Quite simply put, camping etiquette is about respect for other people; ensuring that your behaviour in no way negatively impacts on the enjoyment of others.

Every single thing on the list falls under this heading without exception. There are no hidden pitfalls prevalent in other forms of etiquette, such as the highly confusing laws of which piece of cutlery to use at a formal dinner.

We all like to think that we know good manners but it is sometimes hard to remember that what is normal or enjoyable to us may be offensive or disruptive to others.

Audio Terrorism

Number one in the camping etiquette transgression list. “If music be the food of love, play on……” ; the famous Shakespearian quote is a lovely sentiment but not always appropriate on a camp-site. Having someone else’s music choice foisted on you at all times of day and night can drive a person to episodes of camp-rage. Loud music can get annoying; loud music that you don’t like is insufferable. This doesn’t just relate to contemporary music. Gentle chamber music may be torture to some-one who hates it. Remember that your music choice is just that and keep it to yourself on your headphones wherever possible.

Night-owl or Early Bird?

Closeted firmly behind the bricks and mortar of our homes, the hours we keep are nobody else’s business. This changes on a camp-site when the only barriers to noise are thin tent materials; our comings and goings can be very disruptive to anyone sleeping nearby. Many camp-sites ask guests to observe quiet hours before a certain time in the morning and after a certain time at night. Total silence is of course quite difficult but be aware of slamming car doors, raised voices, clanging with metal stoves and even the constant zipping and unzipping of tent flaps.

A Light in the Dark

This follows on from the night-owl considerations above. Bright night lights can be annoying to anyone trying to sleep particularly waving, powerful torches. The worst culprits always seem to be those returning late at night who suddenly light up the camp and do the double dirty by shouting and falling into things. Head torches, particularly those that have a red, night-light option are the best bet for keeping everyone happy.

Pitch Hogging

Some camp-sites have large generous pitches and some much less so. Large family tents can take up a great deal of space and sometimes, without meaning to, your camp will creep outwards and encroach on your next-door-neighbour’s pitch. Being territorial is part of the human condition and we can’t help staking ownership of a piece of land we have paid for, albeit temporarily. Make sure toys, camp furniture and playing children keep within your own bounds to avoid neighbourly disputes. 

Generator Genotypes

For some people a generator is a must-have part of their camp kit. Modern generators can be almost silent but older models most definitely are not. On the annoy-o-metre they rank up there with thumping bass music heard from a distance. Many camp-sites don’t allow generators, ancient or modern. If you must take your generator keep its use to a minimum or accept that you will be the most unpopular person on the camp-site.

Terrorists of the Tiny Kind

If kids are having fun they will whoop and scream and run amok. Good for them! Camping allows children a freedom to race around and enjoy the outdoors which, despite modern thinking, isn’t something that only pre-70s kids do. Of course the suggestion here isn’t that you stop your kids enjoying themselves and keep silent but you may want to think about when and where in camp it is okay. Unless you are unlucky enough to be pitched next to a Victor Meldrew character, people are mostly understanding and pleased to see happy children. However, no-one will take kindly to a football landing in the middle of their barbecue or children falling on tents and running through their camp scattering tables and chairs. Pick child friendly camp-sites and those that offer large play areas wherever possible. If you have chosen a camp that is mainly used by couples and older folk, there may be a little less tolerance of screeching children.

And Rover Comes too…..

There are many options now for pet-friendly camp-sites so taking your dog with you to enjoy the camp-trip is a viable option. However, the same rules apply as at home. When it has done its business then clean it up. Most pet-friendly sites will provide bins for pet refuse but, even if they don’t, it is your responsibility to clear up behind your dog and find appropriate disposal.

Too Close for Comfort

In high season most camp-sites will allocate you a pitch and things may get quite packed. However, out of season you may arrive at a near empty site and be given free range on pitch selection. If this is the case you will need to observe a rule that is very British but unbreakable without repercussions. Don’t camp next to the only other person on the site. At best you will be considered extremely rude and at worst you will be thought of as completely weird and rude. Different rules apply on continental pitches or other non-UK camp-sites where sometimes quite the opposite is considered rude. It all goes back to the territorial thing and a certain Britishness about privacy.

There are many times on camping trips where next-pitch-neighbours, previously unknown to each other, become firm friends. Under these circumstances, camping etiquette can then be relaxed a little.

After reading this list, you may be forgiven for thinking that it is rather a regimented rule-book. This is not the case at all. There is no form of holidaying as relaxed as camping. Many things when they are put into words point by point can appear restrictive but all these here are  extreme circumstances. Most people will automatically follow the rules without even being aware that is what they are. As mentioned at the very beginning, camp etiquette is about basic manners and a little thought towards others. Keep that in mind and you can’t go far wrong.