Camping Etiquette Questions

[Willworkforgems]

Don't throw bottles, cups, trash etc in the port-a-potties. Trash goes in the dumpster.

[PollyPoPo]

Please understand that these examples of camping etiquette are not related to any clans, groups, reserved areas or any other specifics. 

They are basic civility and respect to be shown to each other in campgrounds.

Also, as ridiculous as some of these things may sound, I have either experienced or personally know someone who has experienced exactly the same thing.

If we all play nice, there will be a place at camp for everyone.

[Merlin the Elder]

It was an unwritten rule of ours and all the people we used to camp with at the lake nearly every weekend:

Always leave the area cleaner than it was when you arrived.

That means you may have to pick up some trash left by others, but if you could get everyone on the same wavelength in this regard, you would ensure a great camp for years to come!

[Lady Kaalyn]

Its not hard to pic up trash.  We always make sure to clean up better than when we arrived.  Its amazing at what some people will leave.  TRF is the worst about that.  ive see people leave broken tents and air mattresses where they camp.  If someone who has camped near us leaves a mess will will go clean it up.   We have found wallets, cameras, and once while picking up trash we found metal viking helmet some one had lost in the brush.

[PollyPoPo]

Adding to the list:

1.   If using a generator, do not put the exhaust facing someone else's camp.  If the area is surrounded by other campers, face that exhaust into your own camp.  If anybody has to suck in the fumes, it should be the person with the generator .  Same goes for vehicle exhaust if vehicle is running in same spot for any length of time when it is not moving.  Also, consider some kind of sound/fume baffling around your generator.

2.   If there are one-way signs along the road, please obey them.  It usually means there is only room for one vehicle at a time on at least some of the road.  Plus, in some campgrounds, the manager will catch you and make you turn around and go back to the starting point.

3.   For walkers on the road, when a car pulls up behind you, please step aside and let them pass.  They are not doing it just to annoy you, so you don't have to stand in the middle of the road trying to get them to come out and fight you. 

4.   Late at night, when a party ends, not everyone in the surrounding tents appreciates your yelling at them to "WAKE UP" as you walk back to your own camp, especially if you have friends there who might recognize your voice.  They might know where your tent is and return the favor some morning while you're trying to sleep late.

5.   When using the shower, try not to use up all the hot water, even if it is an on-demand type heater. 

6.   If someone is in the port-a-potty for what seems like a really, really long time, quietly ask "is anybody in there" or discreetly check to see if the door is actually closed.  Seriously, more than once ladies have been standing back for 20-30 minutes waiting when in fact it was just the "occupied" sign had flipped over when the door slammed shut after the last person left. 

[Lady Alice]

Please, please, please observe the 10mph speed limit. 

Now that many have become accustomed to driving around on the roads, the tendency is to put the pedal to the floor.   Backstage, we have a road cutting right through the middle of our camp.  We set up there, so we know the potential risks involved.  However, there have been several times when personal cars as well as vendor trucks have gone tearing through there like a bat out of hades.  There have been times when I not only worry about the safety of my toddler (who is kept under very close supervision for such reasons), but also for ourselves and our fellow campers. Also, the soils around drainages can become divoted and eroded through rain and continued use, so if for no other reason, slow down to protect the undercarriage of your car.

[RenStarr]

One of the things that I appreciate at Sherwood in the camping area IS the consideration that most folks have by lowering the noise level as the evening progresses.  I believe MP put some rules in place "in the beginning" about reducing noise levels at the end of the evening going into the night.  Can't remember the specific times right now. 
Some folks are night owls and want to stay up late into the night, and that's great.  Others are morning people that are more early to bed/early to rise.  Either way, no one wants to be suddenly awakened from a good sleep because some knuckle head is yelling or playing a jam box loud.  I can say that it's been a rare issue at Sherwood in my personnel experience (can't say the same about TRF). 

[ravic]

And if you are allowed to have any of fire, PAY ATTENTION to it. Make sure it is always under control & make double sure it is completely out when it is supposed to be. Some idjits left a fire still smoking at the old Excalibur and fortunately someone noticed before it escaped.

[Bonny Pearl]

On a lighter note of camping etiquette... 

There is a law that if you 'fall asleep' in a camp chair; be sure your shoes are off showing your 'intent to stay' otherwise the Dirt Fairies will get you! 

[PollyPoPo]

And if you are allowed to have any of fire, PAY ATTENTION to it. Make sure it is always under control & make double sure it is completely out when it is supposed to be. Some idjits left a fire still smoking at the old Excalibur and fortunately someone noticed before it escaped.

At Sherwood there are absolute specifics about the type of firepit allowed.  If anybody has a question, they should contact Mike Pullen.