CAMPGROUND COURTESY
[Revised 07/11]
[NOTE: While originally published years ago to alert RVers to issues that other RVers would define "RVing Etiquette", the issues seem as valid today as when originally compiled.]
When we discussed the issue of etiquette in RV parks, we got an interesting comment from one reader: “It’s just common courtesy,” he said. “Act like you would in your own home.” This of course is absolutely correct. But some RVers clearly need more campground-specific guidance.
Campgrounds and RV parks pose certain specific issues that RVers always need to be aware of. Rigs are parked closer together than houses, and are not as insulated from the noise of the neighborhood. Each site becomes a “mini-house”, with its own private "mini-yard", resulting in the need for special considerations we’ve dubbed “Campground Courtesy”.
While we’ve drawn on our own experience in RV travels, we also requested our readers’ input on the problems they had encountered in various parks. The primary concerns expressed can be summarized in the list below. Please feel free to post these for your guests if you find it of value...
1. Animal owners not taking proper care of their pets. Poop, unattended animals, barking, jumping,
2. Campers (and their children) who walk through occupied sites.
3. Noise levels, either from early risers, early departures, parties, stereos, TVs, etc..
4. Children running “wild” in parks.
5. Parking issues. Is your rig parked fairly in its assigned site, and not encroaching on the space of another? Is your Toad properly parked in its assigned space, or does it encroach on the space of others. Is it blocking the access or passage of other RVs?
6. Proper use of sewer systems.
7. Speed limits within campgrounds.
8. Laundromats. How many machines do you use?
9. Hookups. Do you have properly working fittings for your water hose to prevent incessant leaking?
10. The juxtaposition of 5th wheels and motor homes in “head-in” sites, making the situation intolerable for both.
11. Fire smoke and BBQ smoke. Are you annoying your neighbor?
12. Littering a site. Not just paper etc., but also clothes lines hung from trees, coolers, kid’s toys scattered about. No one enjoys living in a messy area.
13. Keep public facilities clean. Clean up after yourself, esp. in the restroom areas.
14. Check in courtesy. When there are others waiting to check in, don’t dominate the time of the check in person by asking questions that could be well answered later – tell me about every restaurant in town…
15. Check out when you should. In a full park, this can avoid unnecessary delays for those coming in.