When we first joined the RV lifestyle, we did A LOT of research (but could have done even more). One thing we were concerned about was how to be good campers, neighbors and guests while on the road. While I know we're not perfect, we try to be very considerate of our fellow campers. In fact, if I forget or don't measure up, my wife is happy to remind me to be considerate.
After our 1st year in the RV, we have revised the original list we found to be very helpful and created one of our own!
1. Stay out of other people's camping sites. Too many campers "cut thru" other camp sites which is very inconsiderate. So, if there isn't a designated trail or sidewalk, find another route! Keep to the authorized trails and roadways since I'm sure you don't want us walking through your camp.
2. Not everyone loves your pet(s)! Some of us don't like them and others are very allergic to pets. Keep this in mind when you take them on a walk...not everyone wants to pet your dog. If they aren't allowed in the campground buildings, then keep them away from the entrances as well. Also, when you do take them out "to do their business" take them some place where others don't walk! Having your dog $#!+ outside our RV, even when you do clean it up, isn't something I like stepping in or around when walking around my campsite.
3. Be friendly and say HI to those you don't know. Dealing with cliques is really unappealing to new RVers. We have seen camper get togethers with some long timers but never really been asked to join in. While we know many of these campers have been snowbirding here for many years, it would be nice to be included. Just remember, you were a new RVer once...so show some friendliness!
4. Don't wash/dry your animal items (bedding, clothes, etc.) in the normal laundry machines. Just think about the people who follow you. That pet hair goes EVERYWHERE and gets on EVERYTHING! We don't have a pet and don't want to take your pet hair back to out home! If the park doesn't offer a special laundry machine for pets, then take it to a local laundry mat...be considerate of those non-pet owners!
5. Cleanup after yourself. If your campsite looks like your RV just exploded, then Clean It Up! Campers don't like staying next to other campers who have their crap everywhere. So take some time and tidy up! This is our home (for now).
6. Noise travels throughout the campground so keep it quiet, even when it's not quiet hours! We can't tell you the number of times someone SLAMMED their RV door and woke us up! If you have to slam your door to get it to close, take it to the RV store for some adjustments! At 0600 when you take "Fido" for a walk, close the door "softly", some of us are still sleeping. Also, keep the dog from barking in the wee hours of the morning or late at night. If that means putting a muzzle on them, then so be it! We are living in close quarters, so spend a little extra effort trying to be little more quiet. Your neighbors WILL appreciate the effort.
7. Give some distance if you smoke. I'm not a smoker and never have been, so I may be a little sensitive! If you smoke, please don't do it around the campground facilities. Whether you know it or not smoke carries a long way. Also, smoking in the the bathhouse (or even as you are going in/out) is very offensive! I got it, you have an addiction you haven't taken control of, but keep it out if our breathing air space! We want to enjoy a long retirement life...healthy!
8. Think about where you build a fire pit! While it may be away from your RV, putting it right next to ours is not a good decision! At one park, the camper next to us put his fire put about 2 feet from our RV and parked Toad. Really!!!! Give some space when setting up your camp and don't infringe on your fellow campers! While my RV is not one of those $500k coaches, it is mine and paid for. We'd like to use this RV for many years to come...so don't burn it down (or scorch the paint/gel coat).
9. Park your Toad so it doesn't impede traffic. You would think that people who drive 40+ feet RVs could park a car...not so much. When it comes to parking their Toad...they are all over the place from half way in the road to parking in the grass to angled in every other sort of way! Remember, you spent something like a half hour parking that rig...so take a few minutes (or even a few seconds) when you park that car!
10. Slow DOWN when driving through the campground! It seems like many RVers are in such a hurry as they come and go from the park. I thought this lifestyle was supposed to more relaxed? Remember that there are many people walking around the park who don't want to get run over as you drive at breakneck speeds. Also, if you are staying in an unpaved park, driving fast kicks up a lot of dirt and dust...something we always battle in the RV! So be considerate when driving through the park and slow down!
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