Whether you are an experienced camper or planning your first camping trip, be sure to mind your manners at the campground. To ensure other campers enjoy their experience as much as you, here’s 10 tips on basic camping etiquette to keep in mind.
1. Leave No Trace
With so many people enjoying the outdoors, it’s very important that each of us do our part to ensure we leave nothing behind that detracts from the experience of those who follow. Remember the motto: take out what you bring in.
2. Keep the Campsite Clean
Always leave the site cleaner than when you arrived. The last thing you should do when packing up on the final day of our trip is clean the site. Don’t leave a dirty site for the next campers. Leaving trash in an otherwise pure, natural space is frowned upon.
3. Respect Quiet Hours
Nearly every campground has quiet hours, usually from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. These are put in place for those who need to get a good night sleep or are camping with children. Voices carry in the still of night, so be respectful of this time. Be mindful of your early morning routine, as well, which can be just as disturbing
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4. Don’t Cut Through Campsites
Unless you know your neighbors, avoid cutting through anyone’s campsite. People pay to be at the campground, making the site their personal space for the duration of their stay. Don’t intrude just to save a few minutes on your walk to the bathrooms.
5. Be Mindful of Your Campfire
Because you can endanger those around you and the surrounding area, make sure to put your fire out before bed, before heading out for the day, or when you leave the site at the end of your stay. The general rule of thumb is to make sure the coals or ashes are cold.
6. Don’t Move Firewood
Invasive insect species and disease are decimating forests at an alarming rate. Campgrounds that allow open fires will have firewood for sale. Use it. Transporting your own wood could threaten an entire local forest. Also be aware of and respect local fire bans, and never take wood from standing trees. If you have extra local firewood you can also leave it behind for the next camper.
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7. Don’t Wash Your Dishes in the Bathroom
Most campgrounds have specific rules about this. Not only does dishwashing take up the small space people have for bathroom use, but it’s unsanitary; dirty dishes should not be in the sink where people clean their face and hands.
8. Mind Your Lights At Night
When driving through the campground or unloading your car in the dark, turn off your headlights and use your lowlights. For those around you, the bright lights can disturb sleep. Once you arrive at the campground, use lanterns and flashlights, and be sure to turn off awning lights at night.
9. Keep Your Pets on a Leash and Clean Up after Them
Camping rules for pets differ at each campground, but with food, little kids and animal allergies most people will agree that they don’t want your pet wandering around their campsite. Keep your pet on a leash at the campsite, on the trails, and around the campground. Plus, always clean up after your pets.
10. Meet Your Neighbors
Camping is fun and can be a great shared experience with those around you! One way to break the ice with neighbors just arriving to the campsite is to offer assistance when they are backing into their sites. Lifelong friendships can easily be made swimming, hiking, and relaxing around the campfire