Camping etiquette is an unwritten set of rules that ensures campsite violence and other issues are avoided and that everyone can just be happy enjoying the outdoors. However, there are some campers who forget their manners or simply aren’t aware of how to act properly on camping grounds leaving fellow campers irate.
If not checked, trouble may brew between different groups or individuals that may escalate into something a little more violent. You don’t want to do anything you will regret for the rest of your life so it’s best that you observe proper camping etiquette. It also pays to control your temper if someone else is misbehaving.
We were reminded of the importance of camping etiquette after hearing the tragic news of the shooting death of a camper at Malibu Creek State Park in California a few days ago.
Tristan Beaudette, a 35-year-old dad, was fatally shot early Tuesday morning while he was sleeping in his tent with his two young daughters. Investigators are now asking help from the public in solving the mysterious death.
Authorities learned that there were at least three other incidents of shooting at the same state park in the past year. This recent horrific turn of events has raised some questions on how safe it is to go camping, especially with children in tow.
We’re not saying that the death was caused by someone not observing camping etiquette. The dreadful incident only reminded us to always be on the side of caution, which includes staying in your best behavior and not angering fellow campers.
Observe Camping Etiquette
When you’re out enjoying the outdoors, the last thing you want to do is to pick up a fight with other campers. This is why there’s an unwritten set of rules for all campers.
Value Other People’s Spaces
Respect personal space
Some campers are there to take a few days off from their busy lives and get away from the crowd. Don’t set up camp right next to another.
Avoid cutting through other camps
It’s disrespectful to walk through another camper’s site, especially if you barely know each other. Pathways are there for a reason. Use them to go to the bathroom and other common areas. Never take short cuts through a neighbor’s campsite. Go around it.
Silence is Golden
Keep the noise to a minimum
Be polite and keep your voice down, especially at night. Avoid playing loud music or, even worse, playing games on your phone or tablet with the volume in full blast. First of all, you should be enjoying nature and not wasting the day on a device. Second, you can always use headphones or earphones so you wouldn’t bother your neighbors.
Generator
Most camping grounds and state parks don’t allow generators because of the noise it creates. The proper camping etiquette regarding generators is to ask first if it is allowed and, if yes, use it only during operating hours.
Be a Nice Neighbor
Camping with an RV
If you brought an RV or any other vehicle, for that matter, park near your campsite and not near your neighbor’s. Be wary of your lights. Turn off your headlights if you arrive at the camping ground at night. Don’t keep the engine running and avoid slamming the doors. Never honk your horn.
Control the young ones
If you’re a parent to a toddler, this camping etiquette tip may be a little harder to observe. It’s great that you want to bring your kids camping but you should make sure they understand the rules, as well. That includes behaving and keeping the noise down at all times, especially early in the morning or at night when other campers are getting some sleep.
The rule on personal space also applies to children. Discuss with them how it’s not okay to loiter around or to throw their ball or Frisbee towards someone else’s camp site.
Put your pets on a leash
If you can’t leave your pets at home, at least make sure you don’t let them wander around the campsite. Not everyone appreciates furry creatures and you should respect that. They can be deadly for people with allergies while some kids may be horrified by them. Put them on a leash and make sure they don’t make too much noise. Also, clean up after them.
Be friendly but not too friendly
We understand that you need to be left alone, which is why you went camping. That doesn’t give you the green light to be douche bag, however. If fellow campers greet you, greet them back. If someone needs help, offer a hand. Newbie campers will appreciate your tips on how to enjoy camping. In fact, this would be a great opportunity to teach them about camping etiquette and safety tips.
Of course, if other campers want to be left alone, you should let them be. Just be friendly enough without being annoying.
Tidy Up
No littering
The camp site is for everyone to enjoy. It’s also every camper’s responsibility to keep it clean and proper. While there, keep your trash in a bag and place them where it won’t be a nuisance. Most camp sites have bins for your garbage. Use them.
Organize
Keep your stuff tidy and organized. No one likes seeing clutter. You also don’t want other campers to think that you’re slobs.
Wash dishes in the right place
The bathroom serves some particular purposes and those don’t include washing dishes. Clean your dishes at the camp kitchen.
Clean as you go
Perhaps, one of the most important camping etiquette tips is to clean up after you. Leave the camp as you found it. Put the table you moved back to its original place. If you dug holes on the ground, fill them before you go so no one will trip on them.
Camping Safety Tips
Be Aware
Observing proper camping etiquette is not enough to keep trouble away. Even if you are in your best behavior, there may still be some people who just like to cause trouble. The best way to deal with potential threats to your safety, man-made or otherwise, is to always be aware.
Be polite
If you find something wrong with what other campers are doing, ask someone from the park to talk to them. You can also approach them but do so without instigating a fight. Be polite when you talk to other people.
Be prepared
There have been cases of campers getting assaulted in their RVs or tents. Make sure to lock up, especially at night. Be prepared to deter attacks or defend yourself with stun guns, whistle, tactical pen, or even a bladed weapon.
Again, campers are trying to get away from their busy, noisy lives and just want to enjoy the serenity of Mother Nature. Observing the proper camping etiquette will go a long way in terms of having a memorable outdoor adventure. It may also keep you safe and prevent campsite violence.
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