Blog Off Road Camping Etiquette We ALL Wish You’d Follow

You know the obvious camping rules – leave no trace, don’t cut through other campsites, use low lights to avoid light pollution, familiarise yourself with the individual camp rules, respect the wildlife, and leave leftover wood for the next campers.

However, seasoned campers know that not everyone understands the unwritten rules of off road camping etiquette – but we really, really wish you did!

Don’t panic – it’s not a secret club. In fact, we want you to join! So, we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you become the kind of camper that other campers love. Let’s get started!

Off Road Camping Etiquette 101

Escaping into nature is a must in this busy world, and yes, having a picturesque campsite all to yourself is the ultimate in disconnecting from modern demands. However, even when you plan your trip especially to avoid crowded sites during peak times, the reality is that you probably will encounter other people. So knowing how to be a better fellow camper is important – otherwise, we’ll probably talk about you in our Facebook camping group. Sorry.

So, let’s break down the rules all expert campers wish everyone else knew.

How close can I set up?

You arrived early, but somehow it wasn’t early enough. There are already campers in the prime spots, and you know that cutting through campsites is rude, but how close can you set up camp next to your neighbours?

If there aren’t designated camping sites, use your judgment. If there’s plenty of space, set up as far from others as you can. If it’s busy, avoid pitching up where your camp could encroach on someone else’s territory. And to ensure you minimise disturbing others, don’t leave your lights on all night.

Campfire etiquette

Camping and campfires go together like rum and coke, but just like the beverage, there’s a way to enjoy it that won’t end with people talking about you the next day.

• If there are fire rings provided, use them.
• No, you don’t need to build a bonfire.
• Never leave your campfire unattended.
• Don’t burn rubbish, cardboard, plastic, etc. Not only will you create a thick and awful-smelling smoke haze, but those fumes could be toxic to you, your neighbours, and the wildlife living in the area.
• Playing your guitar and having a sing-along around the campfire might seem like a wholesome good time, but please, guitar guy, even Bob Dylan thinks you should stop.

Noise etiquette

A campground is essentially communal open-plan living, so while you’re not expected to be completely silent at all times, a little bit of respect for your fellow neighbours is appreciated in the shared space.

• Don’t arrive at 10 pm and set up camp while everyone is trying to sleep.
• Don’t sing in your ensuite shower at 7 am.
• Use common sense when playing music or watching TV. Don’t have the volume turned to max, don’t play expletive-filled songs or movies when there are families around, and turn everything off during quiet hours – usually between 10 pm and 7 am.
• Avoid using a generator. If you must use it, follow the campsite guidelines, avoid running it for long periods and never overnight.
• Van maintenance isn’t a raucously loud endeavour, but it can be annoying for those trying to sleep. Wait until the campsite has sprung to life in the AM before carrying out these tasks.
• If you’re a leaf blower fanatic, be prepared to make zero friends. Yes, they have many handy uses at a campsite, but PLEASE use that thing sparingly. Camping is a chance to escape suburbia – don’t bring suburbia with you!

Camping with Kids and Pets

Babies don’t know they’re camping, so your fellow campers might not blame the little one for all the tantrums and tears, but they will blame you. Use common sense – if you have a very young baby who is fussy at night and in unfamiliar places, is taking them camping the best choice? Families deserve to go camping as much as anyone, but if you suspect your baby will be unsettled, it’s unlikely to be a relaxing trip for you, let alone your campsite neighbours. Some families try camping in the backyard first to gauge whether their baby is ready.

Children should be able to have fun safely, but parents do need to be mindful of their children’s behaviour. Running through other campsites is one of the seven deadly camping sins, but kids often break it because they simply don’t realise they’re doing it. Make sure your kids understand how to be a respectful fellow camper before you head away – and give them gentle reminders throughout your stay.

As for pets, they should remain on a lead if moving around the campground and if they are prone to roaming away from your site.

Socialising etiquette

Most people are comfortable with a hello in greeting, perhaps a short exchange of local tips if you have them, and that’s enough. If you sense you’re hitting it off with another family or couple, you can invite them for happy hour drinks and nibbles. However, be prepared for them to decline. Also, be prepared for them to overstay. Opening a can of beer together may open a can of worms you weren’t prepared for!

If you do strike up a campsite friendship, keep the conversation light. Chattering about politics, the new Pope, or how expensive your camping kit was can torpedo a fledgling friendship quicker than you can say Trump. And your spicy sense of humour may not land with strangers, so avoid awkward pauses and leave the comedy routine at home.

Booze, Nudity and Adult Behaviour etiquette

Grown-ups don’t need permission to do grown-up things on a camping holiday, but if you’re at a popular camping location with lots of families, retirees and others about, late-night kick-ons and nudie runs are out. Sorry, not sorry.

• Yes, enjoying a few drinks is fine.
• No, getting fall-down drunk, loud, and sweary is not.
• Yes, what you do in the privacy of your own tent or van is your business.
• No, dear god, we don’t want to hear you.
• Yes, camping calls for a more relaxed dress code.
• No, your birthday suit is not approved camping attire.
• Seriously, nudie runs are out, okay?