Keep off the grass: Why it’s so important to pick up after your pet

Ah, RV life. There’s nothing like the open road, the campfire crackling, the stars twinkling… and the unexpected squish underfoot as you step out of your rig.

Yep, we’re talking about one of the ultimate RV park pet peeves: dog owners who treat picking up after their pooches as optional. Spoiler alert—It’s not.

Let’s have a chat, shall we? If you’re a dog owner, this one’s for you. If you’re not, feel free to copy this article, laminate it, and hand it to the next offender you see. Consider it a public service.

Why it’s a problem

• Landmine disaster. Imagine you’ve got a hot cup of coffee in hand, you’re enjoying the serene morning view, and then BAM! You’re in a doo-doo disaster zone. The worst part? It wasn’t even your dog’s doing. Do we really need to be ankle-deep in the circle of life before breakfast?
• The smell. You know that lovely fresh air you moved into your RV to enjoy? Yeah, dog poop has a way of turning it into Eau de Regret. Left unattended, it bakes in the sun, creating a scent profile that even Febreze can’t touch.
• Environmental nightmare. Let’s get serious for a second. Dog poop isn’t just gross—it’s bad for the environment. Unlike cow pies, which can fertilize, dog waste is full of bacteria and parasites. When it rains, it washes into nearby water sources, harming wildlife and contaminating the same lakes we love to paddleboard on.
• Unwelcome reputation for RVers. When one person doesn’t scoop the poop, it’s not just their dog getting the side-eye. The whole RV crowd starts to look bad. You wouldn’t leave trash behind, right? So why let Fido’s business be someone else’s problem?

Excuses, excuses

• “I forgot a bag.” Most RV parks have stations stocked with those little miracle bags. Use ‘em! Heck, carry extras. They’re tiny. You could store 50 in a cup holder and still have room for your coffee.
• “It’s in the grass; no one will notice.” Oh, they’ll notice. Especially the poor soul who accidentally drags it into their RV and spends the next two hours scrubbing their carpet with vinegar.
• “It’s natural!” So are mosquitos and poison ivy, but you don’t let them take over the campground either. Natural doesn’t mean not your problem.

Be the hero we need

Picking up after your dog is an easy way to win RV park MVP. It’s quick, it’s sanitary, and it keeps the community happy. Bonus points if you throw an extra bag at your forgetful neighbor who’s making the rest of us look bad.

Not sure how to do it right? Here’s the crash course:

1. Grab a bag.
2. Scoop the poop.
3. Put it into the bag.
4. Tie it up.
5. Toss it in the designated bin. (Not the bushes. Yes, someone has tried that.)

Make RV parks poo-free zones

The moral of the story? Poo happens. But leaving it behind doesn’t have to. So, let’s all commit to being responsible dog owners. After all, nothing says “community spirit” like making sure your neighbor’s flip-flops stay clean.

Remember: When you pick up after your dog, you’re not just a good pet owner—you’re a hero of the campground. So, grab that bag and show the world what you’re made of. Or, at the very least, what your dog isn’t leaving behind.

Now, go forth and scoop!

Oh, and if you want one of those funny “no pooping” signs to keep at your campsite, there are tons of hilarious options here.

##RVT1191