There’s a certain charm to pulling up at a peaceful campsite, kettle on the boil, birdsong in the air, and your campervan nestled among others in quiet camaraderie. But that harmony doesn’t happen by chance. It takes a little respect, a bit of thought, and more than a dash of consideration.
Whether you are a weekend warrior or living the van life full-time, brushing up on campsite etiquette could be very desirable. Because nobody wants to be the pitch that everyone else whispers about...
Arrival Matters
- Arrive During Reasonable Hours: Rolling in at 11pm with headlights blazing and slamming doors? Not ideal. Aim for daytime – and if you are running late, let the site know.
- Stick to Your Pitch: If the map says pitch 14, don’t park on 15 just because it has a nicer view. You never know who’s booked it for later.
- Drive Slowly: Campsites are shared with kids, dogs, and the occasional wobbly cyclist. Keep your speed turtle-esque.
The Art of Parking
Just imagine this: a family pitches up, looking forward to a peaceful weekend. Their neighbour? Parked at a weird angle, practically using their awning as a clothes line. Tensions rise. Best avoided, eh?
- Keep Within Your Boundaries: Use your allotted space wisely. Don’t sprawl.
- Mind the Gap: Respect safe distances between vehicles – fire safety rules are not just for fun.
From site to site, we’re safe and secure.Respect the Soundscape
- Music? Keep It Down: What sounds like a summer anthem to you may feel like a headache to someone else.
- Voices Travel: Especially after dusk. Laughter around a fire is lovely – shouting into the night, less so.
- Generator Courtesy: If you use one, check if it’s even allowed. And never run it early in the morning or late at night.
Pets, Children, and Shared Spaces
- Keep Dogs Leashed: Not everyone is a fan, even of the friendly ones. Clean up after them. Always.
- Children Are Great – But Supervise Them: Campsites are not playgrounds for other people’s kids. Keep activities respectful of others’ space and peace.
- Use Facilities Properly: Wash dishes in the sink, not in the toilet block. Leave showers tidy. Don’t hog washing machines.
Waste and Water: Do It Right
- Sort Your Rubbish: If recycling is provided, use it. Don’t dump everything in one overflowing bin.
- Empty Toilets Responsibly: Only in designated chemical waste points. Never in regular loos or bushes (please).
- Grey Water Goes Where? That’s right – into grey water disposal areas, not into the hedgerow behind your pitch.
Keep It Clean
Some campers genuinely leave a pitch cleaner than they found it. Imagine that. They pack up, double check for tent pegs, bits of litter, rogue flip-flops… and leave nothing behind but tyre tracks and good vibes. Be like them.
Be Friendly, Not Nosy
There’s a lovely balance between neighbourly and nosy. Smile, wave, maybe offer a spare loo roll in a pinch – but also know when to give folk their space. Not every camper wants a chat over breakfast in pyjamas.
Departures and Goodbyes
- Leave on Time: Checkout times exist for a reason. Someone else might be booked in after you.
- Leave No Trace: Double-check for rubbish, lost items or anything that could damage the grass for the next guest.
The Crux of It:
Good campsite etiquette is not about rules for rules’ sake. It’s about shared respect. These spaces are little temporary villages – a dance of personal freedom and public courtesy. And when it’s done right, everyone leaves a little happier.
Thinking of taking your campervan further afield or just want a firm sense of reassurance when parked up? Make sure your insurance covers what matters. It is always worth getting a proper quote before you go wandering.
