Say you’re sitting outside around your picnic table at the campground. It’s just after dinner time, still light out, and your neighbors are out on their evening walks. Picture it? Okay, good. Would you like it if those neighbors stopped to say hello and chat for a moment, or would you prefer that they moved on and continued walking? Maybe they’ll give you a wave, but that’s it.
Have we become more isolated in campgrounds? Are we still just as friendly as “the good ol’ days”? What do you think? After you vote in the poll below, please leave a comment and explain your answer. We’re curious to hear what you have to say. Thank you!
I have no problem with someone stopping to chat for a few minutes. It’s nice to get to know your neighbors.
One thing I have noticed though, the larger and more expensive their rig, the less likely they are going to stop and talk or even acknowledge you with a wave.
I’ve also noticed over the years that the larger and more expensive the rig, the less likely we even see the occupants outside! The exception to that is when the rig is a toy hauler full of ATV’s or a UTV or two.
Sad, but the last 2 comments are mostly true.
No problem with people stopping to chat, but some people just don’t know when to move on.
So for those that are anti-social enough to answer NO, why are they even in an RV park where they will most definitely have many other fellow RVers walk past them and strike up a conversation. The only time I avoid talking with fellow RVers is when they are setting up or tearing down to hit the road. I have had folks ask if it’s OK to stop and talk. Hmmm? Guess I never thought about the extreme anti-social or extreme introverts who would rather be left alone. Maybe they should post a sign: “Leave me the hell alone”??
Polls usually don’t have all the choices. Answering “No” on this one doesn’t mean an individual is an “extreme anti-social…”
In our case, it really depends. Many people are strolling with their dogs. I love dogs, but I don’t want people with dogs bringing them into our site which will start our dogs barking temporarily. Or, I worked a career that had me traveling constantly and working 70 to 80 hours a week constantly interacting with people, but not my family. Going to a campground and sitting around with my wife after dinner was “our” time.
Don’t jump to conclusions about personality based on a poll answer.
Because even introverts have a right to camp? My wife and I keep to ourselves, but will converse with others when the situation warrants. And actually, we avoid RV parks like the plague if possible, preferring to stay at public parks where there is usually some type of privacy between sites. I don’t mind a short conversation but don’t want to be dragged into a drawn out social event.
There is nothing wrong with being an introvert.
I enjoy talking with people but most of the time people walk by and simply wave or say hello and keep on moving.
It’s not limited to strangers, but even friends need to recognize when it is time to move along. And when the group is burned out on a particular conversation topic.
We boondock mostly, so rarely see anyone else around camp when we’re “out there” (heading “out there” today, in fact…probably will be overnighting somewhere in the boonies between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT tonight), it’s more often we see someone while out exploring the countryside surrounding camp, but if they want to stop and chat a bit, I’m game. I’ve learned a lot about local history, travel destinations, etc. by chatting with folks out in the backcountry, and even made some new friends who have remained friends.
Our little camping trailers door is in the back wall so we’re not really exposed to people walking by. When people do stop by we enjoy conversation and have been fortunate that problem visitors have been extremely rare. Most guests are curious about our unique camper, have questions and want to look inside.
I enjoy meeting new people, and will usually be the first to introduce myself, and where I’m from. This allows a quick assessment by both parties for future privacy or interaction. Should an introduction lead to further interaction, I usually follow my 1 beverage rule; if someone stops by to visit I will offer a beverage (soda, or beer) as a signal that it’s a convenient time. Rarely will I offer a 2nd beverage (unless we really hit it off).
The opposite is true; when I stop to visit others I will typically decline a 2nd beverage if offered, so as not to overstay my welcome.
Should a conversation become uncomfortable, I use the universal “nature call” excuse to end the visit.
I’ve never understood “making up an excuse” for not wanting to do something. If a conversation becomes “uncomfortable,” or any other reason, I think it’s OK to just thank them for the visit and move along vs making up a lie. It’s not impolite to simply excuse oneself.
I do not believe that the person would follow you to verify a nature call…just a way to excuse oneself
Quick conversations. 15 minutes tops
I love it when people stop to chat, or invite you to do so when you are walking by! We often just say Hi, or Nice evening and don’t stop much because we don’t want to intrude, but love it when they respond with something that invites us to linger a bit longer. It’s always nice to meet new people, and some we’ve turned into longtime friends!
I travel for work and in order to get my stipends tax-free, I have to pay rent somewhere…..so no boondocking for me. This means an over-crowded RV park with sites too damn close together. I don’t wanna know what my neighbors are making for dinner and certainly don’t wanna hear their conversations or their noisy kids. I wanna be left alone! I do like to take walks around the park with a gin and tonic and will chat with someone if they initiate first, but that’s about it. When in my site, I expect privacy, inside my rig or outside.
wow Bif, that is 2 postings as a grumpy camper in the past few days. Perhaps a sign out by the end of the driveway warning people to stay away
I voted yes- as long as they don’t stay too long. Like 5-10 minutes tops.
I really enjoy the various Polls.
Keep them coming…
A friendly wave, a cheerful “Good morning”, fine. Don’t wander into my site unless invited.
If I’m not in the mood to interact with others, I just set up my quiet space at the back of the camp. Most folks won’t walk through your camp to shoot the breeze.
Conversely, if I want to run my gums, setting up at the front of the camp almost always guarantees opportunities for conversation.
Thank you, RV Travel! Yes, I find it usually enjoyable to meet new people. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
Interestingly, over the past several years of Rving in ND and MN I find ND people more relaxed and friendly even if only a wave as we walk by; MN and the closer to the Twin Cities we are the less friendly people are – most not even a hand wave in return to ours. Strange difference for cold country folks. Must be the pressure of the big cities and crowding compared to smaller towns/cities and wide open spaces. ? – Just an observation.
We enjoy meeting folks while on the road and have had some great times with many neighbors. That kindof changed when we adopted a rescue great pyr mix that looks EXACTLY like a golden retriever – problem is, he’s a mix of all the herding/protective shepherds and great pyr and is a reactive dog due to his protective DNA. That makes it difficult with folks, wandering by to be friendly when he goes nuts barking at them. We’ve gotten to the point that we reign him in when folks walk by with kids or dogs and as long as we’re holding him close, he knows we’re protecting him and we’re not scaring passersby with his reaction. Most people understand once we explain it. . .
I’m an extrovert and have been called “an extroverts idea of what an extrovert looks like”. I am a retired Pastor so this was an asset in my calling.
It allows us to meet individuals from different states and countries. And only twice in some years from our own state which I find great. Great for sharing info though I still keep my favorite hidden locations close to the vest.