Being a friendly camper is about more than saying hi to your neighbors.
Are you a friendly camper?
We’re talking about the kind of camper who makes the experience better for their friends and family as well as other the folks sharing the campground. It may sound daunting, but it’s really the little things that can truly
make a camping trip amazing for everyone around you.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to achieve and maintain friendly camper status:
Respect Your Neighbors. Campgrounds are definitely for having fun -- just be sure to keep your neighbors in mind as you kick back and relax. Keep your music and other noise to a reasonable level so everyone can enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors. Then power down at night; shut off your generator and dim the lights.
Don’t Feed the Wildlife. Classic camping treats like a perfectly roasted hot dog or some gooey s’mores are amazing, no doubt. They’re just not amazing for the wildlife that make their home in and around the campground. This is one instance where it’s ok to be greedy with your grub.
Pick Up After Your Pets. It's great to have a furry friend as a camping companion, but make sure your pet isn't leaving any surprises behind. When taking your dog for a walk, always pick up all pet waste. Many campgrounds provide pet waste collection bags to make clean up easy and convienient.
Leave No Trace. Picture what your campsite looked like when you first arrived. That’s exactly what it should look like when head home. Sweep your site and put anything you moved -- like chairs or tables -- back in its place. Dispose of your garbage and if your campground has a recycling program, take advantage of it.
Look, But Don’t Touch. The trees and other plant life that surround the campground rely on our help to remain fresh and beautiful. So make “look but don’t touch” your mantra. For example, resist the urge to cut branches from trees to roast marshmallows, don’t use trees to hang your laundry line and stick to the beaten path when you take a hike. Mother Nature -- and your fellow campers -- will thank you for it.