Warmer days are here, which can only mean one thing: camping season is calling. But while most of us know how to put up a tent and (hopefully) start a fire, camping etiquette is another story.
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There are a few unwritten rules that can make the difference between being the friendly campsite neighbour everyone loves and that person everyone complains about around the fire. So, before you pack the cooler box, here are a few camping etiquette rules worth remembering.
Respect your neighbour’s campsite
A campsite might not have a fence around it, but that doesn’t mean it’s public property.Don’t walk through someone else’s campsite simply because it’s the quickest route to the ablutions. Walk around it and stick to designated paths where possible.
The same goes when setting up. Give neighbouring tents, caravans and campers some breathing room if you have a choice. Nobody wants to wake up to find a stranger’s gazebo practically attached to theirs.
Keep the noise down
This one seems obvious, yet somehow becomes a regular camping-ground offence. Most campsites have designated quiet hours, so check the rules when you arrive and stick to them. Remember that sound travels remarkably well outdoors – especially at night.
The same applies to shouting, loud conversations, slamming car doors and revving vehicles. And yes, your 11pm karaoke session probably isn’t as entertaining to your neighbours as it is to you.
Arriving late? Be stealthy
If you’re arriving after dark, think of yourself as a camping ninja. Avoid hooting, slamming doors, shouting to your friends or shining bright headlights and torches across other people’s tents. Keep lights directed towards your own campsite and unpack only what you need.
If setting up your tent in the dark is going to involve a lot of banging, swearing and hammering tent pegs into the ground, consider sleeping in the car or keeping things simple until morning. Your fellow campers will thank you.
Be a responsible pet parent
Bringing your dog camping? Check that the campsite allows pets and find out whether they need to be on a leash. Don’t leave your dog unattended at the campsite for hours. Even the friendliest dog can become anxious, bark at passers-by or decide that the neighbouring campsite looks like an excellent place to investigate.
And, naturally, pick up after your pet. Nobody wants to step into a surprise left behind by your four-legged camper.
Leave no trace
One of the simplest rules of camping etiquette is also one of the most important: leave your campsite as you found it – or better.
Pack out your rubbish, including small things such as bottle tops, food wrappers and cigarette butts. If the campsite has recycling facilities, use them.
And if there isn’t a bin nearby, take your rubbish home with you.
Don’t damage the environment
Part of the appeal of camping is waking up surrounded by nature, so treat it accordingly. Don’t cut down living trees for firewood, damage vegetation or drive where vehicles aren’t permitted. Avoid disturbing animals and don’t feed wildlife, even if that curious baboon looks like it would really enjoy your leftover breakfast.
If you’re camping near rivers, dams or the sea, don’t wash dishes or dispose of dirty water directly into the water source. Use the designated facilities or follow the campsite’s instructions for disposing of wastewater.
Keep shared facilities clean
A campsite’s ablutions, kitchens, washing-up areas and communal spaces are there for everyone. If you’ve made a mess, clean it up. Don’t leave food scraps in the basin, dump dirty dishwater in the shower or occupy a shower for half an hour when there’s a queue outside. Treat shared facilities as you would hope the camper before you treated them.
Watch your speed
Camping grounds are not racetracks. Drive slowly and follow the posted speed limit, particularly where children, dogs and pedestrians are around. Apart from being safer, driving slowly also means you won’t send a cloud of dust over someone’s freshly prepared breakfast.
Be mindful of smoke and smells
Nobody is saying you can’t cook a proper camping feast. In fact, please do. But if you’re cooking something particularly smoky or strongly scented, be aware of where the wind is blowing. The campsite next door may not appreciate having their entire tent filled with your braai smoke.
The same goes for smoking. If you smoke, dispose of your cigarette butts properly and remember that not everyone wants to sit in a cloud of cigarette smoke around the campfire.
Don’t shine your torch into other tents
It sounds ridiculously specific until you’ve been woken up by someone sweeping a high-powered torch across your tent at midnight. When walking around after dark, point your torch towards the ground and only use as much light as you need. There’s no need to illuminate your neighbours’ tents, caravans or faces.
Lend a hand when you can
Camping has a lovely way of creating a little community among strangers. If someone’s tent is struggling in the wind, a neighbour’s awning has come loose or another camper looks like they’re wrestling with an impossible pile of firewood, offer to help if you can.
You don’t have to become best friends with everyone at the campsite, but a friendly hello and a helping hand can go a long way.
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