Hello, Campers! Undoubtedly one of the things we love most about an RV camping trip is the sense of freedom. It’s a chance to get away from the daily grind and leave all your troubles behind. No agenda, no worries, no rules…well, maybe there are a few rules. To ensure that you have the best time possible while camping, as well as making sure that you don’t ruin anyone else’s RV camping experience, today we want to talk about campsite decorum and outdoor etiquette. Whether you’re a newbie to nature or a natural born naturalist, it’s important to know how to be a good neighbor while you’re on your RV camping trip.
Campsite Commotion
First and foremost, let’s talk about noise. While one of the best things about camping is not having to adhere to a set schedule and worry about time, we think it’s important to remember that not everybody has the same sleep schedule. Some campers like to go to bed early, and wake the roosters in the morning and seize the day, while others like to stay up late, enjoying campfire shenanigans, knowing they’ll be able to sleep-in the following morning. As a rule of thumb, out of respect for other campers, keep your noise levels down, especially early in the morning or later into the night. Imagine having to get up early for work every day, and you’ve been dreaming of this RV camping trip for weeks, so you could finally get a little rest, only to be woken up at 5am by blaring music. Be sure to be respectful of others and abide by campground quiet hours!
Pet Protocol
Our furry friends love to be outdoors, and camping with a canine is a great experience. However, not everyone is a dog person and there are a few rules you should keep in mind when it comes to dog decorum.
● Always keep your dog on a leash, especially when near other campers. Sure, you might trust your dog’s obedience, but not everyone is a dog lover. Plus, we all know how curious dogs can be. Next thing you know, they’re chasing a squirrel or making a beeline for the neighboring campsite’s hot dogs. Keep them on a leash, and you won’t have to worry about any accidents or incidents.
● Speaking of accidents, always pick up after your dog. Bring plenty of bags and dispose of them properly in designated trash bins.
● As we talked about earlier, be conscious when it comes to noise. We know your dog is the best and most well-behaved pup in the world, but let’s be respectful of quiet hours. Dogs can be noisy, especially when they’re excited or anxious.
● Keep your dog calm and quiet during these times, so your fellow campers can get some sleep.
And for whatever reason, if your dog can’t seem to abide by the rules, perhaps next time bring the cat!
Leave No Trace
We could go on and on with proper etiquette tips, but I think we could all agree that one of the most important tips is to always follow the Leave No Trace principles. Leave No Trace is all about minimizing your impact on the environment and leaving the campsite just as you found it (or even better!).
- Plan ahead and prepare: Don’t be that person who forgets their toilet paper or runs out of food on day one. Plan ahead and be prepared for anything.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Let’s keep those campsites looking sharp! Stick to established campsites and trails to minimize our impact on the environment.
- Dispose of waste properly: This one’s a no-brainer, folks. Pack it in, pack it out. Don’t leave your trash lying around.
- Leave what you find: Sure, that flower looks pretty, but let’s leave it where it is. Don’t take any souvenirs from the natural environment.
- Minimize campfire impact: We all love a good campfire, but let’s be responsible. Keep fires small and contained, use established fire rings, or build a proper ring as needed.
- Respect wildlife: Hey, they were here first! Keep a safe distance from wildlife and don’t disturb their natural habitats.
- Be considerate of other visitors: We’re all out here to enjoy the same beautiful scenery, so let’s be respectful of each other’s space.
RV camping etiquette is all about being respectful, considerate, and responsible. And here’s one final tip: don’t forget to have fun! After all, that’s what camping is all about. So, let’s hit the road in our Johnnie Walker RV, breathe in that fresh air, and enjoy the great outdoors! Happy camping!
