Campground Etiquette: A Guide to Responsible RVing

Everyone plans an RV trip with different goals in mind.  RVers may enjoy a weekend getaway boondocking (without hookups).   Some look forward to a week-long escape to a national park while other RVers full-time in their RV everywhere. No matter where you stay, it’s important to make sure your campground etiquette is in use while RVing.

Campground Rules

When you arrive at a campground the office will provide you with a set of rules.  These are expectations that can be enforced and if you break them, you can be removed from the campground with no refunds.  These are easy rules to follow.  Some campgrounds have different rules so be sure to read through them no matter how many campgrounds you have been to before.

Campground rules may include speed limits of 10 miles per hour, keeping your dog on a leash, no alcohol use (outside your rig), or no campfires.  If you find another camper breaking these rules on a regular basis you can report it to the camp office. Breaking these rules is easy to identify and simple to fix. 

What is Campground Etiquette?

Etiquette is a set of customs and rules for polite behavior, especially among a particular group.  This is why campground etiquette can become complicated.  Campground etiquette encompasses the clearly outlined rules from the camp office but also includes customs generally practiced by the RV community.  So what are the unwritten rules and what do you do if someone breaks them?

The Unwritten Rules

Here are the top rules the RV community adheres to.  You may want to add these to the campground rules.  And be sure your kids and pets are also aware.

Site Space – It is practiced campground etiquette to not cross through other RVers’ campground sites.  While there is an RV in a site, that is their temporary domain.  It is their little slice of heaven during their stay even if they are inside the rig enjoying the view.  Also, stay in your space.  Don’t spread out into other RVer’s sites.

Firepits – Don’t put anything in the pit that will still be there for the next camper (unless it is wood to burn).  We have found bottle caps, nails, aluminum, and other trash left behind.  Clean up your mess.  Also, be aware of the direction the wind is blowing and how hard.  We love to have a fire every time it is possible.  But we don’t do it if the smoke will invade someone else’s area.

Picnic Tables – Tables are not there for poop hoses or filthy projects.  They are there to enjoy an outdoor meal.  Don’t put anything on the table you wouldn’t want winding up in your food.  (Or smelling while you ate).

Interruptions – No matter how cool the RV or the RVers’ gadgets are, don’t interrupt them while trying to set up or tear down their campsite.  Don’t distract them from doing everything they need to do before or after camping.

Noise Levels – RVs are not the most soundproof vehicles.  Keep your noise levels down.  That also means running your engines for long periods, leaving barking dogs in your RV, playing music outside, or having late-night conversations outdoors.

Late Arrival – We should all try to arrive at a campground before dark.  But we also know stuff happens when you travel.  Don’t shine your lights into other RV windows.  Be as quiet as possible.  Leave some setup until morning if possible.  Contact the office to see if you can park out front instead of trying to set up if this is a new campground for you.

What to do when unwritten rules are broken?

It boils down to respecting the campground and other RVers.  You are not the only one trying to live out your expectations for a great campground stay.  Use a little common sense in decision-making processes.  Put yourself in their shoes too.  If there is someone who continually violates the unwritten rules,  here are some steps to follow:

1.        Try preventing the issue from happening without interaction.  For example, if someone keeps cutting through your campground, set up chairs or tables that eliminate the open path.

2.        Consult with the RV office for a solution.  The last thing you want to do is have a confrontation.  You don’t want to be a ‘Karen’.  Other RVers have the right to enjoy their getaway too. 

3.        Is this a repetitive issue or maybe a one-time issue?  Just let it go the first time.  Maybe, it will correct itself or not happen again.  Allow time for natural resolutions.

It doesn’t matter where you RV; campground etiquette is the bond that holds this travel experience together. Without respect for all RVers, our campground does not remain civilized, and the social structure breaks down. As RVers, we have all seen an incident that can erode the peace, so it is up to all of us to create a great campground adventure—not just for ourselves but for everyone camping around us.