By Rick Kessler, RV & Campsite special contributor
and author of Gr8LakesCamper blog

kids-riding-bikes-at-campgroundBeing a good camping neighbor helps make everyone’s stay more enjoyable. To do this one needs common sense and consideration for your fellow campers, campsite and natural environment. However, some etiquette related to camping is more specific. If you are traveling with children, make sure they know some of these rules.

General  Camping etiquette

  • Read and respect the campground’s rules and policies. They have been established to protect and respect the rights of campers, the campground and the environment
  • Do not walk through another camper’s site, walk around it
  • Limit noise, especially at night, when it can carry far. Obey the campsite’s quiet hours
  • Camp in your designated campsite within the campground
  • Nails and wires should not be used on trees as they can damage or kill trees
  • Cut down and throw away any rope that you have tied to trees for canopies or tents
  • Drive slowly through the campground, obey speed limits and check rules before riding dirt bikes, atvs, go-carts and motorcycles
  • Do not use bright lights or day liters if you arrive very late or leave very early
  • Be sure to check out on time. Many campgrounds have a no early check-in and late arrival policies
  • Be respectful of the natural environment and stay on recommended trails when hiking, to minimize damage to vegetation and erosion
  • Do not feed the wildlife as this encourages them to interact with and become dependent on humans

Hygiene and waste

  • Dispose of your wastewater into the nearest dump station or a drain; do not dump it in a lake, stream or on the ground as it will contaminate the natural water source
  • Wash your dishes at designated areas in the campground. Do not wash them at your campsite as this risks contaminating the water source
  • Use biodegradable soap for dishwashing, bathing and laundry
  • Be sure to tidy up after yourself when using the public bathrooms or showers
  • Clean up all food and scraps from picnic tables you use. Nobody likes showing up to their campsite to find ants and other bugs
  • Put all trash in the proper trash receptacle and recycle when possible. Trash is a nuisance for the next camper and it can attract pests
  • Clean your campsite before leaving making sure you take all traces of trash with you. Check, then double check your area before you leave

camping-with-your-dogPets

  • Always clean up after your pets
  • Do not leave unattended. They will likely bark at strangers, dig holes and annoy others
  • Keep your pets away from public swimming areas (unless allowed)
  • Always have them on a leash (6 feet or less in length) to keep out of other campsites
  • Check ahead of time to confirm the campground is pet friendly

 Campfires

  • Always check with campground management before starting a campfire. Some have portable fire pits to use so you don’t destroy grass
  • Check with campground management before collecting any wood, dead or otherwise, as some campgrounds do not allow. Before bringing your own firewood, check with the campground. Some states and counties have laws prohibiting you from crossing state/county lines with cut wood to prevent the spread of insects and disease
  • young-couple-enjoying-campfireOnly burn wood and paper in your campfire. Don’t burn Styrofoam or other plastics and do not try to burn metal or glass
  • Do not leave your campfire unattended. Always completely extinguish your campfire when sleeping or leaving
  • Clean your fire pit before leaving the campsite for the next camper. Be careful of how you dispose of any coals as if they are not completely out it could start a fire

By the following these guidelines you are sure to get on well with other campers, have a great time and be thought of as a good camping neighbor.

Source: Camping Road Trip