Campground Etiquette: Be the Neighbor Everyone Loves

RVing is about freedom—but freedom works best with respect. Every RVer shares limited space, power, water, and quiet hours. Whether you’re a weekend camper or a full-timer, good etiquette keeps the peace, protects the environment, and earns you friendly nods from neighbors instead of side-eye glares. Here’s how to be the camper everyone wants next door.

1. Respect Quiet Hours and Shared Space

Most campgrounds post quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. That means no blaring TVs, no idling engines, and no party lights strobing into other sites. Use a quiet inverter generator or better yet, solar power during the day to avoid disturbing anyone at night.

• Use soft-close doors and hatches—those slams travel farther than you think.
• When arriving late or leaving early, dim lights and move slowly.
• Respect personal boundaries—don’t walk through other campsites, even if it’s the shortest path to the bathhouse.

2. Keep the Camp Clean (Yours and Everyone Else’s)

Leave no trace doesn’t end at national parks. Pick up trash—even if it’s not yours—and teach kids or travel companions to do the same. Dispose of wastewater properly and never let grey tanks leak onto the ground.

• Use biodegradable soaps and dump only at designated dump stations.
• Carry a spare trash bag on walks—lightweight, good karma.
• Before leaving, double-check the site for tent stakes, bottle caps, or cigarette butts.

3. Be a Good Pet Parent

Pets are family, but not everyone loves yours as much as you do. Keep dogs leashed, pick up after them immediately, and never leave them barking unattended inside or outside the RV.

• Carry waste bags (see biodegradable dog waste bags).
• Use long leads only in pet-friendly zones or enclosed areas.
• For anxious pups, use white noise or gentle music to mask campground sounds.

4. Light Like You Live with Others

Obviously where you are camping will affect what is appropriate for lighting. A city RV park is going to be a lot different than a forest campground. Just recognize that outdoor LEDs in the wrong setting, can turn a peaceful forest into a Vegas parking lot. If you have to have light, have options on how many, and choose warm, indirect lighting that stays within your site boundary.

• Opt for warm white solar string lights or motion-triggered porch lights.
• Turn off bright awning LEDs after quiet hours.
• If you have underglow lights, use them only briefly for setup or teardown.

5. Generator & Engine Etiquette

Generators are useful but noisy. Choose wisely and run sparingly.

• Run only during posted hours (often 8 a.m.–8 p.m.).
• Angle exhaust away from neighbors and tents.
• If you have a diesel or onboard generator, idle briefly—just enough for warm-up or cool-down.
• Better alternative: a portable power station or solar kit.

6. Fires, Food, and Safety

Campfires are classic, but respect fire bans, wind, and wood rules. Burn local firewood only, and never leave flames unattended. Extinguish completely—soak, stir, repeat.

• Use a spark screen with portable pits (check portable fire pits).
• Store food in sealed bins or inside to deter critters.
• Keep extinguishers handy and test them annually.

7. Kids & Community

Campgrounds are great places for kids to explore. Teach them simple boundaries: stay on trails, avoid other rigs, and keep play to open spaces. Respect others’ setups—someone’s hammock or chair is not a jungle gym.

• Consider a small campsite etiquette sign if you’re hosting a group trip.
• Set up games and bikes away from traffic paths.

8. Drive Slow & Park Smart

Campgrounds are pedestrian-heavy zones. Keep your speed under 10 mph and use headlights even in daylight for visibility. Park within your site boundary and avoid extending slides or awnings over neighbors’ space.

• Before pulling in, scan for posts, hoses, and low branches.
• Leveling blocks and pads protect both your jacks and the ground—browse RV leveling blocks.

9. Share Resources Thoughtfully

Water spigots, dump stations, and propane fills can bottleneck fast on Sundays. Be efficient and courteous: prep gear before pulling up, finish quickly, and clear out for the next person. If you use the laundry room, set a timer and remove clothes promptly.

• Bring your own hose and gloves for dump stations.
• Never leave grey/black tank valves open full-time—they can dry out and stink.

10. Optional Mobility: E-Bike Etiquette

Riding a compact folding e-bike (like the Blaupunkt Henri) can be a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the campground—but do it right. Keep assist levels low, yield to pedestrians, and avoid riding through occupied sites. Walk it in crowded areas and always wear a helmet. When not in use, fold and store it under your rig or inside a storage bay to avoid tripping hazards.

Bonus: Digital Etiquette in Shared Networks

RV parks often have shared Wi-Fi networks. Avoid streaming or large downloads during peak hours (evenings), especially in smaller parks. A simple router or Wi-Fi booster improves your own experience without hogging bandwidth from others.

Final Thoughts

Good etiquette costs nothing but earns everything: quiet nights, clean spaces, and friendly faces. RVers are a community on wheels—how you camp reflects on all of us. Be kind, be tidy, keep it down after ten, and leave every site a little better than you found it. Whether you’re boondocking in solitude or parked shoulder-to-shoulder at a rally, being a considerate camper is always in style.