Camping and etiquette may sound strange together, but because there are a lot of people that also enjoy the experience there are some basic rules you should follow on your stay at a campsite. Whether you are a beginner or experienced camper there are some unwritten rules you should keep in mind on your stay:   

Always Put the Fire Out:

Always put the fire out whenever you are leaving the campsite or going to bed. Never leave a fire aflame as it can cause a larger, more serious fire and become dangerous for everyone around you. If the ashes and coals are cold, then the fire has been properly put out and is safe enough to leave for the night.

Keep the Site Clean:

To keep unwanted pests and animals away from your site, pick up any trash, food, or waste from your stay at the campground. Once you get ready to pack up, try to leave the campsite better than you found it. Leaving food out can, in most cases, lead to unwanted animals that will pick over any food left behind. This can make the wild animals more accustomed to people food and lead to them being less fearful of human interaction over time which can be dangerous.

Control your Dog:

Sometimes your dog(s) are welcome to tag along for the outdoor adventure, but there are several rules you should consider before you bring them with:

• Keep them on a leash: There will be other pets who are in the premises so to avoid any turmoil between the animals, it is best to keep them on a leash.
• Clean up after your dog(s): Be sure to clean up your dog’s waste every time.
• Never leave your dog unattended: Many campsites require you to be with your dog at all times and have rules in place to make sure you do not leave them unattended.
• Keep interactions small: Most people love to interact with dogs and cannot help but stop and say hi. However, this is not the case for everyone so be considerate and keep the interactions to a minimum unless it is requested by those around you.

Respect Quiet Hours:

If you are an early bird or a night owl respect others by not being a noisy neighbor. Try to avoid leaving early in the morning or arriving late to a campsite to respect the sleep/wake time of the other campers around you. If you do need to leave earlier than usual make sure you are packed and ready to go the night before, so that you can just wake up and go.

Don’t Walk Through Other Camping Spaces:

Many campsites have trails and walkways that allow you to easily maneuver throughout the establishment without cutting through another camper’s space. Respect other people’s privacy and space while you are on the campsite.

Try to follow the above guidelines for proper camping etiquette, so that you and your fellow campers can enjoy the outdoors.  If you are not sure what the rules of your campground are, feel free to seek help.