RVing Etiquette: Tips to Live By

We've all been at a campground enjoying the atmosphere, maybe roasting some marshmallows and enjoying family time, when all of a sudden "that camper" arrives. You know the type. They tend to let their kids run wild (beyond what's even appropriate for vacation), their dogs bark like mad, they don't pick up after themselves, and they essentially act like the campground was set up for them. Oftentimes these people are super nice, but just don't realize that they're behaving inappropriately. Here are some helpful tips to remind you of what you need to do to help make everyone's camping experience enjoyable.

Getting There

Your RV is much bigger than any of the other cars on the road. Now, RVers are known to be a courteous bunch of people. This reputation should apply to the road as well. In fact, while driving it's important to remember that because you'll likely be traveling at a slower speed than others on the road, keep in the right lane or middle lane. If you notice cars starting to pile up behind you, ensure they are able to pass. If you find yourself having to pull off at a local grocery store for some groceries, be sure to park your RV at the back of the parking lot, that way you avoid taking up close parking spots that could be used by people who need them (like pregnant women or elderly).

Arriving

If you arrive at the RV park during the day, be sure to say hello to your neighbors while setting up. Clean up any mess that you make while setting up. Making a plan about who does what once you get to the park can help avoid confusion among your family and make the process easier. Arriving at  night is a little more problematic, particularly if it's at an hour when most people are sleeping. If this is the case, it's probably best to arrive and do minimal set up. This might mean simply getting to your campsite and plugging into power. Everything else can be done in the morning, so that you don't wake other RVers up.

Leaving

Campgrounds make their money and keep costs low by having campsites readily available to RVers. The less cleanup they have to do the better for them and for you in the long run. When you leave your campsite ensure it's just as it was when you arrived. This means cleaning up any campfire mess, removing garbage (you don't necessarily have to carry it out, just make sure it's in the garbage can), picking up after your dog and kids, and leaving no trace of yourself. The ONLY thing that's appropriate to leave behind is new firewood for whoever might be coming in after you.

Have you ever had an experience with frustrating campers? How did you deal with it? What tips do you have to other campers?

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Photo Credit: By vastateparksstaff (20090501_wbcci_01  Uploaded by AlbertHerring) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons