cold brews in your locality? Can you fix a palate-pleasing smoothie? Share one with your neighbor to make friends. 
  • Invite Others: If you have space, bring some extra chairs and a tablecloth to invite your neighbors for a little party. But then again, don’t be pushy. 

Dos and Don’ts At A Campground 

Whether you’re renting an RV or taking your fifth wheel around the country, you have to be considerate about other residents at the campground. Here’s a brief overview of what to do and what not to do at a campsite. 

Do Don’t 
Book before leaving 

If you want to avoid disappointment later, make sure to book a site in advance. You can book your preferred campground through an agent or online. 

Dump Your Waste 

While some campgrounds have waste bins, others require you to take your waste with you. If you leave garbage lying around, it could become a choking hazard to the wildlife. 

Pack Essentials 

Make a list of everything you need to pack for your RV trip. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep asking your neighbors for basic things and you surely won’t want to impose. 

Get Lost

Download the campsite’s map from their website or get one from the help center upon arrival. 

Arrange Firewood 

Check if you can bring firewood. 

Cut or forage for wood 

It’s not allowed to cut wood in a national park. Plus, you should not use fallen or dead timber since it’s a habitat for wildlife and insects. 

Put Out Fire 

When you’re leaving or calling it a day, put out your fire.

Leave Fire Unattended 

Don’t leave the fire unattended overnight. If even the smallest ember catches wind, the consequences will be grave. 

Secure Food

If you have any leftovers, keep them in containers. 

Leave Scraps Out

Leaving food and scraps out will attract rodents and possums, becoming a nuisance for you and your neighbors. 

Conclusion 

Now that you know how to be considerate of others and follow the unspoken campground rules, you can plan an RV trip with your family or buddies. Book a spot beforehand and make sure to pack all your supplies. Happy RVing!

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