10 RV campground etiquette tips to live by

At Transwest, we want our RVers to feel like they're living in an oasis. This should extend to campgrounds, but that can only be accomplished if other campers demonstrate neighborly behavior. Though different campgrounds may have unique rules, there are certain habits that any RV camper should adopt when traveling. We’ve listed a few of the most important RV etiquette tips down below so you can make sure you’re being courteous to fellow campers. 

1. Clean up after yourself

Nothing disrupts a scenic view like an empty soda can or a stray bag of chips. Littering is not only bad for the environment, but it can also make a pleasant campground look less appealing. Make good use of trash cans and recycling bins, and dispose of your trash properly. Additionally, all pet waste should be picked up, bagged, and thrown away. 

2. Keep noise to a minimum

The goal of RV travel is that these vehicles feel like home. RV campers want to feel comfortable and relaxed, and excessive noise from other campers can ruin this. If you’re playing music, keep it at a low volume or keep it inside your headphones. Speaking should be kept at an appropriate level, and children should be discouraged from screaming or yelling during play. 

3. When the sun goes down, lights go off

Imagine that you’re lying in bed, seconds from drifting into a peaceful sleep when suddenly an obnoxious light beams in through the window. This is a predicament  RV campers find themselves in when unfriendly neighbors don’t adhere to rules of thumb surrounding bright lights. When it becomes late enough that other campers may be trying to sleep, do everyone a favor by either dimming your lights or shutting them off entirely. 

4. Adhere to smoking policies

When choosing an RV campground, smokers should look into each park’s guidelines related to smoking. Smoking might only be permitted in designated areas, or it could be banned from the site completely. Exhibit good manners by obeying these rules.

5. No leaking

Rig leaks are a nuisance almost every RV owner has encountered. Allowing them to occur within campground property is usually frowned upon, as leaks can inconvenience, agitate, and even endanger other guests. Be sure to avoid leaks when possible, and make sure routine maintenance has been performed on your RV prior to visiting a campsite.

6. Mind your personal space

When a campground is particularly popular, the site may become swamped with RV travelers. Preventing discomfort is a matter of making sure your vehicle is not intruding on the space of others. Your RV should stay within its parking spot, and your personal property should remain within these boundaries as well. These small niceties can help create a more enjoyable stay for yourself and everyone around you.

7. Don’t be selfish with shared spaces

Fire pits, picnic tables, and showers are a few amenities frequently found at RV campsites. These things are there for guests to use, but you shouldn’t go overboard when taking advantage of these shared spaces. Hogging a table or fire pit could prevent other visitors from enjoying their stay to the fullest, so guests should be wary of giving everyone a chance to have fun. Likewise, common courtesy says you shouldn’t monopolize showers by letting yours go on for too long.

8. Keep careful watch of your pets

Many campgrounds welcome pets with open arms, but this doesn’t make it okay to let your dogs, cats, reptiles, or rabbits bother campers. As a general practice, dogs should not be allowed to venture onto other people’s campsites. Likewise, noise from animals should not become so cumbersome that fellow guests are irritated. If you know your dog is an incessant barker, he or she may not be the ideal travel partner when RV camping. Furry friends can make excellent additions to RV camping, but maintaining good behavior is key to making sure you aren’t upsetting other travelers.

9. Make proper use of dump stations

Dump stations, or places where raw sewage can be disposed of, are a necessity for any RV traveler. In order to prevent the spread of germs, you should bring disposable gloves to wear when it’s time to get rid of waste. Washing your hands afterward is equally as important, as it lessens the risk of those around you getting infected with germs. If you’re unfamiliar with the correct way to use a dump station, try checking out this video before your next camping trip.

10. Demonstrate fire safety

As with any vacation, safety should be a top priority when visiting an RV campground. Fire pits are a common source of fun for parties, but fire can also pose a massive danger when not handled responsibly. Before stepping away from a fire pit, you should be positive the fire is no longer active. Still, glowing coals can indicate a safety hazard, so fires should not be left unattended until it is confirmed that they have died down completely.

We hope these tips have given you a better picture of what camping at an RV site is like. If this unconventional mode of vacation has piqued your interest, stop by a Transwest location to peruse our selection of high-quality RVs from the industry's leading manufacturers.