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The RV RULE Book: Unwritten Rules & Etiquette of RV Camping

| Updated Sep 19, 2023

We've written many articles on the unwritten rules and etiquette of RV camping that we've now compiled into this RV Rule book…

We know, we know! When you're camping, you don't want to think about rules and restrictions. BUT you also don't want to be “that guy” that doesn't know proper RV camping etiquette.

To save you from being “that guy,” we've written many articles on the unwritten rules and proper etiquette for RV camping. We've received excellent feedback on those articles, so we've decided to compile them into an “RV Rule Book” in the form of this round-up post.

Below, we've created a table of contents of sorts of different “rule” topics. You can easily scroll through and click on any topics that you don't know the rules for, thus becoming a more knowledgable (and polite!) RVer.

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

Campground Etiquette for Campers (DON’T be THIS Camper!) 

Campground Etiquette for Campers (DON'T be THIS Camper!) The RV RULE Book: Unwritten Rules & Etiquette of RV Camping

There are unspoken rules and expected campground etiquette for campers to follow. It can take some time for new campers to learn these rules… too long in the case of many. Quite a few experienced campers don't even know proper campground etiquette.

And I'm not excluding myself from that pool. I, too, had to learn proper camping etiquette and wished there was someone who could have outlined it for me when Jennifer and I started RVing a decade ago.

So, I'm going to be that someone for you. Whether you've been camping for a long time or are new to RVing, I encourage you to read this article in full. It will result in a better camping experience for everyone! Keep reading…

10 UNWRITTEN RULES of Boondocking in Nature

The RV RULE Book: Unwritten Rules & Etiquette of RV Camping

Jennifer and I have been boondocking for more than 11 years now, and we still can’t get enough of it. It’s our preferred RV lifestyle since it takes us away from the crowds and immerses us in nature. Plus, it’s convenient to be able to stay overnight in parking lots as needed.

But being on our own and in nature requires us to take on more responsibility, both to protect ourselves and wherever we’re staying.

That’s where the following unwritten rules of boondocking come in! We’re gonna start with the #1 rule, then follow with 10 additional rules to help you boondock like a pro. Keep Reading…

9 Super Important Boondocking Etiquette Tips for Better Camping

Whether you are spending the night in a paved parking lot or a few days on public lands, some common-sense rules will make your stay less obtrusive, more enjoyable for everyone, and help to protect treasured boondocking locations for future use.

At a time when poor camper behavior is causing local, state, and federal officials to shut down longtime boondocking areas, all RVers need to follow proper boondocking etiquette.

Courtesy, grace, and self-control are the key components of Boondocking etiquette. Keep reading…

10 Unwritten Rules of Camping

The RV RULE Book: Unwritten Rules & Etiquette of RV Camping 1

Written rules of camping are straightforward: don’t burn trash, clean up after your dog, don't cut down trees, leave nothing but footprints, etc. Usually, they'll be posted as rules for camping when you check in. You'll see them.

The unwritten rules of camping are those we’ve learned through trial and error — and yes, plenty of error. Think of these unwritten rules of camping as common-sense etiquette. 

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 unwritten rules of camping for you to easily reference here. And number 3 gets a lot of people commenting!! Keep reading…

15 Unwritten Rules of a GOOD Camping Neighbor

When it comes to camping, there are a set of rules that are posted and enforced by the park or campground. However, there are also a set of unwritten rules that good camping neighbors follow to ensure everyone has a positive experience. 

Breaking these rules can make you “THAT” camper no one wants to camp next to. Here are 15 unwritten rules of a good camping neighbor to follow on your next camping trip. Keep reading…

(By the way, here's how to deal with a bad camping neighbor.)

7 UNWRITTEN Rules of Camping with a Dog

The RV RULE Book: Unwritten Rules & Etiquette of RV Camping

Are you planning to take your dog on your next camping trip? If so, read this first!

Keeping your dog on a leash and picking up after them are right at the top of the written rules of campground policies. Of course, those are the two BIG rules everyone should follow.

But they're not the only ones! The unwritten rules of camping with a dog are just as important. Keep reading…

10 Unwritten Rules to SURVIVE RVing with Your Spouse

The RV RULE Book: Unwritten Rules & Etiquette of RV Camping 2

We have been RVing for over 11 years now, and for much of that time in a small campervan! Oh, and we travel with a 70-pound dog, too. 

We’ve clearly learned how to survive living and traveling together in such close quarters. If we hadn’t, we either would’ve killed each other by now or given up on our dream of RVing. I don’t know which would’ve been the worse outcome. 

All joking aside, RVing with your spouse is a wonderful and very special experience. But it does come with some BIG challenges.

So, we’re going to share our “unwritten rules” that have helped us remain happy all these years of RVing. Keep reading…

7 Unwritten Rules for RV Parking Overnight at Truck Stops

7 Unwritten Rules for RV Parking Overnight at Truck Stops

There are often heated debates between truckers and RVers on whether it’s okay to park RVs overnight at truck stops. Technically, yes, it is okay, but only if you follow these unwritten rules.

I’ve heard how truckers have taken out RV slides or parked scarily close to RVs to prove their point. I’ve also heard about plenty of angry threats, too.

Of course, most truck drivers are kind and patient and will either tolerate any unwritten rule-breaking or nicely ask you to address the issue. But you don't want them to have to do that. Instead, you want to follow these unwritten rules. Keep reading…

7 Unwritten Rules for RVers Parking Overnight at Walmart

7 Unwritten Rules for RVers Parking Overnight at Walmart

You’d be hard-pressed to find an RVer who hasn’t parked overnight at Walmart at least once. It’s a free, convenient, and (usually) safe place to sleep while traveling from one destination to another.

As boondockers, Jennifer and I have parked overnight at Walmart countless times, and we’re certainly not the minority. It’s so common that there’s even a name for it in RV terminology: Wallydocking!

We are all very thankful Walmart extends this courtesy to RVers, but we have to remember that it’s exactly that: a courtesy! To ensure wallydocking continues to be offered, we need to follow the unwritten rules of parking overnight at Walmart. Keep reading…

7 Unwritten Rules for Parking Overnight at Cracker Barrel

The RV RULE Book: Unwritten Rules & Etiquette of RV Camping 3

Most RVers have heard of Wallydocking, which is parking overnight in a Walmart parking lot. It’s a form of “lot docking” that extends to another popular location: Cracker Barrel.

There aren’t nearly as many Cracker Barrels as Walmarts, but with 663 locations in the United States, there’s often one nearby. And the company has always been welcoming to RVers, allowing people to park overnight for free.

Of course, their hospitality should only be expected to extend so far. There are unwritten rules that RVers should abide by to ensure Cracker Barrel’s courtesy continues to be extended to us. Keep reading…

Hiking Etiquette? 7 Unwritten Rules of the Trail

Hiking Etiquette? 7 Unwritten Rules of the Trail

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, connect with nature, and get some fresh air. But just like any other activity, there are certain rules and etiquette that hikers should follow.

In this article, we will discuss the important unwritten rules of hiking etiquette that every hiker should be aware of. Like who has the right of way when hiking? Plus, offer some hiking safety tips.

Keep reading…

10 Best Campground Laundry Etiquette Tips & Tricks

Campground Laundry Etiquette

While having laundry facilities at your campground can be convenient, it is usually a small space that has to be shared by many. Proper campground laundry etiquette ensures all campers can enjoy the facilities with you. 

Campers don't always agree on campground laundry etiquette. So, we tuned in on a conversation to determine a consensus. Here is what RVers say… Keep reading…

Our RV Emergency Round-Up Post

5 Emergency Roadside Kit & Products for Your RV

If you found this round-up post helpful, then you'll definitely appreciate our LIFE-SAVING RV Emergency Preparedness round-up post. Like this article, it compiles all of our best articles regarding RV emergency situations.

Whether you're a seasoned RV traveler or just starting out, read and bookmark this post and refer to it whenever necessary. It could literally mean the difference between life and death!

Go to the RV Emergency round-up post…

Special Messages for RV Wives and RV Husbands…

In the above videos, we each address our fellow RV wives and RV husbands. We share our experiences and some tips for all who are new to RVing with a spouse.

Like what you see in these videos? We'd appreciate it if you would Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (easy to do right here) and consider “ringing the bell icon” to be notified of any new video from us. 🙂 Thanks!

Mike and Jennifer's Great Lakes Bundle – 2 ebooks!

The RV RULE Book: Unwritten Rules & Etiquette of RV Camping 4

This bundle is our popular Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide PLUS our newest Adventure Guide – The Great Lakes Shoreline Tour! Both ebooks will give you plenty of ideas and resources to enjoy this part of the US.

Explore this Bundle and plan your next trip!


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Mike Wendland

Published on 2023-09-18

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

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