As we complete our first year of full time RV travel on the road we have witnessed some pretty unruly RVers, and Nomads. Not a lot, but a few. On a recent trip to the Grand Tetons, we had someone park right up next to us when there was plenty of room. It’s BLM land of course so there is room for everyone. We put together what we think are the top 8 Un Written Rules for Nomads and RVers to at least take a look at and remind ourselves, we are all in this together.
- FOLLOW National Forest, National Park and State Park RULES & REGULATIONS
Most recreation area’s have individual rules and regulations that you must follow. Always check the website BEFORE you assume you are welcome in a “boondocking” area.
Most RV Parks will outline how many people can be at each campsite and the speed limits when traveling within the campgrounds. These rules will outline what you can and cannot do while camping at that particular campground. When you respect others they will hopefully respect you.
- DON’T PARK NEXT TO SOMEONE IF CAN AVOID IT OR AT LEAST ASK. RV PARKS DON’T CARE
When you arrive at the RV campsite try not to park next to someone if there are lots of other open spaces elsewhere. Nothing can be more annoying to someone, having someone park right next to them when there are many other sites available. Sometimes this cannot be avoided especially on busy on weekends. We just had this happen to us.
If you’re an avid boondocker having someone parking right next to your RV is definitely unwelcomed especially if you’re in the middle of the desert and there are lots of other places someone could park. Always remember to try to give other people their space, when possible. Leave as much space between your camp and other campers as the situation allows.
3. RESPECT OTHER CAMPERS SPACE
One of the worst things you could do while camping is to walk through someone else’s campsite without asking. Just because it could be faster to get to the facilities through a campsite doesn’t mean that you should be doing it.
Be polite and go around.
Your campsite is just like your home’s backyard and is considered private property by most campers. Be mindful of your neighbours privacy. If you’re camping with kids make sure they follow this very simple rule as well.
4. Clean up after your dog
Whether you’re at your campsite, out for a walk or hiking on a nearby trail be sure to always clean up after your pet. Most cities have bylaws to enforce cleaning up after your pet. if at all possible try to keep your dog from going to the bathroom on someone else’s campsite.
How would you feel if someone came along and let their dog go to the bathroom and didn’t clean up after it. I’m sure you wouldn’t be happy. Most campgrounds provide doggie bags to make cleanup easy and convenient.
Keep your dog on a leash
Most campgrounds have rules that require your pet to be on a leash. Even though your dog may be friendly, not everyone is a dog lover. Keeping your dog on a leash is for your dog’s protection as well as others.
Some dogs are sensitive to unexpected noises like thunder, a car backfiring or someone setting off some firecrackers. Having your dog on a leash can give you some comfort in knowing that your dog can’t run off unexpectedly.
- RESPECT QUIET HOURS
Most campgrounds have rules regarding quiet time. The number one complaint for many campers is noise. Most campgrounds quiet hours are usually from 10pm to 6am. You can verify this with your camp host or from the rules and regulations they provided you when you checked in.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your campfire during those times, you just need to be respectful of others. You may be on vacation or on your weekend getaway but there are others that full-time in their RV and are not there to party.
If you’re camping at your local race track after a race you may find that there is no quiet time. The tracks I’ve visited normally turn into a huge party and can go all night long.
- LEAVE THE CAMPSITE CLEANER THAN WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVED LEAVE NO TRACE
You should always leave the campsite cleaner than when you arrived. Be sure to pick up and dispose of all your garbage before leaving. One thing we do as a family before we leave is do one last check over of our campsite to make sure we haven’t left anything unexpected.
Can’t tell you how many times we found something during this last check. Also campsites with water, I always spray a solution of 50% bleach and water before and after using them. You never know what the last person did when it comes to the sewer and water. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR
Once you’ve arrived at your campsite, introduce yourself to your neighbours. Part of the fun in camping is meeting new people from different parts of the country. You already have one thing in common, the love of camping.
If this is your first time camping, don’t feel afraid to ask questions and get advice from a seasoned camper. I’ve learned so much from other campers over the past few years of camping.
8. FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE
if you are not sure of the proper campsite etiquette, think of how you would like to be treated. If you think something may bother your neighbour, I’d suggest you go ask them. If something is bothering you, go talk to the camp host.
If your concerns have not been addressed, you may consider moving to another site or another campground all together. But be NICE!!!!!