RVers pride themselves on being a welcoming, helpful community. But violate the unwritten rules and you'll quickly become "that neighbor." Here's everything you need to know to be a respectful, considerate campground member.

The Golden Rules

1. Respect Quiet Hours (Always)

Standard hours: 10 PM - 8 AM

• No generators during quiet hours (unless emergency)
• Keep voices down—sound travels in campgrounds
• No loud music, even if it's daytime on weekends
• Close RV doors gently (slamming echoes across the entire park)

2. Mind Your Generator Usage

Generator Etiquette:

• Check campground rules (some allow 8am-8pm, others restrict to specific hours)
• Never run generators overnight
• If possible, position exhaust away from neighbors' sites
• Inverter generators (Honda EU2200i) are quieter and more acceptable

3. Keep Your Site Clean

• Don't litter (even biodegradable items like apple cores)
• Secure trash in bins to prevent animals from scattering it
• Clean up after your pets immediately (carry bags on every walk)
• Leave your site cleaner than you found it (campground karma is real)

Arrival & Setup Etiquette

Check-In Time Matters

• Never arrive early and "wait" at your site: The previous guest paid until checkout time
• If you must arrive early, wait in the parking area or call ahead
• Standard check-in: 2-3 PM, checkout: 11 AM-12 PM

Setup Don'ts

• Don't encroach on neighboring sites with awnings, chairs, or rugs
• Don't block roadways or neighboring sites while parking
• Don't set up if you're clearly in the wrong site
• Avoid running your slides directly into your neighbor's "view"

Pet Etiquette

The Leash Law

"But my dog is friendly!" isn't an excuse.

• Always leash your dog unless in designated off-leash areas
• Not everyone likes dogs approaching them
• Other dogs may not be friendly, even if yours is
• Keep leashes short (6 feet max) when passing other campers

Barking & Noise

• Don't leave barking dogs unattended in your RV
• If your dog barks excessively, bring them inside or address the behavior
• Outdoor ties are fine for short periods, but monitor them

Waste Disposal

• Always pick up after your dog: Every. Single. Time.
• Dispose of bags in trash cans, not left on the ground "to pick up later"
• Don't let dogs relieve themselves on other people's sites

Campfire & Outdoor Living

Campfire Courtesy

• Check for fire bans before lighting (they're common in summer)
• Don't burn trash, plastic, or treated wood (toxic smoke)
• Keep fires small and contained in fire rings
• Fully extinguish fires before bed (drench with water, stir, repeat)
• Be mindful of smoke direction—adjust seating if it's blowing into neighbors

Outdoor Lights & Decor

• Dim outdoor lights after dark: Bright lights ruin stargazing
• Avoid flood lights or spotlights pointed at neighboring sites
• String lights are fine if they're warm/dim

Kids & Family Camping

Supervise Your Children

• Don't let kids run wild through other campers' sites
• Teach them to respect quiet hours (especially in the morning)
• Bikes and scooters are fine on roads, but watch for other RVs moving
• Don't let kids approach other campers' pets without asking

Driving & Parking

Speed Limits

• 5-10 MPH max in campgrounds (yes, it feels slow)
• Kids and pets dart into roads unexpectedly
• Dust clouds from speeding annoy everyone

Parking Etiquette

• Park your tow vehicle/toad in designated spots, not blocking roads
• Don't use extra parking spaces for storage or "claiming territory"
• Avoid blocking dumpsters or water fill stations

Shared Facilities

Bathrooms & Showers

• Wipe down shower stalls after use (squeegee provided)
• Don't monopolize showers for 30+ minutes during busy times
• Clean up spills and trash
• Wear shoes (avoid spreading athlete's foot)

Laundry Rooms

• Remove clothes promptly when machines finish (set a timer)
• If someone's laundry is done and they're not there, it's okay to move it to a table
• Clean lint traps after every dryer load

Dump Stations

• Don't cut in line: First come, first served
• Have your hoses connected and ready before pulling up
• Rinse the area after dumping (hose provided)
• Don't dump gray water tanks on the ground "because it's clean" (it's not, and it's illegal)

Being a Good Neighbor

Friendly, But Not Intrusive

• Wave and say hello, but don't assume everyone wants to chat
• Respect privacy—some people RV to escape, not socialize
• Offer help if someone's clearly struggling, but don't "backseat drive" their setup

The "RV Wave"

On the road, RVers wave to each other. It's a small acknowledgment of shared adventure. Do it!

Boondocking Etiquette

Free camping has its own rules:

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, including toilet paper
• Respect 200-foot rule: Don't camp right on top of other boondockers
• No dumping: Black/gray tanks stay sealed until a proper dump station
• Minimize generator use: Boondockers hate noise pollution
• Don't create new roads: Stay on established tracks

When Things Go Wrong

Addressing Issues Politely

If a neighbor violates etiquette:

1. Assume ignorance, not malice: They might not know the rules
2. Be friendly: "Hey, just so you know, quiet hours start at 10 PM here."
3. If it continues, involve campground management: Don't escalate directly

The Bottom Line

RV park etiquette boils down to this: Be considerate.

• Respect quiet hours and noise limits
• Keep your site and pets under control
• Share facilities graciously
• Leave places better than you found them

Follow these unwritten rules, and you'll earn the respect of fellow RVers and campground hosts alike. Violate them, and you'll be known as "that" neighbor—and trust me, word travels in the RV community.