Thank you everyone for watching this. Remember it’s not about shaming anybody but helping educate the new members of our camp family! Please continue to share thru your social channels to spread this one’s message and lessons!! -JTRVN
Thank you Josh! Pray those people have someone show them how it’s done. I agree I don’t think they realize what they did!? Don’t know how, but some people just don’t have a clue.
Not an RV, but a mobile office trailer. I came on tower and my relief tells me not to use the washing machine, something is backing it up and flooding the whole trailer. This guy has PO ed me before, so I have a clue. He leaves for days off and I go to work. I take the water supply hose, a green garden hose because the rental company is a real cheap skate outfit, and I stuff it down the front bath room toilet, unscrew the washout and turn the hose on full blast. Just as I thought, a few seconds later come drifting by the old brown submarine wrapped in a roll and a half of TP. Did I bother to tell him how I unplugged his $#!+ show? No! We had a water cooler and he made fun of me for opening a five gallon bottle of water to cook and make coffee with while he used the tap. Joke's on you, Bub!
@@mooseknuckle_4474 Our beagle has escaped twice in the last week. The last time she jumped off the top of the cabinet by the door. I felt really bad for my neighbors, but I was talking to a couple of them tonight as I was walking her, and they were happy to see her visit.
That's actually something we teach our team members regarding hitching safety -- as backwards as it sounds DO NOT assist an experienced owner with hitching or unhitching their RV. They have a routine and process. You're likely to screw it up and serious damage/safety issues can occur
Yes! Idk how many times I’ve been halfway through and had some old guy stop and talk to me for 20 mins and then I forget where I was. So I basically have to re trace my steps so I don’t forget to chain up or pull the chocks or something.
@@JoshtheRVNerd exactly, I had a neighbor run over when I was hooking up to move, he grabbed the crank handle and then broke it, I didn't have a chance to tell him its about to break.. pissed me off, had to dick around with it in the heat until I fixed it, the gears fell on the ground! Since then, I installed a power jack.
And, Pleeze, wait till they ask for help!!! If they don't ask, pleeze don't try to "help". No matter how intriguing, tricky, or simple it looks. We had a couple things happen on our maiden voyage because so many relatives were trying to help with backing in, and setting up, throwing our whole routine off. Hubby and I need to have our routine, including backing in, without Any interference. Watch if you want, from afar, but please, barging in is Not really helping much. At all. I wouldn't even ask them a bunch of questions.
Yes, my husband got interrupted by the neighbor when we were almost done and he forgot to put the tailgate up on our truck and he hit the front of the camper with the edge of the tailgate. I think I am going to make T shirt for him to wear when we prepare to leave that says No one allowed to talk to me until I am done! Lol. Jk but seriously, we can be camped for a week and they wait until we are packing up to finally venture over and chat. Lol
Ugh! The music. Personally I wish no RVs came with exterior speakers. I hate being out in nature. Sitting at our campsite and having to listen to someone else’s music. It doesn’t matter what kind of music it is. Country, loud rock, metal, rap, or anything.... I think it’s so inconsiderate to assume that anyone else in the campground wants to hear your music. Especially if it’s super loud. It’s my biggest pet peeve when camping.
I predict in 2-3 years when all the newbies realize they aren't using that rv enough to justify 10 years of payments, we will see a huge number of barely used rv's on the market.
I agree with that prediction! We have a travel trailer now but want to upgrade to a 5th wheel. I’m waiting for lots of slightly used units to start showing up for sale.
Please be considerate to the people in tents that are saving money for their dream RV! Also, please keep all pets on leashes. I'm sure your dog is great, but my dogs are not impressed with visits from strange dogs.
exactly you never know how a dog will react we recently had some old lady thought it was amusing to let her little dog walk up to our German Shepard yelled at her to get her dog then our dog went off scared the piss out of her and her dog hope she learned a lesson.
Amen on the leashes! We camp with our cat, who is harnessed. He’s a big boy who’s surprised a couple of unleashed pets with his displeasure at their uninvited visits.
Last time camping we had a dog that kept “visiting” our site and eating our dog food and/or kid snacks off the table....so after the 3rd “visit” I yelled “oh no, I think *woofer ate some chocolate!” Yeah....the owners panicked and kept woofer on a leash the rest of the week *names were changed to protect the innocent Also it was a good lesson that WE were not responsible if THEIR dog ate something from OUR campsite. Eye opening if you will.
Of my many pet peeves when camping outside music is probably at the list. I wish they wouldn’t even put speakers on the outside. We camp to be in peace and quiet and to relax. And those lights…..🤬
Amen. I cant stand radios or otherwise. Why do people turn on a radio and then walk away from it to do something somewhere else and leave me to put up with the racket?
I wrote my first comment before I got to the end of the video. I could NOT agree more with the end points. I was taught, camping with the BSA WAY back in the '60s, that you leave no trace of your presence, and leave an established campsite better than you found it. All good points!
Yes, must be a BSA thing. My husband was an eagle scout and he insists on this. I can't count how many times, we've picked up stuff we know we did have.
This is common sense … I always live by the rule: “Leave it better than you found it.” I was taught that as a child/young adult. Surprised people wouldn’t know better. Thanks for the video. Visualizing an RV in our future. I have a lot to learn so this information is REALLY helpful❣️
I stopped this at 43 seconds to say, “As a camper for the past 40+ years, I want to wholeheartedly thank you for this video!! It’s very, very needed right now and I hope ALL dealers are telling their 1st timers the same things.” Now, on to the video!😉 I’m going to add: Please pickup your dogs poop. I love dogs but I don’t love stepping in their poop.
Bradley Foss... With all due respects here, you do understand that in the summer, 8 pm it isn't even dark yet... 9pm or 10pm is the quiet time at most places I camp. There are certain events (Sturgis motorcycle rally) where that time could very well be 3am...
@@tommysaulter9171 agreed but as a NPS LEO we enforced 8 p.m regardless of time of year. Sturgis probably is less strict. I understand being a former tent camper and high temps.
Just get solar panels - quiet, they don't stink and they do work. If you need your generator for a air conditioner or a microwave: stay home, you don't deserve to be out there.
I'm reviewing! Thank you. Some of these 'courtesy' suggestions should be addressed before total idiots go camping for their first time! they are rude at their home, they are rude camping.
I've had loose dogs approaching mine while on a leash then being told it's okay because he's friendly. When I say mine's not and neither am I they've actually threatened to report me. Since I was in the right I fully encouraged them. They didn't, shock and awe.
@@42ayla Years ago, at one campsite I was at, a couple of teenagers were constantly playing with their knives. Throw the knife into a target on thr ground type of games. Dog ran through their site, and was prmptly affixed by two knives going through its paws. Their apology was slicing the throat of the dog, in front of the owner. Nobody let their pets run loose after that event.
Just remember the Golden Rule we all learned in grade school. Smh, on a picnic table???? Thank you so much for these tips, should be watched by everyone who buys an RV.
Kids running through other people's campsites really frustrates! I grew up camping and as a kid I was taught to walk around other people's tents/caravans. So as an adult, trying to teach my own 2 and 4 year olds, its annoying when other kids come waltzing into our site. Also! The thing we always did was while the adults were packing down tents/packing up cars all the kids ran around and did an "emu bob" where we collected all the rubbish
Thank you for posting this. I would add a couple things to your list: 1.) not everyone thinks your dog is cute nor do they want to hear it barking…esp if you are 2 feet away from it. 2.) be mindful of your headlights when going through the campground. When people are sitting headlights are going directly in their eyes. I switch to my parking lights along with my fog lights which allows adequate visibility at 10 mph. 3.) be mindful of speed. A couple weekends ago I was camping where the speed limit is 15 mph through the campground and I had people tailgating me trying to get back to my trailer. The other times they were driving fast. RELAX, you are on vacation. Also, there are people walking or kids playing or riding bikes. A kid might chase a ball or frisbee into the road. It’s not worth running over someone. 4.) be mindful of your vehicle. No one wants to hear a straight pipe truck running through the campground at midnight. 5.) smile and talk to people. I’ve met some really nice and interesting people camping with great stories or experiences I’ve used to plan future trips. Also, I learn from asking them how they do things camping that help with future trips or towing. Don’t mean to sound snooty, but I grew up camping and people had a lot more respect then. We were always told as kids to use “inside voice” in the campground as a matter of respect. It is frustrating to go camping these days with the loud music and seeming lack of respect for others. Perhaps that is just ignorance (not stupidity) to general etiquette. Regardless, I hope this video sheds light on a few things. Safe travels everyone.
As a long time tent camper, and now a PUP camper, I think it's important to be courteous with lights and sounds as not everyone is in their hard walled, insulated, air conditioned condo watching 4k TV. Those of us with soft sides really are most affected by these things. It seems like the bigger more expensive the unit the nose I find little respect for tents.
@@VOOODOOO37 There are many campgrounds with mixed use. Most campers started in tents and worked our way up. Josh made this video stressing to be courteous. You just blew it by essentially saying someone's else's set-up is inferior. I hope you don't say things like this to your camp neighbors.
I have transitioned from tents to RV's now and always have a soft spot for tenters. If I have tent camper neighbors, I make sure to turn my lights off for them, watch my music volume and offer coffee if they don't seem to have any, help in the rain, etc. Most of us started there and in the future, that tenter might become an RVer on the road next to you.
My wife and I camp in a tent. We don’t have shades to draw for our tent to block light...so thank you for telling everyone not to leave them on all night! And thanks too for the one about the music. When you’re in a private campground where they may be more cool with parties all night, that’s one thing...but in a state or national park/forest type place, it’s really important to respect everyone else’s ability to get a good night’s sleep, and leaving your campsite dark and quiet when quiet hours come along really makes a huge difference for everyone around you...especially when they’re in a tent. Most people are great about that, but it can wreck the entire experience when someone makes it impossible to sleep soundly, and they may have travelled thousands of miles to get there.
Nothing quite like trying to sleep in a tent next to an RV with the A/C running all night. To say nothing of hiking all day and wanting to get to sleep early, and the generator is running 15 feet away...
Thank you for mentioning Light Pollution. Many of the National Parks in Utah are official Dark Sky Parks, and one yahoo with a bunch of stadium-bright lights can ruin everyone's night vision and wreck their opportunity to see more stars than they knew existed.
We used to do a lot of tent camping when I was a kid. My mom was like a drill sergeant. “We need to police the area” . Basically all 5 of us kids walked around the campsite looking for any bits of trash we might have missed. It was a good lesson for all of us. I still do that once I’ve hooked up the trailer and secured everything. Police the area.
Same here except my grandpa was a drill sergeant in the national guard so he goes over everything with a fine tooth comb before we leave. Miss 1 thing and you'll never hear the end of it.
We always patrolled the campsite as a family to get all the garbage and toys. I made it fun by telling them it was to make sure we got all the army men, “no man left behind”. But I also wasn’t kidding, we always found army men during the final patrol.
I've got a black hose for black tank flush and I installed a backflow preventer on it to make sure there should be no chance of infecting the water source.
I can't believe how many times I have seen a dog poop in a campground, and the owner doesn't clean it up. Same with barking dogs - if the dog is not comfortable or happy camping, please do not bring him to camp.
@@janfulton190 I agree on the first part. Pick up your dog poop and always have your dog on a leash. HOWEVER, I have to disagree with the barking sentiment. I own a Beagle who doesn’t bark out of distress or any other negative. She barks when she either spots an animal she wants to play with or when she is bored and want direct attention. Trust me she loves to camp but she is still going to bark.
We all make mistakes, but if you try to be respectful of others and think a little, you will not be in Josh's post with your face covered. Stay safe Josh
Josh, this is a great PSA, and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with all of them and would add that the fire pit is not a place to leave your trash when you depart the site. Even if it’s paper or cardboard, it’s not courteous and sends the wrong message to people who are just starting out in the camping world. No plastic, cans or other rubbish belong in the ring either.
After seeing the picnic table decorated with sewers hoses, from now on I’m going to pack our 4’ folding table along with the picnic items the next time we go on a picnic or camping. Thanks for the great information video on camp site manners. It’s ashamed that common sense for a lot of people is non existent.Have a blessed day & God Bless
I’d add make sure you teach your kids the same rules and have them respect others’ sites. Also, a personal rule of mine, I always try to avoid having to empty the old black tank when people are actively using the site next to me.
@@dankopolny5558 That’s what I said. I hate the idiot parents that allow their kids to roam like feral animals and refuse to control the little monsters.
@@dondartt684 Sometimes is fine. But when that dog goes on for HOURS, and I have heard them, that is beyond excessive and needs to be stopped. This is also true just in normal life, like at home. When it's 2 am and that neighbor dog has been going off since 10 pm, there needs to be an intervention.
People need to be considerant with their dogs... DO NOT let them: bark all day, wander around not on a leash, pee on others property, and clean up after them.
Learned at Field School: Don't run your generator or your car engine for prolonged periods near other people's breathing space. They end up breathing the fumes. Regarding outside lights: turn them off at night even when you are not in proximity to someone else. Leaving them on attracts all kinds of bugs to your rig.
Not a rule but, if you have full hookups at your site, run water down the sewer pipe to make sure it will drain. Deff not fun to start dumping your black tank and you find out the hard way that the pipe won’t drain! 🤮
I completely agree that we all need to take care of and respect these public lands. However, the government doesn’t “give” us these lands. Public land belongs to all American citizens, it’s not the government’s. Sorry for the soapbox.
@@me-ry8jg The only thing government can give you, is something they took from someone else. These lands are ours already. They are just paid to watch over them. Some do better than others. We have allowed them to get away with too much for too long. Next thing they will do is start charging us for the air we breath.
Just got back from camping with my grandparents all weekend at Camp Blanding. Quite time is 10pm-7:30am. Because of the holiday weekend all 3 campgrounds were packed not 1 empty site and by this morning only a few sites were occupied as the others were evicted for disturbing the peace. Most of the people were drunk an riding around in golf carts and boats blasting the radio all night long.
Clean up after your dogs and keep them leashed...we take our dog with us every trip and it astonishes us everytime is the camper that allows their dog just free roam without any care about who he bothers and where he deposits land mines....drives us crazy, cause it makes us who pick up after and keep our pet with us look bad.
You missed the #1 complaint, pick up your dogs crap! Some campgrounds have had to ban dogs, or required people to send in a DNA sample before the dogs even allowed in, all because of lazy people. Get caught not picking up after your pet and you can be banded from the campground.
As nasty as that may seem, and I totally agree it was the wrong thing to do, but think about it, anything that lives in that water or near it has been peeing and pooping in it, anyone in a tube is not going to wait until they get to a bathroom to just go pee.
Impacts are haaaard on stabilizers, as well. They do not stand up to the rattling. We all know the high quality standards of campers these days. Why would you want to prematurely wear them out?
Bravo, Uncle Josh! We last "camped" at the accessible cabin at the state park. There were signs asking folks to stay away from the cabin because it was in use. A young boy came right up to the door, cupped his hands around his eyes to look in at me. I was going to have a word with the boy's father until I saw the father walk up to our picnic table and place his muddy shoe up there to re-tie his shoe. At that point, I figured the father wouldn't understand the lack of respect his son showed since he seemed to have the same lack of respect.
“As an American, I will do my best to - Be clean in my outdoor manners. Be careful with fire. Be considerate in the outdoors. Be conservation minded.” - Boy Scouts Outdoor Code Scouting is big on camping and being outdoors and hence on outdoor ethics. We preach all the stuff you said and then some (down to limiting what color tents are so as not to be to jarring a sight out in nature.) Well, at least OUR troop does (I’m the Scoutmaster.) It’s just common sense stuff… but common sense isn’t as common anymore unfortunately. Fewer and fewer are learning it. That’s partly on us all, we haven’t been teaching these things universally.
I literally laughed out loud when you said “Don’t use the drinking water to flush down your Taco Tuesday!!!! That’s gross!” LOL LOL LOL. PREACH brother!!! PREACH
My neighbor threw a rock through my window so he could hear it louder……. That was awesome … Thankyou for making me spit out my precious coffee….in regards to the picnic table , there are many videos on you tube with people who are not new to camping , giving advice on dumping black tanks like Christmas vacation . Its disgusting .
I work at a campground and my husband and I full time. Thank you for this video!!!! I have to talk to people about these common courtesy all the time and it gets old fast.
If you have to show up to the campground after quiet hours, do the minimum and finish setting up in the morning. I was at a campground where a couple showed up with a large fifth wheel and modified (LOUD) diesel truck just after midnight. The Mrs got out and proceeded to yell directions to the driver (no walkie talkie or cell phone) until the driver managed to strike a parked car with the front of the truck. The driver and the fearless spotter start yelling at each other. Other campers around them wake up including the owner of the now scratched and dented car. The park ranger comes down, the state police are called, (because apparently the driver has never been wrong before) Information is exchanged, and most of the campers go back to bed. A few minutes later the guy is back out there using his impact driver to lower his jacks. I finally spoke up and yelled "finish setting it up in the morning". After I spoke up most of the campers that had stayed silent until this point started yelling thank you. When they had finished, the last guy yelled "good night John boy!
I work nights so I have no choice other than to show up late. I will NOT use an impact or work on my truck but I will fully set up my camper and enjoy my stay with my schedule lol.
@@destinhook3826 I do as well, just being courteous and quiet is the best I can do and try not to disturb anyone. Been pretty good so far with my pop-up. Even use the manual crank if too late at night instead of the voracious electric crank that scares half of nature away.
Just got back from a month long trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Every day, all day, all night folks were walking thru the sites. I even asked if my tent was in there way as they walked thru. People make camping suck...at times.
There are a bunch of van lifers that will empty their grey tanks on the ground with the excuse that they use biodegradable soaps. Nah man. Go to a dump station. The 1st and only time we went camping in my parent's brand new BornFree my husband was emptying the black tank. He said maybe we should add more water to flush it out and grabbed the hose at the dump station to fill the fresh water...AAACKK! I yelled NO you can't do that! That's what people clean their sewer homes out with! He'd been camping as a very young kid but I grew up in a camping family so I knew better and was thankfully out with him so I could stop him. I will admit that I never thought about the separate tote idea because the stinky slinky was always in the bumper but believe me it will be the first accessory added to our camper when we're ready.
I'd add don't pack your site with a bunch of people. If you are having a big group get together, get a group site. Many years ago we tent camped in Oak Creek Canyon outside of Sedona. Party next door was having a big family reunion, like 50 or more people. Not only did they have way more than the two tents and 8 people (sleeping) allowed per site, but they took over several other sites and they all spent their time in the site next door. They broke all the common courtesies. Walked right through our camp between my kitchen set up and the picnic table, let their kids run all over, partied like it was 1999 until at least midnight, even woke from a nap to find four little kids faces pressed to my window watching me sleep. For some reason, they didn't get kicked out. That's an extreme example but I've seen other times when too many people congregate at one site without regard for the sites near them. Sure go camping with some friends, visit each other, just remember this isn't your backyard and there are no walls.
If you're not camping in designated camp spots, PLEEEAAASE don't camp right on top of someone already there. Have some respect for personal space! I would argue that this rule applies to camp sites, as well as beach spots, fishing spots, picnic areas, etc.
This, this right here is exactly why I no longer camp at a campground anymore. Too many yahoo’s violating nearly every one of the things on this list. I now only backcountry, off road or overland camp, it’s the only way to really commune with nature anymore.
A couple more. 1) Please break camp and be off the site on time. I remember arriving after a long drive with two young kids and having to wait until the woman felt like leaving, in spite of being reminded to go by the staff. I was tempted to charge her for the almost 2 hours we'd paid for so she could dawdle. 2) Secondly, just because you enjoyed those dollar store solar lights wrapped around the tree doesn't mean anyone else will. I've thrown away those, potted plants, a clothes line and lots of other well meaning trash. If you want to leave an extra toilet paper roll in the latrine, thank you, but otherwise take it with you. 3) Lastly, stop taming the wildlife. As cool as they were we had one trip with some raccoons that had stopped being nocturnal and would hang out with the campers throughout the day. I was initially concerned enough that I checked with the park staff. They confirmed it was normal behaviour for them. I have no words to explain how irresponsible that was.
The most disgusting thing I have been finding more frequent in camp sites is diapers in the fire pit. It use to be just once in a while. But now its been 5 times in the passed 3 years. Twice at Salamonie State Park. This year will be the 3rd year that I use my own fire pit. Can't say anymore about this, because my blood pressure will go up and I will offend people and hurt their feelings.
Good stuff...a caveat to noise. I prefer quiet, so try to be mindful of when and where I do things. So yeah, I don't go to Party Cove at the Lake of the Ozarks on a summer weekend and expect quiet. Keep up the great work.
If you really must on someone's door, stand back a few feet. That door opens into their whole living area, not just an entryway. Don't interrupt someone's teardown routine - you might make them miss an important step. Don't stand and stare into someone's site - give them their privacy. It's almost as bad (to our family, anyway) as walking through the site. Extroverts might not understand this, but it's a real thing.
Good points as a tent camper for 50 years the leaving the bright lights on all night get me every time. Along with the 55 inch outdoor t.v. blasting a sport game.
Great points! Single biggest unpleasantness we experience is generator noise. Of course if used during allowed hours we can’t complain but its never nice to hear. Campers that limit use, use solar or at least purchase quieter generators are appreciated more than they might know.
As a camp host/work camper from Oakdale Park in Glen Rose TX, I'd like to say THANK YOU 1,000%!!! You hit the nail on every point. The only thing we've never seen on your list (not that it didn't happen) is washing your stinky slinky on the damned picnic table. The only thing I'd add? If you rent an RV spot, that doesn't entitle you to park in the empty one next to you. If you do, be prepared to be billed for it, or woken up at 1am by a late arrival. It's not yours, and you don't get to use it just because it's currently empty.
We used to pull our Travel Trailer to NASCAR races where you were all pretty much parked out in lots with no hookups. Hundreds of generators were running during the day, and maybe 10% were running 24/7. They helped to drown out the fireworks and loud parties, it was a blast.
Years ago we went through a couple of hours of an in need of a tune-up generators VAROOM Putt-putt-putt VAROOM Putt-putt-putt until the ranger came out and made them shut it down.
@@simbatable sounds kinda like an old hit-and-miss engine, they don't use governed throttlebodies so they regulate engine speed by "missing" a firing cycle by not sparking the plug, especially when they have a light load. It always sounds like they are running out of fuel or something. They pretty much stopped making them around the 1970s. Of course it could have also just been really badly tuned, or both.
My biggest pet peeve? People who have yooooooge bonfires, All. Day. Long. I have asthma--a campfire blowing my way could precipitate a trip to the emergency room. I choose sites carefully, to avoid being 'smoked out'. The bottom line: In campgrounds, be mindful that what you do may unavoidably affect others.
I full time, weekend warriors really whoop it up, I tolerate it cause they are enjoying their one weekend away, but they are not considerate of anyone else for the most part.
I would like to add to your list to not use your horn lock on your automobile. There is nothing more annoying then a person locking and unlocking car and using the horn in the woods.
Don't walk up and strike a conversation with someone who is sitting up their RV campsite. Kindly wait until they are finished. Lots of mental check sheets are being conducted and one small slip up could be catastrophic
I don’t want anyone just walking up into my campsite to strike up a conversation no mater what I’m doing. I don’t do that to others and expect the same in return.
@@Blackshirtsguru I don’t live like an ogre. It’s funny how you choose to name call because someone doesn’t care to be bothered by others. Just because YOU like imposing yourself on others doesn’t mean others enjoy your or any one else’s company imposed upon them. I just don’t want to have people coming into my campsite, yard or front door uninvited. There is an audaciousness to impose oneself on someone uninvited, quite frankly it’s rude .
Please do not walk into my camp site ever. I am not anti social, but my camp site is like my hotel room (would you walk into someone’s hotel room uninvited?). If you see me off my camp site, we can talk, and I can walk away if I need to. Thank you for understanding.
@@gme5802 LMAO "Imposing myself on other's? So that's what it's called when I speak to other people? When and where did I actually say that I walk up to someone's door or into their camp? Man...some need to lighten up more. It's a campsite not an army bunker ffs
Awesome video. But I would like to share a couple more issues the wife and I have found with new and seasoned campers, and that is camp fires and parking off the designated parking spurs at a primitive Campground. Almost everytime we go we have to put out a fire someone has left burning in the fire pit after they have left. Living in Utah we have a high fire danger most of the year because we get so dry. If that isn't enough we see people pulling there cars, tow vehicles and side by sides off the designated parking spurs. We have seen people where they will drive over rock and wood steps to park there vehicle closer to the campsite. Not only does it destroy the campsite it can potentially start a fire. The hot engine can catch long dry grass on fire or even dry pine needles. Not to mention if there vehicle is leaking any fluids which in it self is bad for the environment. A forest fire can cause so much damage. It takes years for the land to come back to its full glory. The cost can reach millions of dollars to fight the fire and yet I still see people not doing there part. I carry an extra fire extinguisher with me and set it out by the fire pit just in case and full size shovel to completely put our fire each and every night we have a fire. Most places where we camp there is no host or cell phone service so notifying the authorities is almost impossible.
TY for sharing this. It's a great point and something you don't typically consider. You roll in, you're tired from the drive and ready to relax, so you just park.
Important: DO NOT BATHE IN NATURAL WATER BODIES, RIVERS, STREAMS, SPRINGS. ALSO DO NOT DUMP YOUR DISHWATER OR ANY GRAY WATER WITHIN 200 FT OF ANY OF THESE. DO NOT POOP OR PEE WITHIN 200 FT OF THESE. Human waste of any sort can contaminate the water sources very quickly. Even biodegradable soaps are not safe to rinse off in water bodies. Biodegradable soaps are formulated to biodegrade when buried in the dirt.
honorable mention: keep your dog on a leash at all times. I don't want the anxiety of thinking your dog might approach me. Also keep you dog quiet. I hate listening to your small dog bark all the time. keep it quiet and leashed. I have a dog and it stays leashed and quiet. If I can do it, you can too!
I totally agree with what you say! We purchased a grabber pick up tool that we keep in our RV to pick up other people's trash so we don't have to touch it, that makes it a lot easier to clean up the camping spots we occupy!
My personal take on music playing or loud TV's..... NOT in ANY campground. I go camping to enjoy the QUIET! and listening to someone's noise is not what I'm there for. Keep it at home.
You are absolutely right about every single one of the points on the list. Unfortunately I fear that almost all of the people that would actually commit these camping sins, would tell you to mind your own business and continue with their obnoxious behavior. Luckily there are a lot of good people out there to offset the morons and those are the ones that camp the most.
Thank you everyone for watching this. Remember it’s not about shaming anybody but helping educate the new members of our camp family! Please continue to share thru your social channels to spread this one’s message and lessons!!
-JTRVN
A travel day, pack up, clean up, double check before you go checklist would be helpful!
Thank you Josh! Pray those people have someone show them how it’s done. I agree I don’t think they realize what they did!? Don’t know how, but some people just don’t have a clue.
@@pistolguts7416 That is a good idea...
Agree that all newbies should see this video.
Not an RV, but a mobile office trailer. I came on tower and my relief tells me not to use the washing machine, something is backing it up and flooding the whole trailer. This guy has PO ed me before, so I have a clue. He leaves for days off and I go to work. I take the water supply hose, a green garden hose because the rental company is a real cheap skate outfit, and I stuff it down the front bath room toilet, unscrew the washout and turn the hose on full blast. Just as I thought, a few seconds later come drifting by the old brown submarine wrapped in a roll and a half of TP. Did I bother to tell him how I unplugged his $#!+ show? No! We had a water cooler and he made fun of me for opening a five gallon bottle of water to cook and make coffee with while he used the tap. Joke's on you, Bub!
I’d like to add one to your list. “Clean up after your dogs”
Yep
💩👟
For the love of god YES!!!! And keep em on a dam leash.
@@mooseknuckle_4474 Our beagle has escaped twice in the last week. The last time she jumped off the top of the cabinet by the door. I felt really bad for my neighbors, but I was talking to a couple of them tonight as I was walking her, and they were happy to see her visit.
That is my number one.
Stepped in dog crap at a campsite while setting up this weekend. I lost it. Clean up your dog shit.
Do not try to talk to people when they are setting up or breaking down their camp.
That's actually something we teach our team members regarding hitching safety -- as backwards as it sounds DO NOT assist an experienced owner with hitching or unhitching their RV. They have a routine and process. You're likely to screw it up and serious damage/safety issues can occur
Yes! Idk how many times I’ve been halfway through and had some old guy stop and talk to me for 20 mins and then I forget where I was. So I basically have to re trace my steps so I don’t forget to chain up or pull the chocks or something.
@@JoshtheRVNerd exactly, I had a neighbor run over when I was hooking up to move, he grabbed the crank handle and then broke it, I didn't have a chance to tell him its about to break.. pissed me off, had to dick around with it in the heat until I fixed it, the gears fell on the ground! Since then, I installed a power jack.
And, Pleeze, wait till they ask for help!!!
If they don't ask, pleeze don't try to "help". No matter how intriguing, tricky, or simple it looks.
We had a couple things happen on our maiden voyage because so many relatives were trying to help with backing in, and setting up, throwing our whole routine off. Hubby and I need to have our routine, including backing in, without Any interference. Watch if you want, from afar, but please, barging in is Not really helping much. At all.
I wouldn't even ask them a bunch of questions.
Yes, my husband got interrupted by the neighbor when we were almost done and he forgot to put the tailgate up on our truck and he hit the front of the camper with the edge of the tailgate. I think I am going to make T shirt for him to wear when we prepare to leave that says No one allowed to talk to me until I am done! Lol. Jk but seriously, we can be camped for a week and they wait until we are packing up to finally venture over and chat. Lol
Ugh! The music. Personally I wish no RVs came with exterior speakers. I hate being out in nature. Sitting at our campsite and having to listen to someone else’s music. It doesn’t matter what kind of music it is. Country, loud rock, metal, rap, or anything.... I think it’s so inconsiderate to assume that anyone else in the campground wants to hear your music. Especially if it’s super loud. It’s my biggest pet peeve when camping.
I agree
I agree with you 100%
Kinda like at a carwash. Some people think EVERYBODY loves THEIR music.
10000000000000000000% agree
Exterior entertainment options has ruined the camping experience for everyone.
I predict in 2-3 years when all the newbies realize they aren't using that rv enough to justify 10 years of payments, we will see a huge number of barely used rv's on the market.
I HOPE! I'm saving up and in a few years be ready to buy...hoping to find a good deal.😁
I think there is a pole of newbies out there that say 60-80% are staying in.
@@joeyfmd- wait until they only get to use it 2x in a year and have $500 monthly payments, $50 for monthly storage, $75 for monthly insurance, etc.
I agree with that prediction! We have a travel trailer now but want to upgrade to a 5th wheel. I’m waiting for lots of slightly used units to start showing up for sale.
I’ve been saying that since last summer when campers started selling so much.
Please be considerate to the people in tents that are saving money for their dream RV!
Also, please keep all pets on leashes. I'm sure your dog is great, but my dogs are not impressed with visits from strange dogs.
exactly you never know how a dog will react we recently had some old lady thought it was amusing to let her little dog walk up to our German Shepard yelled at her to get her dog then our dog went off scared the piss out of her and her dog hope she learned a lesson.
A loose dog was an issue in our last camping trip. One of my biggest pet peeves... pun intended
Amen on the leashes! We camp with our cat, who is harnessed. He’s a big boy who’s surprised a couple of unleashed pets with his displeasure at their uninvited visits.
Last time camping we had a dog that kept “visiting” our site and eating our dog food and/or kid snacks off the table....so after the 3rd “visit” I yelled “oh no, I think *woofer ate some chocolate!”
Yeah....the owners panicked and kept woofer on a leash the rest of the week
*names were changed to protect the innocent
Also it was a good lesson that WE were not responsible if THEIR dog ate something from OUR campsite. Eye opening if you will.
Clean up after your pets leave their, "gifts." Not only are droppings potential land mines, they bring more flies.
Of my many pet peeves when camping outside music is probably at the list. I wish they wouldn’t even put speakers on the outside. We camp to be in peace and quiet and to relax. And those lights…..🤬
Amen. I cant stand radios or otherwise. Why do people turn on a radio and then walk away from it to do something somewhere else and leave me to put up with the racket?
Not everyone likes your. Music please be considerate
I wrote my first comment before I got to the end of the video. I could NOT agree more with the end points. I was taught, camping with the BSA WAY back in the '60s, that you leave no trace of your presence, and leave an established campsite better than you found it. All good points!
BSA slogan I remember from my scout handbook “Let no one say and say to your shame that all was beauty ... until you came”.
Yep. That's what they taught us in Girl Scouts as well. Leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Yes, must be a BSA thing. My husband was an eagle scout and he insists on this. I can't count how many times, we've picked up stuff we know we did have.
This is common sense … I always live by the rule: “Leave it better than you found it.” I was taught that as a child/young adult. Surprised people wouldn’t know better. Thanks for the video. Visualizing an RV in our future. I have a lot to learn so this information is REALLY helpful❣️
I stopped this at 43 seconds to say, “As a camper for the past 40+ years, I want to wholeheartedly thank you for this video!! It’s very, very needed right now and I hope ALL dealers are telling their 1st timers the same things.” Now, on to the video!😉
I’m going to add: Please pickup your dogs poop. I love dogs but I don’t love stepping in their poop.
I'll never look at a picnic table the same again. Thanks Josh smh!
this makes me want to bring my own picnic table now.
WE never use the picnic table for this very reason. You never could know what's happened on that table...
Feces...it's whats for dinner!
I’ve never gone RV camping before, but even I could see all the wrong in that example.
@@mixtlillness9825 I also have never been camping in an RV.. But hopefully someday! I still like watching Josh's videos.
Oh, and for Lord sakes...STOP COOKING BETTER MEALS THAN MINE...outside‼️ All that delicious aroma is just killing me! 🤣🤣🤣😋🤣🤣🤣
Lol the smells around dinner time can be amazing
😊👍
😀😀😆👍
Or at least offer a plate. Lol
@@zkomula right?!
I can't stand all the lights and TV noise when I go camping. I'm trying to get away from all the junk.
If your staying at a state park that has no hookups and it's 80%+ tents and popups, don't run your generator 12 hours a day.
8pm is usually quiet hours.
Bradley Foss... With all due respects here, you do understand that in the summer, 8 pm it isn't even dark yet... 9pm or 10pm is the quiet time at most places I camp. There are certain events (Sturgis motorcycle rally) where that time could very well be 3am...
@@tommysaulter9171 agreed but as a NPS LEO we enforced 8 p.m regardless of time of year. Sturgis probably is less strict. I understand being a former tent camper and high temps.
Just get solar panels - quiet, they don't stink and they do work. If you need your generator for a air conditioner or a microwave: stay home, you don't deserve to be out there.
@@danstrayer111 So people with medical conditions should stay home.. LMFAO Not even
My biggest pet peeve is people speeding past and/or through your site on their atv. Pisses me off.
Are those even allowed in campgrounds??
I don't know why everyone has a problem with people walking thru their rv sites. I walk thru peoples hotel rooms all the time.
HA! That’s great!!
You had me in the first half, not gonna lie
Hahahaha
😂
Exactly 😂
I wish this was required viewing for all people camping!
This is common sense. To bad common sense isn’t common.
I agree
Common sense is NOT a flower that grows in everybody's garden!!!
This video should be mandatory for all new campers and reviewed at the beginning of any campers season of camping!
I'm reviewing! Thank you. Some of these 'courtesy' suggestions should be addressed before total idiots go camping for their first time! they are rude at their home, they are rude camping.
I’m sorry but the sewer hose on a picnic table isn’t a newbie mistake, that’s just plain ignorant! Zero common sense!
I 100% agree! How ignorant of hygiene do you have to be to do something like that?!!!
The Stinky Slinky on the table happens too often even with people who are not new 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
The 11 people that thumbs down are THEM!
Idea...print this off and include it with EVERY camper you sell!!!! Maybe stop it before it begins...
Great idea!
Solid idea...
Printed copy and an emailed copy!
Dogs off leash is a big one around here. I really don't want a visit from your very friendly Pit. My dachshund anti social and doesn't want to play.
Then train your dog.
I've had loose dogs approaching mine while on a leash then being told it's okay because he's friendly. When I say mine's not and neither am I they've actually threatened to report me. Since I was in the right I fully encouraged them. They didn't, shock and awe.
@@42ayla Years ago, at one campsite I was at, a couple of teenagers were constantly playing with their knives. Throw the knife into a target on thr ground type of games. Dog ran through their site, and was prmptly affixed by two knives going through its paws. Their apology was slicing the throat of the dog, in front of the owner.
Nobody let their pets run loose after that event.
@@pietrefief7362 Where the hell were you camping? Afghanistan?
There's no such thing as too slow when backing into a spot... Just listen to one person and one person only... But thank those who offer suggestions
Which should maybe be #6 - don't help unless they ask or you ask if they want your help!
Good advice. A little consideration goes a long way.
Just remember the Golden Rule we all learned in grade school. Smh, on a picnic table???? Thank you so much for these tips, should be watched by everyone who buys an RV.
Kids running through other people's campsites really frustrates! I grew up camping and as a kid I was taught to walk around other people's tents/caravans. So as an adult, trying to teach my own 2 and 4 year olds, its annoying when other kids come waltzing into our site.
Also! The thing we always did was while the adults were packing down tents/packing up cars all the kids ran around and did an "emu bob" where we collected all the rubbish
Thank you for posting this. I would add a couple things to your list:
1.) not everyone thinks your dog is cute nor do they want to hear it barking…esp if you are 2 feet away from it.
2.) be mindful of your headlights when going through the campground. When people are sitting headlights are going directly in their eyes. I switch to my parking lights along with my fog lights which allows adequate visibility at 10 mph.
3.) be mindful of speed. A couple weekends ago I was camping where the speed limit is 15 mph through the campground and I had people tailgating me trying to get back to my trailer. The other times they were driving fast. RELAX, you are on vacation. Also, there are people walking or kids playing or riding bikes. A kid might chase a ball or frisbee into the road. It’s not worth running over someone.
4.) be mindful of your vehicle. No one wants to hear a straight pipe truck running through the campground at midnight.
5.) smile and talk to people. I’ve met some really nice and interesting people camping with great stories or experiences I’ve used to plan future trips. Also, I learn from asking them how they do things camping that help with future trips or towing.
Don’t mean to sound snooty, but I grew up camping and people had a lot more respect then. We were always told as kids to use “inside voice” in the campground as a matter of respect. It is frustrating to go camping these days with the loud music and seeming lack of respect for others. Perhaps that is just ignorance (not stupidity) to general etiquette. Regardless, I hope this video sheds light on a few things. Safe travels everyone.
Appreciate you taking the time to share this
As a long time tent camper, and now a PUP camper, I think it's important to be courteous with lights and sounds as not everyone is in their hard walled, insulated, air conditioned condo watching 4k TV. Those of us with soft sides really are most affected by these things. It seems like the bigger more expensive the unit the nose I find little respect for tents.
maybe time to ditch the pup tent for a real camper? RV parks may not be ideal for tenters.. just saying.
@@VOOODOOO37 There are many campgrounds with mixed use. Most campers started in tents and worked our way up. Josh made this video stressing to be courteous. You just blew it by essentially saying someone's else's set-up is inferior. I hope you don't say things like this to your camp neighbors.
I have transitioned from tents to RV's now and always have a soft spot for tenters. If I have tent camper neighbors, I make sure to turn my lights off for them, watch my music volume and offer coffee if they don't seem to have any, help in the rain, etc. Most of us started there and in the future, that tenter might become an RVer on the road next to you.
@@havsumora wow aren't you an idiot, get a clue. Hope you don't go camping anytime soon, would hate to be next to you or see your Karen attitude.
@@havsumora same rules for everyone, will turn music down at quiet hours. same with light. If they don't like it, hit the road
My wife and I camp in a tent. We don’t have shades to draw for our tent to block light...so thank you for telling everyone not to leave them on all night! And thanks too for the one about the music. When you’re in a private campground where they may be more cool with parties all night, that’s one thing...but in a state or national park/forest type place, it’s really important to respect everyone else’s ability to get a good night’s sleep, and leaving your campsite dark and quiet when quiet hours come along really makes a huge difference for everyone around you...especially when they’re in a tent. Most people are great about that, but it can wreck the entire experience when someone makes it impossible to sleep soundly, and they may have travelled thousands of miles to get there.
Nothing quite like trying to sleep in a tent next to an RV with the A/C running all night. To say nothing of hiking all day and wanting to get to sleep early, and the generator is running 15 feet away...
Thank you for mentioning Light Pollution. Many of the National Parks in Utah are official Dark Sky Parks, and one yahoo with a bunch of stadium-bright lights can ruin everyone's night vision and wreck their opportunity to see more stars than they knew existed.
I'm always happy to meet new people at the campground, but the walking through my campsite is the most common thing on this list that bothers me.
I put up trip wires with empty soup cans, scares the bejesus out of them
Vooodooo, that’s hilarious 😂. I bet that keeps them away.
@@VOOODOOO37 I do the same but I call it an asshole trap.
@@southlakeowendrive lol
We used to do a lot of tent camping when I was a kid. My mom was like a drill sergeant. “We need to police the area” . Basically all 5 of us kids walked around the campsite looking for any bits of trash we might have missed. It was a good lesson for all of us. I still do that once I’ve hooked up the trailer and secured everything. Police the area.
We learned the same from our parents.
Same here except my grandpa was a drill sergeant in the national guard so he goes over everything with a fine tooth comb before we leave. Miss 1 thing and you'll never hear the end of it.
We'd get the kids to do that when we arrived too. It kept them busy and gave us a nice site.
We always patrolled the campsite as a family to get all the garbage and toys. I made it fun by telling them it was to make sure we got all the army men, “no man left behind”. But I also wasn’t kidding, we always found army men during the final patrol.
I had to look at your name to see if this was one of my kids posting! "Police the area kids!" when we finished packing up at the end of every trip!
Sad that common sense isn't so common anymore. Love your videos josh
In summation: 10 PM is quiet time. Learn it! Own it!
AGREE! Goes for generators too. It'a camping for Christ's sake.
11pm here
First thing we leaned as a young family with a pop-up in State parks..
Our place has no quiet time. Weekends are wide open…! 3 in the morning is pretty common 🍻😎
@@SuperRadrat yikes! thankfully my A/C unit drowns out most exterior noise
I've got a black hose for black tank flush and I installed a backflow preventer on it to make sure there should be no chance of infecting the water source.
Mr. Fidel: Thanks. The backflow preventer on the flush hose is a great tip. Respectfully, WS
The only one I’d add is that people need to keep their dogs on leashes and pick up their dog’s poop.
I can't believe how many times I have seen a dog poop in a campground, and the owner doesn't clean it up. Same with barking dogs - if the dog is not comfortable or happy camping, please do not bring him to camp.
As a dog owner the things you mentioned are a minimal requirement.
@@matthewbegin3462 yes Sir.
@@janfulton190 I agree on the first part. Pick up your dog poop and always have your dog on a leash. HOWEVER, I have to disagree with the barking sentiment. I own a Beagle who doesn’t bark out of distress or any other negative. She barks when she either spots an animal she wants to play with or when she is bored and want direct attention. Trust me she loves to camp but she is still going to bark.
A dog barking bothers me half as much as kids screaming while camping! Leave them at home then as well
My dad made us watch this before we went camping
In a wilderness area, there may be COYOTES (4-legged), that are looking for a quick meal - YOUR PET OR YOUNG CHILD!
We all make mistakes, but if you try to be respectful of others and think a little, you will not be in Josh's post with your face covered. Stay safe Josh
Lol 😆
Josh, this is a great PSA, and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with all of them and would add that the fire pit is not a place to leave your trash when you depart the site. Even if it’s paper or cardboard, it’s not courteous and sends the wrong message to people who are just starting out in the camping world. No plastic, cans or other rubbish belong in the ring either.
I’m always amazed at the number of people who think that bottle caps are combustable.
After seeing the picnic table decorated with sewers hoses, from now on I’m going to pack our 4’ folding table along with the picnic items the next time we go on a picnic or camping. Thanks for the great information video on camp site manners. It’s ashamed that common sense for a lot of people is non existent.Have a blessed day & God Bless
Thumbs up on #3. If you're afraid of the dark, stay home.
❤️
I’d add make sure you teach your kids the same rules and have them respect others’ sites. Also, a personal rule of mine, I always try to avoid having to empty the old black tank when people are actively using the site next to me.
People disregarding the speed limit in a campground is one of my biggest pet peeves. Little kids are unpredictable. Slow down.
The flip side is people need to control their children and not allow them to roam and act like wild animals.
@@dankopolny5558 That’s what I said. I hate the idiot parents that allow their kids to roam like feral animals and refuse to control the little monsters.
Aren’t there leash laws for kids?
Music volume seems to one that is frequently broken.
I always walk around my site to check my volumes.
Not picking up after dogs and not controlling dogs from barking.
You can certainly always pick up after them but you can't always control their barking.
Not all dogs bark, if they do try to control the best you can- dogs bark sometimes, let’s be reasonable.
I’m no expert but I’ve always paid to have my dogs trained, and never had a problem with them barking.
We bought recharging barking collars for our dogs so they get “zapped” if they bark. They are small and yappy, but those collars do work!
@@dondartt684 Sometimes is fine. But when that dog goes on for HOURS, and I have heard them, that is beyond excessive and needs to be stopped. This is also true just in normal life, like at home. When it's 2 am and that neighbor dog has been going off since 10 pm, there needs to be an intervention.
People need to be considerant with their dogs... DO NOT let them: bark all day, wander around not on a leash, pee on others property, and clean up after them.
Learned at Field School: Don't run your generator or your car engine for prolonged periods near other people's breathing space. They end up breathing the fumes.
Regarding outside lights: turn them off at night even when you are not in proximity to someone else. Leaving them on attracts all kinds of bugs to your rig.
We had a Friend that had to be rushed to the hospital bc of that. Someone else's generator almost poisoned them to death.
Not a rule but, if you have full hookups at your site, run water down the sewer pipe to make sure it will drain. Deff not fun to start dumping your black tank and you find out the hard way that the pipe won’t drain! 🤮
Smart
This sounds like a first hand experience bit of advise.
@@jpgale , Yep, thank goodness the gray valve got pulled first by mistake!
STOP STOP STOP disrespecting the land and nature, ESPECIALLY the FREE lands that the government has courteously given for RVers to use!!
I completely agree that we all need to take care of and respect these public lands. However, the government doesn’t “give” us these lands. Public land belongs to all American citizens, it’s not the government’s. Sorry for the soapbox.
The last 14 words hurt my heart.
sorry that you belive the goverment is giving you somthing that you alredy own
Can't wait till they give us our rations
@@me-ry8jg The only thing government can give you, is something they took from someone else. These lands are ours already. They are just paid to watch over them. Some do better than others. We have allowed them to get away with too much for too long. Next thing they will do is start charging us for the air we breath.
Please leash your dog. If they’re a good protector, please keep them indoors at night
Related: Respect campground quiet hours.
AMEN!!!!
🤦🏿♀️🤦♀️🤦🏽♀️
Just got back from camping with my grandparents all weekend at Camp Blanding. Quite time is 10pm-7:30am. Because of the holiday weekend all 3 campgrounds were packed not 1 empty site and by this morning only a few sites were occupied as the others were evicted for disturbing the peace. Most of the people were drunk an riding around in golf carts and boats blasting the radio all night long.
Including GENERATORS.
In both directions: I assume everyone has been around that old man who decides quiet hours start three hours early when he's around.
Clean up after your dogs and keep them leashed...we take our dog with us every trip and it astonishes us everytime is the camper that allows their dog just free roam without any care about who he bothers and where he deposits land mines....drives us crazy, cause it makes us who pick up after and keep our pet with us look bad.
Do not let your dogs run loose! But that’s not just camping that’s pretty much for always
On tight, full hook-up sites, your black water drain hose is by my picnic table. Please buy decent hoses and make sure your connections are air tight.
You missed the #1 complaint, pick up your dogs crap! Some campgrounds have had to ban dogs, or required people to send in a DNA sample before the dogs even allowed in, all because of lazy people. Get caught not picking up after your pet and you can be banded from the campground.
As nasty as that may seem, and I totally agree it was the wrong thing to do, but think about it, anything that lives in that water or near it has been peeing and pooping in it, anyone in a tube is not going to wait until they get to a bathroom to just go pee.
Two more for me:
100db volume impact drivers to lower stabilizers. Use a drill, not an impact.
Barking dogs. Take the dog inside if it's barking.
Impacts are haaaard on stabilizers, as well. They do not stand up to the rattling. We all know the high quality standards of campers these days. Why would you want to prematurely wear them out?
This is the exact reason why I carry my own table and chairs I've seen people change babies on the picnic tables gross
Bravo, Uncle Josh! We last "camped" at the accessible cabin at the state park. There were signs asking folks to stay away from the cabin because it was in use. A young boy came right up to the door, cupped his hands around his eyes to look in at me. I was going to have a word with the boy's father until I saw the father walk up to our picnic table and place his muddy shoe up there to re-tie his shoe. At that point, I figured the father wouldn't understand the lack of respect his son showed since he seemed to have the same lack of respect.
😂 that's crazy
God Bless 🛐
You should have said something to the father!!
“As an American, I will do my best to -
Be clean in my outdoor manners.
Be careful with fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors.
Be conservation minded.” - Boy Scouts Outdoor Code
Scouting is big on camping and being outdoors and hence on outdoor ethics. We preach all the stuff you said and then some (down to limiting what color tents are so as not to be to jarring a sight out in nature.) Well, at least OUR troop does (I’m the Scoutmaster.) It’s just common sense stuff… but common sense isn’t as common anymore unfortunately. Fewer and fewer are learning it. That’s partly on us all, we haven’t been teaching these things universally.
I literally laughed out loud when you said “Don’t use the drinking water to flush down your Taco Tuesday!!!! That’s gross!” LOL LOL LOL. PREACH brother!!! PREACH
Thanks Josh!! Respect is the key word.👍👍👍
Between the loud music and the barking dogs, I might as well stay home.
My neighbor threw a rock through my window so he could hear it louder……. That was awesome … Thankyou for making me spit out my precious coffee….in regards to the picnic table , there are many videos on you tube with people who are not new to camping , giving advice on dumping black tanks like Christmas vacation . Its disgusting .
I work at a campground and my husband and I full time. Thank you for this video!!!! I have to talk to people about these common courtesy all the time and it gets old fast.
Share it around!
If you have to show up to the campground after quiet hours, do the minimum and finish setting up in the morning.
I was at a campground where a couple showed up with a large fifth wheel and modified (LOUD) diesel truck just after midnight. The Mrs got out and proceeded to yell directions to the driver (no walkie talkie or cell phone) until the driver managed to strike a parked car with the front of the truck. The driver and the fearless spotter start yelling at each other. Other campers around them wake up including the owner of the now scratched and dented car. The park ranger comes down, the state police are called, (because apparently the driver has never been wrong before) Information is exchanged, and most of the campers go back to bed. A few minutes later the guy is back out there using his impact driver to lower his jacks. I finally spoke up and yelled "finish setting it up in the morning". After I spoke up most of the campers that had stayed silent until this point started yelling thank you. When they had finished, the last guy yelled "good night John boy!
I work nights so I have no choice other than to show up late. I will NOT use an impact or work on my truck but I will fully set up my camper and enjoy my stay with my schedule lol.
@@destinhook3826 yes you have a choice, you arrive in the morning to your reserved spot.
@@juliemulie1805 No, again, i work nights so MY day is night time. I will arrive at night and enjoy my camping experience.
@@destinhook3826 I do as well, just being courteous and quiet is the best I can do and try not to disturb anyone. Been pretty good so far with my pop-up. Even use the manual crank if too late at night instead of the voracious electric crank that scares half of nature away.
@@destinhook3826 wow.
Just got back from a month long trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Every day, all day, all night folks were walking thru the sites. I even asked if my tent was in there way as they walked thru. People make camping suck...at times.
There are a bunch of van lifers that will empty their grey tanks on the ground with the excuse that they use biodegradable soaps. Nah man. Go to a dump station.
The 1st and only time we went camping in my parent's brand new BornFree my husband was emptying the black tank. He said maybe we should add more water to flush it out and grabbed the hose at the dump station to fill the fresh water...AAACKK! I yelled NO you can't do that! That's what people clean their sewer homes out with! He'd been camping as a very young kid but I grew up in a camping family so I knew better and was thankfully out with him so I could stop him. I will admit that I never thought about the separate tote idea because the stinky slinky was always in the bumper but believe me it will be the first accessory added to our camper when we're ready.
I'd add don't pack your site with a bunch of people. If you are having a big group get together, get a group site. Many years ago we tent camped in Oak Creek Canyon outside of Sedona. Party next door was having a big family reunion, like 50 or more people. Not only did they have way more than the two tents and 8 people (sleeping) allowed per site, but they took over several other sites and they all spent their time in the site next door. They broke all the common courtesies. Walked right through our camp between my kitchen set up and the picnic table, let their kids run all over, partied like it was 1999 until at least midnight, even woke from a nap to find four little kids faces pressed to my window watching me sleep. For some reason, they didn't get kicked out. That's an extreme example but I've seen other times when too many people congregate at one site without regard for the sites near them. Sure go camping with some friends, visit each other, just remember this isn't your backyard and there are no walls.
If you're not camping in designated camp spots, PLEEEAAASE don't camp right on top of someone already there. Have some respect for personal space! I would argue that this rule applies to camp sites, as well as beach spots, fishing spots, picnic areas, etc.
This, this right here is exactly why I no longer camp at a campground anymore. Too many yahoo’s violating nearly every one of the things on this list. I now only backcountry, off road or overland camp, it’s the only way to really commune with nature anymore.
“The Las Vegas Disco Show” is a pretty funny line.
Change my mind 😆
Seen long term RV’ers breaking loads of these rules for years
A couple more.
1) Please break camp and be off the site on time. I remember arriving after a long drive with two young kids and having to wait until the woman felt like leaving, in spite of being reminded to go by the staff. I was tempted to charge her for the almost 2 hours we'd paid for so she could dawdle.
2) Secondly, just because you enjoyed those dollar store solar lights wrapped around the tree doesn't mean anyone else will. I've thrown away those, potted plants, a clothes line and lots of other well meaning trash. If you want to leave an extra toilet paper roll in the latrine, thank you, but otherwise take it with you.
3) Lastly, stop taming the wildlife. As cool as they were we had one trip with some raccoons that had stopped being nocturnal and would hang out with the campers throughout the day. I was initially concerned enough that I checked with the park staff. They confirmed it was normal behaviour for them. I have no words to explain how irresponsible that was.
Don’t dump your black tank when the people to your left are outside, especially if they are eating!!!
Oh man.. been there. This is the truth
Everything you said was COMMON SENSE! Which is very much lacking in the world these days!
The most disgusting thing I have been finding more frequent in camp sites is diapers in the fire pit. It use to be just once in a while. But now its been 5 times in the passed 3 years. Twice at Salamonie State Park. This year will be the 3rd year that I use my own fire pit. Can't say anymore about this, because my blood pressure will go up and I will offend people and hurt their feelings.
Good stuff...a caveat to noise. I prefer quiet, so try to be mindful of when and where I do things. So yeah, I don't go to Party Cove at the Lake of the Ozarks on a summer weekend and expect quiet.
Keep up the great work.
If you really must on someone's door, stand back a few feet. That door opens into their whole living area, not just an entryway.
Don't interrupt someone's teardown routine - you might make them miss an important step.
Don't stand and stare into someone's site - give them their privacy. It's almost as bad (to our family, anyway) as walking through the site. Extroverts might not understand this, but it's a real thing.
Ironically, those two cleaning their "stinky slinky" camp in an RV titled "Hideout"..... Can we say "Epic Failure" 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Good points as a tent camper for 50 years the leaving the bright lights on all night get me every time. Along with the 55 inch outdoor t.v. blasting a sport game.
Great points! Single biggest unpleasantness we experience is generator noise. Of course if used during allowed hours we can’t complain but its never nice to hear. Campers that limit use, use solar or at least purchase quieter generators are appreciated more than they might know.
As a camp host/work camper from Oakdale Park in Glen Rose TX, I'd like to say THANK YOU 1,000%!!! You hit the nail on every point. The only thing we've never seen on your list (not that it didn't happen) is washing your stinky slinky on the damned picnic table.
The only thing I'd add?
If you rent an RV spot, that doesn't entitle you to park in the empty one next to you. If you do, be prepared to be billed for it, or woken up at 1am by a late arrival. It's not yours, and you don't get to use it just because it's currently empty.
For noise you can also include generators running unnecessarily...ugh the drone sound is so annoying sometimes 😟
And the smell of exhaust. I'm trying to get away from that. I wish the NFS would designate some areas as generator free.
We used to pull our Travel Trailer to NASCAR races where you were all pretty much parked out in lots with no hookups. Hundreds of generators were running during the day, and maybe 10% were running 24/7. They helped to drown out the fireworks and loud parties, it was a blast.
Years ago we went through a couple of hours of an in need of a tune-up generators VAROOM Putt-putt-putt VAROOM Putt-putt-putt until the ranger came out and made them shut it down.
@@BadWolf762 NASCAR yes. Camping no.
@@simbatable sounds kinda like an old hit-and-miss engine, they don't use governed throttlebodies so they regulate engine speed by "missing" a firing cycle by not sparking the plug, especially when they have a light load. It always sounds like they are running out of fuel or something.
They pretty much stopped making them around the 1970s.
Of course it could have also just been really badly tuned, or both.
Not everyone is born with common sense 🙄😒
It's taught by parents.
Well said!! Here I Alberta, Canada we a lot in the Jasper and Banff National Parks. Please do not destroy trees at your campsite for firewood!
My biggest pet peeve? People who have yooooooge bonfires, All. Day. Long. I have asthma--a campfire blowing my way could precipitate a trip to the emergency room. I choose sites carefully, to avoid being 'smoked out'. The bottom line: In campgrounds, be mindful that what you do may unavoidably affect others.
Agreed. Fires make it so others can't sleep. The smoke naturally wakes up many people who are light sleepers.
I full time, weekend warriors really whoop it up, I tolerate it cause they are enjoying their one weekend away, but they are not considerate of anyone else for the most part.
Josh, This is great! My list would be identical. We all need to help the Newbies!
A travel day pack up, clean up checklist would be helpful!
I would like to add to your list to not use your horn lock on your automobile. There is nothing more annoying then a person locking and unlocking car and using the horn in the woods.
Keep your dogs on leashes, pickup after them, and don’t whine if they come into my site and my dog eats them
Don't walk up and strike a conversation with someone who is sitting up their RV campsite. Kindly wait until they are finished. Lots of mental check sheets are being conducted and one small slip up could be catastrophic
I don’t want anyone just walking up into my campsite to strike up a conversation no mater what I’m doing. I don’t do that to others and expect the same in return.
@@gme5802 to each their own. I actually like visiting with fellow campers and not living like an ogre
@@Blackshirtsguru I don’t live like an ogre. It’s funny how you choose to name call because someone doesn’t care to be bothered by others. Just because YOU like imposing yourself on others doesn’t mean others enjoy your or any one else’s company imposed upon them. I just don’t want to have people coming into my campsite, yard or front door uninvited. There is an audaciousness to impose oneself on someone uninvited, quite frankly it’s rude .
Please do not walk into my camp site ever. I am not anti social, but my camp site is like my hotel room (would you walk into someone’s hotel room uninvited?). If you see me off my camp site, we can talk, and I can walk away if I need to.
Thank you for understanding.
@@gme5802 LMAO "Imposing myself on other's? So that's what it's called when I speak to other people? When and where did I actually say that I walk up to someone's door or into their camp? Man...some need to lighten up more. It's a campsite not an army bunker ffs
Awesome video. But I would like to share a couple more issues the wife and I have found with new and seasoned campers, and that is camp fires and parking off the designated parking spurs at a primitive Campground. Almost everytime we go we have to put out a fire someone has left burning in the fire pit after they have left. Living in Utah we have a high fire danger most of the year because we get so dry. If that isn't enough we see people pulling there cars, tow vehicles and side by sides off the designated parking spurs. We have seen people where they will drive over rock and wood steps to park there vehicle closer to the campsite. Not only does it destroy the campsite it can potentially start a fire. The hot engine can catch long dry grass on fire or even dry pine needles. Not to mention if there vehicle is leaking any fluids which in it self is bad for the environment. A forest fire can cause so much damage. It takes years for the land to come back to its full glory. The cost can reach millions of dollars to fight the fire and yet I still see people not doing there part. I carry an extra fire extinguisher with me and set it out by the fire pit just in case and full size shovel to completely put our fire each and every night we have a fire. Most places where we camp there is no host or cell phone service so notifying the authorities is almost impossible.
TY for sharing this. It's a great point and something you don't typically consider. You roll in, you're tired from the drive and ready to relax, so you just park.
This is excellent advice. I'm going to start carrying an extra fire extinguisher as well. Thank you for sharing!
Best of luck with those Rules! Many folks these day's are like, I paid for this site and will Do as I want. What...this isn't a tailgate Party??
Important: DO NOT BATHE IN NATURAL WATER BODIES, RIVERS, STREAMS, SPRINGS. ALSO DO NOT DUMP YOUR DISHWATER OR ANY GRAY WATER WITHIN 200 FT OF ANY OF THESE. DO NOT POOP OR PEE WITHIN 200 FT OF THESE.
Human waste of any sort can contaminate the water sources very quickly. Even biodegradable soaps are not safe to rinse off in water bodies. Biodegradable soaps are formulated to biodegrade when buried in the dirt.
honorable mention: keep your dog on a leash at all times. I don't want the anxiety of thinking your dog might approach me. Also keep you dog quiet. I hate listening to your small dog bark all the time. keep it quiet and leashed. I have a dog and it stays leashed and quiet. If I can do it, you can too!
I totally agree with what you say! We purchased a grabber pick up tool that we keep in our RV to pick up other people's trash so we don't have to touch it, that makes it a lot easier to clean up the camping spots we occupy!
Josh Thank you for saying these things on your platform!!!! Also thanks for all the videos you release!!!
My personal take on music playing or loud TV's..... NOT in ANY campground. I go camping to enjoy the QUIET! and listening to someone's noise is not what I'm there for. Keep it at home.
There have been so many people wandering through camp sites this year.
A lot of these rules are written. Also, I use my neighbors hose to wash my sewer hose.
True, these rules are usually written somewhere on the paperwork you get when you check in but few read them.
You are absolutely right about every single one of the points on the list. Unfortunately I fear that almost all of the people that would actually commit these camping sins, would tell you to mind your own business and continue with their obnoxious behavior. Luckily there are a lot of good people out there to offset the morons and those are the ones that camp the most.
As luck would have it, I watched this video sitting on a public picnic table. Now I’m grabbing some bleach wipes with my freshly washed hands....