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There’s nothing worse than getting ready to relax at the RV resort, only to find you have the nosiest, noisiest neighbor. To avoid being that neighbor to other campers, we put together a quick guide to RV park etiquette. Although some of our advice may seem a bit obvious, new campers may not know exactly what’s expected of them. Juniata Valley RV is here to help you be the perfect campground resident.

The Spoken and Unspoken Rules of RV Park Etiquette

Being a good neighbor is just as important in camping as it is in your permanent neighborhood. Whether you’re parked for the season or for the long weekend, a good relationship with neighbors is important for your safety and enjoyment.

Don’t Cut Through Campsites

While it may not seem like a big deal to some, it’s best to avoid walking through other peoples’ campsites. Respect their rented property, and don’t cut through sites unless you’re given explicit permission by those renting it. Sure, taking the long way around may add a few more minutes to your walk, but it’s best to show respect to other campers by walking around their campsite. Although only rented, consider other campsites the private property of renters.

RV campsite surrounded by tall pines at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.

Keep Quiet

With outdoor speakers and entertainment centers, it’s easy to get carried away partying at your campsite. However, monitoring your music volume and noise levels is important to RV resort etiquette. If you’re unsure, try turning on the music and walking nearby other campsites to see if you can still hear it.

Account for Slide-Outs

When you park your RV, be sure to account for how much space your slide-outs need. There’s nothing worse than a neighbor who lets their slides hang over shared space or, even worse, into the neighboring campsite. Proper RV park etiquette includes taking up only your rented space. Before you hook up your RV, we recommend testing the slides to make sure there is enough room to be fully extended.

Be Neighborly

One easy way to have a good start with campground neighbors is to introduce yourself. Once your neighbors are parked and set up, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself and your family. While some neighbors will want to talk vacation plans and check out your RV, others will be happy with a quick hello. Feel out the situation and don’t pressure your neighbors to talk, but a brief introduction is an easy way to improve your RV park etiquette.

Courteous and Conscious Smoking

If you smoke in any form, make sure you are courteous to your neighbors. Try to keep a respectful distance so that the smoke has time to dissipate before it reaches other campsites. Cigarette, vape, cigar and even pipe smoke can wander into a neighbor’s campsite, or an open RV window, and cause irritation.

Respect the RV Resort

Aside from being a good neighbor, RV park etiquette includes being a good renter. It’s important to follow campground rules, be polite to employees and treat public or shared areas with respect.

Be Considerate of Quiet Hours

To stay in the campground’s good graces, try to respect quiet hours. Most RV parks have posted quiet hours, likely given to you at check-in. During nightly quiet hours, proper RV park etiquette consists of staying quiet and respectful. Those who are noisy during quiet hours can become an issue for campground staff if neighbors begin to complain.

Follow Rules for Pets

Most RV parks allow pets, although some have breed restrictions for dogs. Before planning a trip, review the park’s pet policies and make sure your dog is allowed. Additionally, make sure to keep your dog or cat on a leash and clean up after them. This will help you stay in the good graces of RV resort employees.

A German Shepherd dog is camping at a campground with his owner, a man who is playing guitar in the background.

Aside from the park employees, we should mention that leaving noisy dogs at your campsite is not exactly considered neighborly. If you know your dog is going to bark, consider leaving them at home with a sitter or taking them on outings with you. As much as you love your furry friends, your neighbors don’t want to listen to barking all day and night.

Don’t Leave a Mess

When it’s time to pack up and hit the road, make sure your campsite looks just like you found it. Don’t leave any trash behind that RV park staff will otherwise be left to clean up. Double and triple check the campsite to make sure you packed everything, and clean off any park property you used, like a grill or picnic table.

Spray Down the Dump Station

If you emptied your RV’s tanks at the dump station before hitting the road, take a minute to spray your mess away. Don’t leave a smelly black tank mess for park employees or other RVers to clean up.

RV park etiquette doesn’t have to be daunting. Most of our tips are common sense, and most veteran RVers have mastered them by now. If you have any more questions about being a good RV park renter, just consider the most respectful course of action.

If you’re in need of a new RV to take to the campground, visit Juniata Valley RV! You can browse our RVs for sale online, or visit our Pennsylvania dealership in person. Our team will help you find the towable RV or motorhome that works for you!

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