Camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle. There is nothing quite like being under the stars with your friends and family and making memories that will last a lifetime.

But unfortunately, other campers can ruin the entire experience for others trying to enjoy it.

This is why I’m here today:

In today’s article, I want to discuss the importance of camping etiquette and why it matters.

Camping with my family, or even by myself, is one of the best ways I recharge my battery. But all of that solitude and relaxing flies out the window if your camping next to someone who is rude, noisy, or disrespectful.

So, instead of ranting about it, I will shift my focus on hitting on some key points and solutions that will heighten our awareness.

 

Without further ado, Let’s go camping!

 

 

For more information on camping etiquette, please check out KOA Camping

 

 

 

Camping Etiquette Means Keeping It Clean

 

 

If you’re looking for the “golden rule” for camping, then this is it. Keep it clean. Plain and simple.

My motto is to leave the campground in better shape than you received it. How do we accomplish this you might ask?

Clearing out old brush and plant debris and raking a spot for the tent are great ways to improve a campsite. This also helps combat any type of unwanted critters at your campsite.

Unfortunately, not all campers are going to treat their campsites the same way you are. Campers should always put their trash in the designated cans, or pack it out if there is no other option.

To me, there isn’t an excuse out there that is acceptable for leaving waste and garbage out in the woods, campground, or even your fire ring.

 

Respect Your Neighbor’s Space

This is one that sometimes falls through the cracks.

It’s because we get in a hurry, and we don’t pay attention to what we are doing. Don’t be the person that cuts right through someone’s campsite just because you want to make it to the swim beach or bathroom quicker.

It’s time that we respect each other’s privacy.

Stay on the paved path so everyone can have the privacy they deserve. This is also important if you’re camping with your little ones. This is a simple and easy rule to follow and instill in them while they are young.

 

Camping Etiquette Also Means Quiet Time

 

 

This is another pet peeve of mine but I’m sure others might agree with me on this.

Imagine someone pulling up at your campsite at dark, music blaring, and talking loudly enough so the family four tents away knows how bad the traffic sucked on the way to their campsite.

I’m sure we’ve seen this before. But to top it off, they leave their high beams on, and they are slamming their car doors to add to the ambience of quiet hours.

Most campgrounds have rules in place for things like this. That doesn’t mean they always get followed though.

While we are on the noise topic, another one that is irritating is loud generators for those who feel they need the electricity.

So, with that being said, here are some guidelines to follow for (Noisy) generator etiquette.

• Use the generator for the minimum amount of time needed.
• Turn refrigerator to propane, if so equipped.
• Learn to read your charging panel. The house batteries do need to be maintained at Full Charge.
• If charging house batteries, bring them up to a rate that will last through the night. You will want to start your generator earlier in the evening not to disturb others during the quiet times.
• There are a multitude of portable solar charging products that can provide power to charge phones, tablets, etc.
• Safety is No.1, Make sure the generator exhaust is pointed away from your RV and away from other campers’ tents and RV’s.

 

Camping Etiquette Means Don’t Move the Firewood.

Invasive insect species and other parasites are decimating our forests at an alarming rate. Most of these critters do not discriminate and will gladly hitch a ride on your firewood as they search for their new victims.

Oklahoma’s Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) and the U.S. Forest Service Southern Region provide the following firewood recommendations so you can help prevent the spread of forest pests.

Let’s take a look at them:

• Cut or buy firewood from local sources.
• Do not move firewood more than 50 miles from where it was cut.
• Avoid transporting firewood from your home to campgrounds or parks and vice versa.
• If you bring outside firewood to a campground, burn it all before leaving.

For more information on your local state’s rules and regulations, please check out https://www.dontmovefirewood.org

 

 

Camping Etiquette Means Controlling Your Kids.

Lead by example is my mantra on this one.

It’s easy to make a list of things to tell the kids before starting a camping trip. But in reality, they usually take their cues from you.

For me, it all starts with us as parents. We should follow the rules too.

We need to be mindful of the noise and lead by example when it comes to keeping our campsites clean and maintained properly.

Be considerate of other campers and your kids will naturally follow your lead.

I’m not sure there is a perfect age for getting your kids into camping. I do believe in this though. Leading by example and instilling manners at the campsite goes a long way into making it enjoyable for not only you, but for those who are also camping around you.

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that wraps things up for today. These simple tips are well within our control as we go explore the great outdoors. We should always be mindful of others and strive to improve our self-awareness when it comes to camping. There are a few other unwritten rules when it comes to camping etiquette, but these core principles are non-negotiable for me when it comes to camping etiquette. I hope you found this article to be helpful. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.

 

 

-CT