How to be a Good RV Neighbor | RV Etiquette

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Every RV adventurer should do their best to be considerate of other campers. Thankfully, it is probably safe to say that most RVers are thoughtful vacationers and would hate to cause a disturbance in the campground. However, we have all experienced exceptions. Loud, rambunctious parties at the adjacent campsite can really put a damper on your evening. Most have seen an RV or trailer drive off, leaving garbage scattered around the campsite like confetti.

The last thing you want is to accidentally become one of those inconsiderate RVers. Remember when you found a cooler’s worth of glass bottles and beer cans in the fire pit? Nobody wants to look back and realize they left a mess for the next RV. Here is a list of ways you might annoy your RV neighbors, and how you can avoid being “that guy.”

RV Park Etiquette

1. Don’t Blaze a Trail

Unless you’re trekking deep into the alpine wilderness, chances are that the park will have designated sites for you to set up camp. These sites are positioned at appropriate distances from each other, letting campers enjoy a slice of privacy, and help limit human impact on local plant and animal life. Keep your RV and gear in the campsite—all it takes is one inconsiderate camper for everyone else using that site to use more space than they need to.

The same goes for hiking trails. Veering from the path very dangerous—you risk getting lost or injured, and other hikers will follow your lead and face the same risks. Additionally, extra paths will damage the environment and view. Take other hikers’ experience into consideration before crashing through the underbrush or plowing through the meadow. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Leave No Trace,” so follow that code and leave the trail you found it.

2. Clean Up After Yourself

Back at the campsite, “Leave No Trace,” is still a valuable mantra. This is where the whole bottles-in-the-firepit issue comes up. Far too many campers forget garbage and food scraps when they zoom off into the sunset, leaving behind a colorful display of trash for the next RV owner to deal with. When you’re packing up to go, grab a few plastic bags, pick up the clutter, and take it to the nearest dumpster. Most campsites provide dumpsters and recycle bins, so the only thing it’ll cost you is the five minutes to takes to pick up some empty bottles and toss them in the right place.

Also, if you are a pet owner, remember to clean up after your favorite furry friend before departing. Nobody wants to park their RV, excited for a weekend of wilderness fun, only to discover a dozen landmines left by Maximus the Great Dane.

3. Keep the Noise Down

Taking your RV to the great outdoors is a vacation, and of course you want to have a great time, especially if you’re with family and friends. But as you party around the campfire, remember that dozens of nearby campers may be affected by the noise. Put yourself in their place: the night is warm and clear, the stars are out, the air smells of pine trees and fire-roasted tomatoes…and the campers next door are playing Madonna’s greatest hits for the entire campground. Don’t be that guy.

4. Be a Responsible Pet Owner

While some campgrounds and state parks let campers keep their pets off-leash, don’t let your dog run wild. Sure, you may think it’s cute to see Fido loving the great outdoors, but other RVers and campers will probably see it as disruptive. Dog training is worth the effort.

5. Leave on Time

This one is simple. If you don’t want to annoy your fellow campers, keep an eye on the clock and adhere to the stay limits. Prepare to leave before you actually need to drive away. Planning ahead is a big part of leaving on time, and if you write out a quick schedule before setting up camp, you can avoid getting caught off guard when your stay limit ends.

Get Started on Your RV Adventure

Now that you know how not to annoy your fellow RVers, it’s time to get ready for the RV trip of a lifetime. Kirkland RV Sales provides a wide selection of new and used RVs, ranging from Class A diesel and gas motorhomes to smaller, more manageable trailers and fifth wheels. Our experienced RV salesmen will help you find the right RV for you and your family. For more information, contact us today or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.