RV Park and Campground Etiquette

I've seen the behavior of RVers run from incredibly considerate to really horrible.  What makes the difference?  Mostly thoughtfulness -- and following the rules.  Most RVers are considerate and good citizens but some RVers think they should have unrestricted access to the whole world and these folks often display a flagrant disregard for everyone else.  They're perfectly happy as long as THEY have everything going THEIR WAY.  You've probably seen the type.  They build a big smoking fire that just about drives everyone else in the park away, they turn up their sound systems to near the threshold of pain, they let their pets -- and kids -- run wild, they run their generators or fuming diesel engines way before and way after "quiet hours", they and their guests park in the roadways, they show up after hours and expect personal service getting into their assigned site, they take off without checking out.   I once saw a group take over the public pavilion as their private parking lot for their personal and unauthorized guests.  Did I miss anything? Having spent a summer as an assistant manager in a resort with about a dozen RV spaces, I've seen a lot of both good and bad examples.  I'm sure you all have your own pet peeves about fellow campers.

Being a good camper isn't difficult.   It is mostly a matter of common sense -- and knowing and following the rules.   Most campgrounds have posted rules or will provide written rules when you check in.  Look them over and make sure you comply.   Most rules aren't that onerous or restrictive.  It is just common sense that good campers will do pretty much the opposite of the things listed in the paragraph above.  It isn't rocket science to monitor whether your campfire smoke is blowing into someone else's space and keeping your music in YOUR campsite doesn't take a brain surgeon either. Simply following the Golden Rule is a good place to start, but even if YOU might think your actions are acceptable, you need to consider how other people might feel about them.  Maybe you don't mind loud music, but not everyone has the same appreciation for country music, rock'n'roll, or Heavy Metal.   I heard of one classic music lover who retaliated against loud rock music by playing the 1812 Overture at extremely high volume, especially the section with the cannons!

A few basic rules:

1.     Keep all your stuff (smoke, music, noise, kids, pets, vehicles, trash, activities) in your     campsite.
2.     Learn and obey all the posted rules.
3.     Plan your travels to arrive and depart according to scheduled check in and check out times    set by the campgrounds.
4.     Leave your site AT LEAST as clean as you found it.
5.     Pay special attention to fire restrictions.
6.     Be courteous and friendly to your host and your fellow campers.
7.     Report any violations of rules you observe.

Be nice! It doesn't cost anything and pays huge dividends.