Camping is a way for us to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It gives us a chance to spend time alone or with family and friends while enjoying the great outdoors. Some people go camping to party, while others go to relax and reconnect with nature. Whatever your reasons, there are some rules written and unwritten that we all need to follow to ensure that everyone has a good time.
Keep the Noise Level Down
Many campgrounds have quiet hours, and if they don’t please be considerate of you neighbors. No one wants to hear music playing from 3 sites away or hear the drunk guy telling a raunchy story while roasting marshmallows with their kids. If you go camping to party find a place that doesn’t have quiet hours or a dispersed site out in the woods. I’m all for having a good time, but not if it ruins someone else’s time.
Don’t Cut through Other Campsites
Campsites are people’s homes for the time they are there. They chose the spot they are in and paid to be there. Avoid cutting through other sites as much as possible. It may seem like a nice short cut to get to the bathroom or down to the beach, but it’s like cutting through someone’s yard. Or for tent campers, cutting through their site would be like cutting through their kitchen.
Turn Off Your Lights
It seems like most new RVs come with ridiculously bright light on the awnings. Thats great for getting snacks or playing cards after dark but be mindful of your neighbors. I love to look at the stars when I’m camping, and bright lights make things difficult to see. If you can please turn them down or at least turn them off after you go to bed.
Follow Pet Policies
We love to take our dogs camping. They enjoy all the walks and swimming if the weather permits. We always keep our dogs on leash and clean up after them. I see too many people letting their dogs run loose. They always say, “He’s friendly” or “She won’t bite.” Maybe they won’t, but I still don’t want someone else’s dogs charging up to my kid or my senior dogs. A kid getting knocked over or dogs getting into a fight is preventable if everyone keeps their dogs on leash. If you’re bringing a furry friend along, respect the campground’s pet policies. Keep your pet leashed and clean up after them promptly. Remember that not all campers are comfortable around animals, so be courteous and attentive to your pet’s behavior.
Properly Dispose of Waste
Leave no trace is a fundamental principle of camping and a courtesy to the campers that use the site after you. Pack out everything you bring in, including trash and litter. If you can, try to leave the area cleaner than you left it. Utilize designated trash receptacles and recycling bins, and if none are available, take your waste with you to dispose of properly off-site.
Mind Your Campfire
If campfires are allowed, ensure you follow campground guidelines for fire safety. Keep fires within designated fire rings and never leave them unattended. When extinguishing the fire, use water to fully douse the flames until they’re cold to the touch. Like Smokey says, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”
Respect Your Neighbors
When setting up camp, be mindful of the space between sites. Avoid encroaching on neighboring campsites to provide privacy for both parties. Keep voices down and be considerate of shared areas. Remember that everyone is there to enjoy the tranquility, so maintaining a respectful distance is key.
