Common courtesy plays a big role when camping. This can be the difference between a great getaway or an unpleasant experience.
Although there are no hard and fast rules regarding etiquette at a caravan site, just like anywhere, good manners are important.
Below we have compiled some tips on the do’s and don’ts of camping to ensure that you and your caravanning neighbours have a memorable outdoor adventure.
Don’t encroach on another campsite.
Where possible choose a location that provides you and your fellow campers with some privacy. The further away you are, the better.
This is however contingent on how busy the site is, so follow the rule that you should set up camp as far away as possible from other campers.
Also, don’t walk or run through other campsites and teach your children the same rule.
It doesn’t take much time to simply walk around another site rather than intruding on the privacy of other campers.
Follow the first come, first served policy.
Even if this means that you won’t be as close to the amenities as you would’ve wished or that you don’t have the advantage of the ideal location.
If you want the best site, it is best to arrive early to ensure that you have a choice of different locations.
This is especially important during peak seasons or times when campsites are likely to fill up very quickly, very early.
Be friendly and greet your fellow campers.
This does not, however, mean that you need to approach them every time you see them and enter into a lengthy conversation.
Just a friendly smile and wave is sufficient.
Don’t invite yourself to visit with other campers but be open for them to invite you.
Making new friends and acquaintances is all part and parcel of a caravanning adventure but it is best not to be over-friendly.
Don’t overstay your welcome and follow the usual social queues that will tell you when it is time to leave.
If you stay too long, you may not be invited back and you could lose a potential friend instead of gaining one.
Each caravanning campsite has a set of rules that every camper needs to abide by.
These rules are put in place for safety and security reasons as well as to afford each person at the site with equal use of the site and the facilities.
Make sure you read the rules for each caravan site as they may vary from site to site depending on local conditions.
If you are using the ablution facilities (toilets, showers, laundry), leave the area clean and tidy.
Even if the facilities were not in the ideal condition before you used them, you should still take the time to leave them in the best condition.
If you are taking your dog (or other pets) along, please be mindful of other people and their pets.
Make sure that your beloved pet is always under control and that they aren’t invading other camper’s space.
Campsites can be very noisy or provide you with the peace and quiet that getting out into the country should provide.
So don’t play loud music and use your inside voice even though you are in the great outdoors.
It is more than likely that you will encounter some wildlife during your visit to a caravan site, no matter how big or small.
Be mindful that this is probably their habitat and that you need to be respectful of the wildlife.
Make sure that your campsite is clean and tidy and don’t leave trash lying around.
This is especially important on your day of departure when you should leave no trace of your visit.
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