Buying your first RV feels like unlocking a new way to travel, but the learning curve can be surprisingly steep. Campgrounds have their own culture, etiquette and unwritten rules, and newcomers often make simple mistakes that annoy seasoned RVers. Avoid these ten missteps and you will fit right in while keeping your RV in great shape for the long haul.
Showing Up Without Understanding Your RV’s Basics
Many first time owners roll into a campground without knowing how to level their RV, manage hookups or operate the slide outs properly. The result is chaos in a tight site, with neighbours watching you fight the controls. Spend time learning your RV before your first trip. Practice setting up in your driveway so you arrive confident instead of confused.
Running a Loud Generator at Inappropriate Times
Nothing irritates a peaceful campground faster than a generator roaring during quiet hours. New owners often rely on them too much, especially for small appliances that don’t require that level of power. Check the campground rules and use your generator sparingly. If you need constant power, choose sites with hookups instead of disturbing everyone around you.
Leaving Your Black Tank Valve Open
A classic rookie mistake is leaving the black tank valve open while connected to the sewer. It seems sensible, but it causes waste to dry inside the tank instead of flushing properly, leading to blockages and nasty odors. Keep your valve closed until the tank is at least two thirds full, then drain it in one controlled flush.
Taking Up Too Much Space Outside Your Site
New RVers sometimes spread out far beyond their assigned site with chairs, mats, bikes and gear. Campgrounds are tighter than many expect, and hogging space is a quick way to irritate neighbours. Keep everything within your pad and be mindful of shared walkways.
Ignoring Speed Limits in the Campground
RV parks often feel relaxed, but speed limits are mandatory. Many new owners forget that kids, pets and cyclists dart between sites. Rolling through too fast sets off a wave of glares. Keep speeds slow, steady and respectful. Campgrounds are communities, not highways.
Arriving Late and Setting Up in the Dark
Rolling in after sunset and fumbling for gear while your headlights blast into other RVs creates instant campground tension. Newbies often underestimate travel time or how long setup takes. Aim to arrive before dusk so you can settle in calmly without waking the entire loop.
Not Securing Food and Attracting Animals
Grand Canyon National Park, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
From raccoons to bears, wildlife will happily explore your site if food is left out. New RVers commonly forget to secure coolers, garbage or cooking gear. Besides annoying neighbours, it creates real safety issues. Clean up immediately after meals and store food properly.
Dumping Grey Water Where You Shouldn’t
Some new RVers assume grey water is harmless and let it drain onto the ground. Many campgrounds strictly forbid this, and it spreads smells and attracts pests. Use the designated dump station or your full hookup sewer line and follow campground rules at all times.
Being Loud Late at Night
Campgrounds are social, but they are also quiet places after dark. New owners sometimes treat their site like a backyard party spot without realizing how close other RVs are parked. Voices, music and laughter travel far in open spaces. Keep the late night noise down unless you want unfriendly stares at sunrise.
Parking Without Considering Your Neighbours
New RVers sometimes park too close, angle incorrectly or leave too little room for others to maneuver. It slows traffic, blocks sightlines and makes life harder for everyone. Take your time when positioning your rig. Straighten up, stay centered and give your neighbour as much room as you expect for yourself.
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