Camp Etiquette
- weplanyoucaravan
- 23 hours ago
- 6 min read
This is our camp etiquette after many years of caravanning around Australia. The word "etiquette" refers to unwritten customs and good manners. It's about behaving considerately and respectfully towards others, even when there is no law or regulation requiring it.
Free Camping Etiquette
Free camping is one of the great pleasures of travelling Australia, but it relies heavily on travellers doing the right thing. Poor behaviour can lead to camps being closed (as we've already seen in many poplar areas), so following good etiquette helps ensure these places remain available for everyone.
Leave No Trace The golden rule is simple: leave the campsite exactly as you found it - or better: - take all rubbish with you - don't bury or burn rubbish - pick up litter left by others if you can - avoid damaging vegetation or the environment
Respect Length-of-Stay Limits Many free camps have a 24, 48, or 72-hour limit, don't overstay.
Keep Noise Down People camp for peace and quiet so avoid generator usage, keep music and television volumes low, and respect the unofficial "quiet hours" of 10pm to 8am.
Arrive during Daylight Hours Popular camps can fill quickly, have a back up plan if you are arriving late afternoon only to find the camp site full. Avoid driving around with bright lights after dark searching for a spot.
Don't Spread Out Avoid taking up more space that realistically needed and leave room for others. Don't "hold" sites for friends for long periods of time.
Manage Pets Responsibly Keep dogs on a leash, pick up after them, prevent excessive barking. Respect camps where pets are prohibited (e.g. National Parks).
Dispose of Waste Properly Nothing closes free camps faster than poor toilet or grey water habits! Use designated dump points for toilet waste. Never empty grey or black water onto the ground unless specifically permitted. Follow local rules related to grey water.
Be Generator Considerate Generators are sometimes necessary but can annoy neighbours so run them only when needed and keep usage to daylight hours. If you run a generator, try to camp well away from neighbours.
Respect Campfires Always be aware of local fire restrictions. Use existing fire pits where provided and keep fires small. NEVER leave a fire unattended and extinguish thoroughly before leaving. Collect only fallen timber when permitted.
Support Local Communities Free camps are often provided by small towns hoping travellers will spend money locally, so consider buying fuel, shopping at the local supermarket or utilising the laudromat, have a meal at a pub or cafe, and visit local attractions. A little spending helps communities continue to support caravanners.
Don't Crown Other Campers Free campers generally appreciate personal space, so avoid parking too close when there is plenty of room, respect views and access, and never walk through another person's "camp" unless invited (ensure children don't also).
Leave Wildlife Alone Don't feed native animals. Secure food and rubbish. Observe wildlife from a distance and don't touch. Be aware dawn and dust are popular times for wildlife.
Use Common Sense with Water Don't wash caravans or vehicles using communal taps. Only take what water you need.
Caravan Park Etiquette
Even when staying at a caravan park, be considerate of others to help everyone enjoy their stay. Good etiquette makes caravan parks friendlier, quieter, and safer for all guests.
Obey Caravan Park Rules Many caravan parks will have a set of rules. These could be on the back of your park map, displayed in common areas of the caravan park, or presented in another format. There is usually good reason behind these rules, so it's best to stick to them.
Keep Noise to a Minimum Caravan parks often involve living in close proximity to neighbours, so observe quiet hours, keep televisions, music and conversations at a reasonable volume. If you have to leave early or arrive late, just do the minimum pack up/set up at that time and do the rest outside quiet hours.
Respect Other People's Spaces Your site may feel like your home for a few days or weeks - but it isn't your backyard. Keep chairs, mats, toys, bikes and annexes within your allocated site. Don't walk through or into another camper's site unless invited and avoid parking vehicles where they obstruct neighbours or roads.
Drive Slowly Children, pets and pedestrians are often everywhere, so stick to the park's speed limit (often 5-10km/h), watch for reversing caravans and motorhomes, and be particularly careful near playgrounds, amenities, and other communal areas.
Arrive and Depart Considerately Always check in before setting up and avoid arriving late at night if possible (if you have to, just do your minimal set up and use torches rather than vehicle headlights). Keep the noise down if packing up early in the morning (pack as much as practical the day before).
Be Friendly, But Respect Privacy Caravanners are generally a social bunch, so in communal areas, say hello or introduce yourself if comfortable doing so, but don't assume everyone wants a lengthy conversation. Respect other people's sites, closed doors/blinds, and family time. If someone is struggling to reverse or set up, offer to help but don't take over. Sometimes when reversing your caravan into a site, it can feel like you are putting on a show for the neighbours, so try not to stare or be judgmental.
Keep Pets Under Control If pets are permitted, keep them on a lead, pick up after them, never leave unattended, prevent excessive barking and keep pets away from communal areas.
Use Amenities Thoughtfully Remember the camp kitchen, laundry, ablution blocks, playgrounds, pools and BBQs are shared facilities. - Leave toilets and showers clean - Wash up after using the camp kitchen - Avoid monopolising BBQs during busy periods and clean after use - Remove clothes promptly from washing machines, dryers, and clothes lines (phone timers work great for this) and always leave clean after use
Control Lights at Night Bright lights can disturb neighbouring campers, so turn off your awning and outdoor lights when retiring for the night, avoid shining headlights into occupied sites, use low level lighting when possible.
Supervise Children Children are very welcome in caravan parks, but: - Ensure they don't walk, run, hit balls, or ride through occupied sites - Encourage them to be respectful of other guests' property and privacy - Keep noise levels reasonable, especially early and late hours - Never leave children unattended
Keep Your Site Tidy Store your hoses and leads safely and avoid creating trip hazards. Dispose of rubbish regularly and leave your site clean when departing.
Respect Park Staff Follow their instructions, report problems politely, and be patient during busy periods.
Support the Community Spirit One of the joys of caravanning is the camaraderie! So, share local knowledge, lend a hand when you can, return borrowed items promptly and treat fellow travelers with kindness and patience.
Here are some specific caravan park etiquette tips:
In the Laundry,
if you are leaving clothes in a washing machine or dryer unattended then leave your clothes basket in an obvious place (on top or in front of machine) in case you are held up getting back in time; this is an invitation for someone else to empty if they need the machine
it is generally acceptable to remove someone else's clothes from the washing machine or dryer if they have left a washing basket and the machine has been finished for longer than 10mins
it is never acceptable to remove someone else's clothes from the communal clothes lines; if you notice someone's items have been there for longer that they should, report to park management
When a neighbour arrives and begins reversing into their site
leave them to it for a period of time without staring or making judgmental comments
if you can see they are struggling, politely offer to help. If they decline, do not interfere any further.
NEVER:
talk over the top of the person giving directions
reach into the vehicle and grab the steering wheel
open vehicle doors
stand somewhere that interferes with them reversing onto their site
position chairs and watch the show
make loud or judgmental comments
start up a lengthy conversation before they have their caravan in position
(yes, we have experienced all of the above)
DO:
offer to move your vehicle temporarily if it will assist them
keep children and pets well away from their site and vehicle
politely say a quick hello if walking past
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