The two words defined

Today’s campers seem to have forgotten two words that would make campgrounds a lot better for all campers: Common Sense. These two words are the starting place for all those who venture into the woods to enjoy nature and camping. Webster’s Dictionary defines these two words as: sound and wise or prudent judgement based on a simple knowledge of the situation or facts.

In seven years of camphosting, I have observed that people seem to think that camping is just pitching a tent and doing whatever they please in the campground. Okay, I mean, camping is not rocket science, in fact, it is in my opinion, one of the most enjoyable experience a person can enjoy. However, a camper must use sound and prudent judgement when camping so that everyone at the campground can have a good time. Perhaps we can look at the campground rules, to understand how common sense applies to camping.

Common Sense in Action

1. Pets- My wife likes to say that it is illegal to go camping without your dog, in fact, she gives treats to all the dogs in the campground when the pet owner gives permission. Yet, there are several ways that a dog can be a nuisance in the campground.
2. Barking dogs, it is the pet owner’s responsibility to keep a dog quiet, so it does not disturb other campers.
3. Attended dogs, if you brought your dog with you, you should not leave the campground without your dog.
4. Unleashed dogs, other campers should not have to worry about their safety due to your unleashed dog. In fact, you can be cited for unleashed dogs, you can be liable for lawsuit if a dog bites a camper.
5. Pick Up After the Dog, no one should ever step in your dogs’ leavings. Carry bags and clean up after your dog.
6. Excessive Noises- Every camper in the campground or RV Park, are attempting to have a good time. Your good time should not impede your neighbor from having a good time.
7. Radios, TVs, Children, all noises should be kept in your campsite. You can listen to music at a respectful volume that your neighbor will not hear.
8. Conversation, Game Playing, you name the outdoor activity, it does not need to loud enough to disturb other people in the campground. Remember that noises, especially talking, carries, keep it at a respectful level.
9. Vehicles- People seem to always need their vehicle with them, I do not get it, if you are not sleeping in it, park it in a safe place.
10. Overflow is often the safest option for all concerned. I often see cars with the tail end sticking out into the roadway, it is usually dark at night in a campground, if another vehicle hits a poorly parked vehicle, both vehicles will be damaged.
11. Parking off the pavement, especially over pine needles or dry grass with a hot engine can start a fire, be careful when parking.
12. Disposal of waste- water- Waste water can damage the environment and create a nuisance for other campers.
13. Dishwashing water should be scattered over a wide area, away from other campers, streams, or other waterways. If you are camping in a forest area, do not dig holes for water disposal, make sure to strain food debris from the water and put in trash bag, before disposing of the water.
14. RV campers should never dispose of their grey water in a ecologically challenged area like the forest. Remember there are plants and animals that live there.
15. Fire- You will notice that I post a lot about fire and fire safety. I often use the bad pun, “fire makes me hot”, and as a host, I get easily upset when I see the stupid things that campers do.

Campfire Common Sense in Action

1. Never leave a campfire unattended. Do not even go to the bathroom, if you are alone, and leave the fire attended.
2. Do not go on a hike with a fire going.
3. Do not go to bed in your RV  or tent, without putting out your campfire, you may not have the opportunity to wake up in the morning.
4. Do not leave the campsite for the weekend without putting out your fire.
5. Never have a campfire on the ground when a fire pit is available. A so-called rock ring fire is difficult to control when the wind starts blowing.
6. Never have anything hanging out of the fire pit. All wood that you plan on using in the fire pit, should fit fully in the fire pit. You must have an axe, bowsaw, hatchet, or chainsaw, to make firewood safe.
7. Build small fires that are easily controlled. Large fires tend to have embers blowing, in the forest, if an ember blows into the pine needles or into dry grass, a forest fire may occur.
8. Do not mutilate trees in the campground. Really, does this common sense item even need be said.
9. Nails in a tree will rust and kill the tree
10. Hammocks hung on a tree that is too small to hold your weight or ropes that damage the bark on the tree, does either of these fit into using common sense. I see it every weekend.

Wrapping Up Why Campers Should Use Common Sense

You may find other rules at the campground that you are staying at, and they are very likely rooted in common sense principles. You can find these rules and many others on the website: universalcampgroundrules.com. The rules will vary according to the campground, RV Park, or state that you are camping at, but all these rules are implemented to enhance your camping experience. Please use common sense when you are camping, so all campers can have a safe and enjoyable stay.

Please read the United States Forest Service rules here now!