Campground Dos and Don'ts

Campground Do's to Keep Fun Alive

Even veteran campers can get comfortable when they return to a campground year over year, sometimes letting good camping etiquette slip away. Since many modern campgrounds and camping resorts put campers in close proximity to one another (especially in RV Resorts), it's important to remember not to ruin the experience of those around us.

Being a good steward, focusing on the fun of the camping trip (yours and others), and acting as an example of how people should behave while camping helps preserve the experience for everyone at the campground.

Here are some helpful tips to remember on your next camping trip

Read the Posted Campground Rules 

Every campground facility will have rules posted or available that need to be followed. Ignorance of the rules is never a fair excuse, nor is using the excuse that children are too young to follow them. If you don't follow the rules or do something that violates basic campground rules and etiquette you could be asked to leave.

It's definitely not fun to have to pack up and go late in the evening. Plus, being expelled from a campground typically results in a lost deposit, and in some cases an additional fine.

Be a Great Neighbor

The old saying "good fences make good neighbors" can't apply to a campground because you're typically on open land. If you're lucky, you've got a semi-secluded site. You don't necessarily have to socialize with everyone or become lifetime friends, but having common courtesy to those around you can go a long way toward everyone having a good vacation.

You also never know when you might forget a critical item at home and your neighbor might have something extra handy to share.

Be Prepared for Camping

Being prepared means bringing enough food, supplies, utensils, toilet paper, food, water... did we mention food? While some campgrounds have a convenience store on site, not all offer this amenity. It could be a long trip into town to find what you need. If you don't have access to a chain store you might find yourself paying almost double for simple items you left at home.

Be prepared and make yourself a checklist for packing before you go. Treat your stay like any long-term vacation where you're away from home, even if you're not too far.

Be a Considerate Pet Owner

Every pet friendly campground has limited pet policies, with only a select few that have "no pet" policies. If you do travel with an animal, especially a dog, be considerate. Make sure to always clean up after your pet. With a lot of foot traffic in campgrounds, especially barefoot kids, no one likes to step in it.

Remember to leash your pets and do your best to control barking. A vocal dog could result in you being asked to leave from some campgrounds, especially if there are a lot of complaints in the late evening hours.

Remember the Bathroom is Public

A good campground offers updated public bathroom and shower facilities. During busy camping seasons there are a lot of folks who need access. If you need to bring extra accessories like hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers and other toiletries, then be considerate and make room for others that may need to use the sinks and bathroom facilities.

Since they're shared spaces, use the facilities in a hygienic manner that leaves them ready for the next person.

Keep a Tidy Campsite

Remember the words "leave it better than you found it." Before you drift off to sleep for the night, take some time to clean up your trash. Winds can blow trash around while you sleep and create dangers for wildlife while also detracting from the cleanliness of the campground or resort.

Prices are lower for campgrounds because they typically don't employ cleaning crews to tend each site. Left behind trash encourages wildlife to enter the campgrounds which can create a nuisance for everyone.

The Don'ts of Camping

Don't Use Public Water Inappropriately

If you're at a campground with water hook ups or a public water pump that is well drawn (not city water lines) then avoid using these areas for washing, bathing, cleaning dishes, or rinsing raw foods. These pumps are intended for drinking, filling solar showers, water for boiling, etc. and will come with a sign stating that it's potable water.

Doing these things at a potable water station can contaminate the water source and make people sick. 

Don't Be Noisy

Some of us are night owls, and that's OK. Just remember that others may have had a day full of activities that drained them. When the sun drops, they're ready to follow suit and nestle quietly into sleeping bags with their family for a full nights rest.  That gives them the energy for the next day of activities.

Screaming children, loud laughter, arguments, barking animals, packing and unpacking late at night, are all things that sometimes happen and most campers understand that. If you control it quickly most people shrug it off.

However, if it goes on for hours, you could find yourself being ejected from a campground. It's always a good reminder to be courtesy of surrounding neighbors.  

Don't Leave Your Food Out

When you're camping outdoors, you always have to think of wildlife around you. It's important to pack your food away securely at night. Dedicate a small pup-tent for your food storage or put it away in your vehicle. If you're camping in an area with larger animals like bears, then consider a bear locker or other secure devices.

You can always check with the campground to find out if they have recommendations on how and where to store your food.

Keep in mind, toothpaste, canned goods, soaps, and even hand lotions are equally tasty and appealing to some animals!

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