Home » Outdoor & Recreation » Camping » Campground Courtesies

Campground Courtesies

© Thomas Stephens Sr.

If you have ever been to Zion National Park in Utah, you know just how gorgeous it is. The colorful rock formations combine with rich vegetation for out-of-this-world beauty. If you have ever tent camped there in summer, you know how darned hot and uncomfortable it can be. Nightfall brings little relief. Now, add an overcrowded private campground, and some very rude neighbors, and you have the ingredients for a night from hell! That was the unpleasant situation my wife and I experienced on our first visit to Zion. The heat was bad enough, but the two half-drunk and talkative fellows camped just outside our tent made us miserable. It ruined our visit there. Despite our love for camping and the awesome beauty of the park, we rented a motel room the next night. I cannot over stress the importance of practicing good campground courtesy. Consideration for fellow campers is simply the key to a good camping experience.

My wife Pam and I prefer camping at county, state and national parks. We enjoy the natural settings that also provide basic amenities such as water near site and a dump station (hey, we're spoiled, OK?). To avoid the crowds, we limit our visits to the off-season: spring, fall and mid-week. We go camping to enjoy being at one with nature and to share this with our fellow campers, not to have a block party. Nothing is more upsetting than to have to put up with a bunch of ill-mannered campers who play their music too loudly and carry-on into the wee hours. Nearly all campgrounds post a list of rules; the most important rule is the specified quiet time hours. Tents, as well as trailers and RV's, have thin walls and sounds seem to travel further outdoors.

Respect for others is the cornerstone of campground courtesy. We all have an equal right to enjoy the wonderful outdoors. Pam and I always try to keep our music within our campsite, follow the campground rules and honor the privacy of fellow campers. Cutting through someone's campsite, on the way to the restrooms for example, is considered poor etiquette. We keep our fat happy campin' beagles leashed at all times and inside with us at night. We do not leave them alone to bay away. It's great fun camping with the kids and camping provides a great opportunity to teach them some social graces. Not all campers, however, wish to share them with you.

The copyright of the article Campground Courtesies in Camping is owned by . Permission to republish Campground Courtesies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.