We all love the great outdoors—fresh air, stunning views, and… someone else’s leftover snack wrappers blowing across our campsite?
Campground cleanliness is a hot topic among RVers, which is why we asked our readers a simple but revealing question: “Do you participate in campground clean-up events?”
The responses were… let’s just say, enlightening.
Whether you’re a trash-bag-toting eco-warrior or someone who conveniently “forgets” a cleanup is happening, this poll shines a light on how RVers really feel about tidying up.
Remember, this poll was taken in our newsletter, so if you didn’t vote last time, make sure to chime in next round—your opinion could swing the results from “mostly lazy” to “slightly less lazy.”
The Shocking Truth: 95% of RVers Are Letting Someone Else Do the Dirty Work
The results are in, and let’s just say Mother Nature might be crying a little.
- A whopping 95% of respondents said “No” to participating in campground clean-ups.
- While a brave (or possibly fictional?) 5% said “Yes.”
That means for every one person picking up a stray soda can, there are 19 others sipping a cold drink in their lawn chair, silently judging the litter—but not actually doing anything about it.
Why RVers Might Be Skipping Clean-Up Duty
Let’s be real—there are plenty of reasons why campground clean-ups don’t draw a crowd. Here are a few theories:
- “I’m on Vacation, Not a Work Detail” – Some RVers see camping as a break from chores, not an invitation to grab a trash grabber and relive their high school detention days.
- “The Bears Need Something to Do” – Why clean up when wildlife can “recycle” your food scraps in their own special way? (Note: Please don’t actually do this.)
- “I Leave No Trace… Except for That One Water Bottle… Okay, Maybe Two” – Many of us intend to be tidy, but after a long day of hiking, that empty chip bag suddenly becomes “future me’s problem.”
- “I Thought the Camp Host Was Getting Paid for This?” – A common misconception, right up there with “The recycling bin is probably nearby.”
- “If I Pretend Not to See It, It Doesn’t Exist” – The same logic applies to laundry piles at home.
A Challenge for the 5%: Are You Myth or Legend?
To the noble 5% who actually do show up for clean-ups: Are you real?
Or are you like Bigfoot—occasionally spotted but never confirmed?
Either way, we salute you. You’re the heroes who make sure the rest of us don’t have to explain to our kids why that candy wrapper is stuck to a tree.
Final Thoughts: Why the Poll Results Make (Too Much) Sense
Let’s face it—while most RVers love nature, actively cleaning up after strangers isn’t exactly a top priority. Between setting up camp, cooking meals, and trying to remember where the closest shower is, picking up trash often falls to the bottom of the list.
Plus, unless clean-up events are organized (and maybe offer free coffee or donuts), motivation can be… lacking.
That said, maybe this poll is a wake-up call. If 95% of us aren’t pitching in, maybe it’s time to step up—or at least stop pretending that stray napkin isn’t ours.
After all, nobody wants to be the reason a campground looks like a raccoon’s bachelor party aftermath. So next time you see a piece of trash, ask yourself: “Will I be part of the problem or the 5% solution?” (No pressure… but also, some pressure.)
What do you think? Did the poll nail it, or are you part of the elusive clean-up crew? Drop a comment or vote in our next newsletter—because if there’s one thing RVers love more than campfires, it’s sharing their opinions!
