The buzz of Labor Day always makes for an exciting first September weekend all around Michigan. Hundreds of folks pack up their rigs and tow vehicles and head to their favorite spots for one last trip before the weather begins to cool off and the kids go back to school. Labor Day, or any holiday, is all about enjoying a well-earned day off with friends, family, your RV, a barbecue, and some major relaxation.
You’ve driven hours to your destination, taken time to set up camp, and finally had the time to sit down in your favorite chair with a cold drink in hand.
That’s when it happens. Every camper’s worst nightmare: rowdy and disruptive neighbors.
Most RVers don’t fall into that category, but it’s important to remember some etiquette tips for around the campground, RV park, or RV resort – not only the holiday weekend but for any camping trip.
Consider Your Options
First and foremost, you should decide who will be going with you on your holiday adventure. Will it be a couples outing? Will the children be tagging along or will you be taking a solo excursion? Once you have answered this question, it will be easier to plan on an appropriate spot to stay. For instance, children can be loud and excited, especially about holidays and vacations. If this will be a family trip, consider choosing a park geared more for children – not only will they have more activities to partake in, you’ll also have the ease of mind knowing your family isn’t disrupting the couple next door trying to have a romantic vacation. Likewise, solo excursionists and couples should select venues that cater more to what they have in mind, which may not be kid-friendly.
Respect Quiet Time
Most campgrounds and RV parks have designated quiet hours – typically from 10 PM until 7 AM. That means music goes off and voice levels are turned down. Whether they are strictly enforced or not, it is important to be respectful as some of your fellow campers may be settling in for the night.
Make sure to be quiet if you are arriving to your lot late. Sometimes, travel makes for getting to your destination at odd hours. Try to get your camp set up before quiet time with the minimum required the night of arrival.
Leave No Trace
It is important to leave your lot exactly as you found it – or cleaner! Make sure to pick up your trash and keep burning of garbage to a minimum. You do not want critters having a hay day on your lot or leaving friends for the next round of campers. Be cautious and put trash away at night. By doing so, you can also help avoid larger animals such as coyotes or bear from greeting you in the middle of the night with a mouth full of your favorite trail mix.
Avoid cutting down any limbs that might interrupt your view, moving big rocks, or disturbing animal habitats. Not only is this usually a campground rule, but it also is disruptive to the ecosystem. Leave nature as it is.
While at your lot, make sure to stay on designated trails and campsites, and always try to park your rig at least 20 feet away from water. By doing so, you’re evading not only critters that are attracted to wetland areas, like mosquitoes, but also preserving the nature around you and following campground rules!
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It isn’t uncommon to want to explore an RV park or campground, especially if it’s a new destination. But it’s important to be conscious of other campers and your surroundings.
Community areas often entail entertainment such as basketball or volleyball courts. There may be a pavilion with picnic tables or a campground beach. Although holiday weekends are always busier, community areas are not for personal use or claim unless otherwise discussed with the staff.
Expect more than usual traffic around the park or campground. Keep an eye out for posted speed limits, slow down when children are in sight, and avoid kicking up any dust or dirt onto other sites.
When walking around the park, be courteous and walk only on designated paths or roads. Do not cut through other campsites. When night falls, keep flashlights pointed at the ground and off of other rigs.
Don’t Let Your Pets Be Pests
It isn’t a holiday camping trip for many unless the four-legged family member comes along. Although your pet may follow the rules at home, make sure they have been properly trained to uphold campground harmony. New places bring new smells, new people, and new adventures.
Don’t assume your neighbors are willing to welcome a pet onto their lot. Make sure to keep your pet leashed at all times –usually a rule in most parks – instead of being allowed to roam free. Train your pet to not bark at every newcomer or sound.
Most of us know the number one rule with pets by now, but just to reiterate: make sure to clean up your pet’s business, anywhere your pet decides to leave something behind.
Prevent Forest Fires
Smokey Bear has been preaching campfire safety for over 70 years. Yet somehow, some campers still neglect to follow campfire rules. Read and follow park rules relating to wood use before heading to your lot. Most places in Michigan require you to buy wood from the park. Do not transport wood from home. Plant diseases can spread from one location to the other through burning.
Make sure you are always present when a fire is in use. Stay away from throwing away trash and garbage into the fire. Not only can ashes fly out, but it also creates unpleasant smoke for your lot and surrounding lots. Avoid burning bottle tops and materials (like plastic) that can create potentially hazardous smoke. Never use gasoline to ignite your campfire; gasoline fumes can build up within the center of a pile you plan to burn and then upon being lit, cause an explosion or fire ball.
And finally, just be a friendly, courteous neighbor. Meet the people next door, establish common ground, and offer to help them if it looks like they need help. By following these camping tips, you can be assured that everyone will have a fun, uneventful holiday weekend at the campground.