What are the unwritten rules of RV camping? Here is a list of 9 things listeners to the StressLess Camping RV podcast came up with that can ruin a camping getaway. These tips for campground etiquette can help you enjoy camping more and Stress Less!

The question “What are you campground pet peeves” posted in the StressLess Camping Podcast Facebook Group which you can find here.

Campground etiquette

We all have our own reasons for getting away. For some they live full time in their RVs but for others this might be the only getaway they get in a long time so it’s very dear to them. Whatever the case, I think we all hope to have a peaceful and enjoyable time away.

We don’t know what stresses our fellow campers are hoping to escape. The more considerate we are as RVers and campers, the better the whole experience will be for everybody. Here are some things that were particularly called out by our listeners.

Quiet Hours

Many campgrounds have designated times during which noise should be minimized to ensure everyone can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Be mindful of these hours and keep noise to a minimum, especially during the evening and early morning.

Things that might affect others include loud conversations, music, slamming doors, or using noisy equipment during quiet hours. Don’t forget that generators are a particular annoyance to many people who try to escape the sounds of the city.

Alternatives to these can be a first-rate power system like those engineered by our partners at ABC Upfitters or something like the uGreen or Jackery power stations.

Follow Campfire Safety Guidelines

Campfires are something many campers prioritize. Always follow campground rules and guidelines regarding campfires. Keep fires within designated fire rings or pits and never leave them unattended.

Once it’s time for bed or to leave the campfire, ensure fires are completely extinguished. Remember, preventing wildfires is everyone's responsibility.

Information has become more recognized that the spread of invasive species can destroy a wilderness. According to the USDA invasive pests are known to burrow into firewood and then move with it. We’ve seen sad evidence of the damage they cause in the Redwoods, in particular.

Get your firewood locally - most campgrounds sell wood that is locally-sourced or know of places that do.

Follow Leave No Trace Principles

We got to speak with Lauren from Leave No Trace and the ideals of that organization are worth keeping in mind.

Among the principals advocated by the organization are leaving natural and cultural features undisturbed, packing out trash, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and camping on durable surfaces.

You can listen to our podcast interview with Leave No Trace and learn more here.

It’s your own space while you’re here

Almost universally the respondents in our survey said that people walking through their campsites was a pet peeve.

We all establish personal spaces with our own properties at home and the feeling absolutely extends to the world of camping.

Respect the personal space and privacy of fellow campers. Keep a reasonable distance between campsites, avoid walking through occupied sites, and refrain from using or touching someone else's equipment without permission.

Respecting boundaries ensures a positive camping experience for everyone.

Camping with pets

Another area that got a lot of responses involved pets.

Keep your pets on a leash and under your control. Clean up after them promptly, and dispose of waste properly.

Be considerate of other campers who may have allergies or fear of animals. Respect any campground rules regarding pet restrictions and make sure your pets do not disturb the local wildlife.

We have an article with 8 tips for RVing with pets for StressLess Camping.

Minimize artificial light and noise pollution

Whatever music you enjoy is probably not whatever you can hear from several campsites away. It’s a guarantee that the music being played loudly is going to annoy the neighbors.

Many campers get away for peace and quiet or to hear the sounds of nature. Of course some also get away to celebrate and have a good time. Both can be absolutely compatible as long as each respects the others’ space. If you are playing music or watching an outdoor TV, be cognizant of how far the sound travels, especially in an otherwise-quiet space.

Preserving the natural beauty of the night sky is becoming increasingly important. Many newer RVs have increasingly brighter lights. For those trying to get away from city lights, having the lights of a neighboring RV shine through their blinds can ruin a camping trip.

There are some who think that lights can keep mice away from an RV but we have a better way to keep rodents out of your RV with this tip.

Shorten your journey

We understand that many people have a very limited time to get away. But that doesn’t change the fact that long distances make for grumpy campers. One of the reasons might also be late check ins.

While late check-ins are a staple of the hotel business they’re very disruptive at the campground. Headlights and the sounds of setting up can be quite annoying to other campers. We like to limit our distances to 300 miles at the most and arrive no later than about 3p.m.

Keep your campsite composed

Maintaining a clean and tidy campsite not only enhances your camping experience but also shows respect for the environment and fellow campers. Always clean up after yourself and leave your campsite in the same or better condition than you found it. Properly dispose of trash in designated containers, pack out what you pack in, and avoid littering. Leave nature undisturbed and preserve its beauty for others to enjoy.

We have friends who own campgrounds and one of the more difficult jobs is fishing trash out of the fire pits after people leave. We’ve even heard of stories of used needles and other inappropriate trash in the fire pit.

Please do not use the fire pit for trash, nor as an ashtray.

This also applies to food. Leaving food out is an invitation to the creatures that inhabit campgrounds. Unfortunately if they get too used to human food they may become aggressive and some may have to be put down.

Conclusion

By following proper campground etiquette, we can create a harmonious and enjoyable environment for all campers. Someone once said “camp like your grandmother is watching.”

Respect quiet hours, keep your campsite clean, follow campfire safety guidelines, be considerate of others' space and privacy, control your pets, minimize light and noise pollution, and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles.

Embracing these practices allows us to appreciate the beauty of nature while ensuring that future generations can enjoy it as well.

You can weigh-in on the friendly discussion in our fun and friendly StressLess Camping Podcast Facebook Group here.