Essential Caravan Etiquette: How to Be a Good Neighbour at Campsites
Want to know the dos and don’ts at a site? Read our essential caravan etiquette: how to be a good neighbour at campsites, and learn the rules.
Whether you have a pre-owned caravan or a brand-new one, the rules are the same at every campsite. When you decide to spend the night or the week somewhere, you need to remember that you aren’t the only one there (unless, by some miracle, you are), and this means that you need to be mindful of your neighbours and be aware of the dos and don’ts. Here, we will go through essential caravan etiquette: how to be a good neighbour at campsites, so you won’t have to learn the hard way.
In this article, we will go through the key rules that you should be aware of before you set up for the night. By doing this, you will know exactly what is expected of you, and also what is expected of the people around you
At Northam Farm Caravan Sales, we aim to help you not only get the best caravan for you, but we offer guides on buying pre-owned and new caravans, how to finance your caravan, and if caravans need an MOT. From the pros and cons of used vs. refurbished and pitfalls to avoid regarding finance to maintenance tips and finding a reliable service provider – we cover it all.
Why is Caravan Etiquette Important?
Caravan etiquette is important for one simple reason: you want to have a good time, and you want other people to have a good time, too. As long as you can follow the rules, you will get along with everyone, and there won’t be any drama.
No one wants to have their holiday ruined by warnings from employees and problematic neighbours, so set the example.
Essential Caravan Etiquette: How to Be a Good Neighbour at Campsites
Below, we will go through essential caravan etiquette: how to be a good neighbour at campsites, so that you know what is expected of you, and what to expect from others. While you are there to have a good time, it doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you like at the detriment of other guests.
Respect Other People’s Boundaries
There are physical and emotional boundaries that you need to consider when you are camping somewhere. In most cases – especially in the summer – the average caravan park will be full of guests enjoying their days and having fun, and in all the excitement and business, it can be easy to accidentally spread your belongings out.
When you do this, there’s a very good chance that you will be spilling your belongings out onto the pitches beside you. Keep an eye on how big your pitch is getting, and reel it in to be mindful of other people’s space. In the same breath, be careful of where you walk when entering and leaving your pitch – you don’t want to accidentally walk through your neighbour’s space.
Be Mindful of Noise
Noise is the most common complaint in caravan parks and campsites. From children and pets, to arguments and parties going into the night that prevent anyone from being able to get a wink of sleep. Always be mindful of how loud you are being, and ask yourself if you would be pleased if your neighbours were being as noisy as you are.
If you are travelling with pets or children, make sure to keep them under control, too. We understand that things happen, but make sure that you have your dog’s barking under control before you book your holiday, and make sure that your children are aware of the rules. Your neighbours shouldn’t have to suffer because of you.
On the same note, if the potential noise of children and pets are the reason why you refuse to enjoy time in a holiday park, please remember that there are child-free and pet-free parks and zones available all around the country.
Turn the Lights off or Keep Them Low
If you go out in the afternoon and return in the evening, be mindful of the lights you are using and try to avoid blinding your neighbours. The same applies even when you stay in – avoid using extremely bright lights that could be distracting or unpleasant for your neighbours, and certainly avoid using any kind of flashing lights. You don’t know if anyone around you could have epilepsy or an aversion to such things.
Ensure Shared Facilities Are Kept Clean
Most campsites will have facilities for you and other people to use, but please be respectful and keep these facilities clean and for their intended purposes. A common issue is doing laundry in the bathroom when there is a laundromat available, and no one wants to see this.
When you do use facilities like laundromats, make sure that everything is on a timer so that you don’t leave your laundry in there for too long. You don’t want to prevent other guests from using what they need. In the same breath, clean up after yourself, and always leave facilities clean and in a state that you yourself would be happy to use them in – like showers and toilets.
Get to Know Your Neighbours
Finally, we will always recommend that you introduce yourself and get to know your neighbours a bit – if they are willing, of course. Talking to the people around you will build rapport and maybe even build some lifelong friendships, too. You could make new friends, find love, or learn about new experiences. After all, you both already like camping, so there’s a good chance that you can find more in common, too.
There is also the useful element of getting to know your neighbours. If you find yourself in a spot of bother, your neighbours will likely be the first people you can turn to, and the same applies to them. To help and being able to get help when needed is something we all deserve.
Some Key Points to Remember When at Campsites
Below are some key points to remember when you are staying at a campsite:
- Report any issues that you come across – disruptive neighbours, inappropriate behaviour, broken facilities, safety issues, whatever it might be, report it to the park management for it to be dealt with. If you have noticed the problem, other people probably have, too.
- Keep the area clean and litter-free – this should be common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning. There is no room for littering or disrespecting the environment. Pick up after yourself, clean up after yourself, and only use the designated fire/barbecue areas if there are any
- Quiet hours are to be respected – lots of parks will have designated quiet hours, where people can sit back and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere for a while. Usually in early mornings or in the evening, you should keep noise levels down. This could include turning generators off for the duration of the designated quiet hour
- Read up and follow the policies – there may be specific rules in place in different parks, so read up on the rules for the particular park you are going to be staying at
- Be respectful of quiet zones – many parks will have quiet zones or even adult-only areas. Respect these, and follow the rules to keep everyone happy. If you prefer a lively atmosphere, then find a suitable location
- Use children’s play areas – if you have children, make sure that they play in the designated areas instead of disrupting the whole park for the day. These zones are there for a reason, and there should be plenty to keep children entertained while under the watchful eye of guardians
Final Thoughts
At Northam Farm Caravan Sales, we can help you with tips for first-time caravan owners, the top features to look for in a new caravan, and even compare the Elddis vs Buccaneer vs Bailey so that you don’t have to.
We aim to make your life easier and bring you all the joy we can. Now that you know essential caravan etiquette: how to be a good neighbour at campsites, you shouldn’t have any problems when you decide to book that holiday. Have fun, enjoy your time off, and as always – be respectful of everyone around you, because you want them to respect you, too.
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