If you have been RVing for even one night, you know that there is a certain code that RVers live by. There are some very definite Do’s and Don’ts. If you are totally new to RVing, let me help you and share some of the more common ones out there!!
My Campsite is Not Your Campsite
RV parks and campgrounds are not known for having huge spots, so every little bit that is yours is super important. So always make sure to be respectful of other people’s campsites. Your things belong on your campsite, not your neighbors. Now if you are friends and you have agreed to share the space, no problem. Don’t assume that you get to use some else’s space just because theirs is bigger. And if you end up with a neighbor that doesn’t follow this RV etiquette rule, kindly remind them. Marching straight to the front office isn’t always the best way to get that camping chair off your rug.
Get some Exercise and Walk AROUND that Campsite
So, campsites are not shortcuts or walking paths. Of course, if there is an emergency or if it is unoccupied (no RV, no chairs, no water hoses, no cones, etc.) this rule doesn't apply. If it is someone else’s site, please be respectful of their space. Just like your chairs don’t belong on that site, neither do your feet unless you have been invited. Please teach the littles this one too!!
Pets are Adorable, but Not Everyone Loves Your Dog
If you are RV camping with pets, make sure that you are respectful of other pets, people, campsites, vehicles, etc. One of my favorite things about staying at a dog-friendly campground is watching everyone walk their dogs at sunset. It’s such a beautiful community feel (and I get to pet all the dogs), but things can quickly turn unpleasant. No one enjoys free-roaming pets. Even if they are well-behaved - they can get injured, stolen, or leave waste on other people’s things and campsites. Of course, sometimes pets get out, much to their owner’s chagrin. I’m talking about the ones that are roaming alone all the time. If you run into one of these on your RV camping trip, try to return the pet to its owner and if you cannot, make sure to alert management.
Hey Kids, Keep those Hands and Feet to Yourselves!
Just like no one likes a dog running through campsites and unsupervised, no one likes kids doing it either! Teach those kiddos to play and have fun without disrespecting other people's campsites and things. I know as kids get older they want and need their freedom to explore, but please make sure to check up on them and help them understand these RV etiquette rules. During our third year on the road, we finally let the kids loose in a campground. Yes, we check up on them and yes, they know these rules. They are the ones helping others learn and follow them too! Be a good example to your kiddos and they will follow your lead.
Quiet Hours are Just That - Time to be Quiet
Even if you haven’t camped in weeks, even if you have friends from out of town, even if you are camping for a rally, please be mindful of quiet hours. Not everyone wants to party right along with you. Some folks enjoy a quiet night and go to bed by 10 pm. Some even earlier. We are not early to bed early to rise kind of folks, but we do everything within our power to respect those quiet hours. If you end up with rowdy neighbors, kindly remind them that quiet hours have begun. If there is no change in their behavior, try to flag down someone that works at the campground. Unfortunately, some campgrounds don’t have anyone on duty by that time. So, you might end up having to throw the covers over your head. If you feel in danger, but only if you are in danger, call the authorities. Being a jerk to people that already being jerks only makes for a crappy experience for everyone.
The Public Bathrooms are Just a Few Down the Street
The first thing you should know before visiting someone else's RV is where the public bathrooms are. That way you can take care of business, especially number two, somewhere other than your friend’s RV. Seriously, folks, you want to save that stuff for your own RV or the facilities provided by the campground. RV bathrooms are small and those smells carry. Even the finest RV bathroom exhaust fan can fail you when you need it the most. It just isn’t worth it. Help remind your kids of this rule too. No one wants to deal with your kiddos poo. Trust me.
Your Turn!
Ok, let me know in the comments what you think. What did I miss? How have you handled your own RV etiquette violations?
Exploring the Local Life is a Latino Roadschooling family of four that has been on the road since October 2015. We blog and vlog all about RVing, but it's not always rainbows and campfires. It's real-life every day as we navigate love, unschooling, and breaking free from the mold in our 26ft home on wheels.