By Gail Marsh
Charlie wasn’t happy. I could see his frustration before I even got situated at the campfire. His anger quickly erupted. “After buying a trailer and hauling it across the country, now I find out that my golf cart is banned in this campground!”
“That’s why you should always check the campground rules before you reserve,” Chet advised.
“I did that!” Charlie angrily responded. “Their website said that golf carts were welcome! So, now what?! My wife has trouble walking and we counted on using our golf cart to get around.”
The small print
When I got back to our RV, I checked the campground’s rules and, sure enough, it clearly stated, “Electric golf carts welcome!” I guessed that Charlie’s golf cart must be gas-powered. It was a good reminder to always read campground rules and regulations carefully. Get clarification for things that may be game changers for you—like whether or not gas-powered golf carts are permitted.
Why not gas-fueled?
Some campgrounds disallow gas-powered golf carts for the following reasons:
• Too fast. Carts fueled by gasoline can reach higher speeds than electric carts. Campground managers I spoke with said that they worry about this increased speed potential, fearing that the carts may cause personal injuries, campground infrastructure damage, and/or damage to the vehicles belonging to other RVers.
• Noise. Another reason for not allowing gas-fueled golf carts is their noise. Electric carts are much less disruptive when it comes to the sound they make. Campground owners understand that visitors want to relax in peace and listen to the sounds of nature, so many campgrounds choose electric vehicles over gas-powered carts.
• Emissions. Many campgrounds prefer electric vehicles because they do not produce the pollution and fume odors that come with gas-powered golf carts.
Common sense
Here are some common-sense rules for operating golf carts in campgrounds—no matter whether you’re driving gas- or electric-fueled golf carts:
• Speed. Always follow the campground’s posted speed limits. Be aware that children, other campers or animals may suddenly dart out in front of you. Drive defensively. If you allow someone else to drive your golf cart, make sure they know and follow the speed limits.
• Yield. Always yield to pedestrians.
• Operators. Understand and follow the campground’s (or state’s) rules about who is legally allowed to drive the golf cart (age, licensing requirements, etc.) Before allowing anyone else to drive your cart, make sure they can safely do so. Remind drivers that they must follow all common traffic and campground rules.
• Passengers. It might be tempting to carry more folks than the number of seats on your cart. Don’t do it! Hanging on the sides or carrying someone on your lap is not safe. Falling from a cart can cause serious injury. Don’t risk it. Also caution passengers to keep their hands, arms, legs, and feet inside the cart at all times while in transit.
• Parking. Use caution when parking the golf cart, especially on hilly terrain. Fully set the parking brake each time so that your cart won’t accidentally roll away. (Yes, it’s happened.)
• Signaling. Although most golf carts have turn signals, they can be difficult to see. It’s best to use hand signals so that your intentions are clearly displayed.
• Gas cans. Be especially careful about where you store your gasoline cans when camping. Keep cans well away from campfires, grills, and other areas that may be potentially dangerous.
• Keys. Never leave the keys in the golf cart. Curious teens and others may decide to take the cart “for fun” and you may bear responsibility, especially if you’ve rented the cart from the campground.
What about you? Do you think golf carts should be banned in campgrounds? Leave a comment below.
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RVT1240
Golf carts aren’t the problem, people are.
People toss the keys to kids, drunks and drivers who lack any comprehension of their actions. It’s hard to retain any patience or compassion for folks that treat campgrounds as Mario Kart courses. To the flip side, it’s not fun taking 30 minutes to leave because the way to the exit is choked with golf carts and nobody has the sense to move out of the way.
Always the case with most anything.
In early November we were at a Campground that’s in a beautiful large county park not far from St Louis. It is on a lake and has a paved trail around it. Several times as I was walking my dog around it I had bicyclists come flying around me within a foot with zero warning. Decent riders will say something like “On your left” before they get to you so you know they are there.
Amen Mikal, amen!
On a lighter side, I got sideswiped by a preschooler on a tricycle with spiked hair and a nasty disposition. His Memaw was on his six, pedaling hard to catch up while yelling profanities at his lack of road courtesies while his lil’ sister was being dragged in her Barbie Jeep by a well toned German Shepherd chasing a squirrel. I asked that they hit the other side of my rig just so I could see the show again!
I’m still okay with bikes, trikes and carts. I just wish courtesy didn’t go extinct like dignity dying at the Walmart…
The line is blurring between golf carts and side by side vehicles. And at this blurry line electric vs gas isn’t much different in terms of giddy-up and go. That leaves noise as the primary distinction. I’ve seen campground rules allow golf carts, but restrict use to people with a valid driver’s license. An ORV license is insufficient. Doesn’t eliminate the bad driver situation, but it helps.
In my state you can register a golf cart as an lsv (low speed vehicle) license, inspection sticker whole 9 yards. It is then considered licensed vehicle as legal as the vehicle they are driving. Legally cannot stop you from driving as long as speed limit is 35 or below.
Being Physically Disabled, I have not found a Campground I can’t use my Cricket SX-3 in. I have had a few Park Rangers tell me it was not allowed but then changed their mind when I showed them the definition of a Mobility Device and what the Michigan State Park Rules actually are. I carry a copy on the dash of my motor home and mention it when we check in. Same for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore. I don’t think Campground owners want to deal with the ADA and potential liability for ignoring it. Granted my Cricket is electric and is small enough that we have taken it into Museums like the Mariners Museum in Newport News and the staff ask us to report any exhibits we couldn’t access.
Years ago, we stayed at a campground that allowed gas golf carts. We happened to have a site at a busy intersection of the campground. By the end of the weekend we were so done with the put-put-put of the engines as the stream of carts was non-stop. We hardly even heard the electric ones.
If a person is elderly or disabled then I support the use of an electric golf cart or mobility scooter or device. They deserve the enjoyment of RVing too. I have heard many very loud jeeps and trucks and no golf cart has ever disturbed us like those.
I’m good with golf carts. It’s the rude inconsiderate drivers that are the problem. Gas or electric doesn’t really matter. I don’t like the loud radios.