10 Rude Things You Do On Camping Grounds That Make Everyone Hate You & 10 People Appreciate
10 Rude Things You Do On Camping Grounds That Make Everyone Hate You & 10 People Appreciate
Be the Camper You Want to See in the World
Pack the car and grab the AUX cord—we’re headed on a camping trip! You have all the gear and you have all the food, but proper camping is more than just preparation; it’s about basic etiquette that keeps everyone safe. Let’s explore a few rules every camper should follow, and which broken rules make them a giant nuisance.
1. Walking Through Other Campsites
This should be a no-brainer, but many campers traipse through other people’s sites in an effort to save time. Stick to the designated paths and don’t just cut into other campsites! Even if they look deserted, the few seconds shaved are hardly worth the discourtesy.
2. Blasting Loud Music
There’s nothing wrong with playing your favorite tunes—at an appropriate level. The thing is, many campers use their vacation as a free-for-all to party with their friends. While there’s obviously nothing wrong with a little fun, it’s not fun for others when you blare music or party into the wee hours.
3. Leaving Garbage Everywhere
It doesn’t matter if you’re heading home or going on a hike; clear your site of any trash beforehand. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is nosey wildlife or a rush of hungry bugs. Not to mention, leaving trash is against campground rules.
4. Allowing Your Dog to Run Around
We want Fido to have just as much fun as his family, but there’s a time and a place! Dogs shouldn’t have free rein to just roam into campsites or approach other visitors. You never know who’s allergic or what mischief they might get into—or where they’ll relieve themselves.
5. Leaving Food Out
If you shouldn’t leave trash at your site, you definitely shouldn’t leave food. Even simple scraps can ring the dinner bell for dangerous wildlife, and when you’re out in bear country, that cooler is just a freebie. It’s also scary for any pets or children in tow.
6. Letting Your Kids Wander Anywhere
Speaking of children, try to keep an eye on them at the campground. They’re more excited than anyone to swim or hike the trails, but that zealousness can also lead to danger. Don’t let them out of your sight, don’t let them approach the wildlife, and definitely don’t let them roam into other campsites. It’s also important that they adhere to proper noise levels, too.
7. Dangerous Fire Hazards
Smoking in the woods is already a hazard, but if you have to light up, don’t pitch butts into the brush! Use an ashtray and make sure you dump any trash in the proper areas. Don’t worry, you’ll have more than enough trash cans at your disposal.
8. Cutting Down Trees for Wood
Most park rangers have firewood available at the site (or for purchase), so there’s no reason to bring your own. More importantly, there’s no reason to hack down precious trees for the sake of a fire. If you do decide to use a prohibited axe, you’re likely looking at fines or even ejection from the site.
9. Leaving Your Fire to Burn
We know how important a good fire is for camping! However, they need to be extinguished before you leave the area. It’s not only incredibly dangerous to leave them, but it can also attract unwanted wildlife to your site.
10. Running Generators All Day
As nice as it is to unplug for the weekend, not everyone can just leave their work behind. While that may be the case, running generators all day is pretty discourteous to your fellow campers. Most sites abide by quiet hours anyway, and people won’t take kindly to a noisy machine interrupting their peace.
Zendure Power Station on Unsplash
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to make life easier for everyone. Let’s explore a few simple etiquette rules everyone should follow!
1. Help Your Fellow Camper
You can make as many lists as you want—you always forget something. If someone needs to borrow matches or a roll of toilet paper, be a good Samaritan. While you don’t need to pack for everyone’s mishaps, sharing a little goes a long way.
2. Properly Dispose of Trash
Keep your family and fellow campers safe by disposing of trash. Food waste only attracts local wildlife and makes a mess for the next person. The same goes for any wrappers or empty containers. No one wants to fish garbage out of the fire pit, so clean as you go!
3. Follow Campground Rules
Every campground is different, which is why it’s so important to check the rules beforehand. A simple Google search informs you of quiet hours, firewood accessibility, and whether pets are allowed on the property. It’s always safer to check ahead of time than to assume.
4. Leave No Trace
Leave no trace is the holy grail of camping etiquette, and there are quite a few things to keep in mind. The premise is basically to leave the grounds as you find them, which means sticking to designated trails, not taking home any so-called souvenirs from the site, and digging any latrines far enough away from the grounds.
5. Be Respectful of Local Wildlife
Hey, we’d all love to pet an adorable raccoon—but wildlife should remain undisturbed. Don’t leave food out for them, and don’t try to pet them. Even if the animals are accustomed to visitors, that trust is built on mutual respect.
6. Adhere to Quiet Hours
A lot of things make noise in a campground: children, barking dogs, and loud music can all ruin someone else’s trip. Many campsites abide by quiet hours, allowing everyone a chance to unwind after a day of activities. Be a good neighbor and follow the rules.
7. Apply Bug Spray Before Arrival
If you can, try not to hose yourself down with bug spray at the site. It’s always better to spritz yourself before arriving; bug sprays are highly flammable, and many come with irritating odors that could affect other campers.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash
8. Keep Your Dog on a Leash
Animals deserve a fun camping experience, too! That said, just make sure they’re on a leash. Pups can get into all sorts of trouble on a campsite, including run-ins with wildlife, so it’s always safer to ensure they’re in your line of sight. Our furry friends also need to abide by quiet hours, so that means no constant barking either.
9. Arrive on Time
It makes sense to arrive early on paper. After all, the sooner you get there, the sooner you can set up camp. The thing is, if you arrive hours in advance, all you do is rush other campers as you wait for a spot. It’s better to get there a few minutes early instead.
10. Be Friendly
You don’t need to invite other campers to your cookout, but you can still be friendly! Courteous greetings and rule adherence make it easier for everyone. And you never know—good faith could easily introduce you to new friends.
