Essential Campground Etiquette for RVers: Avoid Becoming an "R-Vidiot"
Welcome Back, Roamers!
We're Felix and Cindy from The Roaming Gomes. Back in 2019, we sold everything, moved into our 2020 Keystone Bullet, and hit the road full-time. Now, in our 2022 Keystone Cougar, we follow Cindy’s nursing contracts across the country, staying three to six months at each location.
While the RV lifestyle is rewarding, we’ve encountered our fair share of challenges—especially those stemming from poor campground etiquette. We coined a term for people who disregard these unspoken rules: "R-Vidiot." Today, we want to share with you some common etiquette mistakes made by "R-Vidiots" and how you can avoid them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
1. Clean Up After Your Pets
One of the most common and frustrating issues is pet waste. Whether you have dogs or cats, it’s crucial to clean up after them. Leaving pet waste around is not only disgusting but also a health hazard for other animals and people. Always carry a bag with you and dispose of your pet’s waste properly.
2. Respect Personal Space
Just like you wouldn’t walk through someone’s yard in a traditional neighborhood, don’t cut through other RV sites. Everyone’s site is their temporary home and should be respected as such. Teach your children the same, so they don’t accidentally intrude on someone’s space.
3. Control Your Lights
Bright exterior lights can be very disruptive, especially at night. Turn off your awning and spotlight lights before bed. If you need exterior lighting for safety, consider using motion-sensor lights. Remember, your light might be shining directly into your neighbor’s window, affecting their sleep or TV viewing.
4. Observe Quiet Hours
Every RV park has designated quiet hours. Be mindful of these times to ensure everyone can enjoy a peaceful night. Even if you’re sitting around a campfire, keep your voice down and avoid loud laughter or music late at night.
5. Follow Speed Limits
RV parks usually have low speed limits, often around five miles per hour. These limits are in place to ensure the safety of all guests, especially those walking around the park. Stick to these limits and drive cautiously.
6. Don’t Hog Amenities
Whether it’s the laundry room, bathhouse, or dog park, be considerate of others waiting to use these facilities. Set a timer for your laundry and promptly remove your items when they’re done. In the dog park, limit your dog’s playtime to 15-20 minutes if others are waiting.
7. Be Considerate at the Pool
Pools can be busy, especially in family-friendly parks. Supervise your children and ensure they play safely. Running around the pool can be dangerous, and excessive noise can disturb those trying to relax.
8. Empty Your Tanks at the Right Time
Dumping your black tank while your neighbors are enjoying their patio is a big no-no. Wait until they’re inside or find a time when it won’t disturb others. Proper timing and awareness can prevent unpleasant experiences for everyone.
9. Respect Boundaries
When setting up, make sure your RV, slides, and awning stay within your designated site. Encroaching on your neighbor’s space can cause tension and disrupt their experience.
10. Follow Common Sense Rules
Good campground etiquette boils down to common sense and courtesy. Respect others’ space, keep noise to a minimum, and clean up after yourself. Whether you’re a full-timer, part-timer, or weekend warrior, everyone deserves to enjoy the RV lifestyle.
For a more detailed discussion on these points and to hear some of our personal stories, check out our latest video on The Roaming Gomes YouTube channel. We dive deeper into these etiquette rules and share our experiences with Arvidians.
Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
By following these simple etiquette rules, we can all contribute to a more enjoyable and respectful RV community. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips and stories from our full-time RV life. See you on the road!