Campgrounds will often have their own set of rules and regulations to ensure your experience at the park is safe, but what about some unwritten rules? One hundred seventy members of the RV Miles community shared their thoughts on what makes a good neighbor at the campground. Here are their top 10 campground rules in no particular order.
To hear what Jason and Abby say about these ten rules, and their experience with each one, check out episode 350 of the RV Miles Podcast.
How to Be a Good Camping Neighbor: The Unwritten Campground Rules
1. Respect Others’ Space
One of the most common complaints! Your neighbor’s site is their temporary home—walking through it is like cutting through someone’s yard.
- Comment from community: “DON’T WALK THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE’S CAMPSITE!” – Dirt Line Dreamin’
- Another take: “We were taught in Scouts that you never enter someone’s campsite without asking permission. Everyone should follow that rule.” – Ken J.
2. Keep the Noise Down
Loud music, TVs, and generators can ruin the peace for others. Many campgrounds have quiet hours (usually 10 PM to 6 AM), but even during the day, be mindful of your volume.
- Comment from Community: “I don’t want to hear your music.” – Kathleen R.
- Another take: “Music stops at 9pm and if I can hear it 5 lots over, it’s too loud!” – John B.
3. Control Your Dog (and Clean Up After It!)
Barking dogs, unleashed pets, and neglected dog poop are major frustrations for fellow campers.
- Comment from Community: “Pick up after your dog – every time. Not just when someone’s watching.” – De Frost
- Another take: “Shut your dang dog up!” – Ken Z.
- And this: “We love dogs – but do not let your dog run loose & pick up after them.” – Cyndi H.
4. Dim Your Lights at Night
Bright white lights or “Las Vegas-style” setups ruin the night sky for those who want to stargaze. Switch to amber lights or turn them off when you go inside.
- Comment from Community: “Turn off the white lights when retiring for the night!” – Deb C.
- Another one: “It’s nearly impossible to see the stars when people leave bright lights on at night.” – James H.
5. Leave Politics at Home (No Flags, Signs, or Blasting the News)
Many people camp to escape daily stress, including political debates. Displaying political flags and signs or blasting cable news on an outdoor TV can be divisive and disrupt the relaxed atmosphere.
- Comment from Community: “Leave your political signs at home. We are on vacation and don’t want to think about politics.” – Josee L.
- Another take: “I don’t care who you voted for.” – Tony B.
- Additional note: If you must catch up on the news, keep it inside your RV or wear headphones.
6. Be Mindful of Early Mornings & Late Nights
Not everyone wakes up at 6 AM, and not everyone stays up late. Keep voices low in the early morning and after dark.
- Comment to reference: “Don’t assume everyone wakes up at 6:00 am and talking loudly when others are still sleeping while on vacation.” – Kellee N.
7. Keep Your Trash in Check
Leave no trace! Don’t toss cigarette butts, beer cans, or trash in the fire ring. Keep your site clean for the next camper.
- Comment from Community: “The fire ring is not a garbage can!” – William E.
- Another take: “I seldom see dog poop in campgrounds, but cigarette butts are everywhere!” – Maggie on the Move
8. Give Campers Space When Backing In
Unsolicited advice while someone is backing in can be stressful. Unless they ask for help, let them do their thing.
- Comment from Community: “I don’t need your help backing my 32′ rig into my campsite. I’m better at it than you are.” – Sue G.
- Another take: “Unsolicited offers to direct my husband when he is backing into the site. His vibe of not needing help could not be clearer, but some persist!?!” – Linda W.
9. Teach Kids Good Camping Etiquette
We love seeing kids at the campground, and it’s important to expose a new generation to this lifestyle we all enjoy, so share with them now that running through campsites, screaming, or treating the whole campground like a jungle gym can be frustrating for other campers.
- Comment from Community: “Watch your own children. Do not assume I enjoy entertaining your 5-6 year old while you are nowhere in sight.” – Judy C.
10. Don’t Assume Everyone Wants to Socialize
Some campers are there to meet new people, while others just want peace and quiet. It’s important to read the room before striking up long conversations with someone.
- Comment from Community “Not everyone needs unsolicited advice. In my best introverted way I try to tell those people, ‘Like a good neighbor, stay over there.’” – Timothy H.
RVing and being at a campground is a chance to connect with the world around us, to enjoy time in nature, exploring new communities and have the comforts of home with us no matter where we are. Using these ten rules and being a good neighbor at the campground ensures that you, and your fellow RVers, find the rest and relaxation we are all seeking through this lifestyle.
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