There are so many things to learn when you first venture into RV life. Not only will you need to learn about your camper, how to tow your trailer and how to properly maintain your rig, you also will need to learn all about RVing etiquette. There are different unwritten rules when it comes to camping and the culture surrounding RV life. Today, we are going to break down all of the unwritten rules so you are well-versed in RV park etiquette before heading out on your first camping trip in your new RV.
Camping is a fantastic family pastime. It is a great way to spend time with your friends and family while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. Traveling to new places and meeting new people, seeing all of the sites along the way and cooking meals around the campfire… These are only a few amazing things you can experience when you take up camping as your new family pastime.
No matter what kind of camper you purchased, be it a travel trailer or Class A motor home, knowing about these unspoken RV park etiquette rules for camping will help your next camping trip go smoothly for not only you but your campground neighbors as well.
Know the Campground Rules
Every campground will have its own set of rules. Some resorts will have more than others. Before you book your spot, we recomend that you look up the campground rules on their website. If they don’t have a website, don’t be afraid to make a phone call to their office to ask for a rundown of their park rules.
When you arrive for check-in, most resorts will go over the rules with you once again, but by this time you should already know what they are. Knowing the campground rules ahead of time will help you avoid any surprises when you are setting up your spot. For example, you don’t want to arrive at your destination with your furry friend riding shotgun only to be told that the park has a no-dog policy.
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Be a Good Neighbor
This should probably go without saying, but when you are camping, probably the number one rule of proper RV park etiquette is to just be a good neighbor.
Ask yourself, would you want you camping beside you? If the answer is no, then you may want to adjust a few things. It is fine to have fun, but there is no need to be obnoxious. Don’t be loud and boisterous late at night! Your neighbor doesn’t want to hear you blasting music at 2 am when they are trying to sleep, so be respectful.
Also, make sure you don’t walk across other people’s spots. Stick to the roads and don’t cut through spots that people are paying for. Unless you are personal friends with someone, respect their space and stay in common areas.
Finally, keep your spot clean. No one wants to camp next to a mess.
Keep Track of Your Kids
Camping is a family-friendly activity. It is a perfect family vacation. We encourage you to bring your kids along to the campground, regardless of their age. Kids of all ages love to camp, and many campgrounds tend to have kid-friendly activities planned as well.
Just because a campground is marketed as a family-friendly campground though, doesn’t mean you can just let your kids run wild. Your kids deserve to have fun, but that doesn’t have to be at the expense of your neighbors at the campground.
Supervise your kids, make sure they are behaving, listening, and following the park rules. If you have older children, make them check in with you during the day. If your children are younger, please make sure you are always watching them. That isn’t only for the wellbeing of the other guests, but also for the safety of your own kids as well!
So next time you plan a camping trip with your kids, make sure you talk with them about proper camping etiquette. That way everyone can have a good time and no one will have to stress over loud, missing, or messy kids!
Take Care of Your Pets
Just like your kids, you need to make sure you are minding your pets when you are at a campground. First and foremost, make sure dogs are always leashed, cats too if you plan to take them outside of the camper. Pretty much every state in the US has leash laws, and pretty much every campground has leash requirements for pets. This is for the safety of your pets and the other campers, so make sure your pet is leashed at all times when outside.
Also, make sure your dog isn’t barking at all hours of the day and night. Look, we know dogs bark. It is going to happen and really no one will be bothered. But if you leave your dog to continuously bark, that is when you run into a problem. Not only will this be a bother to your neighbors, but it can also be a sign that something is wrong with your dog. If your dog can’t handle being alone for periods of time, then it may be best to leave them home or with a friend when you take your camping trips.
Finally, when camping with pets, always make sure you pick up after them. No one wants to step into your doggie business, so bring little plastic baggies with you and make sure you always pick up after your pup. Many campgrounds actually have designated places for your pup to potty, so check your campground map and make sure you are walking your pet in the appropriate places and picking up after them as needed.
RV Park Etiquette Tips You Need To Know
The biggest thing to take away from this post is that you should be kind, be clean, and be curious. When camping, make sure you are following the park rules and being thoughtful of those around you.
Think to yourself, would I want a neighbor like me? Yes? Then you’re good! No? Reassess your camping habits and see if there are some ways you can become a better RV neighbor.
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