4 Rules of Good RV Campsite Etiquette
Staying in a campground is quite a bit different from staying in a hotel. For starters, camping is a lot less formal. Yet that does not mean it is a free-for-all. The camping community has its own established rules of etiquette everyone is expected to follow. If you are new to camping, it would be wise to learn the rules before you take your next trip.
Below is a list of general rules that apply to all sorts of campers. RV campers should pay special attention to the first rule, given the set-up procedures they have to go through when first arriving at a new site. Also note that there are a few extra etiquette rules for RV campers. These are rules that don’t necessarily apply to tent campers.
1. Remember the Time
Our first rule of etiquette is to remember the time whenever you are thinking of doing something that could disturb your neighbors. Everybody expects noise during the day. It is a different thing in the early morning and late evening hours. Don’t keep the entire campground up by making noise at night.
Should you happen to pull in late, check the time. If it is after 9 PM, is it really important to get fully set up before you go to bed? Hook up your electric and plumbing, but perhaps leave the rest of your site for the following day. The only other exception there might be RV skirting. According to Connecticut-based AirSkirts, skirting can protect your plumbing in cold temperatures. So if it’s going to be a cold night, you might need to install it right away.
2. Respect Neighboring Sites
Treat the campground the same way you would treat your own neighborhood. In fact, treat it better. That means respecting your neighbors. Never venture on to another site without being invited by the campers occupying that site. Do not use another site as a cut-through to your own, either. Those other RV owners have paid good money just like you have, and they deserve to enjoy their site without others passing through.
3. Control Your Pets
It’s not uncommon for RV owners to bring their pets along. It’s also not uncommon for pets to be a nuisance. As a pet and RV owner, you have an obligation to control your animals. Leash your dogs whenever they are outside. When they do their business, clean up after them. If you plan to be away for the day and you know your dog tends to bark incessantly, make other arrangements. Perhaps you can board the dog at a local kennel.
4. Keep the Decorations Tasteful
RV owners are well known for decorating both their rigs and their campsites. Campground owners don’t mind for the most part. However, good campsite etiquette demands that you make sure all your decorations are tasteful. Don’t purposely decorate in an offensive manner.
If you ever find yourself considering decorations that even hint of being offensive, ask around first. See what your neighbors say. The last thing you want to do is be the source of strife in an environment that is supposed to be laid-back and relaxed.
RV owners are, as a general rule, people who know how to get along in a community setting. They generally know how to respect one another. However, there are inconsiderate people in every group. Do not be that kind of person. Be the RV owner that everyone else loves to camp next to. You’ll find that your own experiences are more enjoyable as a result. You’ll also find yourself making a lot of friends along the way.
