RV life can be incredibly enjoyable and, at times, deeply frustrating. More often than not, the difference comes down to one thing: how we share space with others. Just a little campground etiquette can go a long way.
I was reminded of that lesson one morning as I was preparing to leave a campground. Someone else’s parking decision directly affected my ability to exit my site.
When Parking Decisions Affect Everyone
In this case, a pickup truck and a golf cart were parked in a way that blocked what is normally a loop road used as both an entrance and an exit within the campground.
The result? A clear exit was no longer available.
What I ended up having to do was back up until I found an empty pull-through site and then use that to access the main campground thoroughfare. It worked out, but only because I had options. If there hadn’t been an open site, I would have been stuck until other campers woke up and moved their vehicles.
To be fair, this campground did have another exit I could have used, so part of the responsibility was mine as well. Still, it was a good reminder of how small decisions ripple outward in shared spaces.
Why Campground Etiquette Matters More Than Ever
Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, the RV community has grown rapidly. Many new RVers are learning as they go, and not everyone realizes how their setup, parking, or noise affects others around them.
With that in mind, here are a few practical, experience-earned suggestions to help everyone have a better stay.
Practical Campground Etiquette Tips
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Before settling in, take a moment to look around. Ask yourself how your parking, slide-outs, or awnings might affect neighboring sites or campground traffic flow.
Leave Room to Maneuver
When parking or staging vehicles:
- Avoid blocking entrances, exits, or loop roads
- Remember that RVs are wide. At nearly 9 feet across, most rigs need at least 10 feet of clearance to maneuver safely
What feels like “just a minute” can become a real obstacle for someone else.
Keep Noise in Check
Loud televisions, radios, or outdoor speakers can quickly sour campground relationships. Sound travels farther than most people expect, especially in quiet outdoor settings.
If you can hear it clearly from outside your rig, chances are your neighbors can too.
Be Mindful of Exterior Lighting
One thing I didn’t fully appreciate early on was how bright exterior RV lights can be. Leaving them on all night can shine directly into neighboring bedrooms.
If you don’t need them, turn them off. Darkness is part of the campground experience.
Respect Campsites as Private Space
Don’t walk through another camper’s site without permission. Even if it feels like a shortcut to an amenity, that space is someone’s temporary home and yard.
Walking around is always the better choice.
Be Neighborly
Mr. Rogers had it right. A little kindness and awareness go a long way.
A wave, a quick apology, or a moment of consideration often prevents misunderstandings before they start.
Final Thoughts
I’ve learned a lot from staying in campgrounds across the country. I’ve also seen negative reviews of campgrounds where I personally had no issues at all. Often, those reviews weren’t about the campground itself but about interactions between campers.
The easiest way to enjoy RV life is to make sure your actions don’t negatively affect others or yourself. I can’t guarantee a completely issue-free stay, but I can say this with confidence:
Courtesy makes campground life smoother for everyone.
And smoother days lead to better stories down the road. 🚐
Leave a Reply