I am continually stunned by reports of RVers and other vacationers who disregard rules. Take, for example, the numerous folks who are hurt when they get too close to animals in the wild. Or people who ignore park safety barriers so that they can get a better view. Or even the dog owners who disregard the park’s “Pick up after your dog” signage.
Don’t folks know that wild animals are, well, wild? Or that hot springs can burn you? I don’t get it. I’m not sure there should even be a rule about picking up after your dog. Doesn’t that fall under the category of basic courtesy and responsible pet ownership?
I just don’t understand, but perhaps RVers and others who disregard the rules don’t understand me and why I’m a rule follower (or try my best to be).
Theories
Many theories have been suggested about why some folks are compliant while others feel no compunction to follow rules. Here are just a few ideas.
- Ignorance. This theory suggests that people who disregard rules may simply not know or understand the rules. “Oh, that fence is meant to keep people a safe distance from the edge of the canyon. Okay. I get it now.”
- Entitlement. Another theory argues that some folks feel they deserve to break the rules. They feel justified doing things their own way rather than following posted regulations. “I paid good money to see this National Park and if I have to go past the barrier to touch the hot springs, I will, regardless of the rules.”
- Superior intelligence. This idea purports that people who don’t follow regulations may feel superior to the rule makers. Some campers regard some rules as unnecessary. “No one ever walks in this area, so I don’t need to pick up after my dog way over here.”
- Need for acceptance. Yet another psychological theory about rulebreakers suggests that they may have an unmet need for acceptance. They feel a need to set themselves apart, to demonstrate their bravery or success through an act of daring, even if it happens to be against the rules. “Watch this! I bet I can get a great close-up picture of this bear cub.”
What to do
So, what should rule followers do? Do you explain the rules so that folks know and understand them? Do you report dangerous behavior to park officials? Do you simply ignore folks who disregard rules?
Poll
Please voice your opinion in the poll for what you most often do, and then give reasons for your choice in the comments below.
I try to be as polite and non-aggressive as possible when pointing out transgressions. Often the rule infractions are ignorance because the new arrival hasn’t taken the time to truly read the rules they agreed to follow. If I get a defensive response, then it is entitlement and I let park management know.
And there will always be people who live in a different reality and haven’t got a clue as to how the universe works. Try as you might, you won’t get them to foresee the consequences for their actions. I just try to stay a safe distance away.
Over time I have handed many a poop bag with a smile as they are departing what the dog left. Depending on the infraction it should be you’re told to pack and leave and no refund and red listed then the word is out on your behavior the hotels can have them. As one gets older one’s patience gets less.
See stupid, stop stupid. You life might depend on it. No free passes.
For me, the crucial factor is the personal impact of the situation. If it’s a matter of disturbing the peace during quiet hours, I would definitely report it if it’s causing me sleepless nights. Similarly, if there are barking or loose dogs that are directly affecting my safety or comfort, I wouldn’t hesitate to take action. However, if it’s a non-impacting issue, I believe it’s best to let it be.
Jim Johnson’s response mirrors mine 100%, well said.
In this day and age when everyone is angry and all that is needed is someone to tell them “not to do” or “stop doing something” might cause an unexpected response. Doing so might put you in danger. There is no longer a “we society” but “only an “I”. Loss of respect for our fellow man has disappeared as the entitled generation is taking over. VERY SAD. We ignore any rule breaker unless it intrudes on our rights or impacts our attempt to enjoy our CG stay.
Agreed, too many angry people
I am ” that ” person!! I try in a nice, informative and positive way to let people know what they are doing isn’t right. 90% of the time it’s ignorance to rules and problems are resolved. How else can people learn? If any attitude is detected, I reported it to people in charge. Usually I end up making friends.
Like most RVer’s, we enjoy our time camping, and wonder why anyone would ignore the basic etiquette of treating the campground like your home. I try to get my fellow campers to do the right thing, but it depends how they respond to a simple, “hello”, when a simple clean up is needed. Most often, I contact the park management and let them know the problem. I spent too many years trying to get people to do the right thing, and most often I do get positive results, but I will not ruin my camping experience, because of one camper that will not follow the rules.
Many dog owners become indignant when approached about their barking dogs or not picking up their dog’s crap. Most of the same gush and get glassy eyed when talking about their dogs, often calling them “fur babies.” In my opinion, the displaced “humanization” of these pets leads to a marked decline in behavioral self expectations of the owner, and discipline problems with the pet. So yes, yes, YES I would pay extra for a quiet, no dog loop/campground!
My husband and I are cg hosts in Pa’s state parks. We could write a book about the dumb and/or inconsiderate things people do while camping/visiting. What irks me more than barking dogs, are screaming kids, and leaving their campsite or picnic areas a mess. We are required to clean up after them when they leave as part of our duties. It’s like the world revolves around them and to hell with the rest of us.
My wife and I are Workampers presently at Pine Acres Campground in NH. I have had to clean multiple campfire rings filled with hundreds of items of trash left by many inconsiderate and ignorant imbeciles who call themselves “campers”. I call them “white trash”! Plus I am constantly picking up trash along the roads inside the campground thrown there by these people who have no respect for their environment, nature and probably their country . I’d like to send ALL of these people to Singapore and see where that type of disrespect gets them. If I could post photos you would see first hand what I am talking about. I take photos of every campfire ring left by these stupid people.
Depends on what they’re doing.
Sadly I answered Ignore them because you never know how crazy someone might become when called to task. Usually if they break the rules they don’t care about the rules
Idiocy has become a relevant disease in this country and there is no known cure for it.
I just strap on my Colt and amble over there and tell em to pick up their shot. Kidding I don’t own a gun, but many do and if they don’t give a crap about the rules and etiquette in life then probably best for you not to engage.
I agree with the “Angry” aspect being prevalent within society. It’s taken 80 some years for forces to degenerate our society to this point. It will take a long time to correct it, IF we have the stamina to do it.
I try to determine a person’s attitude before making any suggestions about their behavior. Your “Helpful” comment might be interpreted as “Entitled Arrogance” and be met with retaliation.
Gee what’s wrong with us? Afraid to take a stand?
I’ve actually done all three, depending on the situation.
If they are relatively “minor” ignore them. If serious TRY to contact officials. Not always possible when the Camp Host is off (if there even is one) , nearest ranger station is 20 miles away, no cell service …
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 Nothing that I have seen has been so egregious that I have “told on them” to the campground people. I try to ignore stupid behavior for fear of making it worse by castigating someone for misbehavior. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
Depending on the offense, I most likely would ignore it. If an opportunity presents to mention that campground etiquette makes that behavior undesirable, I might do so. Otherwise, if it is something dangerous I might report it to the proper authority.
Depends on the serious nature of the violation. Mostly ignore them, but if it is one of a serious nature, we might advise them of danger, never confrontationally. We would report only the most serious infractions.
We put down to tell them to stop. Not in a mean or confrontational manner, but educational.
Decades ago Winnebago printed a 29 rule pamphlet for new campers. Perhaps the RVIA can use some of their badge funds to make an awareness campaign.
This is such an important discussion. And how we came to be in such a place? However, that would take lots of time/ writing. All the “moral rules “ of good behavior seem at risk. And now to add to the chaos, are those who bring their political views/ signs, etc. to the campgrounds. Yup, the experiences are different . . I have started speaking up because it no longer is a time to be silent. But always I respect the option that I need to “gently” speak to the offender first. . .as I would want for myself if someone had to speak to me. If serious offense, then it needs reporting.
I would have to say my answer is probably a combination of the first two. If I have talked to the camper and they seem receptive to helpful advice then the first. If they have a “me” attitude then probably report them, depending on the seriousness of the rule breaking.
A lot depends on the offense. If it’s something minor and doesn’t infringe on me, I’ll just keep it to myself. If it’s destructive, illegal, or affects me, I’ll report them.
In a world where more and more people seem or are entitled and easily irritated and offended I’m not surprised by the poll results. I’ll admit that I’m in the “not say anything” camp most of the time. Why? Because I don’t feel like suffering the ramifications of someone else’s anger (whether justified or not). I most often keep to myself.
Usually, dogs are off leash, and I tell people about it and maybe complain to a camp host if there is one. I don’t want their dog trying to get at mine who minds his own business. Or if kids are playing ball amongst vehicles, I’ll find a camp host. It depends. If people weren’t so stupid and in lala land or pushy, it wouldn’t be necessary to say anything.