One of the wonderful things about RV life is that it brings people with a shared interest together and encourages individuals to explore different places. When sharing a space with others, it’s important to practice basic courtesy to ensure everyone can enjoy their journey.
Etiquette is essential for maintaining mutual respect and keeping things running smoothly. Of course, many rules are unwritten and context-dependent, which can be confusing for new and seasoned RVers alike. Here is our complete guide to help you understand RV campground etiquette.
Review Rules & Regulations
Although some rules are unwritten, much of RV campground etiquette is encompassed in the posted rules and local regulations. Compliance with these rules helps maintain a safe, clean, and respectful environment for everyone.
Before arriving at an RV park or campground, familiarize yourself with local regulations. Laws vary by state, and rules vary at the discretion of campground operators. Developed campgrounds and park websites will provide information and guidance about relevant regulations. Keep an eye out for posted orders and announcements, as certain environmental factors
Knowing common campground rules provides a general guideline to follow if the rules are unclear, poorly defined, or inadequate. If uncertain and want to err on the side of caution, here are some things to avoid at a campground:
- Using glass containers
- Operating unmanned aircraft
- Bringing firewood from a different locale
- Allowing dogs off-leash
- Operating OHVs
- Discharging firearms
- Driving over 10 mph
How to be a Good RV Neighbor
This section includes the essentials of RV campground etiquette, both written and unspoken. When in doubt, following the principles of basic courtesy and respect is always the best policy!
Follow Posted Campground Rules
Understanding and abiding by the posted campground and park rules is a great starting point. These rules ensure that everyone has a chance to have a safe, quiet, and pleasant experience. Be especially mindful of fire regulations and any temporary ordinances that may be in place due to weather conditions.
Respect Quiet Hours
Most developed campgrounds have designated quiet hours. Within these hours, keep voices low, turn music off, and shut off generators. If quiet hours are unclear, the range is typically between 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. Although you could technically start blasting music at 7:01 a.m., some people may not appreciate that—this is one of those unwritten rules, so exercise good judgment. Try to keep noise within your campsite regardless of the time.
Maintaining a quiet environment is respectful to other campers and minimizes wildlife disturbance. If you arrive late or must leave early, that should not be an issue as long as you’re mindful of noise, such as unpacking/packing heavy items, opening and shutting doors frequently, or running the engine continuously. RVs are noisy by nature, so ensure you’re making your entrance or exit quickly. If you’re leaving early in the morning, consider packing up some items the night before.
Practice Responsible Pet Ownership
Always clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash that is not retractable; pets should not be able to wander off designated paths or into other people’s sites. Leashes also ensure the safety of your pet and wildlife. If you have a dog that barks a lot, consider leaving your companion at home. Even if it isn’t excessive, barking will disturb other occupants. If you typically take long journeys with pets or live in an RV full time, check out our tips for a successful RV road trip with pets.
Follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles
Whether you’re exploring remote wilderness or enjoying a developed campground, always employ the leave no trace principles. “Leave no trace” is a set of guidelines for minimizing impact on outdoor spaces. Everyone has a role in protecting the environment, and these principles provide definitions for that role. Here are the seven leave no trace principles as outlined by the National Park Service:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For details about what each principle entails, visit the NPS website.
Unspoken Rules of RV Camping
Following posted rules and regulations is straightforward, but there is a gray area when it comes to common courtesy. If someone is engaging in distasteful behavior, it’s helpful to assume that they are just unaware as opposed to acting malicious. Here are some unspoken rules of RV camping to be aware of:
- Don’t walk through someone’s campsite – This is not technically a general rule but considered a faux pas. Respect others’ privacy; people will be on alert if a stranger is wandering through their designated space. Note marked campsite boundaries and maintain a reasonable distance between them
- Keep music volume down – Even during the day, noise and music should not be audible outside your own campsite
- Be considerate of other campers – Yield to other hikers on the trail, mind your impact, and be friendly!
- Be mindful of lights – Use lights only when you need them. Make sure spotlights are not aimed outside your campsite so as not to disturb neighbors. Note that light pollution negatively impacts local wildlife. A campfire, headlamps with a night-vision setting, flashlights, and lanterns are great options for minimally invasive light sources. If the lights are on in your RV, draw the shades or curtains
- Don’t run generators for extended periods – Generators and vehicle engines are loud and can be unpleasant. Avoid running them for extended periods, and shut generators off during quiet hours
- Leave the campsite cleaner than you found it – Always practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you pack in. If there was already trash at your site upon arrival, consider packing it out with you as a sign of appreciation
- Wash dishes at your campsite – Don’t wash dishes in a shared public bathroom. This practice is unsanitary and will cause delays in bathroom usage
How to Deal with Difficult Campers
Unfortunately, sometimes people run into situations with difficult campers. If you choose to approach someone who is disturbing the campground environment, always be polite to ensure a positive, safe, and constructive interaction. To prevent possible embarrassment or escalation, keep the conversation private. Maintain a calm, respectful tone. Escalate the matter to staff or officials when necessary.
Safety is always the main priority. If a group causing issues becomes hostile or otherwise demonstrates that they are unapproachable, contact the campground host or park rangers. If you have already tried some of these mitigating strategies without any luck, it may be appropriate to call the non-emergency police line.
People are typically conflict-averse and don’t want to have to contact campground hosts, park rangers, or the police—and even then, sometimes the problem doesn’t stop. If you’re hoping to avoid dealing with difficult campers altogether, here are some options:
- Pack ear plugs – Be prepared to mitigate potential noise with ear plugs if necessary
- Choose a secluded campsite – If possible, stake out a site farther away from other occupied sites
- Avoid popular campgrounds – Popular campgrounds can be busy and noisy. Consider boondocking or dispersion camping for a quieter, more private experience
- Camp somewhere with a campground host or ranger – Hosts oversee the campground and help enforce posted rules and regulations. Hosts or rangers are there to address any issues that may arise in the campground
What is the golden rule of camping?
The golden rule of camping is to leave your campsite cleaner than it was when you arrived. Always pack out whatever you pack in and take some time to pick up litter or debris. This keeps the site clean for the next visitor, upholds cleanliness standards, and helps protect wildlife.
When are campground quiet hours?
Campground quiet hours are typically between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Keep in mind that quiet hours may vary depending on the campground or at the discretion of the host. A good rule of thumb is to be quiet between these hours and keep volume to a minimum throughout the day.
Is it rude to walk through someone’s campsite?
Although this isn’t a written rule, it is frowned upon to walk through someone’s campsite. People are generally wary of strangers encroaching on their designated space. Mind people’s privacy and maintain a respectful distance from campsite boundaries.
