RVing has loads of freedom, but to a point. There are certain rules of RV camping etiquette everyone needs to follow when sharing amenities and open space. If you don’t use good manners, you run the risk of annoying camping neighbors. You could even find yourself in trouble with park management. Don’t be that guy. Let’s take a look at all the essential rules to be a good RV neighbor.
Are You Clueless About Your Camping Manners?
One of the biggest mistakes new campers make is being clueless about how to behave in a campground or RV park. But beginners aren’t the only ones who don’t know how to behave. Sometimes experienced RVers have bad manners without being aware of it. Once you know basic campground guidelines for behavior, you have no excuse for bad campground etiquette. Let’s take a look at what it looks like in the great outdoors.
1. Do you learn and follow posted campground regulations?
While they aren’t exactly “unwritten,” every RV park has its own code of conduct, usually posted in at least one spot in the park, if not several. Rude guests ignore them. But if you want to be a good RV neighbor, always read through the RV camping etiquette rules when you arrive at a new destination. The rules explain how to have good manners in the campground. Read them, so you’ll know how to avoid problems with neighbors and park management.
2. Do your kids the rules and how to behave?
Camping is a blast, and it’s even more fun for kids. But too many parents use camping as an excuse to ignore their kids, which usually results in loud behavior and angry neighbors. If you have RVing children traveling with you, make sure they understand how to behave in a campground. For example, in most parks kids must be accompanied by an adult when using certain park amenities, such as the pool. Make sure that your kids don’t go wandering off without you, and be sure to know where they are at all times.
3. Are you keeping keep noise levels under control?
There’s nothing more fun than gathering with friends and family in the outdoors. But sometimes large groups collectively “forget” that others campers are also there for a great time that may or may not involve loud talking and music. One of the most important rules that keeps the peace at RV parks is the quiet time rule. Generally speaking, most parks will have a rule that after a certain hour (such as 10 pm), noise should be kept to a minimum. The requirement to respect quiet hours is to ensure everyone in the park can enjoy a peaceful stay and get a good night’s rest. Many parks will also limit the use of park amenities at night, such as the pool. These rules apply to everyone, including you, your kids, and your guests.
Even outside of those hours, it’s smart to avoid being too loud. Many neighbors won’t take kindly to you disturbing the park by blasting music or talking loudly at all hours of the day.
4. What about your campsite light levels?
Excessively bright lights can be a major annoyance to your neighbors. Try to keep your outdoor lighting to a minimum for the comfort of everyone in the park. Use care with the direction of your RV headlights at night (especially when you arrive). And forget bringing the bright propane lanterns of the past. Inexpensive LED string lights or even a simple campfire are great ways to incorporate outdoor lighting without ruining the ambiance.
5. Are you waiting too long to dump holding tanks?
Emptying your RV’s black water tank isn’t exactly fun, but it is a fact of life in an RV. But, you should be mindful of how and when to empty out your tanks.
For example, dumping your tanks can create unpleasant odors around the dump station. If you see nearby campers enjoying a meal or spending time outside, consider waiting until they finish. You can also ask if it’s OK for you to dump your holding tanks. Fellow RVers will thank you for being mindful of your use of this important RV park amenity.
6. Do you know where to park?
All good RV parks have designated camping and parking areas. Respectful RVers with good camping manners don’t park outside of these areas. They don’t block interior roads, park in front of other RVs, or roll onto the grass.
Of course there may be a time when you can’t fit into the designated parking area assigned by management. If that happens, ask about overflow parking or somewhere you can comfortably park. Most RV parks will happily point you to a better spot in order to avoid bothering your neighbors.
7. Are you respecting other RVers’ space?
One of the most essential RV camping manners rules is to respect the boundaries of neighboring campsites. Do your best to avoid walking through other people’s campsites, or worse, leaving trash or dog doo outside on the ground. And all you smokers? Please be mindful of smoking when your neighbors are outside. Many people cannot physically tolerate the secondhand smoke and odors. Finally, don’t use the bathroom sink to clean up and wash dishes. Most national parks and state parks have dishwashing stations for campers.
8. Is your campsite clean and in good condition?
Nobody wants to live next to a garbage site. Avoid leaving your site a mess for the next campers. Don’t burn trash in the fire ring. Pick up any and all trash and place it in the campground dumpster. Collect recyclables too. Is bad camping weather coming? Be sure to put away any loose items like camp chairs. Otherwise, they could get picked up by the wind and damage another RV or worse, injure another camper.
9. Do you know what your pets are up to?
A dog-friendly RV park means you get to bring your furry friend along for the ride with you. Rude RVers don’t keep their pets under control. But that’s not you, right? You make sure to follow all the RV campground rules related to dogs, cats, and other domestic critters who might be along for the ride.
For example, park amenities like dog parks will typically require you to do things like bag up your pet’s poop. When outside areas like dog parks, it’s recommended to keep your pet on a leash, even if it’s not required. That way, you can avoid your dog running off and potentially bothering other neighbors or worse, being eaten by wildlife.
10. How often do you say “Hi, neighbor!”
It’s important to be mindful of your RV campground neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be friendly to fellow campers. If you’re walking through the park and see other visitors, don’t be afraid to say “hello” and even start a conversation. You just might make a new friend! The same goes for using shared RV park amenities. Spaces like pools and recreational centers are shared, and you’ll likely run into guests while using them. Feel free to say hello and even chat with them a bit. If they don’t feel like chatting, don’t be offended if they want to keep to themselves.
See what others say about RV camping etiquette
By following these essential etiquette tips for RV camping neighbors, you’ll ensure you’re a good RV neighbor, too. Be sure to make proper use of park amenities, and be respectful of the park and of other people’s space. Who knows—you might even make friends with your neighbors in the process!
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more. See what the community says about RV camping etiquette. Join the community today!
