Proper RV Campground Etiquette: Being Good to Your Neighbors
RV Lifestyle & Repair EditorsDescription
Exercising proper etiquette at an RV campground means treating your space and the space of those around you with equal effort and decency. Anyone who’s traveled the country in an RV for a few years know how frustrating it can be to set up next to a camper who doesn’t understand campground etiquette. Sites overflowing with trash, excessive noise, and unruly dogs can make for an unpleasant stay.
With that image in mind, full-time RVer Lauren Grijalva teaches you some of her favorite advice for good campground etiquette so you ensure that you remain in the good graces of your neighbors and campground staff. Here are Lauren’s top ten tips:
- 1) Keep your campsite tidy, making sure to throw away all trash and cleaning up after parties and get-togethers.
- 2) Avoid walking through other campsites. Think of each site like a temporary home with a yard and surrounding sidewalks.
- 3) Look up each campground’s quiet hours and respect them. Shut the party down or lower the volume when the time approaches.
- 4) Drive slowly through the grounds. Observe all posted speed limits; you never know who or what’s around the bend.
- 5) Keep dogs on leashes whenever walking through the grounds, pick up after them, and be sure to put the barkers inside!
- 6) Always check out on time. Another RVers is expecting to have their reserved space available when they arrive; don’t make them wait!
- 7) Try not to disturb your neighbors by knocking if their door is closed and the shades are drawn. Wait until they’re out and about!
- 8) Don’t talk to someone when hooking/unhooking. Strike up conversation once they’ve gotten settled, not while they’re figuring out the parking situation.
- 9) Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. You don’t like showing up to a dirty site, and neither does whoever arrives after you!
- 10) Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Be approachable, say hello, grow your community!
These are just some of the great ways to make America’s amazing campgrounds even better places to spend the night. If you have other suggestions for campground etiquette, feel free to fill us in!
There are some basic things that you should know, when staying at an RV park or campground. Understanding and implementing campground etiquette, ensures that you stay in good graces with your neighbors, as well as the park staff. Here are my top 10 tips for campground etiquette. Tip number one is to always keep your site tidy. Nobody likes to look at a trashy yard. Make sure that you don't leave trash or food lying around your site. Tip number two, don't walk through other people's campsites. Campsites are like yards. While it might be tempting to look for a shortcut across the campground, don't walk through someone else's site. It's their temporary property, and it's invasive. Teach your children this courtesy as well. Number three, respect quiet hours. Most people sleep at night, and nobody likes to be woken up by loud, inconsiderate neighbors. Find out what the quiet hours for your campground are, and keep them in mind, so that people can enjoy their sleep. Number four, drive slowly. most campgrounds have a five mile per hour speed limit. It's important to follow this, as kids can be out playing, and other RVs may be pulling in or out of their sites. Number five, mind your pet. Dogs should always be kept on a leash. Not everyone is a dog lover, and an unknown dog running up to a neighbor could be perceived as scary to some people. Always pick up your animals poop, as nobody likes to step in a smelly surprise when out on a walk. Lastly, if your dog is barking uncontrollably, bring him in. Number six, checkout on time. Many campgrounds stay booked, which means on your departure date, someone else is moving in your spot. Be courteous and leave on time so that the person can easily take over the spot, without having to wait around. Number seven, don't knock if doors and shades are closed. Most campers are friendly, but also have times where they want privacy as well. If you notice that the shades and the doors are closed, don't knock. Wait until your neighbor is out and about, or the door is open, to contact them. Number eight, don't strike up a conversation when someone is hooking up or unhooking. It can be a daunting task to go through the process of unpacking and hooking up as soon as you get to a campground, as well as packing up and unhooking, when it's time to go. These are times when it is not appropriate to start up a conversation with your neighbor. Let them focus on their checklist, and don't interrupt them at these times. Number nine, leave no trace when you leave. Always leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. All trash should be packed up and placed in a dumpster. The next campers to your site will thank you. Number 10, be a good neighbor. RV campers are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. Introducing yourself and being friendly, can go a long way. Keeping these 10 tips in mind when you're at an RV park or campground, can help you be a joy to your neighbors, instead of a nuisance. What tips can you add to the list? Add them in the comments below.
In item #10 there is a glaring breach of etiquette. Never park your car, truck, etc where it is hanging over into the street. You make it difficult for neighbors to back into their sites.
Try to not chop wood at 6am. Keep children in during quiet hours. Keep your sounds (voice & music/tv) limited to your site. Don't leave pets inside alone and leave the campground, yes they do bark. Keep your children's bikes/toys/stuff to your own site.
During set-up or tear down, don't lay sewer hoses or sewer connections on the picnic table. Also, don't put pet cages, crates on picnic tables. These is simply unsanitary, and disrespectful practices.
Is this article available in printed or pdf form? Would love to share with new campers that check into our campground.
Sound travels long distances outside. While you may enjoy “rocking out” to your favorite tunes while camping, your neighbors may not have the same tastes. Keep the volume down.
Make sure your tow or toad vehicle isn't blocking the camp roadway. RV's coming and going shouldn't have to wind their way around you. I've seen some rv bumps and bruises when trying to snake their way around.
#11. Don't run your slide out out over your neighbor's site. This has happened to me for several years with the same neighbor. When sites are already small this is very annoying!
Don’t feed the local wildlife, as animals will return looking for more handouts long after you leave.
#11 - Pull your truck and/or toad all the way into your campsite and don't partially block the road like the minivan in your number 10 does.