Camping is a pleasant outdoor activity, but while enjoying nature, we should also abide by some unwritten camping rules to ensure the safety of ourselves and others, and to protect the beauty of the environment. The editor will introduce nine key camping rules and provide practical guidance in terms of courtesy, respect, and environmental friendliness to make your camping experience smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Clean your own campsite: Don’t leave a dirty campsite for the next camper. Leaving trash behind in an otherwise pristine, natural place is extremely offensive, and most campgrounds will charge you for leaving trash or other items behind. Remember: take with you everything you bring.
2. Put out campfires: Because you may endanger those around you, this is one of the most important camping rules no matter where you go. Be sure to put out the fire before going to bed, before heading out, or when you leave camp. A general rule of thumb is to make sure the coals or ash is cold.
3. Clean up pet waste: Whether you’re at a campground, walking in a campsite or hiking a nearby trail, be sure to clean up pet waste. Also make sure your pet doesn’t go to the bathroom on someone else’s campsite, as some campsites have clear rules against pets.
4. Don’t wash dishes in the bathroom: Most campgrounds have specific rules about this. Washing dishes not only takes up a small space in the bathroom, but is also unhygienic; dirty dishes should not be placed in the sink where people wash their faces and hands.
5. Be a good neighbor: Don’t cut corners through campgrounds: Don’t cut corners through anyone’s campground unless you know your neighbor. People pay to enter the campground and make it their personal space for the duration of their stay. Don't bother others just to save a few minutes of going to the bathroom.
6. Respect Quiet Hours: Almost every campground has quiet hours, usually from 10pm to 6am. These are for those who need a good night's sleep or camping with kids. Sounds can be heard in the dead of night, so respect this time of day. Also be aware of your early morning wake-ups, which can be equally unsettling.
7. Use low-beam headlights: When driving through a campground or parking your car in the dark, turn off your headlights and use low-beam headlights. Bright lights can disrupt sleep for those around you. Once you reach your campsite, use a lantern or flashlight.
8. Keep your pets on a leash: Every campground has different pet rules, but with food, small children, and animal allergies in mind, most people will agree that they don’t want your pet wandering around their campsite . Keep your pet on a leash around campgrounds, trails and campsites.
9. Put everything back in its place: If you moved the picnic table or other items, move them back. And, if you dig holes or trenches in these areas, they can be dangerous to new campers.
While some of these camping rules are considered standard at most campgrounds, they are just a rule of thumb. Make sure you follow these unwritten rules, and others you learn along the way, if not for your own sake, then for the sake of your fellow campers, who also want to enjoy their vacation.