By Brenda Odom
We have been campers for more than 30 years; we have been work campers for the past five of those. Before that, we spent a year managing a large coastal RV resort. In other words, I doubt we would be called “newbies.”
During our journey we have enjoyed the privilege of serving fellow campers, sharing whatever knowledge we have acquired along the way, meeting new friends and giving back to the community as volunteers. We have the Shutterfly albums, the campground patches, and the hiking medallions to prove it.
As I write this, my husband and I are taking a quick break from our current camp host duties. Below is a quick recap of just the first few hours of our day.
Work campers, the day-to-day
- Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Check-out time is 1:00 p.m. It is not even 11:30 a.m. yet and campers are lined up waiting to come in! (Shown in the photo above.) If you do the math, camp hosts should have three hours to clean and prepare sites. As near as I can figure, the above scenario results in a negative 1.5 hours of time to do our jobs. I am not even sure how to work backward!
- As we cleaned sites this morning, we actually had waiting campers tell us it was okay with them if we did not clean the site… they just wanted in! Actually, we would love to not have to clean; we could just sit in our chairs and watch the caravan roll by. But we are old folks with that “work ethic” thing going, so we follow the requirements of our host park, which requires work campers to sanitize sites, spray touched surfaces with disinfectant (re COVID precautions), clean fire pits, and rake gravel sites to remove trash. We actually carry a sharps container just in case we find something undesirable that could harm you or your children. And when you say it is “okay” for us not to clean so you can ignore check-in time, then the trash in your fire pit and that big pile of dog poo left behind becomes your problem, not ours.
- A few campers are leaving. Many will wait until check out time; several of those will exceed that time and when politely reminded, will look us dead in the eye and say, “Yes, we know.” (Translation: We are not leaving until we are good and ready.) I can’t swear to it, but I suspect these are the same ones who pulled in well before checkout time expecting to find a site!
- One especially large Class A, pulling a 20’ trailer tall enough to stand in, has requested that my husband precede him as he leaves, trimming overhanging limbs along the way so that his McMotorhome won’t get scratched. This is a state park. We try hard, but there is no concierge service.
Becoming “just campers” once again
As I think about the above scenarios, I find myself tired, wanting a shower, and desperately needing to keep the good memories alive and untarnished by those of this brave new post-COVID-camping culture. And so we have both decided to become “just” campers once again.
We will camp during the week when things are quieter and we will avoid 200-site campgrounds with the crowds, the noise, the expensive glamping amenities, and search for the small town communities where folks are content to hike the trails, visit with neighbors, read a book, relax in their hammocks and smell the campfires and the fresh air. We will return to our camping roots and seek places where folks leave their sites clean, keep their music low, pick up after their pets and children, and abandon their privileged attitudes at the gate.
Those places are out there. I know they are. But I’m not telling where: That is a secret best kept for retired work campers.
Why RVtravel.com exists and where you fit in: “RVs don’t break down. RV roofs do not leak.”
RELATED
- Work camping tips from the experts
- 13 tips about work camping that will point you to success
- Several of my friends are quitting RVing. You can probably relate to why they’re doing so
##RVT1042
I don’t blame you at all for keeping your special place for camping a secret.
Definitely hear you and echo your sentiments. Will be doing the same and have some of those “just camping” spots chosen for ourselves. Time for some peace and quiet and to return to our camping roots.
To all of the above respondents who gave a damm to other people- YOU ARE SHOWING YOUR AGE.
Sounds to me like you’ve had enough. That’s ok. This work camping is no different than what housekeeping does at a Holiday Inn. It just sounds more enjoyable because your “at a campground”. Cleaning a bathroom at the Best Western and picking up poo at the campsite are kind of analogous to me. When you first work camped you probably couldn’t wait to begin and it was more of a dream come true. But it is a job and your dealing with people. It’s the people you can’t deal with anymore.
The 4 PM check in time is a big part of the problem. People do not want to arrive right before it starts getting dark and pay for an entire night just to set up.
The 1 PM check out time is the other problem. The day you’re supposed to leave is when you leave. 11 AM is far more reasonable.
On this trip we had a check out time of 11 AM but we’re only driving 130 miles. We arrived at the next stop at 1:30 PM for a 3 PM check in but the private park has enough staff to do the job so a spot is available. As people pull out during the busy season they ask what spot you left so they can get that spot prepped immediately and reassign it.
A state park probably takes an Act of Legislature to change the times but like all jobs, you either do what your employer asks or you move on. Literally, in this case.
This article came across as kind of self-centered. It’s not “giving back to the community volunteering” if the camp host is getting a free or heavily discounted spot. It’s a job.
It is not just work camping. This reflects some of the reasoning that after 16 years my wife and I sold our campground.
Guilty as charged…of wanting into our site earlier than the specified check in time. We’ve had a coupe of parks clearly state (and hold firm) to the specified check in time recently. I do have to say, 4 pm is a pretty late check in time. Thanks for your perspective as hosts!
Agreed. Eventually campgrounds will have to or should have an “automatic charge” applied to your credit card if you check out late, no show a reservation, etc. Inconsiderate campers should all have a charge associated with their actions. It is not fair to the people who follow all the rules and regulations, as well as who are thoughtful enough about how they RV.
Great idea!!!
The way I see it their is a list for people waiting to be camp hosts. If it is not for you then you should go back to just camping. You are dealing with the public when you decided to take the job. Is the public as considerate as they could be no not at all. Why because you people that are so perfect forgot to raise your kids with discipline and teach them the Bible. Their is no respect for rules because their was no teaching of the rules.
We also have numerous quiet campsites picked out across the country. Way less entitled people to deal with. We just booked the 4th of July weekend to avoid the fireworks. The campground is not near any place that has fireworks! Funny how small secluded towns work. Start playing loud music at 11:00 pm and I guarantee you won’t wake up in that campsite in the morning. You’ll be booted! My kind of camping. There are still sites available………. oh wait…… you’ll need directions. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
We still don’t get these 3 & 4:00pm
check-in times. We have full timed for 4 years and this seems to be something new. These are not hotel rooms where you have surfaces to clean, bathrooms to clean and beds to make! It takes 5 min. to spray the disinfectants on connectors and check the site for things left behind. We have watched this many times in different campgrounds as they “clean”. With these late check in times you don’t even get 24 hours at the site with check out at 11 and then they raise the price! We leave at 11 and only travel 2 – 3 hours per day because we like to see the area we are in and are older. It makes it very hard to enjoy our stay. We avoid these ‘late’ check in parks as much as possible😔
I’ve been camping for 30 years, check in times are always around 1-2, the times have gotten later because campers aren’t cleaning their sites before they check out like they use to. The fact that you avoid those “late” check in parks, probably makes them happy.
We have camped in COE campgrounds where the check-in time is as late as 6 pm. That’s a real PIA when it’s late fall and dark at that time. In those cases I take my chances with arriving a bit early.
Some sites will be that simple. But others aren’t. I’ve seen burn pits loaded with drink cans and boxes from said drink cans. Then they have to empty the burn pits of ashes so it’s not all built up of ashes. So much dog poo they have to pick up so next camper doesn’t complain from stepping in it. Not to mention mowing in those tight spots at sites that are always reserved. I’ve seen a lady come out and chew a camp worker for grass from weed eating got on her camper! And the camper had been there for 2 weeks and complained it needed mowed! If you want to avoid that time frame grab the day before you are supposed to arrive. That way you can arrive anytime the following day.
Thank you for your service. It is sad what our society has become, it’s all about me and rules do not apply.
4 is pretty late in the day to check in. 1300 is much more reasonable. We stayed at one RV park, that if you arrived before official check-in time, it cost $$$.
As a fellow camp host, we experience some of the same. We can usually work around the late check outs and early check ins. The things that amaze me or the pet issues; dogs off leash, pet poop left in the bathroom garbage can or laundry garbage can instead of the dumpster (wonderful smell for the other campers). Generally 99% of the campers are great and understanding.
They should have zero tolerance for the dog poop and lease thing, if caught breaking the rules, you have to leave, no ifs ands or butts.
Waiting for a 3 or 4 pm check in time does not bother me as long as I have someplace to park while waiting. The thing is I arrive when I arrive. That depends of what time we left that morning (had to be out by a certain time) and how many hours on the road we’ve been. I am not going to circle the park for an hour or two just so I can arrive at the appointed hour.
Arrival time is the arrival time. It is what it is. Basic math from point a to point b. Don’t be part of the problem. Deal with it.
True, arrival time is arrival time. I never arrive before I get there. I make no problems for anyone. Thats the way I roll.
And…there you have it. You make someone else responsible for your issue.
If numerous fellow campers have the same issue, is it up to campgrounds to maintain a “holding lot” for all the very early arrivers to park in or might those campers plan ahead and find someplace else to go for a while until check-in time is there?
We never arrive early. Check in time is one of the park rules that should be followed, and the camper doesn’t get to decide. We hardly ever travel more than 130 miles or so between parks; we like short drives. We are people who leave just before check out time (again, check out time is a park rule and I can stay till that time) so there are many times we would arrive way too early IF we were to do that. We don’t. We park in a Walmart or other big box store out of the way and have a late lunch, a nap, shop, or read till check in time. We arrive at the park after check in time.
Your correct we basically do the same. The night before a move we r packed up and hooked up. We always take a pull thru site so we need to take in the electric and hit the ignition switch. If we are traveling along we will go 300 miles when we are about out from the next cg we call ahead. If we r two hours after check in we give them a ETA. If we are early we find a place to park it until the times matches the check in time. We don’t have problems with reservations and we DON’T GO WITHOUT RESERVATIONS.
It would be appreciated if they provided a space to wait. My planning is generally based on when the park opens not the campground. I never arrive too early, certainly not before sunrise.
And there you are, the entitled commenting stupidly about how you’re not smart enough to plan your trip around the rules, while those of us that have been camping for over 30 years are smart enough.
I really don’t see a problem. I’ll wait Until the campground opens. At time I was let in early. The thing is I set my agenda to suit me.
As prior work campers at state parks, I feel your pain. You didn’t mention those who ride or drive up and come rushing into a “closed for cleaning” bathhouse saying that they can’t wait. By the time you make sure that the cleaning supplies are not posing a safety hazard, they could have gone the next bathhouse which was less than a quarter mile away. Of course, you have to then clean the used stalls and sinks again. We didn’t mind the early arrivals, as I could alter my schedule to clean their site and most didn’t mind the short wait. What most irritated us were the few campers who at check out time were just starting to break camp, decide to take the family to the bathhouse for a 20 minute shower, or leave the campground for a grocery or sight seeing run. I lost count of the times the park office had to call people to inform them that they must return and vacate the park. Most campers followed the rules and were very nice, but the 2 to 5 % mentioned above made us “just campers”.
Yesterday, check-out time was 11 am. Eastern Standard Time Zone. The direction of travel west 100 miles. Even after checking out late, getting fuel we were much earlier than our 4 pm Central Time Zone check-in.
Good thing it was not in December with the shorter days. In December a four pm check-in time is arriving after dark.
As for cleaning. We have never left a campsite (nearly two hundred campsites in four years) that needed even one second of cleaning. If you do — shame on you. Leaves are normal. They don’t need to be blown. Dirt does not need to be raked. Fire pits… we never use them.
That goes double for dog owners (we don’t travel with animals) if you leave fresh doggy presents in a campsite. Shame, shame, shame.
For the folks who don’t understand the check-out and check-in times, think of it this way. Arriving before check in does not allow the site to be properly cleaned (there are many more sites that clean than just your site). With folks who wait until the last minute to leave (or leave late) and leave a mess the hosts are slammed. I am sure it takes more than 10 minutes to clean a site, now multiply by all of the sites that need servicing and add to that all of the requests and questions from campers and it all adds up.
When we travel we try to leave before check-out and arrive after check-in. We sightsee along the way and take frequent stops to let the dogs out and take a break from driving. Remember, it it supposed to be fun. See the world’s largest ball of string.
We never go to private parks but we use state parks for a night or two. We work camped for the last 2 years, mostly due to Covid just to get off the road. It was a very pleasant experience except for the people that pushed the 2:00 check-in. Some have been very pleasant, we had a staging area for them to wait. Some ignored us completely and would then harass either the occupants of the site while they are getting ready to leave or the camp hosts cleaning the site. The park, a county park, we hosted for began really holding to that check-in time because of those people. Check out was noon, so it’s tight anyway for 2 people to clean up to 40 sites in 2 hours. If you come early, it’s your issue, not the parks. Plan your trip accordingly or expect to stage until check-in time. No one is more important than another. We’ve had times when we were only 120 miles to our next destination so that’s when we got fuel, grocery shopped or whatever to arrive at check-in time. It’s really very simple.
One solution for late check in campsites is to reserve the day before you plan to come in. Costs a little more but then you can check in anytime you want on the planned day of arrival.
It took me years to figure that out but once I did it was well worth the money
The only problem with that is then you are taking away a night from someone who may want it. Some people just need a one night stay while traveling. I imagine most of the time it is not an issue in state parks; for instance booking a Thursday when you plan on arriving Friday probably would not put anyone out. Just be aware that when someone does that, they are potentially taking a night away from someone else.
It just amazes me how campers can be rude to fellow campers and their camp host which are campers. Providing a service for all those that come to the camp ground and leave. Don’t compare campgrounds to hotels. Much different and example is hotel rooms are together with a staff large enough to cover the facility where I camp ground can cover several acres to visit each site, clean the do the public areas throughout all staffed by a couple of retires and they are doing check ins and check outs. You are not finding the younger crowd lined up to work at a camp ground and if you see younger its the camp ground owners kids. We shoot 1/2 hour early before check in. And We are 85% packed the night before to check out. If fellow campers would pick up and leave it like they found it, it would be much easier for all and if you can’t quit camping and if your older (retired) and complaining the give up the ghost. I have found to work with it not against it and relax your retired.
I used to be a boater. I owned boats of size, not day rippers. We would go to local marinas for weekends along with many others. In the early years most fellow voters were reasonable and understanding. As time went by and the common boater owned ever larger vessels that they couldn’t control or properly operate things started the downward spiral that never slowed down. We avoided the marinas for several years opting to spend weekends “on the hook” in protected coves but even that wasn’t enough to isolate us. Our neighboring boaters in our seasonal marina became as obnoxious as all the dolts in the weekend vacation marinas. We finally gave in after many yers of boating and sold our boat. We initially considered camping as an alternative, but sadly, reading what I’ve been reading for several years I can see that it is no better, and might even be worse, since the option of secluded coves doesn’t exist. The only non campground options are Wal-Mart parking lots! NO thank you!
The Odom’s nailed it. My wife and I went through the same scenario with exception of how long they have been camping. We jumped into it 5 years ago when we became full timers. We quit in March 2021. Now we can hardly stand RV parks. We boondock in quartzite Az in the winter and spend our summers on a 5000 sq ft lot we own in Pa for the summer. Our neighbors visit from the city on the weekends and we have the week to ourselves. That’s how we enjoy retirement.
Also a camper for 30 something years. For most of our campgrounds check out time is 11am and check in about 1 or 2. We usually make sure we have a spot and then go hiking until we can occupy our site. Personally, I really haven’t noticed a difference in attitude. There were always jerks, but the vast majority of people are polite. It is a bit harder to find places, but we’ve switched to BLM or Forest Service lands when possible. Of course we still love most state and national parks but have the luxury to visit off season or mid week being retired.
We are travelers, not campers, and prefer “blue highways” to Interstates. We also prefer traveling in late fall, winter, and spring, when there have been fewer crowds. We have found many clean, reasonably-priced (even free!), well-managed small town, county, and state recreation area (not state park) campgrounds along these highways from California to Florida. They have all had electric hookups, as well as water hydrants and dumps.
However, when in states with lakes or rivers with Corps of Engineers campgrounds (none in Colorado where we live), we use them at every opportunity. And in New Mexico, we nearly always stay in their state parks (we have also stayed in their only two COE cgs). These parks are the biggest bargain in the States and Canada–electric and water hookups, restrooms with free hot showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and dumps for $14/night, including park day pass!
Steve, can’t agree more with COE campgrounds!
I have contemplated work camping, but my imagination runs to scenarios such as you describe. So I have never attempted to convince my wife to work camp anywhere. I may never unless that appears the only way to finally visit a location that we really want to see, but could never secure reservations. I am so sorry that things deteriorated to such a state. I hope that your return to “just camping” brings all you seek. Happy trails and safe travels!
Ahh, let the era of self-entilted, obnoxious, arrogant and self styled VIP idiots begin. I am grateful that my parents who grew-up in the Great Depression, lived thru WWII and Korea passed before they would see what a great nation has turned into.
I have to agree completely. Covid campers have completely ruined camping. Add to that your above mentioned brats and camping has almost been ruined. Luckily, Covid campers are now selling their rigs and those of this age with pride & integrity are shaming the entitled bunch. Hopefully things will start to settle down now and camping will once again be good.
I was blessed to listen to a Firman open-frame generator for 7 hours yesterday, and today it’s loud music from some youngish weekenders with children and the requisite big dogs. I would so love to go over there and say “Look, folks, you’re not in the trailer park now. You can’t blast music in here.”
Brenda, your description is one reason why my wife and I avoid almost at all cost any campground with the name “resort”. The other is costs. We have found these types of campgrounds bring more weekend heroes than more rustic and fewer amenities types of campgrounds.
I agree totally. The big circus that the RV industry has become will eventually pass (I hope).
Otherwise, it will self-limit because so many will be turned off by it…overcrowded, overpriced. Just like new RVs. I was ready to trade in my 2020 rig for a 2021 that I liked better. Until I saw that prices had darn near doubled and the purchase experience had become a “take a number” joke…you were regarded as “lucky” just to get the newly-pompous RV saleperson to even speak to you, let alone negotiate a fair price. We walked away…and we WON’T be back. Our present rig is just fine and will probably be our last.
Sorry to hear of your bad experience, my wife and I had a bad experience at our first dealership also. I highly recommend Ricky at Cedar City RV in Lebanon Tennessee. I was so impressed with these guys I drove from Chicago area to pick up my trailer that I purchased from them. They made me feel like family and were just fabulous all the way around. I purchased a 2022 Rockwood mini lite last year and if I buy a new trailer I will go back there again.
The spoiled brats are ruining a lot more than “Camping”.
Pretty simple solution here.
OOPS! I forgot it’s a State Park campground with Government Management making the rules. I guess the simple solution will NEVER be adopted!
We have VRBO short term lake rentals. With COVID and the demand for better cleaning and sanitation standards we made the CHECK OUT time earlier and the CHECK IN time later to allow for better/proper cleaning of the homes between guests. We are at 10:30 and 3:30. A large home is a lot bigger cleaning job than a campsite.
With CHECK IN time at this park already 4:00 PM that’s late enough. Change the CHECK OUT time to 10:30 or 11:00 AM. Give the Host’s the ability to enforce the rules & the time needed to to properly clean the sites to keep a nice campground.
Will people complain about the earlier CHECK OUT time? Yep they sure will just like the complain now about the late CHECK IN time.
Either way you will never win so make it easier on YOURSELF!
Very true.. government parks take forever to do the simplest things. Just outside Las Vegas Bay CG at Lake Mead there’s been a gushing water leak going on for weeks. Reserve California website maps are totally messed up, as is recreation.gov in Utah.
Self generation of job security or just governmental s.o.p. ?
I’ll have to take you to task for the low-hanging branches comment. It’s a lot bigger problem than an RV ‘getting scratched’. Branches can get caught in A/C shrouds, can rip roofs and tear off vent covers. Don’t brush it off as some privileged Rver expecting ‘concierge service.’
Nothing says “we don’t care” quite like making people drag their rigs through trees to get around in your park.
Perhaps you should take your big rig to a luxury RV restore so that it doesn’t get scratched not a state park which are not designed for large rigs. And FYI ANYONE who expects someone to go ahead of them and trim so their BIG rig doesn’t get sratched really takes entitlement to a whole new level!!! #bigrigowner #nostateparks #rvresorts
No, state parks accommodate big rigs just fine, when management does its job and keeps the vegetation trimmed. Anyway, you mostly missed the point. Of course they shouldn’t be asked to go ahead of the rig and trim, they should have kept the trees trimmed in the first place.
Chris, AMEN!!! AMEN!!! RV parks/resorts “State or Private” are their own worse enemies, no one has done a better job of setting themselves up for failure with would be customers than they!
I’m tired of the misleading and deceptive words used by RV parks/resorts like “Big Rig Friendly”, That in my mind does not qualify any park to be Big Rig Compatible just because they offer a 85” pull through!!!! If a park and/or a resort advertises/markets themselves as big rig friendly, then all aspects of the park design should encompass all requirements possible to accommodate large rigs with out the possibility of causing any damage to my camper and/or someone’s else’s etc.
Also, the cesspool of mobile home parks impersonating a RV park has become and epidemic!!
Another bitch point are the parks who have rules and don’t Enforce them!!
If park and /or resort owners, managers etc., knew the amount of financial investment and time we campers take to safely plan a trip, maybe they would be more considerate as to not deceive or falsely advertise their wares. If they don’t care, then they can’t get upset with us when we get pissed off them?!?!?!?!?!
It’s very sad that it has changed so much. So many of the new people coming in don’t even know how to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. And most importantly how to respect it. Hopefully this is just a passing fancy for them, and it will be short lived and maybe things can go back to the “way it used to be”. Those of us who are respectful of our neighbors, pick up our trash and after our dog’s, keep the noise down so we don’t bother others, and trust that when you go out for a day outing, your belongings will still be there when you get back. The Good Old Days for sure.
Oh how we can relate to your workamping experience. We have workamped for the past seven years as hosts and in 2022 we have opted for a different experience, due to the “entitlement” of campers and the hostility faced by workampers. Not too mention the newbies. Last summer we had a newbie that asked where they could fill their tank with water? Response, you have full hookups at your site, they did not even have a hose with them! Another asked if the sites came with washer/dryer hookups. Then those who will not check out on time and don’t get me going on checking in early, and not wanting to pay the early checkin fee……it is a different world these days. Yes, we have a similar work ethic as you but it appears that many out there today do not and they want what they want and they want it NOW!
Sorry to hear how inconsiderate campers can be. Last summer I got ill while traveling, and arrived 30 minutes early to our site in the Tetons. The site manager checked us in early, and I was able to curl up in a ball for the next 18 hours. Thank you to all the hard working work-campers.
What’s with all the noob 50-60 somethings and their LOUD generators running ALL day long while they sit inside?? I’m about to quit camping on account of this careless “camping”…what are they even doing???
Maybe they are watching tv maybe running AC maybe making coffee
Maybe they should get a hotel- it’s called camping for a reason
Exactly! Translation: being a little city boi bit**!
Maybe on the “none ya” program, as in none of your business.
Purchase a Power Invertor. The new Flat Screens use practical no power. As for the Coffee. Use a Purkalator. We do…
I am going to guess that the “noob 50-60 somethings you whine about are no different then in the “good old days” you long for. It is just there are so many, many more chasing a marginally increased number of campsites. You are now just more likely to run into one. Suck it up buttercup!
Camp dispers camp if u dont like generators during the day…if they r off at the time the grounds say then it is what it is..
Thank you and your husband for the hard work and probably great advice you gave campers over the years. I’ve been camping for almost 50 years, thanks to my parents starting me when I was 4, And have always had great experience with camp hosts. I can totally understand why you’re going back to camping, but as I’ve been finding it’s even hard to find good small campsites where idiots haven’t infiltrated. Twice last year camping I had to confront other campers late at night regarding either excessive noise or excessively bright lights at their campsite. It’s really sad people don’t really want to go out and enjoy the great outdoors the way we were taught to. Hopefully now with the pandemic coming to an end, camping will go back to the people who respect, love, and photograph nature.
Most of us are trying to get away from jerks with no consideration for those around them. Don’t follow us out there where the birds are singing instead of your stereo.
Most comments are sincere and thoughtful with hope of educating and informing others. Some comments are Junior High School level to provoke arguments and anger. May the latter group find their own Campgrounds and Company. Oh, and their own website also.
Wow, how rude. You don’t sound like a good neighbor.
or a good speller
I have been a camp host at state and private parks. You’re spot on with your story about early campers, drunk rude campers and folks who think Camp Hosts are at their beck and call. There are good campers…then there are those who ruin it for the good folks. I completely agree with you..I too decided to take a break from camp hosting. I’m searching for the same camp environment as you are. I just want peace and nature. 🙂
Are you for real? How can you afford a 100K RV when you can’t spell or find a period? If you want to be inconsiderate, you can boondock where there is no one else around. I’m sure your 100K RV is outfitted with an inverter and solar so shouldn’t be a problem for you. You are not interested in finding Community, so being out by yourself on BLM land is perfect for you. And it’s only “the new normal” because of people just like you. By the way, making enemies at campgrounds is not a good idea.
LOL
Thank goodness there are still a few pleasant campers out there! Sad to see some people are only about me !!! Just be courteous and clean up after yourself.
Joe….be very glad you are not my neighbor at any campgrounds…now or ever. I am Irish and for some strange reason, every time I camp beside some self-centered knob, the wee folks come out at night and do unkind things.
I hear you!
I work camp at a private RV park, and it’s mostly families who live here and work in the area.
Some, not all, think it’s OK to let their pets off-leash to do their business where ever they please.
We have 15 dog stations but they ignore them.
Or, they come whipping thru the entrance tail gating another guest who just entered their gate code, ignoring the speed limit.
Most of our guests follow the rules that were explained clearly and they agreed to, but the ones who don’t really tick me off.
They are NOT entitled, just disrespectful.
You get one warning. Then stuff gets cut.
Aye to that mate!
I’m with you Pat and I only have 18 years and always have enjoyed being in nature it’s still there as you say. And yes it’s hard to believe some people never learn cans don’t burn and trash is for someone else to deal with. I’ve even stopped telling people that camping is such a great way to live.
Bless your heart ❤️
No one cares about the rules anymore and why should they? They feel entitled or just don’t care. Three dogs and always take bags and be respectful of others. No one gets in trouble anymore from politicians to criminals setting a bad example. Thank you for your article!
Hi. We live full time in our RV. It’s only a 23 foot. We been at this for 6 years. I’ve ran into the rude and the very kind. I love your article and am glad there are people like you out here. We have learned a ton from camp hosts and campers alike. We started to do a camp host job in South Dakota and it went bad fast. That’s not for us. I would like to thank every one of you that have helped us along the way. We love this lifestyle, but it is getting very busy out here in most the rv parks. We usually wait till the line dies down before we check in just so we don’t have to deal with all that. I’m all for music and having a few drinks. Just keep it respectful for all. After all you don’t own the park or campsite just as we don’t either. I also find it sad that the camp hosts work their butts off in all areas of the grounds and people just trash them. For example the common bathhouse. People leaving them an utter mess. It’s so sad. I’m so grateful for every one of you camp hosts.
These new campers from covid are messing up everything. Much different then when camping a few years ago and definitely changed my mind on buying a new camper at least until hopefully these band wagon campers trade in there camper for hotels again..
I think it would be wise to make bathouses of stone, so you can go in with a water hose and simply spray it all down with soap and water, and done, especially a high volume bathhouse, why make it with materials that make it difficult to clean, just concrete and stone, keep it simple
I camp host a few months in State Parks. Last summer, I put a sign in the bathhouses that told people to not leave their shampoo, soap, towels, underwear, etc in the shower. The post explains that we spray sanitizer in the shower stalls and wipe down everything with sanitizer twice each day. It also explains that they are not the only ones that use that shower and we throw anything left behind in the trash. It did help with people leaving things.
If any camper is disruptive, or overly loud (especially after quiet hours), I call the head Ranger, and he or she handles it. The head Ranger lives in a home in the State Park.
Park your overpriced RV in the Hospital parking lot!!!!
Thats where your gonna endup!!!!
I hear you! I’m in my late 60s and have been camping since I was 5. My dad was a Scout Master for years and we were taught to “leave it cleaner than you found it” at a very young age. If I made a mess, I was expected to clean it up. I can still hear my late mother saying, “I’m your mother not your servant.” As a matter of fact, I had to dust, mop and vacuum along with my sisters every week. Unfortunately starting in the mid to late 70s that seemed to change when parents started to coddle their kids. A prime example of that is how so many parent’s life is scheduled around all their kids “activities”. That wouldn’t have happened back in the 50s-60s.
I totally understand. People suck. I’m “old school”’ I was taught in the Boy Scouts when they were still “Scouts”. That you “take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
“Leave no trace”
O.K., I’m sure I’m in the minority..I like Ice Cream, last summer I purchased a couple of Klondike Bar packages…I shared with my pleasant C.G. hosts and even the college young lady at the check-in gate…Smiles all around!..I also have a cheap rake with a cut down handle..I rake my site and made sure everything is swell and if needed, cleaner than when I showed up…
The Ice cream went to two different campgrounds this last summer…When I was leaving they all gave me the friendly wave, not the one fingered one…
Wow! We have been full-timing and traveling since August. It never occurred to me how horrible it must be for work campers. Kinda makes me rethink continuing to look for that kind of experience for myself. I’m so sorry that entitled campers who obviously don’t plan very well treated you this way!
I am a 37 year old guy who loves to camp..i have 2 kids n a wife who love it as well..we try n camp in the warmer months nearly every weekend…we love to party n have a great time..but if ur deciding to camp in an area with other campers..know the rules…be respectful to the people around u..help out the camp workers by just treating the grounds as if u owened em…its ridiculous people have to worry about atuff like this…all it takes is a phone call to the camp host ahead of time to just check n see if u can come in early..most the time u can…but if u cant..then o well…and people need to get their ass out on time…5 minutes late is one thing..or if ur having issues with ur rig…but hotels charge if u check out late..people need to respect the rules of property thats not theirs..
We’re in our mid 60’s and tent camp and often have to pick rv sites as we use electric and water and the tent sites don’t often have those amenities. A noon check-in is needed to be able to set everything up before dark. The only noise/ late night partying/ children problems have been in private campgrounds. I’ve never come across a dog problem, just kids that cry/ scream/ play through the night/ and run loose through the camp ground. I sometimes wish parents would keep their kids on a 6 foot leash with a muzzle or accompanied by a parent at all times. I’ve never had a problem at state parks with noise and partying as park rangers patrol 24 hrs and are no joke. State parks also don’t have all the goodies to attract families with children which is a plus for those of us that just want peace and quiet and nature. And yes, those trees, rough, narrow roads in state parks are going to get those big rigs.
If you need noon til dark to set up a tent you better stay home !!
Yep. Another gentleman.
Some of us in our 60yrs + need a little extra time. Thanks for your consideration. The plus side is that there always seems to more good folks out there than that type.
I agree Mike. But remember they brought the house surprise the moving van didn’t show.
Why not make check in at midnight? Why not check out at 7am? Good grief. It’s just a campsite, not a hotel room, the campers are there to enjoy the day, the weather, the nature,etc. They are not there to just sleep, like most travelers do that use hotel rooms, maybe the solution is that more help is needed, Why not have other campers help with the clean up? Maybe at a discounted site rate, but checking in at 4 is absurd, does not give the campers time to do anything other than hookup before its dark, and then you want them to leave early?? What’s the point of that for the campers, seems you simply need more help.
there never seems to be an issue with getting the money out of my account immediately when I check in, use that money to hire more help, maybe, just saying
Me Turk. Seems you must be one or the rude,McMansion entitled campers who think the world should bend around you. You probably also complain about a lack of WiFi. Stay in the city and grow some empathy.
To what lay them off a few months later? Follow the rules, stop being so whiny and have some compassion. I don’t want rates rising to hire more people just because you can’t follow basic rules such as check in and out times. I have 2 kids (6 and 2) and able to clean up after all of us, load up, and check out by at least 10. While also not showing up to the site a good hour after check in time to give them some slack.
Think it’s funny how people think the camp hosts have control of hiring more people or control of the check in/out times….or the rules. No they don’t! Complain to management! When you pay online you should read everything at that campground! Don’t get nasty at the hosts for something they have no control over! I bet you are one of those people who get mad at drive thru food workers. Just follow the rules and clean your site before you leave! Smh
Michael, you’re a Jewel, please don’t visit my park
There’s a check out and check in time at hotels. For the same purpose as camp sites. Most aren’t staying over night but staying longer. If it takes you longer than an hour to set up your doing it wrong. The necessities first then in the morning you can continue with setting up what you need. And if you brought the house why did you go camping.
I camp hosted only a single season and can relate to everything you mentioned.
I met some amazing people; and not some not so amazing people.
Not to mention the partners. The deliberate rule breakers.
Did I enjoy it? Parts of it.
Will I do it again? Unlikely.
Julie – our first experience was also highly stressful. A national forest campground that had gone without a host for a few years, so the locals used it as a party spot. All the paid rangers were off the clock at 5pm, and we were left to manage all kind of trouble on our own. BUT, went to a state campground the next year – what a difference!! SO much support from rangers and law enforcement! Talking to other hosts, this experience sounds typical. Try a state or county campground. Good luck!
I am surprised by the amount of people “work camping”. I have camped my whole life with a 10 year absence. My son plays a sport and the travel was not conducive to camping. Now he is in college playing and I am back to camping. The change has been dramatic. Before when we got fish (Fl Keys) everyone around ate fish. When we had a camp fire (mountains) everyone came around and we had s’mores. There were board games played in the community center. Now everyone is so hyper connected to the outside world they are disconnected to the immediate surrounding world. The “campers” are stacked in like “cord wood” living like it’s an apartment in a city. No eye contact, no “hello”. Just get in their vehicles and drive to work. What has happened?
I have a great idea, how about making a volunteer sign up sheet for anyone willing to help clean the sites, reward them with discounts or firewood or a free night, etc, I am sure you would not have a problem with getting help this way, most of us campers love to help, and it would give the retirees something to do
I love that idea!
I’m in.
We always camp primitive sites, no electricity, lucky to have a porta potty anywhere close, most the time RV campers cant even get close to fitting their way in there. Tent camping is still where it’s at for my family and almost all my friends. RV glamping is something I dont have any interest in until I’m to old for sleeping on the ground lol. But I do have to still agree with you on some campers just being $hit heads who litter the place up, it’s very aggravating, but our family picks up enough trash I promise you my kids will never litter lol.
Same here. Camping in a tent is what is all about. We truly enjoy it.
We do primitive camping in tents and still can’t find anything! Am I missing something? Help!!
My wife and I were Work-campers as well. The rate of “privileged” rv’ers inundating parks and causing the same issues mentioned in this article is horrible and getting worse. My wife and I gave up rving in 2021 and at least 3 couples we worked with have done the same. The same lack of respect that happened to Joshua Tree National park when the park service had no funding due to a government shutdown has many of those type of perpetrators now rving with the same disregard! Sadly we don’t miss glamping and the negatives that came with it. We wish all Work-campers the best of luck filled with extra patience. They are gonna need it!
I think a lot of the comments show the real problem. If you’ve spent a ton of money to buy a rig that essentially gives you all the comforts of home so you can “go out in nature” you will naturally feel like you “deserve” certain accommodations.
On the other hand, if you truly enjoy and respect nature and truly attempt to minimize the impact you have on it, you are much more likely to simply be grateful for the opportunity. The fees you are paying are not nearly enough to make up for overall impact of “seeing nature” in your big rig. They are hardly enough to pay for cleaning up after all the “bad campers”. Let alone feeling like you deserve anything more than the joy it should bring.
This article is not about big rigs.
The way I see it their is a list for people waiting to be camp hosts. If it is not for you then you should go back to just camping. You are dealing with the public when you decided to take the job. Is the public as considerate as they could be no not at all. Why because you people that are so perfect forgot to raise your kids with discipline and teach them the Bible. Their is no respect for rules because their was no teaching of the rules.
Wow.
As a camp host myself (6+ years), I am not surprised by the original post, at all. But dealing with folks who act special, think the rules don’t apply to them (“I know, but…”), and yell, swear and threaten you are not behaviors that host should simply accept with a shrug. Though we do understand rudeness will come with the territory. But those lines of people waiting to be hosts are often the same entitled arrogant “special” people – looking for a “free” campsite. 🙄
I got and RV 2 years ago on a nice sale for my family (me, Wife, 2 kids 6 and 2). Learned a lot about how to maintain it and all that. Our first stay we went on non busy days and asked the person running the place for the dos and don’ts. She said I was the first to ask that all year and it was Sept. been camping in an RV only a few times with my cousins. She made it pretty simple, follow the rules give some buffer to check in and out. She said like 30 mins I went to an hour. Added have my wife take the kids elsewhere since they’re small to clean up and load up to avoid the headaches. Have fun but remember there’s other people here.
I sympathize with the author and don’t blame her for taking a breather. Rude inconsiderate campers have always been an issue for everyone. We have found that the closer one gets to major metro areas the greater the chance of having them in campgrounds. Noise used to bother us until we discovered silicone ear plugs! As a matter of fact, we plan on tent camping this coming summer because of them.
We have been camper for 30 years. But over the past 3 years we have noticed a difference in the availability of our much loved camp grounds. We can’t even find a camp site anymore, unless we book 6 months in advance. We have also noticed how many people camp with big screen TV,s
Attached to the outside of their castle on wheels. Its ridiculous why do they even go camping? Just stay home if your going to annoy everyone around you with your TV. We can to get away from all that! Maybe they camp so they can let their screaming kids run wild through the camp ground. I guess you cant really do that at a hotel..we are so sick of it all. We really wish that things would just go back to the way it use to be when we could camp and hike and just enjoy nature, listen to the wind in trees and the birds singing.
I agree. It’s been a nightmare trying to camp since COVID. My boyfriend and I used to camp all summer (small campgrounds, rustic) and can’t find sites anymore. We went to a campground and half of the sites were empty. Sites we wanted, but couldn’t book!! And if we were to move to one of these empty sites ,we would have to pay twice. For sites that weren’t even being used! But some yahoo booked multiple sites and didn’t use the other ones. Happens all the time. Camping is a great escape from our stressful jobs and we enjoy it. But now COVID campers have ruined it. It makes me sad and our stress levels are out of control as we can’t escape the grind anymore… Trying again this year, and again, no sites available. 😥
I completely agree with everything you say. My husband and I feel the same way about these COVID campers! Ugh!
COVID campers. I agree 100%. I just hope we will see a mass exodus of these campers soon as they once again check in to their hotels and ditch their campers. Can’t wait to wave bye to them. If you don’t know what Covid campers are just watch the rv buying shows on tv. Makes you sick.
Mark, I would be interested in watching one of those shows, I guess you can tell I’m new to camping…..do you know the names of any of them? I like to watch anything about RV’s/camping lifestyle.
Go to a national forest preserve. Every state has one. There, if you like camping is where to go. Find your own place to camp, and, best of all, free! Just leave it like you found it…pristine. Yes, this can be done, we have done it many times. No electric, no fire pits, no water. It’s an absolute blast!
I agree also. But the noise did not just start with covid. Since when is hollering, screaming and dog barking needed to unwind? I imagine they do all that at home also. They “unwind” wherever they are. Go camping to watch television? I got a small RV with no television on purpose. My dog does not bark because he has better manners than most kids or grownups. I was taught not to bother people, screaming is ridiculous and disrespectful. No one hears me or my dog. Train your kids, train your dog!
4:00 is a bit late to check in, but follow the rules or stay home. Our state parks are 4:00 check-in. It is most inconvenient. I leave home in the dark so as not to advertise I’m not home, so I have to find something to do until 4 p.m.
Amen
As lifetime campers, okay, we spend more time camping in the summer than at home, we’ve found that camping has become what we escaped from to enjoy. Rude folks, running generators all night, unleashed dogs that attack everything, drinking parties that last till 4 am, racing side by sides or atvs through the campgrounds and much, much more. But what has become the biggest nightmare is those who can’t find or afford homes, and live in recreational campgrounds. Tons of trash, several vehicles, almost permanent fixtures that consume 60% to 70% of national, state or local campground spaces, some year-round. I do feel sorry for the homeless, but there’s hardly anywhere to go to actually “be outdoors” any longer, without having the burden and stress of city life following you. Rangers try to move these people around or out, but even in the wild, there’s no civility when comes to some of these squatters. It’s sad, them having to live this way, and our children not getting a real outdoor experience.
The problem is not the new camper, its the host and campground. Not everyone knows or understands the etiquette of camping. I was taught 30 years ago and have had some minor issues with what works today since we sre now back into camping starting 3 years ago. If you dont like the barking dog, just be polite and let the front office take care of it. The TV outside is ok with me as long as i dont have to hear it.
It isn’t the new campers. It’s easy to READ THE RULES before u head out to camp. Most websites give the rules, and times to arrive and depart… Plain and simple. Eveytime we camp and we’re near someone we ALWAYS ask if our music is too loud or if the kids are too loud. It’s called being a decent respectful human being. I’ve just recently started camping and my family/friends would never do anything like that. everything that she stated above just seems like spoiled ass ppl who don’t give 2 craps about what the camp hosts have to do. Everyone should understand to come at the time ur supposed to. Clean ur crap up and be respectful. That’s not even camping etiquette it’s EVERYDAY etiquette and if ppl don’t understand that they should probably stay home…..forever. lol
Boy I hear that. I was kept awake until after 2am last night by noisy inconsiderate slobs. I spoke to the camp host this morning, who said nothing about ‘sorry’, or ‘let us know and we’ll take care of it’ or anything to indicate she really gave a darn. There’s two sides to every story.
As a camp host, I hate to hear that but know that it happens. Time to give a respectful review to their boss (and, they DO have one!)
I COMPLETELY AGREE!
The last time I was camping, there were people in another campsite 50ft away drinking, & loudly playing some sort of game with explicit terms & requirements until 3am! There we’re children sleeping in a tent not far from mine!
IF EVERYONE would have the etiquette Shar has, I bet campgrounds would be more enjoyable for all & fees wouldn’t need to be high & frequently increasing. Extra $$$$ is needed to replace/repair vandalized picnic tables, other amenities, & dispose of discarded trash. The trash would be minimal, & others wouldn’t be scraping dog crap from their shoes! Let alone scrubbing it from the inside their RVs or tents! It’s inconsiderate & flat out NASTY! I’m not anti-dog or pet, but RESPONSIBLE owners CLEAN UP after them. If ppl don’t want/like to clean up after their dogs, then don’t have them or take them camping. (Maybe they can pay their home poop service to camp with them?) A bag in the pocket isn’t a burden. Then please dispose of it properly.
IF EVERYONE would take part, be considerate & take Pride in our campgrounds, etc. AMERICA WOULD BE GREAT AGAIN!
Our campgrounds, rest areas, public toilets, parks, hiking trails, etc, ARE A PRIVILEGE, NOT an Entitlement!
We ALL NEED to do our part taking care of those privileges, so we can continue having them. Just think, what it’d be to no longer have roadside public restrooms, campground picnic tables/toilets/fire pits/boat launches, etc….
What happened to If you drop it pick it up. If you, your animals/children break it YOU take responsibility & pay for it!
If you make a mess clean it up!
If you use it, put it back. TEACH your children to do the same! Children learn by example.
Instead of “It’s job security, we pay these high prices, someone else can clean it up!” It’s NOT a PRIVILEGE to Destroy, Destruct, or Deface, our public property, or the property of others! You are NOT ENTITLED to leave Your mess, & problems to someone else!
Attitudes in our country have gone down the toilet! What’s happened to Caring & Pride in the U.S.A?
Come On People! If we’re “UNITED” we accomplish much more!
Kristi,
You described the norm these days in camp grounds. They need a new rule where the neighbors may attack you as they see fit if you disturb others. Ahh, piece and quiet all of a sudden. And this is Canada. No difference in camping. Great comment though.
You hit the nail on the head. The last generation of campers weren’t even taught proper manners at home. How does anyone expect them to act differently while camping?
Greg, I understand your position however from experience the office goes and tells the people to keep the dog quiet and leaves. Guarantee within five minutes that dog is tied outside and left to bark it’s rear end off. The office usually says “your neighbors” mentioned your dog is Barking on top. Been there done that.
This doesn’t surprise me. I understand your situation.
We are regular campers and we always leave our site cleaner than we found it. I have a litter clamp and trash bag and police our site and outer edge of the campsite. I have picked up chip bags, candy wrappers, beer bottle caps, cigarette butts, toys, and have even found a few tools. I also clean the picnic table the first and last day we arrive. I also clean up after my dog and other people’s dogs as well. The camp hosts do a great job. They are volunteers. I just want to do my small part to help them out.
Yes, thank you so much for your comment. We do the same. If all of us would do that! What bothers us, is seldom, sites are clean to our standards. The lack of cleaning up after animals is a big issue. Sooner than later, campers may not be able to take their dogs. Twice we have been accused of leaving big piles of dog poop when it’s as large as our little dog. That will get a nasty response out of us. What if we all did this? That is what I want to say. If all the campers in the park acted like us, how would it be? We prefer to be good neighbors, every time. We also respect the rest areas. Clean up after ourselves! So blessed to have them.
As campers ourselves we appreciate what you do. I have always thought of camp hosts as babysitting the “adult” campers. I don’t have the patience.
Some adults can be the biggest children at times, and they don’t even notice their behavior nor think about what its teaching the next generation.
Kick them out..kick some all out! That’s absolutely horribly rude beyond obnoxious and they know better they can’t get the rules bent for themselves now it’s their bent for everyone else and it’s complete chaos. Never in my life outside demanded to check in early if I hear somebody excessively loud noise I’d be more than happy to go over there and deal with it myself bringing a pair of scissors if I need to cut any cords of their radio that’s too loud if needed 😆
Kat, love your comment. I’ll bring the wire cutters. LOL
And that’s the attitude that everyone else is talking about.
We are not nubies but I will say we do not arrive until it is time to check in. We leave when we need to leave but most of all we clean up after ourselves as a courtesy. I’m very upset that is going on. Charge a deposit and keep it if they want in early or leave late. So embarrassing. I’ve been in many campsites. I’ve seen camp hosts and extremely nice camp hosts. Hang in there we’re not all that way. Some of us have manners. We have even repaired picnic table and at times leave the site better than we found it. Your job is very important and you all do a great job. Very appreciated.
Elena, your idea of charging a deposit is good in theory, however,that doesn’t help the workkampers who often are working in exchange for free site rent and utilities and occasionally propane. The park owner/management should change the check in/checkout times and make campers know it will be enforced, no exceptions. Then add a hefty deposit and share some it with the workkampers. Having workkamped on and off for 5 years for private and state owned parks we experienced abuse both by campers and park owners. Our state park rangers gave us a lot of freedom in accomplishing our jobs, but failed us in providing necessary tools to do the job, not acting when we reported maintenance issues and not enforcing rules, especially decorum, leaving us vulnerable and frustrated. It’s a problem that requires that first management gives a damn and wants clientele as well as staff to have a positive experience. We finally gave up and decided that enjoying our retirement meeting new friends was more important.
Any more most camp grounds, especially conservation areas/campgrounds are the worst for inconsiderate idiots that care less some thirty feet away there is a tent that can hear everything to a tent trailer on the other side. Go ahead ask nice to have them keep it down and they have a hissy fit turning the noise levels up despite knowing they’re breaking the park rules to showing those around them that they care less if everyone else wants a little quiet on their side. Add pot smoking now, needles on the grounds to dog crap.
Camping is costly in most places but no longer enjoyable. We enjoyed being seasonal as during the week it might be quiet. Add dogs barking and it’s time to leave camping to those that enjoy each other’s noise.
We have hosted several times during the last 5 years and, I have to say, are done with it. Asked to intervene in campsite fights, people wanting you to get out of bed at 10pm to buy firewood, early check ins robbing you of your duties time, late check out and the attitudes associated with them. Enough. Enforcement by park ranger staff is inadequate, with most not caring. Some do, most don’t. Campers again! So don’t ask…not happening.
Last time I used a state park campground was around 2009. I preferred the primitive camping scene. Had my 2 young children with me. Around 1 am the liquor kicked in with our neighbors and fights started breaking out. My kids learned lots of new language and were scared to death. I tried to get people to settle down but it’s hard to reason with drunks. After that experience I decided I was done and invested in a cabin that cost less than most RVs. It’s quiet, peaceful, and I don’t have to put up with other peoples disrespect of nature and fellow humans. When we want to rough it I pitch a tent in a wooded area on my property. Best decision and investment I ever made. Sucks that inconsiderate entitled aholes ruin it for everyone else.
State parks in NJ alcohol is a big NO. Rangers will bang you a 175$ ticket every time. They even get to know you and will check. On the river to,people think canoe and alcohol are a right. I like to watch the Rangers waiting and helping them beach, then hand them a ticket.
These so called campers are ruining it for all of us. It’s more relaxing staying home.
My husband and I both empathize with you. We live in FL where everyone has flocked to. We were full timers for 4 years and did work camping post covid. After not being able to go to our favorite (quiet) camping spots during the week due to there being no availability, we both agreed to put both work camping and camping on hold until these post covid attitude-filled campers calm down a bit. Life was much simpler and more quiet prior to covid.
Your first problem could be partially solved by changing your check-out and check-in times. In our part of the west, checkout is 11 AM and check-in is 1 PM. Your check-in time of 4 PM leaves no time for campers to get set up and enjoy the afternoon. And when it comes to cleaning sites, many people leave our camp sites shortly after breakfast. So cleaning starts earlier than 11 AM. And then, most campers stay for several days so all sites don’t have to be cleaned daily.
GOOD ANSWER, David!
I’m going to be 56 years old, and my husband is going to be 59. I’ve been camping since I was a kid. I’m raising 2 grandkids, and both boys have Autism!! We go camping too unwind, let loose, and have a great time. The boys meet new friend’s, and so does the rest of my grandkids!! We clean up our camp sites every time, but we didn’t go camping to be told to go to bed @ a certain time, or to shut off our generator, and music!! If you want quite time, then stay home, because it’s not fair to the rest of us!!🤬🤬🤬 Yes, we all have camped next to wild people!! Everyone just needs to mind their own business!! As far as people leaving poop 💩 from their dogs, and not cleaning up the camping sites, let them know they will be charged to their credit card, if you have to clean up the sites, or they did any damage to sites!! Problem solved!! Everyone enjoy yourselves, grow up, don’t be a downer for everyone else!! 😱😱😱
Everyone needs to follow the rules of the places they camp. Why are you raising grandkids?
No loud noise past 10 (including generators) is not too much to ask imho
To my knowledge your statement Pam has and is normal protocol in most if not all paid sites, regardless of state parks, national parks. Unfortunately the strong minority use present day behavior from watching the dysfunction of our so called political leaders and those that feel its OK to behave as such! What ever happened to respect for your neighbors and those that are adversely affected? Gone, forever?
I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this commentary, and I have a grandchild with Autism. It’s about common courtesy. I have never seen a campground without quiet hours. There may be exceptions with unnecessary rules, but basic rules are good for everyone.
You need to follow the rules! If you can’t then stay home!
A campground is not a disco/nightclub THAT is for your stick built home. Wait, if you party most likely the police will be called. I get it now. Yeap that mind set is what is ruining camping.
So turn the campground into a rave. Where every camper can be loud and party til 2:00 am, although the exhausted neighbor has an infant trying to sleep. Check the campground rules for quiet times, if the rules don’t work for your music volume then party at home. Your rules go both ways. Stay home and party. The worst camper is the one that thinks the rules should apply to them.
Old saying: “Raise your kids right or you will be raising your grandkids.”
Reading the rest of this post, i feel for the grandkids.
You are the ones that can’t follow rules because you think you’re entitled. Just because your grand kids have autism doesn’t mean you should be instilling values and respect.
Rules were put into place because of people just like you , who do not respect anyone but themselves. If you do not want to follow the rules, then stay home.
If I read your comment correctly, you are saying since the kids have autism you are entitled to stay up all night running your generator and playing loud music & ignore the campground rules. And those of us who respect the rules, act right & demonstrate self-control need to grow up and not be a downer because it’s not fair to you. Did I miss anything?
So true. We’ve owned an RV for 20 years and have stopped going to most places bc there’s no peace and quiet in many of these places. Loud music and parties take over and often no one does anything about it. There are rare exceptions. Then there’s the RV places that are simply just PARKING lots with hookups, where you’re so close to your neighbors you have no privacy or peace. That’s not camping. Last time we went to a CA State park and were literally kept up all night by partiers in the next site. I’m selling the RV.
Sad but true is the attitude of those hitting the road today. Nobody but themselves and think that trash just disappears when they leave! We have done them all ourselves and even Yellowstone in all it’s glory, you won’t believe the people that just drop whatever is in their hands and think nothing of it! Give me the peace and quiet of the desert southwest in a boon docking spot by myself! Oh, they are ruining those places as well.
Even camping during the week can be hard now.
Thanks for your conscious work as hosts. It is appreciated.
That 4pm check in at state parks and COE’s is a killer. Most campgrounds want you out by 11 am so, unless there is a rest stop to hole up in, most of us will get there way earlier than 4pm on a travel day. Usually, the hosts understand this and politely offer us a place to wait.
Boy do I ever hear you, loud and clear. My husband and I have been RV’n since 1984. Upon retirement we decided to try workamping. After 1 gig we gave up workamping and RV’n. We downsized our rv to a truck camper and only use it for road-trips. When we are traveling we mostly boondock on Harvest Host sites, avoiding RV parks as much as possible.
Oh man do I feel for you! We were camp hosts for 90 days (just out of COVID) at a state park. 1:00 check out, 3:00 check in. The people who had trashed their site during their stay were the one who left their sites spotless. The ones we never saw were the problems. Pets left outside unattended all day (against park regulations) while campers wee out all day. Dirty diapers, pet waste bagged up and garbage bags in the fire pits were common from a majority of campers. Calling the police on campers due to the loud vulgarity at 1:00 a.m. happened too often. I could go on and on but all I really need to say is we won’t go through it again. And yet every spring we get a call asking us to come back. No thank you!
30 years ago when my desire to full time was at its peak and I was still young I thought I could supplement my retirement by work camping. 30 years ago campers were a different breed from what they are today, I couldn’t deal with todays campers who are totally “ME” generation as I would likely be fired by management when I told a me to kiss my a**.
We have been full timing for 5 years and RVing for 15. We are truly questioning why there would be a check later than 1. We are in our 70’s and leave at 11 because we don’t want to drive over 200 miles each day especially when things we want to see aren’t spaced far apart!
Camp sites are not hotels! We have watched work campers literally just drive in the site, not even get off of their golf cart to check anything and leave! No raking, no spraying utilities, not trimming branches etc.
This check in practices of 3 or 4 in the afternoon is ridiculous. Then you have to leave at 11 the next day! Done even charge if you arrive early EVEN if the site is vacant and ready!
90% of campgrounds have normal check in times. We would say if people are lined up at 1:00 to enter maybe it’s time to change the check in and check out times you have!
Keep in mind that not everyone using a campground is traveling.
Local people with a half hour or hour drive appreciate not having to be in a rush to get out by mid morning on Sundays to head home.
But, we all want all the rules to mold perfectly to our personal way of doing things. Instead, look at the rules in place and if they are intolerable then don’t stay there. Per your statement, that keeps 90% of campgrounds OK for you.
I don’t know why state parks have such late check in times. We full time and it’s really hard to drive in the afternoon as my brain feels like that is nap time and I have a hard time staying awake. Caffeine puts me to sleep so I avoid it. We seldom stay at state parks because of that. Also, since April we have been on the road on a weekly basis and no one has bothered to clean our sites, that seems to be a dead art, kudos to you for doing it.
On the other side, and I think this is funny, these millennial pains in the rear people are usually the local folks, not the full timers and not the out of staters. And I find it funny because yesterday, or the day before, there was a discussion about making out of state visitors pay more than locals to stay at local parks. So, in the end, the cleaner, nicer people will be driven away due to cost while the rude, spoiled generation will have the state parks for cheap to trash on a weekly basis.
Boy O Boy reading all responses below NOW even the old folks are a now a big part of that IT’S ALL ABOUT ME generation!
I guess you read it one way and I read it another. I read that all of us are the prefect camper and it is ‘the other guy” that is the slob. BUT if all of us are perfect, there can be no “other guy”. Therefore if all of us are perfect, who is this “other guy”? unless it is one of us? I’m getting dizzy from going around in circles, however I am satisfied that I am the perfect camper, living in the perfect world, in the perfect campground – unless I somehow end up being “the other guy”. Oh my gosh!, was my Mom right? “Just remember, Mr. Big Britches, you are not always right.”
What annoys me is RV’ers call themselves campers. Holy Moly, riding around in a fancy RV is NOT camping. TV, Internet, stereo, electronics, recliners, microwave ovens, regular ovens, electric this and that (awnings, sides, etc). That is NOT camping. It is some kind of glorified stay in the outdoors where you haul a ton of material possessions to an outdoor location and then claim you are “camping”. What a joke. For all you who are looking for peace and quiet, go camping. Bring a tent and reserve a non-electric site. My guess is you will find some peace and quiet.
Right!