RV Tips : Etiquette

Tips for RV Park and RV Campground Etiquette

The best way to enjoy your time at an RV Park is to follow some basic camping rules. Following simple camp ground will help everyone, including those camping near you, enjoy the outdoors.

• The Basics: Most RV Parks usually provide you with a set of camping rules when you arrive. Start off by reading them and learning about the RV Park. Following these rules is the first step toward having a good time. If everyone at the RV Park or camp ground follow the rules, there should be no problem with being disruptive or problematic. some basic rules or guidelines include:
  • Posted speed limits
  • Trailer access
  • Quiet times
  • Outdoor lighting
  • Using generators
  • Dumping and trash
  • Maintain privacy
    
    
• RV Travel and Pets: Most RV Parks and campground allow pets. However, many have stringent guidelines on behavior and housekeeping. Be sure to always pick up and remove pet waste as instructed in the park rules. Other RV Park rules may include:
  • Limits to barking and howling
  • Using a leash when walking the animal
  • Not leaving your animal unattended
    
    
• Parking your RV: Many RV Parks will instruct you on parking yout RV or 5th wheel. But, sometimes it is up to the owner to figure it out. Many parks have clear entrance and exit paths for parking and hookup. Some even have cement pads will help orient the RV owner to the site. Some basic rules of thumb for parking include:
  • Stay on your side of the hook-up
  • do not have awnings or slide-outs encroaching on the site next door
  • Review the RV campground map to find recommended orientation.
  • Look at how others are parked if you aren't
    
    
• Parking in the dark: If parking in the day light isn't tricky enough, sometimes your will enter an RV Park in the evening and have to navigate in the dark. Be aware, this may also be quiet time in the park and you will need to take noise into consideration. In this case, it may make sense to only setup the necessary items, leaving the majority for the next day when it's light out.
  
  
• Septic Hook-up: The last thing you want to deal with when RVing is a mess caused from your septic connections. There are three simple things to remember. First take your time and hook your RV up right. Second, make sure the connection is secure. Third, check your hoses for leaks or tears.
  
  
• Washing your RV or Camper:  There are not many places that allow you to wash the road dust off your RV. This generally causes puddles and mud which attract bugs and can smell and be a problem with stepping in and tracking. Electric is another concern, many RV Campgrounds will limit the amount of electirc used by the water pumps. The general rule is to use a bucket and sponge to wipe the RV down. You can use a small hose tospray it off, but don't let the water run.
  
  
• Around the campfire: Always be sure to know the rules on campfires at your RV Park or campground. some parks require a fire ring or pit. There are also RV Parks which do not permit a fire, so be sure to know the rules. Some basic rules of thumb include:
  • Do not burn trash
  • Burn only natural products (wood, fire starters, paper)
  • Limit fire size
  • Limit smoke caused by fire
  • Limit ash caused by fire

Although most RV Parks assign you a site, there are still some camping areas that allow you to choose your own. Here are a few things to remember when selecting your RV camp site:

• Is it close to the facilities
• Is there shade from the sun
• Do you get wireless signal, or antenna signal
• Is it by a swampy area (watch for bugs)
• Is it near a busy roadway or walkway
• Is the space cramped by other campers