There’s a great debate on whether you should look into staying at a hotel or a vacation rental for your trip, but why settle for that? Sure, they’re both utterly fantastic, but why not try something a little bit different? Why not something like an RV park? No, really! Just think about it this way; rolling into an RV park is like entering a tiny pop-up town where everyone’s got a front-row seat to each other’s vacations.
It’s a beautiful mix of campfires, conversations, and the occasional person struggling to back in their rig while their partner gives very “helpful” hand signals. But just like any community, a little courtesy goes a long way. Most people come to relax, not to reenact a reality show about neighborly disputes. Nothing puts a damper on the RV dream faster than someone who treats the park like their personal backyard with zero regard for anyone else.
A good time shouldn’t come at someone else’s expense, right? So, if the goal is a trip filled with fresh air and good vibes instead of passive-aggressive glares, here’s what to keep in mind (especially if this is your first time staying at an RV camp).
Yes, Noise Travels
RV walls are surprisingly not that thick, which means every conversation, every barking dog, and every late-night karaoke session is reaching far more ears than intended. If the family three spots over suddenly closes their windows when the music starts, that’s not a coincidence.
Most RV parks like Dew Drop In have quiet hours, but even with that said, that doesn’t mean it’s an open invitation to blast music like it’s a music festival right up until the minute they kick in. Whether it’s your first time or not, you really don’t have to be rude about any of this.
Campfires and Cooking Shouldn’t Create Chaos
Well, some RV parks allow for this, and some don’t. But in case the park you plan on staying at allows for it, then you probably want a campfire, right? But basic fire safety is such a major must too. No one wants to relive their childhood experience of sitting next to that one person who managed to direct every puff of smoke straight into their face. If the wind is determined to send flames sideways, it’s probably a sign that a fire isn’t a great idea.
But it’s not all either, while most RVs and camper vans have a microwave or oven, outdoor cooking is basically the point of being at a camp, right? Smoked meats smell amazing, and obviously, burnt meat doesn’t.
So, just making the entire area smell like an abandoned kitchen experiment isn’t ideal. Besides, cleaning up food scraps right away is also non-negotiable unless attracting raccoons and their entire extended family sounds like a fun time.
Pets Are Guests Too
Since this would be your first time going to an RV part, do you plan to bring your pet with you? Are you the type to let your pet just roam around like they own the place, like a dog for example? You’d be surprised with how common this is. But even the most well-behaved dog can turn into a complete menace if left to their own devices.
Just think about it; barking at every passing squirrel, digging holes, and leaving “surprises” in random spots? Needless to say, that’s a hard pass. Some won’t even allow for certain breeds. Like it or not, you need to supervise them, this isn’t a dog park. Plus, not all guests are comfortable with dogs (rightfully so). Also, picking up after them is mandatory
Respect the Invisible Fence
Every RV space is someone’s temporary home, and cutting through someone else’s site is the RV park equivalent of strolling through their living room. It might seem like a harmless shortcut, but it’s also an easy way to end up on someone’s mental list of “people to avoid forever.”
