As van life enthusiasts and adventure seekers, we at AddVenture know that the joy of camping lies not just in the stunning scenery and the joy of exploration, but also in the sense of community found at campsites. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the world of outdoor living, following proper campsite etiquette is important for ensuring everyone has a pleasant experience. 

In this blog post, we’re exploring the ten essential rules that will make you the perfect campsite neighbour, and ensure that your campervan trip runs as smoothly as possible. 

1. Respect Quiet Hours

Imagine settling into your cosy van after a day of  exploring, ready for a peaceful night's sleep. Now, imagine that tranquillity being shattered by loud music or boisterous conversation from a nearby campsite. Not ideal, right?

Respecting quiet hours is perhaps the most important rule of campsite etiquette. Most campsites have designated quiet hours, typically from 10 PM to 7 AM. During these hours:

• Keep voices low
• Turn off music or use headphones
• Avoid running generators or other noisy equipment
• Be mindful of car doors slamming or loud food preparation

Remember, sound travels easily outdoors. What might seem like a normal conversation to you could be disrupting someone else's sleep! 

2. Keep Your Campsite Neat and Tidy

A cluttered campsite isn't just unsightly; it can attract wildlife and create hazards for you and your neighbours. Follow these tips to maintain a tidy campsite:

• Use designated rubbish and recycling bins, or pack out what you bring in
• Store food securely to avoid attracting animals
• Keep your gear organised and within your designated site
• Before leaving, do a final check to ensure you haven't left anything behind

A clean campsite not only looks better but also helps preserve the natural beauty of the area for future campers.

3. Be Mindful of Space

In the world of camping, your "fence" is the invisible boundary of your designated site. Respect these boundaries by:

• Keeping your gear, vehicles, and activities within your site
• Not cutting through other campsites as a shortcut
• Being mindful of where you park your van or additional vehicles

If you're unsure about the boundaries of your site, don't hesitate to ask the campground staff for further information. 

4. Control Your Pets

We love our four-legged friends, and many campsites welcome pets. Still, it's important to be a responsible pet owner:

• Keep your pets on a lead  unless in designated off-lead areas
• Clean up after your pet immediately
• Don't leave pets unattended, especially if they tend to make lots of noise
• Ensure your pet is well-behaved around strangers and other animals

Remember, not everyone is comfortable around animals, so always ask before allowing your pet to approach others.

5. Follow Campfire Safety Guidelines

There's something truly special about gathering around a campfire, but you should always be sure to enjoy this responsibly: 

• Only build fires in designated fire pits or rings
• Keep fires small and manageable
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Fully extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving your site
• Be aware of fire bans or restrictions in the area - if you’re not sure, check that your site allows campfires!

A moment of carelessness with a campfire can have devastating consequences, so always prioritise safety.

6. Respect Wildlife and Nature & Leave No Trace

As outdoor enthusiasts, it's our responsibility to protect the natural environments we enjoy:

• Observe wildlife from a distance; never feed or approach wild animals
• Stay on marked walking trails to avoid damaging vegetation
• Properly dispose of all of your rubbish, including biodegradable items like fruit peels
• Use biodegradable soap and dispose of wastewater properly
• Leave natural objects where you find them; take only photographs

By following Leave No Trace principles, we ensure that future campers  can enjoy the same unspoiled nature we do today.

7. Be Considerate with Lights and Noise

In addition to respecting quiet hours, be mindful of your overall noise and light levels throughout your stay:

• Use low-level lighting when possible, especially at night
• Avoid shining bright lights directly at other campsites
• Keep music at a reasonable volume, even during the day
• Be aware of how your activities might impact others

Remember, many people come to campsites to unwind and enjoy the sounds of nature. 

8. Share Common Areas Responsibly

Many campsites have shared facilities like bathrooms, showers, or picnic areas. When using these spaces:

• Clean up after yourself
• Be efficient with your use, especially if others are waiting
• Report any issues or lack of supplies to campground staff
• Be friendly and courteous to others using the facilities

Treating common areas with respect ensures everyone can enjoy them.

9. Offer Help & Be Friendly

One of the joys of camping is the sense of community. Embrace this by:

• Greeting your neighbours 
• Offering help if you see someone struggling with setup or having difficulties
• Sharing local knowledge or tips if you're familiar with the area
• Being open to conversation, but also respecting others' privacy if they seem to prefer solitude

A simple smile or wave can go a long way in creating a positive camping atmosphere.

10. Follow Campsite Rules and Regulations

Every campsite has its own set of rules and regulations. These are put in place for everyone's safety and enjoyment:

• Familiarise yourself with the campsite's specific rules upon arrival
• Adhere to check-in and check-out times
• Observe any restrictions on alcohol consumption or smoking
• Follow guidelines for waste disposal and water usage

If you're unsure about any rules, don't hesitate to ask campground staff for clarification.

By following these ten golden rules, you're not just being a good camper; you're contributing to a positive outdoor community. At AddVenture, we believe that the freedom of van life and the joy of camping go hand in hand with responsibility and respect for others and the environment.

Dreaming of your next adventure? Check out our  AddVenture camper van! Our custom-built AddVenture Van is designed with both comfort and environmental consciousness in mind, perfect for the responsible camper.