Camping etiquette: unwritten camping rules

More and more Dutch people are discovering the joy of camping. Enjoying the outdoors and the simplicity of camping life. However, during your holiday, there are also rules. In addition to the rules that apply per campsite, there are also unwritten camping rules: camping etiquette.

Freedom, joy! Wonderful to go out with your caravan, camper or tent, with your friends or your family. Since you are not the only one who wants to enjoy their well-deserved rest, certain manners apply at the campsite. In short, it simply comes down to being considerate of each other. We give you an overview of common mutual expectations at the campsite.

Friendliness

Friendliness is an important key to a pleasant holiday. This can be done by briefly greeting people as they walk past your pitch, but also by having a chat with your neighbours. Who knows, you might get useful tips for a fun outing or an interesting sight. Are new people coming to the campsite? You might be able to help them, for example by pushing the caravan into the right spot. Or if it starts raining heavily, you can help your neighbours who are out for the day by putting the laundry and chairs dry in the awning.

Boundaries

Especially at the campsite, boundaries are important. This is literally true with the boundaries of your pitch and those of others. It is not considered pleasant if you walk across someone else's pitch, even if it shortens your walk to the toilet block. Also make sure that you do not park your camper or caravan too close to your neighbour. And that you do not completely fill your pitch.

Boundaries also apply in social interaction. Give each other space. That doesn't mean staring extensively. And gently gauge whether your neighbours want a friendly chat. If not, still good friends, everyone is different after all.

Hopefully, your children are having a wonderful time at the campsite. They can play, run and make new friends. Make sure your children don't disturb others.

Your dog

Are you bringing a dog? Of course, they're part of the family! We've previously given tips on how to prepare your dog for a camping holiday and tips on how your dog can be comfortable at the campsite .

Regarding campsite etiquette: make sure your dog is with you, on a leash. At many campsites, this is a fixed rule anyway. A dog that roams around the campsite is not desired. Pay attention to your dog's behavior. For example, you won't make friends with a constantly barking dog. And don't leave your dog alone at the campsite, unless you are sure they will behave.

Noise – quiet

At the campsite, you often have less privacy than at home. Your tent, camper, or caravan is noisier than your own house, and you usually live closer to your neighbors. That's why there are quite a few unwritten camping rules about noise. The most important one is: keep the noise at an acceptable volume. Whether you're on the phone, watching TV, or playing some pleasant music. This applies especially during quiet hours, early in the morning and in the evening. For example, also be careful not to close the doors of the sanitary facilities too loudly.

Keep it tidy

It's wonderful to completely unwind in nature. Therefore, make sure you treat your surroundings well. Clean up your waste and take it to the designated bins. More and more campsites separate waste: even better for the environment! A good rule here is: everything you brought, you also take back with you. Actually, it's even better if you leave your camping spot cleaner than you found it.

Sanitary facilities

When using the sanitary facilities, unwritten camping rules also apply. Have you washed dishes in the sinks? Make sure you don't leave food scraps in the drain. Leave showers, toilets, and sinks clean.

Does your camper or caravan have its own sanitary facilities? Empty the toilet cassette only at the designated spot and never use the clean water hose to rinse it. Make sure you leave this spot clean. That's much nicer for the person who comes after you.

Quite logical

You read it: these rules are actually very logical. And if everyone adheres to these unwritten camping rules, then nothing stands in the way of a wonderful camping holiday!

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