Caravanning bliss: 6 tips to ensure your campsite becomes a neighbourly haven

The shared spaces of caravan parks and campgrounds are intimate communities. Carolyn Tate explains the little things novices and seasoned adventurers alike can embrace to endear yourself to fellow wanderers and forge friendships on the road.

By Carolyn Tate

Caravanning etiquette to get along with your neighbours

Caravanning is a great way to explore New Zealand's extensive open roads, discovering new destinations, and creating lasting memories.

Whether you’re new to caravanning or you’ve been doing it for a while, there are always little things you can do to up your value as a caravan park neighbour, ingratiating yourself with others and collecting new friends along the way. 

And on the flipside, there are things you should never do if you want to be allowed back. 

Caravan parks and campgrounds can be an intimate living experience. As much as you have your own space, you’re also sharing with a varied mix of people you don’t know. To ensure it’s a pleasant experience for all, knowing and practising good caravanning etiquette is key.

Here are 6 essential tips to help you get along with your neighbours while on the road:

1. Respect quiet hours

One of the great joys of caravanning is being able to enjoy the tranquility of nature, but tranquility can only exist if everyone agrees to let it. Most caravan parks and campgrounds have quiet hours – typically from evening to early morning – during which you’re expected to keep loud noises and disturbances to a minimum.

Caravanning etiquette tip: be mindful of your noise levels during quiet hours. This includes not playing loud music, noisy generators, revving engines, or engaging in boisterous activities. Respect your neighbours' need for a peaceful night's sleep and serene mornings. 

2. Maintain a tidy campsite

A tidy campsite not only makes the space more comfortable for you, it also contributes to the overall ambiance of the campground – and the reason you liked the look of it in the first place. Caravanners should always clean up after themselves and keep their camping area looking reasonably organised.

Caravanning etiquette tip: dispose of your rubbish properly, using designated bins and recycling facilities. Store your camping gear and equipment neatly to avoid clutter. And try not to encroach on your neighbour's space, so everyone has enough room to enjoy their campsite.

3. Be mindful of generator use

Generators are great if you’re camping off-grid, providing power for your appliances and allowing you to charge your devices. But anyone who has ever camped near a generator will know they’re also noisy, and their emissions can be pretty smelly too.

Caravanning etiquette tip: limit your generator use to designated hours, following any campground rules or guidelines. Also take a moment to consider the proximity of neighbouring campsites and the impact of generator noise on their experience. If in doubt, ask your neighbours when the best time would be to run your generator, and if you don't need to use it, opt for quieter alternatives like solar power.

4. Practise pet courtesy

Travelling with your beloved pets is one of the perks of caravanning, and campgrounds often welcome them. But it’s still important to be a responsible pet owner to ensure everyone in the vicinity is comfortable and happy. 

Caravanning etiquette tip: keep your pet on a leash in designated areas and clean up after them straight away. Be aware of barking, which can disturb fellow campers. Respect any campground rules regarding pets, and ensure your furry friend doesn't intrude on your neighbours' campsites. Just because you know Fido is friendly doesn’t mean others might not find them intimidating or scary – especially children. 

5. Follow campground rules

Each caravan park and campground has its own set of rules and regulations designed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests. It's your responsibility to familiarise yourself with these rules and adhere to them. This might sound obvious, but simply following the rules can make a big difference to everyone’s experience.

Caravanning etiquette tip: review each campground’s rules when you arrive and ensure you understand them. Common rules may include speed limits within the park, check-out times, and fire safety guidelines.

6. Engage in friendly neighbourly interaction

Part of the appeal of caravanning for many is the sense of community that comes along with it. It's a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers, and engaging in friendly conversations and offering help to others if they need it can help you to have a much better time and enjoy the mental health benefits of being a part of a social group. 

Caravanning etiquette tip: be open to making new friends and striking up conversations with your neighbours – and if you see someone struggling with a set-up or lighting a fire, offer a helping hand. That sense of camaraderie and mutual support can make an enormous difference to your caravanning experience, and you’ll find most people will welcome your company and be up for a chat.