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Basic Camping Rules and Etiquette
By Steven Pike
Escaping to the Great Outdoors is something that a large number of people enjoy doing. Each would have their own personal reasons and each would gain some sort of satisfaction from it.
Some are happy to visit the most convenient spot, not too far from the comforts of the modern world, and others prefer to travel to the most isolated and lonely spot to indulge in the peace and quiet this form of camping undoubtedly brings.
No matter where you pitch your tent, there are some basic rules that should be followed to maximise your experience, and the experience of other campers, present or otherwise.
When utilising the more popular areas, usually those within comfortable driving distance from the city, camping etiquette is most important.
Noise
Most grounds will have designated camping spots, usually separated from each other by trees or bushes to provide some sort of privacy. However, even though you can't see your neighbouring campers, doesn't mean they are not there. Noise should be kept to a minimum. After all, leaving behind the noise and problems of living in the suburbs was probably one reason why you are camping in the first place. There is nothing worse that arriving at a favourite spot to be confronted with a car stereo, or worse still, a portable hi-fi system hooked up to generator, belting out music at 120 decibels.
Loud voices at night should also be kept to minimum.
Children
If you have children with you (and if you've got kids you should definitely take them), then try and encourage them to behave when traversing the camping ground. They can get carried away with it all and end up running all over your neighbours site. Usually this isn't too much of a problem as the kids will spend most of their day exploring their surrounds.
Respect the environment
Unfortunately, it seems a number of campers blatantly disregard their surrounds or are just ignorant of it.
When moving in and around the campground, stick to the designated walking trails. This prevents damage to the local flora. Some areas have been damaged beyond repair, which has resulted in the loss of plant and animal species.
Don't remove any plants and don't chop up trees for firewood. Irreparable damage will result, and there will be nothing left for others to enjoy.
Rubbish
This is a major problem, especially in the more popular areas.
For some reason, people seem incapable of taking their rubbish out with them. If you brought it with you, then, theoretically, you should be able to take it back out.
In my home State, a popular fishing area has been closed on more than one occasion because of garbage left by campers. It is unsightly and dangerous. There is nothing worse than arriving at your favourite site to be confronted by a pile of broken bottles, cans and papers.
The local wildlife is attracted to garbage and this is detrimental to their health, especially if they ingest a plastic bag or fish hook.
Conclusion
Very basic points have been covered here and they are mainly common sense. If they are adhered too then it will make for a pleasant stay.
If you are visiting the more isolated spots then you are less likely to have any problems, but please, in these areas, be especially mindful of the environment. The kids I mentioned earlier will thank you for it one day.
About the Author
Steven Pike spends all of his spare time visiting country areas of his home State, South Australia, taking photographs. His interest in nature extends into the areas of camping and fishing, but his focus is on the magnificence of nature. He hopes to portray some of this beauty in his photographs and encourage people to view their surrounds in a different light.
http://smp.photostockplus.com
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