Campground Do’s & Don’ts

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When you first enter into a campground to registertent1 your site, you will likely notice a list of rules hanging in the office. You may even be handed a pamphlet of these rules. The rules are set in place for your safety and for your enjoyment while you stay at the campground. They can also include features such as a swimming pool and its hours, speed limits of the park and designated parking areas, as well as any leash laws for your faithful companion.

Below is a list of some other courtesies to keep in mind while you enjoy the great outdoors at your favorite campground.

 

Campsite Related

  • Many campgrounds welcome decorations at your site. Try not to include excessive lighting or at least limit the use and don’t keep your site lit up all night. Likely this light will also effect other sites near by ruining the nature experience and bringing back the feel of the city. And nobody wants that.
  • Avoid loud music. You are in nature, let Mother Nature tickle your ears with the songs of the wild.
  • Be friendly to other campers, but not too friendly. It’s nice to say “Hi” as you pass by, but don’t overstay your welcome. Remember, people camp to “get away”.
  • “Lights Out” means exactly that. Don’t stay up partying too late after dark. If this is the type of camping you are looking for, you might try looking into festival style camping.
  • Keep your campfire contained in the fire pit provided. Don’t burn plastics in your campfire. (pretty self explanatory I believe)
  • Try to set up your camp towards the middle of your site so you are not too close to established or incoming neighbors.campfire1
  • Be sure to put all food away at the end of the day. Even when you’re not in bear country, animals such as raccoons and opossums can create midnight mayhem for you and your family.
  • Remember to clean up after yourself. NO LITTERING!

Vehicle Related

  • Do not let your vehicle run idle longer in camp than necessary. The noise and fumes can bother other campers near by.
  • Do not leave your headlights on for extensive periods of time. There’s not much more annoying than laying in your tent about to fall asleep in nature when BAM! You’re being spotlighted.
  • Unless there is trouble, the use of your horn is unnecessary around the campground.
  • Try to bring any gear you might need in the night into your tent from your car. This will help limit the amount of times you will be opening and closing your vehicles doors. Even a gentle shut of a door can sound like a slam when you are letting the peepers sing you to sleep.
  • Turn off any car alarm. More than likely, you will be sleeping near your car and it will be unlikely someone would try to break into it.

Dog Related

  • Obey leash laws. Get yourself a good sturdy leash and tie down. Avoid the flexible leashes; they have a lot of give and tend to fail way too often. Children love to walk up to dogs to say hi, even when they are on a leash.
  • If you know your dog is a barker or not friendly, leave the pup with family/friends or a nice kennel.
  • Pack “Poo Bags”. Collect your pupdog1s droppings and dispose of them properly.
  • At the end of the day put away your dogs food and treats, including flavored chews such as a rawhide. These can all attract wild critters into your campsite.
  • Don’t leave your family pet alone at your campsite while you are gone. If you are likely to do this, you might want to think about leaving pup at home, or with responsible pet sitters. Plan dog friendly events and outings if you decide to bring Fido camping with you.
  • Never lock your dog inside of a vehicle. If you see a dog locked in a car, notify the campsite manager and call the police.

These are just a few things to take into consideration while you enjoy your visit to any campground. Some rules set by the campground owners may vary, so be sure to read them when you arrive. Above all, use common sense and be courteous to others.

Always ask questions. If you need assistance, go to the campground’s office. Someone should be on duty throughout the day to answer any questions. If you are new to camping, keep one thing in mind:  We were all new to camping once, don’t be ashamed to ask for help.

I hope some of these tips will help you enjoy your next camp outing. If you have more you would like to add to the list, please feel free to comment below!

 

 

Check some of our other links for additional information!

Putting Together Your Camping First Aid Kit

Learn How to Build Your Own Fire Starter Kit

Drinking Straws – As Light Weight Storage for Camping

Seven Tips on How To Keep Your Tent Warm

Camp Tip #2 – Bungee Cord Tie Downs

 

 

 

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