RV Camping Etiquette: 10 Tips to Be A Good Neighbor

Every RV traveler starts as new and is bound to make a mistake. We were no different. RV campground taboos were not discussed when we picked up our RV and went through the walkthrough. However, we quickly learned that there are many unwritten rules when it comes to RV camping etiquette. Here, we share the 10 RV Camping Etiquette Tips we learned during our RV travels.

If you are new to RVing and looking for more tips, check out our RVing for Beginners page. 

Respect Others Space

This is the golden rule of RV camping.

Walking through someone else’s campsite is one of the worst things you could do. It may be faster to get to some amenities, but it should not be done.

A campsite around someone’s RV is like the yard around their home and is often considered private property. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of the privacy of those around you. It is also vital that your children understand and follow this simple rule.

Be polite and go around. This is the number one rule of RV camping etiquette.

Respect the Quite Hours

Almost all of the campgrounds we have visited have rules regarding quiet time. We have found that when you look at campground reviews, the number one complaint is often about too much noise. Most campgrounds’ quiet hours are usually from 10 pm to 6 am. You will be given this information when you check in.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your campfire late at night. It would be best if you were respectful of others. RV campgrounds are filled with all types of campers. Although you may be on vacation or your weekend getaway, others are not there to party.

Clean Up Your Site Before Leaving

The Boy Scouts have a program titled Leave No Trace. There are seven principles to this program. In summary, it is a program to ensure campgrounds and campsites are left the way they are meant to be. This should be a program all RV travelers follow as well.

No one wants to pull into an RV site to find trash in the fire ring, especially after a long day of driving. Or to see that the previous person didn’t clean up after their animals.

After packing up the RV and driving away, we recommend you take a quick walk around the site to ensure you’re not leaving anything behind for the next campers.

Keep Your Lights Dim

Many camping people enjoy it because it gets them away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. You will often find people stargazing and enjoying the night sky. At the same time, others want to enjoy the glow of their campfire.  Although you are traveling in an RV, it is essential to remember that you’re at a campground, not a carnival.

RVs are usually parked close to each other, with limited privacy. Nobody would appreciate your lights beaming through their shades after hours. It’s okay to leave a small porch light on after hours if you need to let Fido out or visit the restroom.

Don’t Put Your Grill on the Picnic Table

It’s tempting to set your portable grill up on the campsite’s picnic table. However, we do not recommend this. Grills can leave stains and cause the table material to warp. Instead, bring an inexpensive portable table to clean the campsite for future campers.

We set up a separate table for all our cooking, coffee-making, and other needs. Thus keeping the picnic table clean and open for meals.

Be Considerate When Dumping Your Tanks

Caring for the black and grey tanks is not the most exciting part of RV life. However, we all have to do it. You will always need to dump the tanks. But when is it a good time to empty them?

Before emptying your tanks, be sure to think of your neighbors. Did they cook a meal over the campfire and eat on the picnic table near your blank tank hose? If so, you would NOT be a good RV park neighbor if you currently dumped your tanks.

We recommend emptying the tanks late in the evening before going to bed for the night or first thing in the morning upon waking up. There is less chance of the odors interrupting your neighbors during these times.

Control Your Pets…..and Clean Up After Them 

Pets are an integral part of any RV trip for many people. Of course, they love being outdoors, just like we do! Therefore, we have a few tips on how to keep pets safe and help ensure everybody has a good time while camping. 

• Don’t allow your pet to travel to another site.
• Make sure they don’t dig holes anywhere.
• Always clean up their business and dispose of it properly.
• Keep your pet’s noise levels down as much as possible.
• Have a collar on them and/or a microchip in case they get lost.

If you Have Children, Keep an Eye on Them and Teach Them Campground Rules and Etiquette.

Part of children’s camping experience is the freedom to wander around and enjoy the outdoors. Therefore, parents need to share the rules of an RV park with their children. Rules such as walking through other campsites, keeping pets under control, riding bikes, and how fast and noise levels are essential. 

Of course, it is essential to know where your children are and check on them occasionally when they are not in your eyesight. This is for their safety and to respect the space of your RV park neighbors.

Make Sure Your Lights & Fires Are Out

Remember your campfire and exterior lights when turning in for the night or leaving your campsite. 

The general rule is to ensure all the coals, logs, and ashes are cold. Dangers can arise from even a tiny unattended spark. Lanterns and porch lights should also be turned off. A lot of RV sites are set up close to others. You should consider if your lights are shining on your neighbors’ sites or RV windows. 

In addition, it is great to sit back and enjoy a clear star-filled night. This isn’t easy if the sky is lit up by artificial light from all the RVs.

Be a Good Neighbor 

The easiest way to follow these rules for RV Camping Etiquette is to ensure you are an excellent RV neighbor.

We’ve all been at a campground, enjoying our vacation, when you suddenly get that neighbor who happens to ruin your trip. Maybe they’re litterbugs, talk too much, or the radio is too loud. Whatever it is, you’re likely to know a bad neighbor when you see one. Don’t be those neighbors! 

Everyone in the RV park is looking to escape the chaos of everyday life and enjoy some relaxation. It’s essential to remember this and ensure that you are the neighbor that upsets that relaxation. 

Conclusion 

RV travel is an excellent way to get away, relax, and enjoy what the world offers. In doing this, respecting those trying to do the same thing is essential. Of course, we enjoy getting together with friends and family, having a campfire, and enjoying each other’s company. We have found that all RV travelers understand and appreciate this. Of course, there is a way to do this respectfully and a way to do it obnoxiously. Remember to be respectful and a good neighbor when at the campground.