How great is the great outdoors? Well, as it turns out, it’s probably only as great as your nearest campsite neighbor. Inconsiderate campers can ruin the outdoor experience for everyone, so it’s important to follow tried-and-true camping guidelines when you’re adventuring with your RV crew.
We’ve compiled a list of the golden rules that keep camping fun and safe for everyone. So don’t be that guy—always follow the rules of outdoor etiquette and camp thoughtfully. The environment and your neighbors will thank you.
The Golden Rules of Camping:
Be Respectful of Others’ Space and Quiet Time
If you’re boondocking in a remote area, you only share your campsite with the local flora and fauna. But at RV campgrounds, that’s definitely not the case. Like you, most folks there are looking to kick back and relax, and that’s hard to do with loud, rude, or overly social neighbors.
Be sure to check out your campground’s quiet hours and respect others by keeping noise to a minimum early in the morning and late at night. It’s also important to remember that while you may enjoy your music playlist, not everyone wants to hear it. Minimize generator use when you’ve got neighbors. Also, be sure your campsite gear isn’t accidentally spreading into your neighbors’ sites. Always keep your pets leashed and your kids close by, and go easy on the socializing with camp neighbors—unless you’re invited to kick back with a cold one.
Check-In and Check-Out on Time
Although unexpected circumstances can occur with travel, you and your crew should always strive to arrive at your site during designated check-in hours when there’s good visibility and no one’s trying to sleep in the next site over. Leaving too early can also wake neighbors, so sleep in that extra hour—and give the sun and your neighbors a chance to wake up peacefully.
Follow the Campground Rules
Take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the campground and learn what’s OK and what’s not. Often, a manager on duty is more than happy to go over the rules if you’re getting in when the office is open. If you’re staying at a state or national park, stop at the ranger station to ask questions or pick up a flyer with park rules.
Keep Your Campsite Clean
Be sure to clean up all traces of food and drink so you don’t inadvertently lure wildlife into the area. You’d be surprised how little food it takes for a raccoon—or bear!—to get a whiff and come knocking. Toss garbage and recyclables in proper bins, and don’t gross out your neighbors by trying to wash your slimy, food-caked dishes in the restroom sink. Wash dishes at your site and dump dishwater (strained, no food waste) in a designated drain.
Extinguish Fires and Grills Completely
Don’t assume a fire will burn itself out. Always extinguish dying fires and embers. And never burn anything if fire bans are in effect in your area!
Dog Days
Only travel with dogs who are well-behaved. A miserable or hyper dog is most definitely not anyone’s best friend. Don’t ever leave your dog alone back at your site. Follow the local leash laws, and always have a plastic baggie in your pocket for quick waste pickup. Many people think of camping as an escape, and nothing can disrupt that more than a dog that won’t stop barking. If your dog is a constant barker or easily triggered by noises, they might not be the best campsite companion. Before adventuring in your RV with canine friends, be sure to check out our blog post on Gadgets and Gear for RV Travel with Dogs.
Always Leave No Trace
Respect nature and wildlife and strive to leave as minimal a footprint as possible when enjoying the outdoors. Don’t feed or get too close to wild animals, and don’t take home artifacts like stones or shells. Camp on cleared sites and travel on designated paths for your safety and the health of the environment.
Have Fun Camping!
At Castle RV, we strive to be the best neighbor we can to our customers. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can help you with your RV needs or adventure plans!
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