PRVCA Explore Magazine PRVCA Explore PA 2018 | Page 13

Campground Courtesy
10 Camping Etiquette Tips
By Keith Paradise
Whether you’re planning your first trip as a family or as a weekend getaway with friends, you’ll quickly discover camping is
an excellent way to explore new places while enjoying the peace and quiet the outdoors provides.
However, before hitching the trailer or gassing up the motorhome, first-time campers should learn the basics of
campground and campsite etiquette. The simple implementation of common sense as well as common courtesy can be the
difference between a memorable adventure and one which is unpleasant for you or the campers around you.
Here are 10 helpful suggestions on campground decorum to
ensure your first experience is an enjoyable one.
1. Please Observe Quiet Time Hours: Almost all
campgrounds have “quiet time,” which begins
around 10 p.m. and remain in effect until early
morning. Be respectful in regards to music and
conversation volumes during these hours at your
site and campfire.
2. Respect The Space Of Other Campers: Think of the
land which your camp site resides on as the floor of
your hotel room. You wouldn’t want people randomly
walking through your room so be courteous of other
campers and their sites as well. Additionally, private
items left out by other campers at their site – such as
cookware or coolers – are not to be disturbed unless
permission is granted by the campsite occupants.
3. Don’t Leave Out Food: When you’re finished with
a meal dispose of it in the proper fashion. Leaving
discarded or unfinished food laying on a picnic table
or near a campfire is an open invitation for creatures
large and small to use your campsite – and the sites
of nearby campers – as a buffet.
4. Use Consideration When Arriving Late: With
many people maintaining busy lifestyles and work
schedules, it’s common for campers to get a late
departure which results in a campground arrival
after dark. Be sure to keep noise and lights to
a minimum to avoid disturbing fellow campers.
Additionally, be aware of where you park vehicles so
that they don’t block access for others.
5. Respect The Facility: Do not dig trenches or hang
items on trees such as clotheslines or hammocks
unless it is approved by the camping facility. Do
not light fires anywhere other than in the site’s
designated fire pit.
6. Respect Any Posted Speed Limits: Camping is a fun
and relaxing way for families to vacation. As a result,
campgrounds are usually full of children on bicycles
and pets on leashes. Please drive slowly through
campsites to ensure the safety of everyone.
7. Extinguish All Fires: One of the best aspects of
camping is sound, smell and feel of a crackling
campfire. Please make sure all fires are doused
completely and not smoldering before heading to bed.
8. Be Attentive Of Pets: Camping with your four-legged
friends is a great way for you – and them – to enjoy
nature. Make sure pets are welcome before making
your reservation. Be sure to keep dogs on leashes at
all times and clean up after your pets throughout the
campground facility.
9. Leave The Campsite The Same Way That You Found
It: When you’re packing up to head home, double
check your campsite before leaving. Pick up any
garbage and move anything you may have relocated
back to its original place.
10. When In Doubt, Remember The Golden Rule: Treat
the campers around you the way you would want
them to treat you.
Photo Courtesy of GO Rving
13. EXPLORE PA 2018