When you are granted access to a campground, you are a member of the community. At the campground you are in very close proximity to your fellow campers. Most campers are social by nature, but there are some do not want their personal space invaded. So how are you to know what is appropriate? The following 10 tips will ensure that you will not offend, annoy or alienate your neighbors. Follow them and you may even make a friend along the way!
1. The rules apply to everyone ' When you register at the campground office, you are given a copy of the rules. Campground etiquette requires that you adhere to all rules without exception. The rules exist for specific reasons that may not be evident to you. Don't ask why they exist, just follow them.
2. Respect other's property ' This applies to physical property and the actual space your neighbor has rented. In a campground, a site is considered the other person's property while it is occupied. Encroaching on another's space is the equivalent of trespassing. Do not walk across your neighbor's site to get to the trash dumpsters. If the wind blows your trash onto your neighbor's site, ask if you can go pick it up.
3. Your children are your responsibility 'Children are innocent and typically are not aware of physical boundaries unless they are marked with a fence. In a camping setting, children tend to think of the experience a hanging out in a really big back yard. While most people are friendly, they are not comfortable with, nor do they want to hang out with your children. Even if your neighbor has children of their own, they may not be comfortable telling your children to stay in their own site so they can have some well-needed family time. From a safety perspective, children should be kept on a short leash in even the safest of campgrounds.
4. Mind your pets - While the campground may allow pets, not everyone is a pet lover. Just as parents are expected to keep their children in line, you are expected to keep your pet from bothering others. No matter how friendly your pet is it should be kept on a leash. If your pet is temperamental, and tends to bark frequently, then you may want to keep it inside the camper. Finally, picking up poop and removing old pet food is a given.
5. Don't be a litterbug ' Campgrounds are filled with flying and crawling bugs. Leaving food and other debris attracts bugs and four legged animals alike. At some campgrounds, leaving food or other trash strewn about is a safety hazard as it attracts bears and coyotes. Use the dumpsters and trash cans as instructed by the campground management. There is nothing worse for the conscientious camper, who has brought trash bags, bug repellent and citronella candles, to be inundated with bugs from the adjoining site.
6. Respect quiet hours ' Most campgrounds post-quiet hours. If you check in during the late evening, be respectful of your neighbors. Minimize the use of bright outdoor lights; keep the music low and your children and pets inside until the morning. If you wish to enjoy every minute of your stay, keep your windows shut in the late evenings so the noise remains inside and minimize outside noise. Even at the most rowdiest of campsites, the time comes to turn the music down, turn the outside lights off and take the party inside.
7. Sewer connections ' There is nothing worse than smelling someone else's sewage, that has seeped out through a loose connection or broken hose. Not only is it unpleasant, it is a health hazard. Sewage smell can travel up to two or three campsites away. If a small child or pet comes in contact with draining sewage, the results can be catastrophic.
8. Campfires ' Some campgrounds allows campfires in provided fire pits. You are responsible to ensure that the fire is safe and not bothering your neighbors. Only use the designated fire pit, burn clean wood, and do not throw trash in the fire. In the evening, completely extinguish the fire using sand dirt. Finally, even if the campground allows a fire, the wind may blow smoke or embers into your neighbor's site. Using good judgment when starting a campfire will ensure that you are being a safe and good neighbor.
9. Be a good neighbor ' As a mother of two small children, I am constantly reminding them that if they would not do something at home, they should not do it elsewhere. The same applies when camping. If you would not do something in your own backyard, then you should not be doing it at the campground. While you may not be on the same terms with your camping neighbors as you are with the ones at home, you should treat them with the same respect and consideration.
10. When in doubt, err on the side of caution ' If you come across any situation that I have not covered here, err on the side of caution. If you are unsure that your actions are appropriate, then don't do it. Usually your gut will let you know right from wrong.
I hope that my tips have gotten you acclimated with campground etiquette. Being a good campground neighbor will ensure that you have a pleasant stay. Happy camping!
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