Camping is a beloved pastime for many, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. However, as idyllic as it sounds, a camping trip can quickly turn sour if you find yourself next to campers who seem to have left their common sense at home. From loud parties to inconsiderate behavior, poor campground etiquette can ruin the experience for everyone involved.

The video below highlights seven common bad campground etiquette issues. Below, we’ve summarized the key points from the video, but make sure to watch the entire video at the bottom of the article for more insights and tips.

1. Getting Drunk at the Campground

“By 7:00 it’s turned into a competition on who can shout the loudest without falling into the fire,” Andy from The Camping Loop humorously points out. While enjoying a few drinks around the campfire is a common camping activity, there’s always that one person who takes it too far.

They start drinking at noon and by the evening, they’re stumbling around, slurring their words, and making everyone else uncomfortable. Remember, moderation is key. You don’t want to be the person who “stumbles out of his RV looking like he survived a hurricane.”

2. Staying Past Your Reservation

Imagine driving two and a half hours to your campsite, only to find that the previous campers haven’t left yet. “I’m thinking that they thought checkout time was a suggestion and not a rule,” Andy recalls from his own experience. Not only is this incredibly frustrating, but it also disrupts the next camper’s plans.

When your time is up, pack up and move on. Don’t be the person who overstays their welcome and ruins someone else’s trip.

3. Fighting with Your Spouse

Camping should be a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company, but sometimes tensions can run high. “We’ve seen pots and pans thrown, RV doors getting slammed,” Andy says, describing the worst-case scenarios. While disagreements are natural, try to keep your arguments private and remember that you’re there to have fun.

After all, “it’s not family court,” and everyone else at the campground would probably prefer not to be part of your drama.

4. Picking Sites Too Close Together

“Like what the hell is wrong with you?” Andy exclaims, comparing it to someone choosing the booth right next to you in an empty restaurant. If the campground isn’t fully booked, give your neighbors some space. There’s no need to set up camp right next to someone else when there are plenty of other spots available.

Personal space is just as important in the great outdoors as it is anywhere else.

5. Trashing the Campground Bathrooms

Opening a stall to find a ripped-off toilet seat and used toilet paper on the floor is not the kind of nature anyone wants to experience. “There’s always a mystery puddle that you’re trying to avoid like lava,” Andy humorously notes.

Bathrooms are meant to be a place to do your business and get clean, so do your part to keep them tidy. A little consideration goes a long way in making the campground a pleasant place for everyone.

6. Not Returning or Abusing Something You Borrowed

Borrowing items at a campground comes with an unspoken code of respect and trust. “We called them when we got home, told them what happened, asked if there was a way we could pay for it,” Andy recounts an experience involving a borrowed extension cord. Always return borrowed items in better shape than when you received them.

It’s a simple way to maintain good relationships with your fellow campers.

7. Not Watching Your Kids

“Three Loops over, 12 Beers deep, playing cornhole,” Andy describes the parents of kids who were causing havoc by throwing firecrackers at other campsites. While camping can be a great way for kids to explore and have fun, they still need supervision. Make sure your children understand the rules and respect the space of other campers.

After all, the campground is not a daycare, and it’s your responsibility to keep an eye on your kids.

Make sure to watch the entire video from The Camping Loop to get more tips and insights on how to be a considerate camper. Happy camping!