Campsite Considerations
Warm weather plans include camping for many, and campgrounds are again getting busy as the call of the great outdoors beacons. So, whether we are seasoned or novice RVers and/or tent campers, being aware of, and following some basic campground rules, can greatly contribute to the kind of experience we have.
Not surprisingly, all campsites have some kind of rules or regulations that every guest is expected to follow during their stay. These are usually posted on websites and can be easily accessed during booking or registration. Familiarizing ourselves with the guidelines will spare us from disgruntled neighbours or the embarrassment of being officially asked to leave the campgrounds.
Here are some basic considerations that apply to most campsites:
Camping spots can be likened to property lines. We would not want to trespass on our neighbour’s property at home, and the same applies when we are setting up camp. Some occupied sites might even be within easy access to a communal kitchen, beach, riverfront or washrooms, but we must resist the temptation to cut through. If we have young children in our company, it might be necessary to keep reminding them of boundaries and other camping etiquette.
If possible, arriving and setting up camp early in the day will be helpful to avoid disturbing fellow campers. As we all know, light and noise can be disturbing to those trying to sleep. Dim or shut off headlights and trim your lamps. Also, campgrounds are not the best place to test one’s twenty-million-candle-watt/lumen spotlight.
In most urban neighbourhoods there is an expectation that everyone stops making any noise after a certain time (10 pm?), so it is with campsites. Sticking to the campsite’s quiet hours will contribute to a positive relationship with guests and management.
Camping is synonymous with campfires. Yet, there are times when that is not possible due to fire bans. Expectation can lead to disappointment which can lead to sneaking a few little sticks into the fire pit for the kid’s marshmallow treat. Being informed of where these fire bans are in effect before heading out can give ample time to come up with an alternative to the coveted treat.
If we are able to have a fire, more times than not, the campsite will have firewood for use or purchase. Some may even permit harvesting dead wood. As tempting as it may be to bring firewood from home we should not. We don’t want to be responsible for introducing harmful insects or diseases to the local ecosystem.
Also, throwing cans and plastics into the fire should be avoided. Cans don’t burn and they pile up to be a mess for the next campers. Plastics in the fire create toxic, stinky smoke that can waft into the neighbour’s site.
When leaving our camp, we must make sure the fire is burnt down and doused with water or dirt. Stir and mix the embers with the water or dirt. Remember: Too hot to touch! Too hot to leave.
Some of us bring our dogs camping, and unless we are wilderness camping, our furry friends should be on a leash, never left alone, and campsite noise considerations apply equally to dogs as they do to humans.
The communal camp kitchen is for all campers to share, and not to be monopolized by family and friends as an extension to our campsite. Having access to a communal kitchen also comes with a responsibility to clean up after use.
Here’s to happy campers!
