I recently asked RVtravel.com readers, “Should you tip campground workers if they help you?” The poll results and the comments that followed sparked considerable debate within our RVing community.
Here’s what our readers said: 14% of respondents said yes, 63% said no, and 23% said it depends.
No matter where you stand on campground tipping, the comments received are worth reading.
Yes: Tipping is appropriate
Ray shared an experience where he tipped a campground employee. Why? Ray says, “I tipped an employee who showed exemplary skill in opening a storage compartment without damage after the lock had broken while shut. Thus saving me time and cost of a locksmith.”
Dick H. echoed this sentiment, stating, “I tip anyone who provides me with acceptable service and a friendly attitude. The amount varies depending upon how far they go in providing exceptional service or thoughtfulness.”
Vince S. replied, “If I ask for help beyond what my camping fee covers and the other person obliges, I see no harm in showing my appreciation with a couple of bucks. If they’re providing ‘help’ that I neither need nor asked for, there’s no reason to tip.”
Vince goes on to say: “I am dumbfounded at the number of ‘No’ responses though. If a camp host offers to take you to town for a part, no tip? They loan you their propane tank for your stay because yours emptied somewhere along the way, no tip? They find and return your dog that got off the leash instead of calling animal control, no tip? They help you change a tire and do all the heavy lifting. No tip, no appreciation?”
No: Tipping should not be expected
Patty P. expressed that in 24 years of RVing, she has never encountered a reason to tip anyone at an RV resort, pointing out that tipping is more appropriate in places like restaurants.
David S. chimed in to say, “Here we go again. Tipping for doing their job. No thanks.” This sentiment is echoed by other “no” voters who believe campground workers are already compensated through wages or site usage.
Ed K. added, “No, there are too many people out there with their hands out for a tip when it is just for doing their job.”
Tom argued that tipping has become excessive and should be reserved for sit-down restaurants only.
It depends
Dan believes tipping should occur when an employee goes beyond their general duties, such as helping back in a rig or unloading heavy equipment. He emphasized that while tipping should not be required, it’s appropriate when someone provides extra assistance with a positive attitude.
Lee Rousseau said, “It depends. If I’m at a park with delivery services for ice, firewood, food, etc., I do tip those folks because they’re providing a service over and above what is expected. Otherwise, I don’t tip.”
CeeCee initially leaned toward not tipping but changed her mind after reading others’ comments. She believes gratitude is important and sometimes a tip—or a positive review—can be a meaningful way to show appreciation.
Skye shared, “On occasion I tip. At one park I need[ed] to get up on the roof to check a leak and the park maintenance guy brought me a tall step ladder and held it for me while I went up, found the leak and calked it. A tip was certainly warranted for service way beyond his normal job.”
Conclusion
The poll results and accompanying comments reveal the wide range of opinions on tipping campground workers. While a majority of RVers don’t believe tipping is necessary, a significant portion feels it’s appropriate when workers provide exceptional service or assistance beyond their standard duties. Whether or not to tip ultimately comes down to personal choice and the specific circumstances.
##RVT1171
I camp host at SC State Parks. I never expect a tip for helping a camper with anything. That is what I am there for.
I’ve been on both sides of the tipping equation. As a workcamper, I regularly go above and beyond what is required in my job. I don’t expect a tip, I just love helping other campers. If someone slips me a couple of bucks, I smile and say a hearty “thank you, that isn’t necessary.” Sometimes hubby has been tipped for helping fill a propane tank or delivering firewood. Although it’s part of his job, he doesn’t expect a tip. We’ve both tipped someone who has gone beyond the ‘job’ when we camp.
Even a dollar or two does a lot to brighten someone’s day.
Anytime anyone goes beyond what their normal job calls for they should be tipped no matter what their job.
Well said Brother
Tipping is purely a voluntary effort. Judgments of whether or not it is warranted are just that, opinion. .
I truly believe in the kindness of others. Accept acts of help graciously and ask for permission to write a positive review on google, yelp whatever and write it. If it is an employee get their name and ask for permission to thank the employer and praise them. Then, and this is most important, pass it on.
If they go above and beyond the call of duty, take the initiative, and put forth the effort, I’ll usually offer them a reasonable tip.
I always tip the person who comes around to drain my black water tank. A horrible job having to smell others leftovers.
Isn’t that more like paying somebody to empty your tanks? That I would do.
Being a camp host myself I don’t expect to be tipped.
I have never worked with any camp site host that complained about not being tipped.
Its not expected and I would appreciate a good review and maybe a mention of a name of the host for a kudo.
We are not waiters or bartenders.
Most hosts would probably turn it down anyways.
Agree with David N. We camp host also and many times go far above and beyond. We feel it is part of our ‘job’ to make it the best experience we can for the camper. We do not expect or want a tip. We are already enjoying the benefits of hosting by being outdoors, in nature, relaxing, being physically active, meeting nice campers and having a break from our every day lives.
James and David’s comments below are spot on… They get it!
Beyond all the modern day psycho-babble about who deserves a tip, what ever happened to helping a fellow man?
People used to help other people because it was the right thing to do. Nowadays, it’s all about “what’s in it for me?”
Short story: a larger tree limb fell in my yard during a storm recently. My neighbors’s grown son happened to be visiting that day.
Without a word, he grabbed his chainsaw from his truck and cut it into small pieces. I offered him $40 for his time. He wouldn’t accept a penny stating: “that’s not why I did it.” Well stated, young man!
Exactly, Bob. Nice you offered, but good to hear that a neighbor helped a neighbor just for the goodness of it. 👍
Tipping is out of control. Why can’t the greedy companies which received the largest tax giveaway ever in 2017 just pay employees a livable wage? Cheapskate.
🤣🤣🤣
Wages are transactional. If someone feels that the time they sell for money is worth more money than they are currently receiving for said time, renegotiate or find someone who will buy that time for what the seller of the time values it at.
If one cannot find a customer for one’s time at the price one is asking, they may be over valuing the product. Time is for sale, that is what wages are, the fair market price for the time.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 I voted no as a matter of course, but agree that if something beyond “doing their job” occurs, then a tip is warranted. Saying “thank you” with cash is a resounding and heartfelt “THANK YOU!” Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Tipping used to mean; To Insure Promp Service. (tips).
Hubby works at an RV campground during the summer. Some folks have given him wine or fishing lures after he helps them. Not expected and unnecessary, but appreciated.
I think it’s a nice thing to do. All the people we’ve tipped in the past appreciated it. A guest (and friend) where we stay a lot fills my tires and does other maint. things on our rig. He refuses money so I keep his favorite beer in my fridge outside for him to take whenever he wants.
as a campground host, I do not expect a tip for those services that I provide that are part of my job duties like escorting to your site making sure that everything is OK. Your reservation has been processed in time.
as a host, my compensation is my site is free and my laundry is paid for, but I received no monetary compensation.
But if I should go above and beyond like loaning some of my propane tank for them to cook on or, loaning them my tent because they forgot theirs or even taking them into town because they needed some kind of a supply. Yes, I would appreciate but not expect some kind of a small compensation. These acts are not part of my job, but we do them on a regular basis.
You are a terrific camp host, Jane. Easy to spot one.
I mow and trim the 62 acres of the Campground I stay in during the summer months. I’ve done this in triple-digit heat, conditions that cover me from head to foot in dust and dirt. All in an effort to keep everyone’s sight nice and neat.. I’ve never been offered a Tip, nor would I expect it. Hell, I’d be happy just to be acknowledged with a few thank you’s !!
I’ve been on both sides of this debate. When I volunteered at the Legion getting a beer for someone, they would drop a dollar tip… I told them I don’t take tips – 1. I don’t and 2. a dollar is a lot for handing someone a beer!
Several years ago, I flew a charter flight to Sioux Falls SD for two businessmen, they tipped me $50.00 by leaving an envelope on the seat!
Tipping to me is earning it! Doing your job is what you are paid for – whether tips are supposed to help or not is not the point… If I get good service beyond what I consider your job, then I will tip and depending on how much beyond, a little or a substantial amount. I have not had any help in any camp ground to tip for
As a Host for several years, I really appreciated receiving cookies and other fine sweets for our efforts. Don’t recall ever being offered cash.
Will any employ of a CG or RV Park just say “no thanks, this is what get I paid for?
Never needed help and the campgrounds I frequent often don’t have a host. But I’d say it depends.