Rules?

[Nuge]

It seems there are several "rules" to RV camping and overnighting. I'm new to this style of camping. Heck, until this year I was a dedicated canoe and tent camper. Anyway, are these rules written down somewhere? I believe in common courtesy (NOT always common) and try not to park my old RV too close to anyone and make only as much noise as necessary. (Idling engine or running generator) Are these "rules" posted somewhere?

[Gary - K7GLD]

Because most RV parks/campgrounds are individually owned and operated, each will have it's own version of "Park Rules" - there are usually some variations, but all I've seen over 40 years or so RVing, pretty well cover the same general areas of conduct and behavior of occupants.

Seems the ones most frequently abused, are noise, both during and after "quiet hour", and the ever popular "care and control of pets and children". It also seems apparent (after seeing MANY threads like this one!), that those who most loudly protest, resist, or oppose various park rules, are also quite likely to be the greatest offenders...

Here's one of the most current ones on this board:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/were-special-59806.html

[Nuge]

I read that one earlier. I'm also talking about overnighting in parking lots as well. Slides out or not? Jacks? We just parked in the most remote corner of the lot but not too close to anyone else. We didn't break out chairs or the awning, just tried to be as unobtrusive as possible realizing parking there was a privilege. Just where as these rules written down?

[RustyJC]

Originally Posted by Nuge

I read that one earlier. I'm also talking about overnighting in parking lots as well.

HERE is a document on that subject that was prepared/endorsed by Escapees and other RVing groups.

Rusty

[Gary - K7GLD]

Originally Posted by RustyJC

HERE is a document on that subject that was prepared/endorsed by Escapees and other RVing groups.

Rusty

That one covers the "Flying J and Walmart" bit pretty well - wonder if anyone has a decent sample of the "average" RV campground rules they could post - for general reference?

[69RoadRunner]

Don't ever let so much as a pinkie toe enter some people's campsites or their heads will spin in circles like Linda Blair in The Exorcist.

All seriousness aside, just try to be quiet when people are sleeping, don't make a mess and don't mess with people's stuff and you have about 99% of the issues covered.

In parking lots, try to be inconspicuous and get permission.

[Gary - K7GLD]

An internet search brings up LOTS of sample CG rules - they are all pretty similar - here's an average one:

Campground Rules

[RustyJC]

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

...wonder if anyone has a decent sample of the "average" RV campground rules they could post - for general reference?

THIS is pretty typical.

Rusty

[NLOVNIT]

Nuge,

Various websites & rv-ing groups have guidelines & every campground has their own specific rule list, but as for actual "official written rules" that cover everything per se, those are a bit harder to come by. It's all, really, based on common courtesy & respect for others - 2 ideals that seem to have gone out the window in this society.

When we first started camping, I did find a website somewhere that had a "top 10" camping etiquette rules to follow. I printed it out & it's in a little frame that I keep in our rv.

1. Follow the campground rules
2. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it
3. Don't walk through other campsites
4. Don't leave food unattended
5. Don't feed the wildlife (will happen if you don't follow #4 above )
6. Don't hog the public showers
7. Keep children and pets under control
8. Keep music volume reasonable for site
9. Don't disturb vegetation
10. Respect for fellow campers

Nuthin' fancy, but if everyone followed just these few, camping would be a whole lot more pleasant for all of us.

Lori-

[Gary RVRoamer]

Good one, Lori!!!!!!!

[Nuge]

Having done a lot of rough riverside canoe camping, I've always left every spot I camped in cleaner than I left it. When we lost a u-joint on a highway in Texas last month, I took my three 4 year old grandsons and 3 year old granddaughter on a patrol of the roadside. I even made a second trip just for my two year old granddaughter. We left with a good sized garbage bag full. That's how I taught my kids and am teaching the grandkids.

I've also camped in a nearby state park where the DNR officers sneak around the campsites after dark wearing all black and peaking into tents. I informed them that I felt since I had in fact paid to be there and they were invading our privacy and furthermore THEY would have real trouble if they peeped at my wife and I at bedtime.

I own a little piece of property on a small river and there I do feel offended when people come trapsing through our property. There, I'm at the end of a small private road and next door to me is a small private campground. Sometimes we even have some issues with kids on four wheelers thinking we're a race track. First thing I did when I bought that place was mend the barbed wire fence, slowing down the unwanted outside traffic.

The old beast I drove has no slides or jacks and we usually only stopped late at places were RVs and trucks were already parked. We started the generator on the road when we neared a city or town so the food was ready when we stopped. And we DID run into a couple of WalMarts posted no overnight parking by town ordinance in Arizona. We've got a LOT of chassis work to do before we take her very far now, But I DO know what I have now. AND know I've been doing it right.

[paz]

There are rules, then there are rules. Most campgrounds will hand you a sheet listing their own set of rules when you check in, or they will refer you to a sign somewhere on the premises.

Then there are rules based on common courtesy, which I have to say isn't always as common as you would think. The rules of common courtesy are based on the fact that campers are frequently living in fairly close proximity to their neighbors and much of that living is done outside. Common courtesy says do everything you can to be considerate of those around you.

[georgetown350]

Also don't let your children play catch with a hard baseball in front of my one piece windshield.

[Ray,IN]

Nuge, your U-joint story is something all children should be taught. Even here at the house I make a show of picking up trash along the road through my property, at the time most folks are driving by en-route to their house. Hopefully this little hint is noticed.
I think you are one of the first to request CG rules and etiquette right off, by a beginning RV'er.