The Christmas and New Year holiday season is a notoriously popular one for camping, and that can lead to some tensions … unless everyone shows respect and consideration.
In the lead-up to Christmas, Victorian motoring organisation, the RACV, released a list of camping etiquette tips which it hoped would help ensure the parties didn’t get too wild …. and that grey nomads could sleep in heavenly peace.
One of the big ones, of course, is keep the volume down. The RACV says it is vital that people respect their fellow campers’ right to tranquillity by being mindful of how much noise they’re creating, and at what time of day.
“A good rule of thumb is to start winding the noise down at 9pm and stick to quiet conversations from 10pm onwards,” it says.
There may be a lack of elbow room at some campsites over the Christmas holidays.
“If you’re an early riser, avoid making lots of noise until most campsites are awake.” Another one that grey nomads will be hoping will be well observed over the next few weeks is ‘stick to your space’.
That means leaving sufficient space between you and your neighbour when you set up, and respecting boundaries.
“Don’t take a walk through someone else’s site,” the RAVC said. “It’s equivalent to walking through someone’s living room!”
Other golden rules include cleaning up and leaving no trace; respecting the facilities; following the rules; and always supervising children and pets.
And last, but not least, the RACV says one of the best ways to ensure a happy festive camping experience is simply to say ‘hello’ to neighbours.
“It can be great meeting new people and socialising is definitely part of the camping experience,” it said. “Always be friendly and polite but also understand a quick hello isn’t necessarily an invitation to dinner, either.”
The motoring organisation says greeting your neighbours is considered good manners when camping, and that offering a cold drink or to help set up may also lead to some new friendships.
However, it says that isn’t always the case. “Be respectful if others do not wish to socialise,” urges the RACV.
We stay home until the crowds disappear.