The ABCs of caravanning: how to live in a camper

Whether they have such a name or not, each place used for temporary parking has its own rules. The rules vary. This does not change the fact that the general rules, that is, the rules of common sense, apply to everyone and to everyone individually.

Caravanning is a modern type of active automobile tourism, for which camping is often the basis for accommodation and meals. And it is to them that we will devote the most space in our mini-guide to current regulations. 

Let's start with the fact that all regulations are designed to protect the rights of all camping guests. Probably everyone could remember a situation when overly cheerful vacationers turned out to be a thorn in the side of others. We have one goal: relax and have fun. However, let's remember that we are still surrounded by people who want the same thing. Even during road rallies, be it a campervan or a caravan, everyone wants to relax in their own company. 

Let's try not to disturb someone else's peace from the very beginning. Starting from the first... day.

If... a traveler at night

It is worth arriving at the campsite during the day. Certainly not after dark. And not only because the campground reception is open until 20. With sunlight, it will be much easier for us to park the mobile home in the parking lot and explore the surrounding area. Therefore, the unwritten rule is this: a potential client should have the opportunity to “see” the camping infrastructure before deciding whether I want to stay here.

Is the gate or barrier closed? When we arrive late in the evening, we have to take this into account. Luckily, at many campgrounds, especially the higher end ones, we have the opportunity to use our assigned parking until the front desk opens the next day and, of course, check in when the front desk opens. 

Be pretty careful

Please note that most policies include a clause such as: "The location of the guest's camping vehicle is determined by front desk staff." Marked areas (usually numbered areas) vary in standard - starting from the lowest category, for example, without connection to 230V. By the way. As a rule, connection and disconnection from the electrical installation (electrical cabinet) is carried out only by authorized campsite personnel.

What if the campground owner wants more freedom? Since this is a "home on wheels", never position it so that the front door to the building faces a neighbor's door. Try to position yourself so as not to look into your neighbors' windows. 

Let's respect privacy! The fact that the communication routes are marked is a sufficient reason not to try to invent shortcuts around the neighbors' property, because for me this is the most convenient way.

Almost dawn

Adapt to the quiet of the night and allow others to get a good night's sleep. In most cases it is valid from 22:00 to 07:00 am. 

Camping life isn't all about quiet at night. Let's give our neighbors a break at the start of each day. Probably everyone could remember a situation when vacationers who were too “joyful” in the morning turned out to be a thorn in the side of others. It’s good when our crew can sort things out without reminders. After all, few neighbors will have pleasant memories of shouts or commands because a caravan lover decided to overcome the morning traffic jams on the city ring road. And now the whole family is busy setting up the camp, because you want to go! Please note that it is not for nothing that campsites have speed limits, for example, up to 5 km/h. 

Screams, eternal cries of “lunch” from playful children...  

It might seem like a small thing, but campsites are usually located in extremely valuable natural areas and for these reasons alone it’s worth refraining from shouting and unnecessary decibels. Loud conversations or music are inappropriate. And certainly not at our campsite. 

For these and other reasons, most campsites have a separate barbecue area. And this is another argument in favor of knowing the “character” of the campsite in advance. Familiarize yourself with the site plan and, of course, the regulations. After all, we can also find campsites whose rules clearly state that, for example, “due to periodic events and concerts, there may be increased noise in the campsite bar/restaurant until late at night.” 

Holidays are also a time for you to relax

Loud music, shouting children, annoying barking of the neighbor's dog? Remember - this is stated in almost all campground rules - you always have the right to notify campground management if your requests are unsuccessful. Of course, by filing a complaint. 

By the way. At the campsite, we keep an eye on our four-legged friends so that they do not disturb the neighbors. Don't just clean up after dogs. Some campgrounds have bathrooms and even pet-friendly beaches. Another thing is that for such a luxury (travelling with animals) an additional fee is charged.  

What's up with the new guys? It will be tactless...

The holidays are a great opportunity to make friends, but don't force them. If someone answers your questions briefly, respect their choice. Let's respect the likes and habits of others. 

Of course, at campsites it’s a good idea to greet each other, even if it’s with a smile or a simple “hello.” Let's be polite and your chances of making new friends will increase. But we definitely won’t invite our neighbors, because they’ve already settled in after their arrival, and since their mobile home certainly has an interesting interior layout, it’s a pity not to get to know each other better. 

If you don't want to be in someone's company, you also have the right to justify yourself by wanting to be alone for a while. 

A place for collective recreation and... hygiene!

Cooking outdoors and grilling food is a unique pleasure. However, let's try to prepare food that does not irritate the nose or sting the eyes of our neighbors. There are ardent barbecue lovers for whom any place is good - and the coals can easily be turned into a fire. All it takes is a spark from the ignited fat.

Leftover food or coffee grounds in the sink? The tap on our site is not a place for washing dirty dishes! Almost all campsites have kitchens with designated washing areas. Let's use other designated areas (toilets, laundry rooms). And let's leave them clean. 

Of course, let's teach our children the basic rules. The person residing at the campsite is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and order, especially around the field. And if separate waste collection is required on the campsite, we, of course, must comply with it in an exemplary manner. Campsites should produce as little waste as possible. Let's clean the toilets - we're talking about chemical toilet cassettes - in the designated areas. The same thing will happen with draining dirty water.

Rafal Dobrovolski