Campground Etiquette

Campground Etiquette

When it comes to campgrounds rules and good etiquette there are a few universal untalked-about guidelines that all campers should know. Campgrounds are exclusive areas and the campers that travel all over the states and even the world are as unique as they come. Campers ranging in age from ex-pats to even full-time family RV’ers. Your next-door neighbors could literally be a surprise every day.

Though this list could get quite large we have narrowed down the top commonsense etiquettes. Remember these are rules more like what you expect others to do for you as you should do for them.  

Yes, we live in the age where a “Karen” or a “Jeffery” might be your next-door neighbor. But rudeness doesn’t get us anywhere and can only elevate the situation. Just be kind and walk away. Don’t stoop to their level.

Blaring music and screaming is uncalled for and rude to other campground members. These also include loud diesel engines and vehicles. Most campsites have rules to noise ordinance that usually is from 10pm to 6am, depending on the campsite. A good rule of thumb is if you can hear your music from two campsites away, turn it down and be respectful. If your neighbor is watching college football all day and has had it blasted up high for hours kindly go over and ask them to turn it down but understand you will not get peace and quite a campground, especially during seasonal festivals and nice weather.

Electrical or gas generators are a nuisance to campgrounds and especially at night. Throughout the day you can hear the loud generators from larger RVs and the noise could be annoying. Many campgrounds have a noise ordinance and that includes loud generators. Most campsites have rules to noise ordinance that usually is from 10pm to 6am, depending on the campsite. I have seen many campers get kicked out for breaking these rules, plus who can sleep with them running through the night?

Yes, this is very rude and makes people uncomfortable. They paid for a spot that is privately theirs and has objects on their campsite that could be expensive or private. Campers also have electric cords, sewer, and water hoses around their camper, and tripping on one of those could be costly and messy.

Walk around their campsite appropriately or use the walkways. Yes, this includes our children and pets in this as well, and should be told to walk around or go through a site not used.

I have to say, we sometimes break this rule when someone gets close to our campsite. Our dog is leashed but she will bark if someone she does know comes close to our campsite. Quite a barking dog calmly and avoid screaming at your pet. We have all heard those owners yelling at their animals all throughout the campsite.  

In addition, clean up after your animal, no one like to step or smell dog poop while there is camping. Don’t allow them to dig holes or bark at everyone walking by. Keep aggressive dogs at home.

Yes, we should all know this one, but it is commonly broken. With the wind blowing it makes it hard as well. Clean up all disposable items right away be for Mr. Wind blows them to the next campsite and under someone’s camper. Also, relate this to your children who get to eat those pre-packaged goodies. This will attract local wildlife and bugs to your campsite.

Keeping your trash in a bag on your table could cause your neighbors to frown. Store it in a bag or collapsible waste bin and keep it away from rodents and bugs. Nothing ruins a good morning to the sounds of you or your neighbor cussing, that a rodent got in the trash and spread the garbage through the campsite or sites. Keep your trash in a bag, then store it up high on the ground. Remember those rodents are sneaky and can get into areas you didn’t think were possible. Bears can smell great too and well try to get in the camper if they smell something they like.

Awe, we all hate doing dishes, and what easier way to camp is by utilizing disposable items, but the amount of trash can be a lot. Some people burn their trash in their firepits, which is not allowed and is typically a rule in most campgrounds. Burning Styrofoam, bottles, aluminum, or plastic also smells horrible and can never reduce away. It also great a darker smoke when burned and can be seen by the camp host or Game Warden. You should always recycle or throw them away appropriately and clean up your fire pits before leaving.

We all love to put up those LED lights on our campers, but over-illuminating can be vulgar. There are tons of people who love to look at the stars at night and not your bright blue lights from 5 doors down. Reduce the illumination intensity after 10pm, so that campers can get some sleep. After midnight, turn them off, save on power, and give your neighbors a good night’s rest.

Well Folks those are the top commonsense campground etiquettes. Now we can go further and with all the crazy things we have seen at the campgrounds and know this list could get pretty long. If you stay by these 9 little rules you will be a great neighbor!