More than 81 million Americans spent some vacation time camping last year, according to a recent survey from The Dyrt. In fact, since the COVID lockdowns, 25 million people have tried outdoor lodgings for the first time, the campsite booking and accessibility app notes. Unfortunately, it seems the new campers may need a crash course in the unspoken courtesies longtime campers take for granted.
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Kampgrounds of America, or KOA, reports more than 11 million new households camped in 2024 compared to 2019. New campers make up 5% of people using campsites every year. On average, these campers are younger and prefer to stay closer to home, embarking on weekend trips more often than longer jaunts. They also prefer private campgrounds or glamping locations, which may be why they don’t comprehend the unwritten rules longtime adventurers are well aware of. The first rule? Etiquette is all about being mindful of other people.
Better than you found it
One of the oldest camping rules is simple, yet powerful: leave no trace. Whether you’re at a campsite, RV park, glampsite or truly roughing it, you’ll want to restore it to the way you found it, if not in even better condition. If you’ve dug a hole, fill it in. Moved a picnic table? Put it back. Trash, no matter how small, gets thrown away.
“Too often, the information is buried or optional when it really should be front and center,” says Kimberly Stroh, with Savvy Mama Lifestyle. “If we want to protect our natural spaces, education needs to be clear, engaging and unavoidable. This is especially true for first-time campers who may not even know what they’re missing. We may be to the point where stricter fines are finally enforced.”
On the other hand, if you have extra resources, leave them for the next person. That includes excess water and firewood, but not torn-up tents, or even leftover stakes and pieces of metal. Also, don’t grab more resources than you need. Try to only cut a little more than the wood you need.
Lynn Campbell, co-founder at 10Adventures, points out that some people abuse the great outdoors to get away with things they couldn’t in more civilized areas. “What we have seen in just the last couple of years includes groups of people hiking into the backcountry to have a party … trashing the area and keeping all the people awake … with music, drinking and shouting into the early hours.” Don’t be those campers.
Kids and their dogs
In a quest for lower-cost holiday weekend alternatives and to escape the slog of urban life, many people have turned to camping, even if they didn’t grow up doing it. As the saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know. Never trained or indoctrinated themselves, these young parents can’t pass on what they’ve never learned to their kids.
For example, many don’t understand the simple rule that you don’t cross through another person’s territory. Just because you’re in the great outdoors doesn’t mean it’s all free range.
Nick Leighton, etiquette expert and co-host of the podcast “Were You Raised by Wolves?”, explains: “Don’t cut through other people’s campsites. This is like walking across someone’s lawn right in front of their home. You wouldn’t do that, would you? Remember to walk around, not through, the areas where people have set themselves up.”
Once parents know, they should share that rule with their kids. While your neighboring campers understand that you may need to work while on your vacation, they didn’t come here to babysit your kids either. If you need to do a work phone call or Zoom call, plan ahead with an activity to keep them occupied.
Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times. Camp hosts and park rangers point out that this includes small canines and even the ones “who’d never bite anyone.” Remember, they’re in a new location, too. Protect yourself and your pets by keeping them leashed.
Also, regardless of how cute or tame they look, don’t feed the wildlife. Ever.
Lights out
Remember that people go camping to get away from it all, or at least a little peace and quiet. Don’t run your vehicle all day, use a generator past the posted times, or leave lights on 24/7 that keep others from relaxing or enjoying nature.
“One of the best parts of camping is stargazing! Yet, newer campers don’t realize how easy it is to cause light pollution that will spoil the nighttime for everyone. Many RVs and travel trailers have external lights in bright white, blue or red that can be overly bright when they’re the only light source in a campground or boondocking site,” explains Natalie Vereen-Davis, content creator at Camping Kiddos.
“While these are good for helping you see your way to your car after dark, they draw attention away from the night sky … Opt for head lamps or handheld lanterns in addition to a campfire, and avoid large stationary lights. And definitely never hang these lights in the trees, which can harm the branches and trunks, and is against many campground policies.”
Take the time to make sure your idea of a good time doesn’t impact other people’s idea of a good time. Be mindful of playing music or talking loudly late at night while making s’mores.
Under the influence
One of the hottest trends on social media is revealing hidden gems, often with the influencer acting as if they are the first to see it. No shade to these folks, but many want to explore the countryside without the technology. Or the crowds.
Adam McLaughlin, a full-time traveller wants to be sympathetic, but, “These people are not typically showing up at the campground to ‘get away’; they’re sitting in the site next to us loudly livestreaming while I’m working in my RV, or leaving their outdoor lights on to ‘get the perfect shot’ at night when the rest of us are trying to get it as dark as possible to enjoy the stars, or they’re playing a TikTok trend 20 second sound bite on repeat from their phone until they get their dance perfect.”
That’s not to say campers need to be Luddites. Using an electrical outlet or renting an RV is fine. Just don’t make your technology or need for remote work a burden on the rest of the campsite. Pay attention to where you’re walking or filming. And, if at all possible, remember the world doesn’t revolve around you.
Fire in the hole
Smokey the Bear’s lesson still rings true today: only you can prevent fires. Yet some people think that just means at the end of your camping trip. Rangers say no, every time you go to bed, your fire should be properly extinguished. Further, trash belongs in a trash bin, not fire pits. Remember, people cook there, and don’t need the residue from your burnt plastic tainting their food.
On the other hand, sometimes the problem is not campers, but closer to home. Steve Marchal, a veteran camp host, notes the biggest problems he sees, “… stem from the ‘locals.’ Most of the ‘new’ campers I meet are courteous, respectful and eager to see the country. The locals are coming up for a weekend to blow off steam and are much more likely to show up in large rowdy groups, who let the kids and dogs run wild, fill the fire pit with beer cans, stay up till 2 a.m. and then drive away and leave a smoldering fire.”
Pitching our tents
Camping can be a fun, exciting and relaxing adventure for couples, families and groups. It’s definitely a change of pace over hotel stays and cruise lines, although the best glamping can also be luxurious. By being aware of your surroundings and mindful of the unwritten rules of camping, you can make it a fun time for everyone around you.
Bella Bucchiotti is a freelance writer with a passion for adventure, delicious recipes and authentic storytelling. Through xoxoBella and social media, she shares vibrant travel experiences, mouthwatering dishes and everyday moments that inspire connection.
After living in foothills of Colorado for 50 years, I wouldn’t bother with camping as there are way too many irresponsible newbies in the mountains in the past decade who have no concept of respect for nature let alone other nature lovers.
I live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and I agree with you. They come to our area park wherever they choose including no parking zones and barely get a smack on the hand. They also have no respect for the rivers and creeks which is why we have so many bodies a year being pulled from them. It’s never locals only city folk. They for the most part do clean up after themselves but they are slowly destroying the areas they come to hike and walk because of the number of them doing it daily.
I recently camped in the Stanislaus National Forest and we had to cut the trip short due to our camp ground getting surrounded by around 30 people two separate times in the same day. My husband and I have spent countless nights deep in those woods and we have never experienced that type of situation in all these years. It’s extremely saddening that we no longer feel safe to enjoy the great outdoors.
We have this problem with the new owners of paradise lakes RV park and campground in Enterprise Florida.
They destroyed the habitats for endangered species and treat everyone with disrespect.
Exactly. I don’t even consider camping unless it’s in a remote dispersed camping area. And you’re right, a lot of people won’t respect nature, themselves, and least of all—you or me!
The only guaranteed serenity (anymore) is in your home with closed curtains and ear plugs lol!
I am 73 and have tent camping all my life. I typically spend about 30 nights a year in a tent. My biggest complaint are what I call the “Obliviots”, those campers who seem to be oblivious to the noise, light and disturbance that they cause to campers in other sites. When I camped this past Memorial Day at a state park, several families in adjacent sites thought nothing of yelling loudly to one another well after 11 pm, or asking their rambunctious kids to be quieter after 10. I often have thanked the rain gods for a good storm in late evening, as it forces the partyers to leave their noisy bonfire and go back into their RVs. And I really, really don’t enjoy seeing you “decorative” lights strung up around your campsite or RV!
Sorry, but I’m stealing & using “obliviots”. It’s too good not to. 😀
I would add one about music. Just because YOU want to listen to the radio blaring instead of the sounds of nature does NOT mean everyone does. Either use headphones, or turn that crap off. Thanks.
I dislike people who think they own the camp ground, don’t know the rules themselves. Telling me during to shut down my generator, “it’s a nuisance” between the typical hrs of 8am to 9pm. People walking through my site… one time I nearly hit a person walking through my site while opening the door to my camper. they were mad at me for nearly hitting them… told me to F-off when I told him not to walk through my site. Having to to get the Park Ranger to get People off a site I booked. parked cars, and even campers. People don’t understand the ripple effect if I took some other open site. Ya camping has become a free for all for the unruly people. I have gotten much more creative at picking places to stay. State parks are the worst these days. and KOA….. stay away!
I am guilty as charged, my family and we’re separated by 300 miles, periodically we would get together at a state park close to Houston. Yes we were the partying loud family getting drunk together, some of my kids best memories occurred at that park.
This was the same for most folks at this park. So I will end this with not everyone is leaving home to be with nature, some of us just want to go to the country and let our hair down for the weekend.
To those who disagree find a park not near major metro areas because we own the ones near by.
Not sorry, like you I paid my taxes and will enjoy the state park as I want too.
THANK YOU WELL SAID!
Unfortunately an all to common self serving attitude. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.There are Airbnb and Hipcamp s for those get togethers.
No different than your neighbors at the trailer park partying late into the night when you have to work in the morning.
Ah yes the missive of a typical selfish, uncaring city slob who is doing his best to teach his kids to also be inconsiderate selfish perks.
No Dan, you and your kind own nothing. The Parks are all of ours. Who do you think you are? We pay taxes too and wouldn’t think of intruding on anyone else’s time in any park.
GET OVER YOUR ARROGANT SELF
I agree. Sounds like a bunch of curmudgeons to me. There are campgrounds where no one under 55 can camp. I think they should use those. Camping is for families and sometimes families are loud. Kids play and they are eager to learn about nature and help preserve it.
Finally, someone with some common sense. I notice that one of the main rules we were taught and then passed on to our kids is: DO NOT CROSS INTO ANOTHER PERSONS CAMPSITE!! They have rented their site and do not want 20 people crossing across their site.
It’s pretty selfish to think you get to claim how camping should be! It’s different for everyone. Like he said, if you want secluded nature camping, don’t go to a state park close to the city. It’s easy. When I camp for seclusion I don’t go to the busiest freaking place and then cry about how everyone isn’t doing what I say they should be doing… controlling garbage people are what is ruining camping. I laugh at the hypocrisy of you calling others selfish.
You can let your hair down at home. Your neighbor’s can complain to you about your behavior. Camping is back to nature and nothing in nature is as loud as a screaming kid or a drunk adult.
I’ve only camped twice in the past decade, a far cry from my boy scouting days where some trips were primitive camping without even a tent. Both times were by boat – and the phones stayed there. No houses or other campers in sight, just remote islands. I can’t even imagine utilizing a campsite now with these highly-annoying wannabe ‘influencers’ (read: idiots with a social media account) ruining it all. My wife and I had a little fun with a couple while at a resort on our honeymoon, making sure to disrupt a tiktok couple’s video with photobombing.
One of the worst things is often permitted under park rules. We have frequently set up camp (with a small 13 foot trailer) and are ready to enjoy a quiet dinner as the sun sets. And then the generator next door goes on,
We have even been in the middle of a camp dispute where the person next to us was angry that his other neighbor lit a smoky fire, so they turned on their older generator that was noisy and smelled like gas,
Some have left their generator run after hours so they could watch tv.
Parks should restrict generator use after 5 and/or provide more generator free loops.
My second peeve is parks that merely suggest that people save ADA sites for those of us who are disabled. We have run into this at federal and state parks. I don’t mind if disabled sites are opened up after a certain time but the disabled should have priority at ADA sites.
Thank you for your piece.. enjoyed reading. I am 75 and a lifelong camper. Let my list a few episodes in the past if I may…other campers…playing corn hole until 1 am screaming and no doubt drunk…quads passing thru campground all day long kicking up dust…kids passing thru my camp site in droves…and no sense talking to them because they don’t speak my English…family reunions are the worst…one time they even hired a guy to park all day with sound equipment to BLAST music and have some kind of raffle thing going on… generators on all day for no apparent reason…ear plugs are now standard for me while camping…barking dogs when their owners leave their campsite to go away for the day…I never go camping on 4th of July anymore…and never on last weekend before school starts!
We have been camping for thirty years and agreeably things have gotten worse since COVID-19. But rude people are rude people. We have had some really good experiences and some really awful things happen. Two really awful things happened in different parts of the country but with one common denominator, a nearby NASCAR race. Some of the loudest disrespectful people ever, and a lot of alcohol, which was prohibited at one of the parks, but not enforced. Typically the negative experiences have involved alcohol.
We are lucky to live in the Northwest where we don’t have to rely on campsites. We almost always primitive camp. After all, isn’t that the reason for “getting away from it all”?
I just got back from a camping trip at a campground with clearly posted 10pm to 8am quiet hours. Third night at 2am, a SUV with loud exhaust rolls into the vacant spot next to ours. Proceeds to keep the engine idling for a full 30 minutes while making all sorts of clanking noises. I wake up the next morning expecting to see that my new, incredibly rude neighbor has the largest most elaborate camping setup ever. But what did I find? A rooftop tent that takes 10 seconds to unfold and a single folding chair.
And every morning at 6:30, a large youth group came walking down the hill loudly chatting to each other. I get that some of the kids may be unfamiliar with quiet hours, but the counselors/chaperones should certainly know better.
We have been fortunate not to have experienced the invasion of city dwelling thoughtless and rude folks. In most cases we find Parks near cities are the opposite of a great experience. We usually structure our trips to avoid them at all costs. Worst are the Parks now owned by private equity Wall St firms with crowded sites, massive daily fees and instead of nature, water parks, bars, music late into the night. The antithesis of camping. Best left to those like Dan and his ilk.
Sorry folks I am a full time camper. Oh though I agree with most of what was said and I love Nature and do my part. However, I would have to agree with this gentleman though. I dont see where the is issue with people having a great time and letting loose on the weekends. As long as they are not out damaging other people’s property and stuff along those lines. Some reasonable volumed music, friends and family chatting, singing together, making memories together makes my soul happy. I think its ridiculous that on a Saturday night lights n any noise need to be cut off at 10 or 11pm. I am not one of those campers who break those rules at my site or anyone else’s however I have no problem with someone keeping the party going on their site until sun rise. Now if it was 7 days a week and the people were dirty disrespectful and causing mayhem that’s a different story. Lighten up folks
I totally agree with you Michele. Some people want to just get together for a weekend ,and enjoy getting together with friends and family. They may be a little noisier,while sitting around a camp fire, while one of them plays guitar and few of them sing along. They are trying to enjoy the once a year get together. They won’t be there full time for weeks, so let them also enjoy themselves. They probably don’t have the resources to get away as often as many of you other campers do. I say, no harm, no foul. Lighten up a bit. You could always ,politely ask them to try to not be over loud after a certain time. And if you approach them in the right way,I’m sure they will try to not be as off putting to you while still enjoying themselves too. From what I’ve read of alot of these other people,all that really comes to mind is,try smiling more often and remember they too have some rights. But do remind them that ,for safety reasons to please pour water on their campfire before going to sleep so that another disaster like in L.A. doesn’t have even the slimmest chance of happening there. And for everyone, try to remember what it was like to be young and full of all the lust for life. And smile, and lighten up . Cheers to one and all.
You make it sound like the people they’re complaining about are just sitting around their campfire singing Kumbaya. That’s not the problem. It’s the drunk, screaming, fighting morons who have zero respect for themselves, let alone anyone else that they’re talking about. A family sitting by the fire telling stories, laughing and singing? No problem. A family blasting loud music while they get drunk and feel the need to yell at each other until 3am? That’s not okay.
If by “this gentleman” you mean Dan, you clearly didn’t read his comment very well. He wasn’t talking about a nice family get together that gets a little too loud. He was talking about a drunken free-for-all. That kind of behavior isn’t OK ANYWHERE public, much less in quiet nature.
If you want to get drunk & rowdy, find somewhere private where your behavior won’t adversely affect others.
On top of that, he rudely says that he “owns” the park & can do whatever he wants, & others can lump it.
Are you really saying that that’s an OK way to behave? Because if you are, I strongly disagree.
There’s a reason for quiet hours at night. Respect the rules. Also loud partying past hours are a no go. It’s a matter of respect of the campground and others.
People are just rude nowadays, it’s the phones people. Parents dont raise there kids ,no discipline at all ,just a rude society
This is how most people are these days in every day life. Everything right here in this article. It’s disgusting. Not caring about anything or anyone but themselves. It doesn’t matter if you put up signs or try to re-educate them. I just don’t understand this selfish generation.
You should try Scotland… it’s just as bad but a smaller country..I have not been up there north in Scotland since the nc500 started … they have absolutely trashed my beautiful country… no morals or ethics at all.. and god help you if you say something to one off the entitled brats.. I really miss traveling in my own country 🤬🤬
Absolutely agree Fay. I’m a sassanach who loves your country. Been walking, climbing, camping in Scotland for over 50 years. One of my favourite areas is Sutherland and Assynt. Used to spend at least one week, and usually more, at Durness every year. Was there when the inaugural tour of the NC500 took place jn 2015, and thought that even then this cold spoil the area. It has. Since 2023 I’ve only visited friends there for a few days, such has the area been trashed by people more interested in completing their ,’bucket list’ rather than for the remoteness and beauty of the area. So sad.
The lights get me most. On all night like they’re afraid of the boogeyman. They have these behemoth rvs with window shades and dont see it. We tent camp and it’s terrible. Ignorant of others and a good portion should know better. The older people are just as guilty as younger and new campers.
I love camping. Started 56 yrs ago.
My children grew up camping. They also started as infants.
We had music, but you had to be sitting at the picnic table to hear it.
We played games and cheered each other on, during daylight hours.
We ride bikes and yell to the person in front or behind. During day light hours.
Once dinner is cooked in the evening and everything is cleaned and packed away. We all gather around the fire for s’mores and silly games like telephone or 20 questions. We always used reasonable voice levels and occasionally broke out in hysterical laughter.
We always camped with a few families. So we all had friends to play with.
The adults would put us kids to bed about 9pm and the adults would hang out for an hour or 2 of quiet adult time and drinks.
Everyone was in bed by 10 or 11, because the birds start singing at 530am…….
We didn’t walk thru other camp sites or disturb other families. And we had a great time.
Being courteous, kind and considerate is what makes it work.
If you want to watch TV stay home. You are missing the point of camping.
If you want peace and quiet, solitude, or connection with nature, most campgrounds won’t work. Weekends are worse, of course. Dispersed camping is usually better, though more remote. It’s not like the old days. Expect a three ring circus party atmosphere at a lot of campgrounds. Don’t expect to sleep well or early. Those people singing and having their time of their lives will make sure you don’t rest a wink. And hope you like being around drunk people because you can usually count on that at any campground.
Most of these “rules” are taught/learned in Boy Scouts (now Scouting America). Now that girls are welcome, everyone has an opportunity to learn first hand the right things to do when camping, and make it enjoyable for all.
I Absolutely understand everyone’s experience/ POV of what “Camping” is. Maybe campgrounds or areas within campgrounds within a campground should be more defined. Most Provincial/Federal Parks are focused on being respectful of nature, Really love that! Private parks offer alot of positive camping vibes albeit different. Just keep em separated🙂 And have more MNR take care of the the rest in their role as Teachers, Forest,Lakes and River Guards🙂
I am a Canadian Citizen born and raised.
If you disrespect the wildlife or the great outdoors.
(I will do my best to try and resolve things peacefully)
But I lose a lot of respect for you.
Ending things on a positive note.
I did get the opportunity to go camping in in sand-point Idaho a while back. And I will say honestly (I was just a kid when we went, it was like 5-10 years ago)
I really enjoyed it there and had an amazing time. The Idaho people were really sweet and respectful, and super friendly.
Overall a great experience. 10/10 Would recommend.
….”Glamping” is now turning into “trashping” how about the drunks peeing into the fire to put it out, the morning noises of the beer bottles being dragged in a trash bag, like a giant glass “maracas” to the trash can that already have dry beer in it and flies everywhere, the lovely mood people have from after too much drinking the night before, is the best part oh and it’s only noon, and then you watch them starting to drink again and you go Oh no! It’s all happening again tonight….meanwhile you paid $150/ night to stay camping in nature…my apartment is quieter than that…Camping tor me is gonna be from now on when the hotel window faces the woods, or the beach, lake, pool, what ever mosquito community you want, i want AC, and clean towels my bed made coffee downstairs and food to order….
Campgrounds = Temporary trailer park.
I personally like to get break from society from time to time.
I ONLY boondock.
I work at a Texas State Park and yes I have seen several very rude and inconsiderate campers!
Age is not the problem! I had both great older and younger people. Entitlement is the problem I have younger and older people believe they were entitled and able to do whatever they wanted to do!
Women! Women are some of the nastiest people around! I ask why is it so freaking hard to place your sanitary napkins in the trash? Not on the floor not shoved in the back of the toilet seat or wedged in the tissue paper.
I don’t go a blow my noise and leave it for other to clean up so I ask why do woman feel that it’s should be others responsible to clean up after there bodily fluids?
Yes there are been a lot of first times and people who do not know camping etiquette! There are also a lot of people who do not care about camping etiquette and they will do whatever they want until they are fined for it.
Guy from Ontario here.
Camped in provincial parks for years. It seems to get worse.
One night we had a family next to us and thought awesome a dad and his teens should be quiet, they were as they got day drunk, passed out all day and got into it at 10pm.
Another time a family was drunk scrapping cops showed up in the middle of the night.
Up by Timmins, country music from all directions, and to boot it was all different artists. Nobody cared when asked to turn it down, staff just shrugged. We bailed on that one.
The best so far was in Algonquin last fall, some idiot decided rather than use the outhouse they took a massive dump right beside it. Needless to say that was gross and the cleaners were gagging and dry heaves. I don’t know what has got into people but a lot have zero respect for nature. I love being out there but I’m so anxious of the endless bs we encounter.