By Bob Difley
I admit to being grumpy when RVers diminish my camping experience, like playing the TV too loud, building a smoky campfire and allowing the smoke to blow into my campsite (and in any open windows), but especially leaving the porch light (and other outside lights) on when they are not outside to enjoy them, maybe thinking they are providing an enjoyable light show for their neighbors.
It’s a common practice for many RVers to leave their porch lights on when away from their RV, especially if they intend to return after dark and want to see where they are going. I suppose that many think it will also keep would-be thieves away.
But I think it does the opposite. It notifies the nefarious that there is no one home and therefore an easy break-in target. So leaving your light on is not necessarily a good safety measure.
Secondly, thieves do not usually roam around campgrounds or boondocking areas looking for targets, so providing you take other security measures, like locking your door, not leaving loose items outside, chaining up portable generators, etc., should be enough security.
But to feel even more secure – and safe when you return in the dark – install a motion-sensing porch light in place of your stock light, which will turn on if someone approaches your rig. This will be more startling and more of a deterrent, and still provide the light you need to see. You can find motion-sensing porch lights on Amazon – and they are easy to install.
I’m sure many other RVers – including myself – would much rather see the night sky full of stars than a bright light shining in their bedroom window. And not leaving these lights on will also prolong your battery power if you are camping without hookups, saving your electricity for when you really need it.
Does this just make me curmudgeonly or do others feel the same way? Add your thoughts below.
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Yes I agree. There shouldn’t be porch lights on all night. I can see you off an adventure and need it on when you return. BUT please turn it off. There is nothing worse than a light in your face when you are trying to sleep. Or if we are outside trying to look at the stars. The night sky is so beautiful. Take the time to enjoy it. I grew up without night lights or flashlights. Enjoyed walking in the dark. You would be surprised how much you can see once your eyes adapt. Teach you kids to love the dark. It is disappearing in our society.
Agreed! I have not used light unless I really needed to. I turn a light off in my house every time I leave a room, unless I know I am turning around to go right back in. How easy is it to flip a switch. Conserve energy. I taught my children the same. Some people have let themselves get WAAAAAY too spoiled with technology. If someday they are without it, they’ll die.
I agree as well. Last week we had a neighbor who left two big outside lights on day and night that really limited our star gazing. She seemed a little on the edge and was in an older RV, so I’m afraid the lights stayed on whenever she was plugged into shore powe, therefore I was reluctant to ask her to shut them off.
I don’t understand why her lights would stay on when being plugged in to shore power, but I am a newbie. I would think she just left the light switch on continuously. I’d talk to her.
Yes, agreed too! I find most people leave them ALL NIGHT! HELLO RVers, knock it off. Bring a flashlight with you. Respect others that enjoy the darkness. There is no such thing as leaving lights on for safety. If you want safety, there’s other ways to provide that without getting your neighbors cranky! If your afraid of camping without lights on, maybe you should go home!
You need to be 100% boondocking.
Leaving a light on alerts thieves that you are away and let’s them see what they want to steal. Motion detection light is the way to go.
This article is not written well. You are combing several issues. A porch light (usually a small light by the door) and a patio light (usually a large string light or bank of LED lights integrated into awning or length of RV). I agree leaving any of these lit overnight is annoying. However if we go out to dinner or somewhere else where we will be returning after dark I will leave the (little) porch light on, since I want to find my way safely to my RV, then I turn it off.
Don’t take it personally, but respectfully your practice is the reason this article was written.
Yup.
I agree with you. My RV has a light under the steps. I leave it on if I am out after dark, until I return – I don’t want to fall up my steps. Anyhow, in my experience most commercial campgrounds also have post mounted lights that stay on overnight.
A flashlight gives you light as you exit your vehicle and all the way into the RV. Of course if your step lights are low light, it’s no problem. Most people get out to enjoy nature and want to be away from man made lights, noise, pollution (smoke) etc.
Motion detection light doesn’t alert thieves that you are away and let them see what they might want to steal. It comes on as soon as you need it and does not continuously drain electricity or bother neighbors.
I tend to use a couple of the Luci lights in the campsite, just enough light to see the ground with out bothering the neighbors. A couple of the Walmart garden solar lights are handy too. I do not have or need an outside light display on my Aliner, and I have not lit up my Coleman in years. I prefer almost darkness.
Outside lights are just plain rude. Porch lights, decorative lights, mouse prevention lights . . . They are all rude. Folks who leave their porch light on all night are the worst. There is just no excuse for it. I camp to enjoy the outdoors. My neighbors’ lights detract from that experience, If you are not actively using a light then turn it off!
Ditto. It’s not all about you. Turn your lights off already. That is the bad side to technology, too many “features” that allow the moron segment of RVers to ruin the peacefulness of the camping expierence.
I have a solar light purchased from Home Depot (also available online) attached to the RV near the door that has a motion sensor. If we come home or someone approaches after dark the light comes on. It turns itself off after 5 or 6 minutes. Problem solved.
Campgrounds need to dim or shut down their LED streetlamps after 9-10 p.m. also. When we host, we will often times knock on the door and ask the camper to please turn off outside lights. “Quiet Hours” should also be dark hours.
Motion sensing or even app controlled. Get rid of the dancing led display after you go to bed. And, the projector displays need to go also.
Sounds like there should be more boondockers. Nothing like being away from everybody to be without lights from anywhere. Unless too cold or too hot I’m often outside reading until 1AM. I plan on continuing as stated above, it is not all about you.
Luckily you don’t need a bright light to read. I’d probably still be out around my campfire anyway, with smoke blowing every which way, lol! Of course, if my smoke bothers someone, I will be glad to put it out. 🤗
I agree, no lights. But what about those generators that run constantly sometimes for hours?
I’ll take the annoying lights over the gens that can be heard 100 yards away.
Roger & TB, It would be great if campgrounds would have 2 or 3 sections. Largest RV’s, smaller rv’s, and tents (or) quiet nature lovers w/no lights to speak of + loud, lit up partiers on another side.
I’m on the quiet, dimly lit, starry night, courteous zen side. I want to remember to only have a campfire when it’s not windy, which I may not have thought of, had I not read it here, as I have not found my travel van yet. Glad to start learning before I go! 🤗
You are right Captn John, it is not about YOU. Use a book light please.
Generators after 10, smokey fires blowing at your neighbor and bright lights all night do not foster friendly camping.
For those returning to their campsite after the sun has set, I suggest they educate themselves about flashlight technology.
Some lights are unduly harsh … what some call “scare lights” … and do not need to be on unless they are being used. Others don’t bother me. BUT … if I want to be alone and in the dark and quiet of nature I will choose that kind of location before parking my RV. And if I choose to park overnight in a commercial RV park, I will know that there are any number of things that neighbors can (and will no doubt) do that can irritate me if I let them. When I have neighbors, I do not expect them to conform in every way to my will. I pick the place I park based on what I want and can realistically expect in that type of location, and I do not expect a picture perfect experience if that place includes RVing neighbors. I really enjoy the experience of RVing on our private property isolated from the outside … when I am there it is pretty much all about me and what I want. But when I am on someone else’s property, I have to recognize that it is not all about ME … then it is about US, and we have to do what it takes to get along because we are not all there for the same reasons, nor do we have the same preferences.
Couldn’t agree more Bob. We like to camp in public parks. They are usually very dark. If I need to go outside at night I use a flashlight. Before 10 PM I may turn the light on, if necessary, but turn it off when it’s no longer needed. Campfires are enjoyed in the dark and only if the wind isn’t blowing towards a neighbor. Otherwise, we forego the fire. It is so aggravating to close all the windows and vent on a nice evening to keep someone else’s smoke out of the RV. I’ve had to crank the AC down low just to get it to turn on. When we stay at a private park I expect lots of light, noise, and smoke. The fire pit next door is usually within 10 feet of our bedroom window.
I love that you are conscientious. I’ll be new to traveling and camping. I’m in the van or something small searching stage. You’re saying it private campgrounds are noisy and brightly lit. That’s good to know. How Will I know which campgrounds are woodsy and spaced out campsites, do they have good descriptions or are the all going to say, ” you will love our beautiful campground!”
I hearby promise to keep fellow campers in mind. “Do unto others” rule is a great rule. 👍🚍 See you all out there!
I tried a battery operated light with motion sensor but the battery was drained the first night. Wind blows – the tree moves and turns it on and off constantly. No matter how I angled it , it would still go on /off. Gave up! Now I have little dollar store solar spotlights that usually get enough sun to keep the steps lighted just enough to see until 4 am or so.
I have 2 solar & 1 wired motion light on my house on wooded lot. My solar has a separate small solar panel with attaching wire, which is attached to my tall dog run fence so it is up in the sunlight. Bought these at Costco and love them. Got the electric years ago before solar motion lights came out. I have an indoor light switch to that also. I can turn it on w/o going outside, if I need to see out there. Of course, they come on if someone or coyote, armadillo, bobcat, etc. come around. Before letting my Yorkies out front in their fence, I look to see if their is a predator out back or side, as coyote & bobcat can jump the fence. Still have to watch for owls 🦉 and, hawks 🦅during daylight.
(Ok, I know it’s an eagle, but there is not a hawk emoji) The motion lights come on when it’s windy and you have something within its sight that sways, like my tree in the back or my jasmine vine at the front.
I installed a motion sensing porch light from Starlites, and love it. It stays dark around our site, but if anything moves, it lights up. but in some cases
It doesn’t really bother me if someone leaves their porch light on, if I’m outside I’m on the other side of my RV and won’t know that it’s on and if I’m inside my RV they usually have their awning out and that blocks any direct light shining in my windows plus at night I have the night shades down and don’t notice it. So I say let there be light.
You might have a campsite on either side of you, right?
I love ❤️ fresh air, which is a very large reason I love the outdoors + indoor outdoor living. If shades are down, I don’t get the fresh air. If I slept well, I like to wake to daylight. Light should only be used when someone needs to see, otherwise it’s wasted. Motion detection lights are awesome. This way you are alerted if a prowler comes around. Keeping a light on invites a prowler to see what they want to steal. It’s nice too, when You are approaching your lot, the light welcomes you and same for when you open your door. If it’s dim, you can see without being blinded. 😌
In Texas (where I was raised), there was a “saying” about you Bob….. “He would gripe if you hung him with a NEW rope!”
Don’t have an outdoor light and don’t want one. Recommend using a flashlight.
I think people that complain about people with lights on are curmudgeons. Most campgrounds have some lights on all night anyway. Many have street lights, leave the lights on in the bath houses and laundry areas. Everyone is not going to rv like the next person and getting upset with something the campground has no problem with is wasted energy. Most of the lights people use aren’t even strong enough to invade the next campsite or even light up the lot they are even staying on. Also not everyone is there to look at the stars. I also seriously doubt people aim their campfire smoke in any direction. If people are that picky they need to boondock or not stay in a campground that allows the things they don’t like.
If the lights didn’t bother them, this would not be a discussion. I want to know what not to do, so people get the experience they want. I have very sensitive eyes and I am a light sleeper. I’m glad to learn to be aware of others when I start camping.
I do not like the rope lights that RV-er’s lay on the ground around their rig – and leave them on all night long!! I’ve spent many nights trying to look out my window at the stars as I drift off only to see these dang rope lights on in many many sites! So much for enjoying the night sky! I say quiet hours/dark hours 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM!
I’m not sure if you realize the actual purpose of ground rope lights. They are actually used to keep mice and other creatures away during the night when they are most active (those creatures who love to chew on wires). The first time you go out to your vehicle and it doesn’t start, or your electrical outlets don’t work on your RV because the wires have been chewed, you may just end up buying and setting out ground rope lights.
I would challenge this group to go 24 hours without complaining about anything or anyone! You will feel much better.
Heck of a good idea, Larry.
Sorry Chuck, but your complaining about many items (and Camping World practices) has already set the tone. Sure you wax nostalgic, but complain a lot about how it is now. Not being critical, just honest.
It’s good that people not only vent but talk about these things to problem solve. First of all, if you don’t talk about something, change won’t come. Not everyone thinks of something that may intrude on someone else. I haven started traveling yet, so I’m learning some things to be aware of in advance.
I like quiet and I like dim or no lights, but maybe I would no have thought about a light bothering others. I want to know what might bother someone. I am a person who care. If nothing else, though I am no perfect, I want to treat others the way they want to be treated and likewise.
If you are paying my camping fee, I’ll use whatever lights you want (or don’t want). Otherwise, my space, my choice.
People must love your attitude. So bold. So,,,,rude and inconsiderate.
I usually have a Luci light or two somewhere in the campsite, just enough light so I don’t trip over something. I have not used my Coleman lantern in years.
This is my biggest pet peeve, alongside the new trend of lights under the rig. I prefer the night sky and porch lights dim my experience. Leave them on when you need them, but PLEASE…shut them off after you go inside at night.
Even in my home, I turn off a light when leaving a room. I taught my children to do the same.
I have motion detection lights to alert me of a prowler or guest. It works great to light the way when someone approaches my home door after dark. When I go out, the light comes on so I see to go to the car. When I get home, it welcomes me and I can see where the step up is to my door. I can turn it off or change the setting to stay on less or longer.
Need a polite way to ask people to turn off their lights
Please turn off any outdoor lights after 11pm, thank you.😌
What’s with the obnoxious blue LED lights on the front caps of the fifth wheels? Why do people leave them on all night? Have you ever parked across from one? You can’t even look in that direction. I understand that some people have the need to impress others with their “coolness,” but they’re ridiculously obnoxious. Please turn them off.
I’ve wondered what the whole blue LED light thing was all about throughout the RV industry. They even have them inside around the cabinets! Like it’s supposed to make me suddenly want to buy the RV?
Most people have a phone and most phones have a flashlight app
Use it !!
Let no light shine on !!
I also get annoyed when fellow campers leave there outside light on “ porch light “. I purchased a motion sensor light and love it. The one I purchased has a timer so you can adjust the length of time the light is on( for those of us that don’t move as fast as we used to). The other issue I have are the campers that leave the accent lights on , end cap, under awning lights etc.
We only use the porch light when someone is at the door. I don’t like leaving it on as well as other campers. I helps to dull your night vision and when we are camping we like to see the stars. My wife and I both carry a flashlight with us at night. And even some of the new flash lights are way to bright. So I carry a mini mag light with a red filter that you can put on it. That’s what they do on ships at night so it won’t dull your night vision.
All campgrounds and RV parks should stipulate that all lights by 11:00pm must be off other than a small light to find your location. but that probably would be abused too.
These huge creative multi light bars with the colors of the rainbow are fun but should be mandatory they are off by 11:00pm.
But no matter what the light issue there are those who came from outer space not abiding by any rules.
I agree, lights out at 11. Use phone or other flashlight instead. The park person needs to drive around to be sure people abide by the rules to help maximize our camping experience.
I don’t use my outside door light very often. My outside rope lights are on a timer. I have some outside on the ground and inside my awning. They aren’t too bright and no one has ever complained. They go on at dusk and off at 10:30 pm.
Sounds like you have a nice set up if… the lights are not bright. Sounds like most people don’t say anything to a neighbor about a complaint. No one wants to cause more of a problem, because you don’t know how they will react. I will try to remember as soon as I get to the campsite and hopefully meet them, to mention, “please don’t leave your light on.”
I so agree!! Last campground neighbors put a white large bucket on a pole then ran a work lamp and put it inside the bucket. It put out so much light that it lit up all the sites around it. The light was on a dusk to dawn timer. The worse part is these people were never outside their rig at night Never!!
I’d want to kindly talk to them about it, being quick and to the point.
We just bought our first RV and haven’t even been out yet and I still agree! The stars out and away from city lights is one of the many bennies of a camping/RVing lifestyle
If it’s new you had better get it out now. WARRANTY. It will be in the shop for weeks/months after you find those first issue.
Before writing my post I read through the others. Whoa!! I was amazed to see all the anger folks have towards those who leave their porch lights on overnight. My 5th wheel’s porch light came with a VERY bright, white LED light. In order to be a better camping neighbor, I switched it over to an amber light. As a retired law enforcement officer with 25 years of experience, I know criminals like the ‘cover of darkness’ to do their stealing and to skulk about. I leave my amber porch light on not only so I may see out the window should I hear something, but also to keep the would-be thief away. (I know this is not 100% the case, but it mostly holds true.) If I have to bring in the awning due to potential foul weather, I will then “suck it up” and turn off our porch light. Otherwise, our awning shields the light from our camping neighbors.
Two words: Motion sensing.
First, I like to say, “thank you for your service.” This is said to those in the military, but just as importantly, police play such an important and risky role to keep us safe.
I love motion detection lights! You are alerted when someone comes close and know when to look out your window. It scares them away too, so you may not have to look out. 👀 I have them around my house and they’ve proven to be wonderful. Animals trigger the sensor, just so you know. A few of my neighbors leave a light on all night every night, wasting energy and money, lighting the way for a criminal. If they’d use motion detection, it sometimes would alert me to look over to see if there is a prowler. Happy traveling!
The blindingly bright lights as shown in the picture could be annoying I suppose. Truthfully I haven’t ever been bothered by them. They have not interfered with our view of the sky as they are normally blocked by our trailer. They do not keep us awake by shining into our windows either. Our windows aren’t even tinted.
One of our favorite things is to take a walk around the campground to admire all the lights people decorate with. It may be cheesy but we like to see the Japanese lanterns and chile pepper-shaped strings of lights that show the campers’ unique personalities! They aren’t so bright we can’t see the stars. We still need a flashlight to navigate. For us, it is all part of the magic! I say shine on!!
Marissa
We enjoy sitting outside looking at the stars but you can’t do that with so many porch lights on. We winter at a park in Arizona and our neighbor keeps his light on all night and our bedroom window is close enough that his light shines in as we have our window open and the blinds up to enjoy the temps and the breeze.
I don’t know if just the lights alone make you curmudgeonly, but add the “allowing” campfire smoke to blow into your space definitely does. Sounds like you should avoid campgrounds and stick to the outback where lights and campfires don’t ruin your camping experience. Without electricity half of your annoyances would be avoided. Oh and what about those campers that bring children….with their running around catching lightning bugs, laughing out loud and having fun, little inconsiderate monsters. Same kids will probably be at the pool with their floatation devices taking up more pool space than they should. Let’s not even get started on the s’mores and those melted marshmallows attracting the ants, then allowing those ants to just come marching over to my campsite. The nerve!
While your comments have some good points, there’s a great deal of difference between children s’mores, pools and all night porch lights. There’s never a good reason for an all night porch light, ever! Campfires when it’s 90 degrees, windy , in the rain, etc., and left to burn and smolder long after the campers have gone back inside is rude, inconsiderate and disrespectful of other campers. Sounds like you should camp out in your backyard with the neighbors if that’s your idea of being a good camping neighbor.
The marshmallows might keep the ants 🐜 away from your campsite because they’ve found a sweet feast that will last them for a really long time, like weeks, if it’s a whole marshmallow. It would be great if campsites were spaced far apart.
I don’t really mind if folks leave their light on before they go to bed if they want to venture out to walk the dog or take out the trash, but to leave outdoor lights on all night when your neighbor is so close you can nearly reach out and touch their coach…that’s just rude. Same with campfires. I do feel that RV parks should have a spot out away from the coaches where fire lovers can go and be together and have sing alongs, etc. I do resent smoke coming in my windows and my coach smelling like smoke for the next week and a half. I’m NOT a curmudgeon or even that old, I just was raised to be considerate of others and I think our society has forgotten that virtue.
There is nothing worse than your neighbors porch light shining through your bedroom window all night.
Noise is worse than a light, but especially with my light sleep pattern and sensitive eyes, I do not want light shining in my eyes.
My full-time job is dealing with people and problem solving everyday. I work long hours under stressful situations. The office is loud and busy. Camping is a way to unwind and restore in the serenity of a wooded and secluded lot. I’m always amazed by people who choose to “camp” in what is virtually a parking lot stacked side by side with RV’s. One might as well sleep in a camper in your driveway. Unless I’m tailgating or at a particular event, give me peace and quiet away from people.
Blackout curtains/shades are amazing and the ability to close windows on which ever the side the smoke is coming from, is another amazing option that ALL coaches have. But if you feel the need to see some stars, fill up an icechest full of your cosmos and martinis and go for a walk where you can see them. Because by your Pretentious complaints, I’m going to assume you are the type of campers that stay indoors all day until it’s time for dinner. Only then, you step outside to start your electric grills and start the bitch fest.
Have people forgotten how to talk to each other? Simply explaining to a neighbor that their porch light is making it hard to sleep at night, or that their TV or radio is disturbing you watching your program or listening to your music is often all it takes. I’m not saying you have to become friends. But I’ve never had a problem when I used tact and was courteous in speaking with an RV neighbor. Simple, yet effective!
Do I leave my RV “porch light” on at night? Absolutely not, as I am not Tom Burdett, and I respect my neighbors.
Lets see…. bright lights on every bathhouse inside and out at night , security lights on every other street intersection at night, they are bright and up on poles. Bright lights on at night on all outbuildings around the campground most we stay at have lights on top of the power pedestals you know the ones that look like a mushroom. Other campgrounds have lights at every road intersection to mark where you turn, I think you have to go to a federally run campground to avoid many of these lights but the ones at the bathhouse are always on With a large security light on a pole out side the building. I did see someone left a porch light on one night and people were running around screaming that they can’t see the stars when gazing. Yeh , I know you don’t stay at those campgrounds because of how inconsiderate the camp owners are or you never stay at a Walmart because of this right? Or your neighborhood is totally dark at night and nobody is allowed to leave the pole light on in front of their house. I call, bull
The horror of it all.
The picture shown with this article is misleading. I do leave my porch light on while going out to dinner etc. I will let my insurance company worry about any increased break-in risk. My porch light is a small single bulb with an orange globe to discourage bugs.
What is shown in the picture is a large led string used to help outdoor activities like BBQs, parties and the like, definitely NOT a porch light. I do think it a bad idea to leave a large light display light lit all night. It is only Christmas once a year, not all year.
I do think most rv’s have window curtains. Use them and the lights go away.
Lets see…. bright lights on every bathhouse inside and out at night , security lights on every other street intersection at night, they are bright and up on poles. Bright lights on at night on all outbuildings around the campground most we stay at have lights on top of the power pedestals you know the ones that look like a mushroom. Other campgrounds have lights at every road intersection to mark where you turn, I think you have to go to a federally run campground to avoid many of these lights but the ones at the bathhouse are always on With a large security light on a pole out side the building. I did see someone left a porch light on one night and people were running around screaming that they cant see the stars when gazing. Yeh , I know you don’t stay at those campgrounds because of how inconsiderate the camp owners are or you never stay at a Walmart because of this right? Or your neighborhood is totally dark at night and nobody is allowed to leave the pole light on in front of their house. I call, bull.
Just because you don’t agree with what another is doing it doesn’t mean they are doing something wrong. And people wonder why neighbors don’t talk to each other anymore.
If I stop at an RV Park during our travels I expect there to be light pollution. However, when we are truly camping at a State Park or lake for example I expect people to observe some light discipline and enjoy the darkness. Also I wouldn’t want to see someone having a fire as close as some of the spots are, likely melt the camper next door if tried the way the stack people in at RV Parks. But again when truly camping I expect to smell some wood fire smoke.
you used ” I ” 5 times in your comment. reread the post below