We all love to camp and be able to enjoy the experience. But sometimes there are a few that make it a little less enjoyable. It’s not difficult, it's all about manners and common sense (which seems to be in short supply these days). Adhering to camping etiquette makes you someone who people are happy to have as their neighbour while on holiday. Here are a few camping etiquette tips that should be abided by.

 

1. Distance - Personal space applies not just to your everyday interactions with people, but for camping too. No one likes it when another camper sets up right on top of the campers around you. Try to stay to the middle of your campsite, giving space to those all around you. That’s one of the reasons to go camping - getting away from people and enjoying the great outdoors.

2. Noise - Some of us like our music louder then others or are just louder in general. Always consider and be respectful of the campers around you before turning the music up or being loud until late in the night or early hours of the morning. Not everyone stays up late or is an early riser.

• Be considerate to the campers around you. After all, we are all out there to enjoy the same thing. 

• Keep noise to a minimum.

• Remember, noise travel further at night. Be sure to tone down the gathering around the fire.

 

3. Waste - There is nothing worse then turning up to what looked like a beautiful picturesque place, only to find that that previous campers have thrown bottles and other rubbish in the fire which in turn has left you in a camp site that has scattered broken glass throughout it and people have been using the bushes as the toilet instead of walking to the amenities (if there are no amenities, don't be lazy, walk a bit further from camp and take a shovel and make sure you bury your number 2’s (or any toilet paper you use) this will stop it from blowing around the bush and making your camp smell like a drop toilet.

• Always try and leave a camp cleaner then what it was when you got there.

• If there are bins, use them.

• If you need to do a number 1 or number 2 and have to use toilet paper. Take a shovel and BURY IT!

• If there are no bins, take your rubbish with you. DON’T throw it in the fire or leave it there for someone else to pick up. If there are bins there. Use them.

• DO NOT flick cigarette butts everywhere. Sacrifice a beer can to put them in s it can go into the rubbish.

                                         ****** Leave no trace of your visit ******

 

4. Driving - If the camp is in a remote area, try not to tear up the tracks. Always keep to designated tracks. Remember, Don’t give the powers that be a reason to close the tracks or camping grounds due to misuse. If there is a sign that says “Beach Nesting Birds Area, KEEP OUT” Don’t go near it, stay away. People that do these kinds of things are destroying it for everyone else. Don’t drive with excessive speed through camping areas or where other campers may be approaching.
One last thing - DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. Many times have I been to remote beach campsites and seen idiots, driving with excessive speed through dunes drinking and sometimes throwing the empty bottles and cans from the car. Not only is this just plain dangerous, but illegal also. We encourage anyone that is caught doing this. Dob them into police.

 

5. Camp Sites - Unless it is yours, don’t walk through it. It doesn’t matter if it is quicker. There are always paths around. Your camp neighbours will thank you for it.

 

6. Kids - As a kid, I remember my parents giving me “the talk”. Now I can see why. It’s great to take the kids out and give them some life experience and allow them to enjoy camping. BUT, remember to be aware where they are and what they are doing. Your camping neighbours may not enjoy kids running around at 7am, running around late at night, kicking a ball against the side of the caravan or yelling and screaming. These are all things to be mindful of to make sure everyone’s camping experience is a good one. Kids deserve to have wonderful memories of the camping holidays. But we adults we need to enforce consideration and respect for other campers.

 

7. Generators - Not only will most National Parks not allow them, they can be noisy. This is where 12v power comes into a world of its own. Keep in mind those that are around you and be respectful and courteous when wanting to run the generator. A good 12v system with solar is the way to go (providing your not running heaters/air conditioners/toasters/microwaves)

 

8. Wildlife - It’s great to go camping and experience the outdoors. Keep in mind that you should always put all food scraps in a sealed bag and out of the way from local wildlife. You should never feed the local wildlife as it encourages them to come into camp seeking food. Remember to pack away all food when finished and leave your campsite clean.

 

9. Pets - If they are allowed, Control them. Your dog may be YOUR best friend. It certainly doesn’t mean that he will be everyone’s best friend, especially when it wanders into their campsite. When dogs are allowed into campsites, keep them on a leash.

 

10. Firewood - No firewood?   Don’t chop down any trees.  

We have seen many campsites where young saplings have been chopped down for firewood, or careless campers have reversed their trailers/vans into young trees in the camp area.    

Firewood is frequently sold at nearby shops/service stations or sometimes even within the campgrounds itself.

Depending on where you camp, sometimes it is acceptable to collect firewood from around the camp area (helps reduce fuel in bushfire season). Know the rules of where you are.