Happy Campers: Etiquette for RV Campers

RVs allow you to be largely self-sufficient, but there are social rules to be obeyed when you arrive at the next destination

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Essentially a residence on wheels, a recreational vehicle (RV) is a popular way to vacation and visit friends and family while bringing along all the comforts of home. With good manners, you can be the favorite in every campground.

Enjoy the View

When visiting campgrounds with your motorhome, travel trailer, truck camper, or van, be a good neighbor by keeping your site neat and clean. Be respectful of nearby campers, making sure you aren’t inadvertently the campground eyesore! Tidy your bikes so they aren’t strewn around, and clean up after meals, removing all food, containers, plates, and trash. In addition to being unsightly, these items can attract wildlife, ranging from bugs to bears. If you are cooking or have a campfire going, be aware of any strong odors or smoke that might annoy your neighbors.

Quiet Time

Regardless of whether your RV is in a campground or a relative’s driveway, roaring bonfires and loud music after dark aren’t appropriate; be considerate of other campers by adhering to noise rules. Be aware that some folks, especially those with young children, might have earlier bedtimes than you do. Make sure that your campfires are fully extinguished and turn off all exterior lights, as they can be irritating to neighbors and may attract bugs. Don’t use loud, smelly generators after dark.

Wide-Open Outdoors

Space Invaders is a fun arcade game, but don’t be the one who invades the space of others in the campground. If you have a tow vehicle, park it neatly by your camper, within your campsite. Be aware that your slide-out extensions may impinge on the adjacent campsite. If you set up outdoor furniture, make sure it stays within the confines of your campsite. Even if it seems harmless to do so, don’t cut across a neighbor’s campsite as a shortcut to the laundry, pool, or other areas.

Campsite Etiquette

Exploring a new campsite, or neighborhood, is always an exciting adventure, but it’s best enjoyed while being courteous to everyone else around. Misbehaving children can spoil the atmosphere for those around you, meaning that running, shouting, or racing on bicycles around the campground shouldn’t be allowed. Pets need to be on their best behavior, too. Don’t let your pooch bark wildly at squirrels, other dogs, or people; it reinforces bad behavior and is rude to those in nearby campsites.

Be a Thoughtful Guest

If you don’t require a pull-thru campsite, don’t take one unless no others are available; class A and fifth-wheel campers need these sites. Be patient if there’s a line to check in for a campsite or at the campground laundry area, showers, or pump-out station. Use the wait to make new friends or, at the pump-out station, to make sure you have gloves and the connector handy to complete the task quickly. Lend a hand if you notice your neighbors needing help with anything.