When it comes to the rules of camping, we've found that the most important are unwritten.
We’ve put in hundreds of thousands of miles on the road in our RV in the last 11 years and learned a lot about the RV lifestyle along the way.
Yes, of course, there are rules for camping.
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!! Which of these 10 unwritten rules give you the most trouble?
Rules of Camping #1: Don’t Park Right Next to Another Camper
There are times you're going to have to, especially if you're in a campground and there's just no other room except next to somebody. That’s fine. But if you're in a campground and there are two empty spots on both sides of somebody who's already there and there were other empty spots down the way, take one of those other empty spots.
Sometimes, of course, you are assigned a spot. But often, you can choose.
In these days of social distancing, space between campsites is not good just for privacy reasons, it's also the healthy thing to do.
Let people enjoy that space. And you'll get some extra space too. It's kind of like when somebody is in a fishing hole and you park your boat right next to him or her, it's just not good manners.
Boondocking is a great way to have all the space you wanted. Here are some boondocking resources to help you find non-campground and free spots.
- Where to Find Free and Cheap Camping and RV sites – This is a mega-post filled with so much free information it could almost be a book
- The Beginner's Guide to Boondocking – The IS our book on boondocking. Everything you need to know!
Rules of Camping #2: Don’t Leave Your Porch and Outside Awning Lights on All Night
People want to get in the dark and quiet, see the stars.
They don't want to see your porch light or your cute little flamingo or lantern lights or whatever. Especially all night long.
If you want to leave it on, you know, right after dark for a little bit, when everybody's still up, that's great. But other than that it just causes light pollution all over the place.
Same with those automatic lights. If you are out boondocking and you feel more secure with the light, fine.
But when you have neighbors, please don't.
Rules of Camping #3: Don’t Smoke Cigars
If there are other campers within 100 feet of you, nothing fouls the air like a cigar.
Now I know some of you guys do love your cigars. But listen — they stink.
They really do.
If there's nobody around that’s fine, but don't smoke cigars in a campground. The smell is offensive to the vast majority of people.
And now that it's legal, we should also say don't smoke marijuana near others, either. Smoking weed next to others is really rude. It smells like a skunk, for crying out loud. Be considerate.
If you must, go boondock somewhere all by yourself. But in a campground, your smoke from cigars and marijuana affects the whole community.
Rules of Camping #4: Don't Arrive and Set Up at a Crowded Campground After 10 pm.
This is a big one. That’s because it's quite rude to come in at midnight, 1 a.m., etc., pop open some adult beverages and start setting up your camp.
Trust me. We've had those experiences from neighbors.
They’re particularly problematic on Friday nights when everybody leaves the city for camp.
You have to think of your neighbors in a campground because a campground is a community.
So one of the unofficial rules of camping is don't disturb your neighbors.
If you're going to arrive after 10, consider staying a Walmart and then come in first thing in the morning.
Here are three more resources that will help you as you read these unofficial rules of camping:
- Summer RV Trip Challenges – The summer of 2020 presented some unique challenges to RVers besides following the unofficial rules of camping. Want to look back at how it went?
- 3 ways to minimize light pollution while camping – The folks at the Leave No Trace camping organization has put together this very helpful article on the wise use of lights while camping
- 10 important things the RV Lifestyle is…and is not – We put together this article to provide some very realistic expectations about the RV Lifestyle, its joys, and disappointments.
Rules of Camping #5: Don’t Drive in the Left Lane Unless Passing
This is a rule to follow before you get to the campground.
You shouldn't get in that left lane unless you're passing.
If you do, you are causing a traffic hazard out there. You're making people angry and you're giving all RVers a bad name.
So don't drive in the left lane unless you're actively passing somebody. Also, it’s actually illegal in some states.
Rules of Camping #6: Always Park Your RV in the Back Rows of a Parking Lot
This is a really good policy to have. RVs take up extra space. Some small Class B campervans are able to fit in one space. But anything larger in a motorhome (Class C, B-plus or Class A coaches), need at least two spots.
So go to the edge of the lots.
It's just considerate to everybody else and it'll stop future rules from businesses about prohibiting RVs in parking areas.
If you're fit and able, park in the back row. Besides, you've probably been driving a long time and could use a good walk.
And make sure you get permission first, or you might just get a visit from the local police.
Rules of Camping #7: Don’t Play Music or Watch TV Outside Unless the Volume is Low
Yes, we know this can be hard to do sometimes. After all, many rigs have TVs on the outside these days.
But isn’t getting away from the world the whole point of camping?
Blaring TVs, music, and entertainment is right up there with cigar smoke.
We go camping to enjoy nature.
Anyway, during the day is fine, but if you’re up and watching the late shows outside your rig?
Come on.
Rules of Camping #8: Don’t Expect Immediate Service from an RV Dealer (in the event of a breakdown)
I’ve got to give you a little reality check here: If something breaks on your RV, do not expect immediate service from an RV dealer because they are almost always busy. We've learned this one the hard way to a couple of times.
Instead, try mobile RV repair techs. They are more responsive and usually can fix anything wrong with most RVs.
They come when you call. It's a great service they provide. And we have found those guys to be incredible. Much less hassle involved than when taking it to an RV dealer.
I don't want to trash dealers. It’s just that mobile techs exist only for repairs, and they can usually take care of your problems.
RV Lifestyle recommends the RV Tech Course
Get the Home Study Course today and worry about the road, not the repairs!
Every time you move your RV it's like driving through a hurricane during an earthquake. Parts break and many items need to be maintained, this program will show you how you can save time and money by gaining the confidence to take on the majority of the issues you’ll come across. Don’t get caught with your RV in the shop! Learn how you can maintain and repair your RV at your own pace and at the most convenient time for you! This course is produced by the National RV Training Academy.
Rules of Camping #9: Your AC has Limitations
One of the great RVing myths is now that we have solar and extra battery capacity, our air conditioners are going to be super more efficient. Sorry, it’s just not true.
It’s like when you’re in a car: It heats up quick. An RV is like a tin can. I mean, it really is. And even though you can do things like put Reflectex in your windows, keep the drapes closed and run like your roof vent fan, the AC is not going to get you down to the levels of seeing your own breath — especially if it’s humid.
Rules of Camping #10: Finding Camping Spots is Getting Harder
To consistently find an overnight spot, you're going to have to learn how to boondock.
This is another one we’ve learned the hard way.
Why? RVs continue selling well despite the fact that you don't see hundreds of thousands of new campsites opening every year.
That means crowded campgrounds. It’s become more and more difficult to get a campsite without a reservation. And that's why we like boondocking on national forest and BLM land.
That's the way to go. So figure it out, get your maps, get ready.
Those are our 10 unwritten rules of camping. There are probably more, you may have a couple more that you'd like to add. You can do so in the comments below.
Also, if you'd like to watch a video version of our Unofficial Rules of Camping, here's one from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel that has been watched over a half a million times!
What are YOUR unwritten rules for camping – especially for RVs? Let us know in the comments.
Curious about the gear, gadgets, accessories, and RV products Mike & Jennifer use and recommend?
On this RV Lifestyle Travel blog, our RV Podcast and our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel, we mention all sorts of RV-related products and gear that we use, So we created a special page that links to them. We update this all the time. CLICK HERE to go to it directly.
April 09, 2023at11:30 am, Chris Mclean said:
Dont use à impact driver to louer or raies jacks especialry Earlton morning or late arrivât
April 09, 2023at9:29 am, Michael Dimauro said:
Not a great list! Some don’t even belong on the “campground ” list like parking lots and breakdowns. You left out some more important ones like putting your fire out when you go to bed, don’t burn trash, especially plastic, control your kids, pick up after your dog’s, don’t let your dogs bark all day, don’t cut through other people’s sites!
December 02, 2022at10:19 am, Katterkat KatterKat said:
I live in an RV Park year round.
Neighbor bought a money pit. They started reconstruction on Nov. 1. Continued until they left Nov 21. They did construction 90% between 9am-10pm. Sawing hammering etc. They returned Jan 15. Again started the sawing and hammering from 9 am-10pm. I am talking about7 days a week including holiday. On Feb 14 I blew up at them. All they kept saying before I blew up is “we need to get it finished”. So in the mean time no one gets any rest even when my husband had Salmonella, CKD and a UTI. No consideration at all.
They continued until the owner heard the construction finally.
He told them in April no more construction. He apologized to us, but not the noise makers.
They would pull out their saw horses, Drills and hammers getting ready to set up and the owner would show up across the road. They then would put away their stuff. This went on until they finally left in June. And on Feb 14 th they told a worker they only had 2 cuts to make and they’d be finished. That was at 5pm. They made about 10 cuts that we heard. And again all the time til the owner shut them down.
December 02, 2022at4:17 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:
That is quite the story! Hope it is finally quiet now – Team RV Lifestyle
September 25, 2021at10:57 am, Bud said:
If you say don’t smoke cigars and weed, please include cigarettes as well. They stink more than cigars.
January 16, 2022at4:16 pm, Larry Kennedy said:
I 100% agree
June 22, 2020at1:26 pm, Paul Lucas said:
From working in Oregon State Parks for my entire life. The most complaints we received were created by board and card games in the evening at a picnic table. Usually a few friends together just having fun but don’t realize the impact they are having on others.
June 15, 2020at7:41 pm, Hal Coates said:
Mike, I am 77 years old and we recently bought our first TT and we are looking forward to this summer. I totally agree with your cigar issue and I am a former smoker. Nobody thinks that you’re barking dog is cute.
June 15, 2020at10:49 am, Lisa said:
One more item to add in terms of smoking marijuana. PLEASE do not extinguish your smoking materials and leave them lie on the ground to “compost.” For some reason marijuana is enticing to dogs and can cause a HORRIBLE, fearful reaction if ingested. It may not be fatal but it is awful for the dog and the person who loves that animal.
June 15, 2020at10:13 am, Robert Slimak said:
All good, but you left out the most obvious one about smoking. Cigarettes! Yes cigars are the worst, pot doesn’t actually smell like a skunk and I would rather smell that then cigarettes although I would prefer none!
The RV Bunch group has many of these rude people. When I pointed out these rules, like large screen TV’s outside of campfires where you know the wind is making your neighbors site into a smoke bomb, mentioning that some people have a breathing problem with smoke, I have been told to go shove it and move if I don’t like it! That they come out to do what they want.
It’s why, whenever possible when boondocking, I try to stay as far away from others as possible!
June 14, 2020at8:29 pm, Rose said:
Rule re smoking: vaping smells awful, too.
June 14, 2020at11:28 am, Linda said:
We just returned from camping on a small county lake. One evening a group of locals came in with beer, smokes and took over one of the fishing piers. Their loud language included every cuss word I knew and more. There was a young family with 3 small children just on the other side of us. Thankfully they didn’t stay long but my recommendation would be to not confront a group like this.
June 14, 2020at11:08 am, Joyce Rickles said:
I like your rules. They are simple and easy to follow–kind of like common sense. Some people will never understand what common courtesy is either because they don’t practice it at home.
June 14, 2020at10:17 am, pat mesic said:
One rule you left out. People who take shortcuts right through your site. Another rule that I have no idea about is, why do men go around talking to lone single women in a campground, but their wives never talk to us?
January 16, 2022at11:40 am, Scott Coffman said:
Nothing more annoying that watching someone walk through your campsite, right under you windows. This should also be taught to kids ridding bikes, scooters and big wheels.
June 14, 2020at8:54 am, Dean said:
How about a little tolerance, a few less rules. If you want a perfect setting stay home.
April 09, 2023at7:27 am, James Smith said:
Thanks for the comment, Dean. I have been living on a boat for 3 years, and just bought an RV. Reading all the complaining that RVers are doing here is getting me very concerned. Boaters tend to be flexible and tolerant of others. The comments here lead me to believe that RVers want to be in a bubble, with no sights, sounds, or smells from anyone else. They certainly don’t sound like a pleasant bunch to be around.
April 09, 2023at10:44 pm, Merrily Robinson said:
😀 Nobody on a boat is leaving their evening fire smoldering!!
June 14, 2020at8:27 am, Bev Parkison said:
You forgot a major one. After staying at over 100 campgrounds, parks and resorts across the country our major complaint is dogs. Not everyone cares to clean up after, step over in the laundry room, or listen to the incessant barking of dogs. It’s sad that many dog owners leave them locked inside or tied up for hours while away and they are barking constantly. And not everyone hates cigars. I would much rather smell a cigar or weed than deal with the dogs!
April 22, 2022at2:46 pm, Jose Fernandez said:
Why not give the dog some weed? Maybe the dog then will chill out and calm down!
June 14, 2020at6:07 am, J Anne Hamm said:
I agree with e everything said except your rule number one about camping next to someone. That is fine if all sites equal so to speak but that is rare outside of private parks. There are reasons why some sites book first e.g. level. Length. Shaded or not. View, isolated or not, close to bathroom or playground or lake or wifi etc etc. So if all things equal your rule works but I have yet to be in campground d where that is so.
June 14, 2020at12:27 am, John Sherman said:
Well, now you’ve done it — you wrote down the Unwritten Rules! When they were unwritten people knew in their hearts that they were the right things to do. But now they are written. You did it. Now how are we to behave properly with our RVs and feel that it is due to our own innate sense of decency? No, we can’t for now . . . “It is Written . . . .”
June 14, 2020at12:00 am, Anne Lew said:
Unruly children on scooters and bicycles. They play in the drive ways and at the water spigots. Their irresponsible parents are no where to be found. Sorry, being hit by an RV even at 5 mph can cause serious injury. Something is really wrong with the parents now a day.
June 13, 2020at11:39 pm, bobm said:
Sorry Folks, but it’s RV camping. These types of “violations” have been going on for many years, these rules have been posted on a hundred blogs. If you want old school camping, hit the woods, far away from the crowds. This is no different than living in a side by side residential neighborhood. Back when RV parks were old school, there were block parties in them. People want to get away, but no too far away. It is what it is, and it’s not going to change. Boon docking is the only way if you want the old fashioned “camping” feeling.
June 13, 2020at10:51 pm, Jill said:
Thanks for publishing the “Ten Rules.” My additions would be to be sure you leave no trash, pop top tabs, bottles, cans, etc. “Leave it better than you found it!”
Also, if you have a dog please don’t let it bark repeatedly. Pick up dog waste.
June 13, 2020at10:50 pm, Ron said:
Mike & Jen, Fortunately, so far most of the time things are good! Those points are spot on! Common courtesy is not so common sometimes! Maybe campers should be required to read and sign off on rules of courteous camping and be subject to fines as appropriate!
Thank you for all you do!
Ron & Enid King
June 13, 2020at10:17 pm, Jo Hite said:
Make sure you adhere to the park speed limit. Some people seem to always be in a hurry whether they are in tow or not. It kicks up dust, and is unsafe for kids playing and enjoying the outdoors.
June 13, 2020at9:09 pm, Howard Hardy said:
I am full time Rv and normally stay at a couple places only I have access to. And when I travel I very rarely take my travel trailer. I boondock out of the back of my truck in areas there are few people. All I need is an isolated spot big enough to park overnight. Then I’m normally back on some lake in my fishing boat. I just like it that way and I can fully avoid the issues of being around a lot of other campers.
June 13, 2020at8:59 pm, Robin said:
People in nearby sites staying up all night outside and talking about their personal problems- even at a normal voice level these conversations are much louder in the middle of the night. I have heard WAY too many personal issues with FAR more information than I would have liked to know.
August 22, 2021at10:20 am, Pat said:
And loud laughter! Loud hee hawing till after 2am last night. I am exhausted this morning…and angry. Feel like banging pots and pans outside their tents because of course, this morning they are sleeping in.
June 13, 2020at8:33 pm, TomPDX said:
All good points! And what about not leaving your generator running all night. That is rude and inconsiderate, especially if it’s cheap and loud.
June 13, 2020at8:31 pm, Sheila majka said:
Leaving a barking dog inside your rig and leaving for the entire day and/ or evening . There is no way for anyone to try to appease the dog if it is locked up inside . Also if you are leaving super early in the morning pack up the site And do everything you can to be ready to unplug and leave instead of banging around at 5 am
June 13, 2020at8:14 pm, Candace said:
Agreed on all 10 PLUS the others mentioned in the comments. It really amazes me that with ALL the information and “research” most people do these days with the www at their fingertips these tips are not well-known or applied. They are really simple common courtesies but are still ignored, especially by new campers everywhere. More time is spent on researching what kind of TP to use these days than actually important strategies when camping.
June 13, 2020at8:13 pm, Jeff Holeman said:
I wish every camper could see this list. Barking dogs and Loud music can really ruin a good camping trip. Outside speakers on RVs are the worst invention ever because some people are not considerate.
June 13, 2020at7:56 pm, Laurel J. said:
Walking through someone’s campsite, especially if you have a beachfront or riverfront campsite.
March 02, 2023at12:23 pm, Jack Houran said:
Agree! Avoid walking through anothers campsite.
June 13, 2020at7:55 pm, Robert Bottom said:
Okay, my 2cents…..
#2. At certain sites I set up solar lights to keep rodents away, but yes the campsites that look like an amusement park are annoying. With the exception of my rat deterrent, my outdoor lights go to bed when I do.
#3 Okay, I do smoke cigs, and ganga. Cigs, I don’t smoke anywhere but my space. The other, never outside. Sorry if the smell bothers you, but I try hard to be a polite smoker. And I’ve been told by fellow LTVA campers, that my smell is way better than the jerks subjecting you to their music.
And I’ll add one. Even though the rules may say it’s okay, running your loud Genny at 6:00:01 is really annoying. Bottom line, try to be considerate.
August 28, 2021at12:54 pm, SFierro said:
I never smoke herb outside and often use oils which don’t smell or edibles. But then I’m typically boondocking so it wouldn’t apply.
April 09, 2023at9:44 pm, T N said:
If only the smoke respected the borders of your space.
June 13, 2020at7:40 pm, Judy S said:
All good advice, thanks! I hope it spreads far and wide.
We once awoke to a huge bus parked next to us, in the middle of nowhere.
June 13, 2020at7:39 pm, Ann Phillips-Robak said:
I would like to respectfully add cigarettes to the cigar and marijuana smoking issues – Secondhand smoke is a health issue as well as unpleasant for non-smokers.
Thank You,
Ann PR
June 13, 2020at7:39 pm, Linda said:
Motor cycles and four wheelers racing by camper.
June 13, 2020at7:38 pm, Maggie said:
We have been camping for 52 years. Thank you for trying to help people learn camp etiquette. One of our pet peeves is when people move the campfire ring from it’s designated spot. Especially, please do not put it closer to a neighboring camper. Some people have trouble breathing with the heavy smoke. Not necessarily us but grandchildren with Asthma.
June 13, 2020at7:34 pm, Theresa said:
I would also include smoking cigarettes. I would rather smell campfire smoke inside my rig than cigarette smoke.
June 13, 2020at7:27 pm, Lisa said:
Thank you…someone had to say it.
June 13, 2020at7:22 pm, Harve Cohen said:
I’d include leaving a campfire burning all day long (and night). Depending upon the wind direction, the smoke will blow right into the open windows of my rig. Never fails!
June 13, 2020at7:10 pm, Joseph said:
G’ Day,
This my friends is why, Da!,So Sad Today No Commen Sence any longer, I do not go to camp grounds. it is why I have a 4×4 to camp alone. why would any one go camping to be with people ?
Cheers Joseph
June 13, 2020at6:59 pm, Donald Darcy said:
You left out ther barking dog, left outside all day. Nothing is more annoying that having to listen to someone else’s dog barking ever time anything near it moves.