What Not to Do at a Campsite

Avoiding the Most Common "Uh-Oh" Moments

When you're new to camping, it’s easy to make a few mistakes. Some are just a little embarrassing, but others can actually cause problems for your RV or your neighbors.

To help you skip the "learning the hard way" part, here are the top things you should never do at a campground.

1. Never Forget the "Chocks"

The Mistake: Unhooking the RV from the truck before putting blocks under the wheels.

  • Why it’s bad: Without wheel chocks (those wedge-shaped blocks), the RV can roll away as soon as it's unhooked. This is dangerous for you and anyone parked downhill!

  • The Pro Move: Always put the chocks tightly against the tires on both sides before you do anything else.

2. Never Leave Food Out at Night

The Mistake: Leaving your cooler, trash, or a bowl of snacks on the picnic table when you go to bed.

  • Why it’s bad: You might wake up to a "Trash Party" hosted by raccoons, squirrels, or even bears! Animals that get used to human food can get into trouble.

  • The Pro Move: Put all food and trash inside the RV or in the campground’s bear-proof bins before you go to sleep.

3. Never Trust the "Full" Sensor

The Mistake: Waiting until your bathroom tank shows "Full" on the wall panel before you empty it.

  • Why it’s bad: Sometimes those sensors get sticky and don't tell the truth. If you wait too long, the tank could overflow or get a "clog" that is very messy to fix.

  • The Pro Move: Empty your tanks every few days, even if the light says they aren't full yet. And always use plenty of water when you flush!

4. Never Leave Your Awning Out When You Leave

The Mistake: Keeping the big shade umbrella (the awning) out while you go for a long hike or a trip into town.

  • Why it’s bad: A sudden "pop-up" storm or a big gust of wind can catch the awning like a sail and rip it right off the side of the RV.

  • The Pro Move: If you aren't at the campsite, roll the awning in. It only takes a minute and saves you from a very expensive repair.

5. Never Arrive After Dark (If You Can Help It)

The Mistake: Trying to park and set up your RV for the first time at 10:00 PM.

  • Why it’s bad: It is much harder to see trees, power poles, and those wheel chocks in the dark. Plus, the noise of setting up might wake up your neighbors.

  • The Pro Move: Try to arrive at least two hours before the sun goes down. It makes everything much more relaxed!

Pro Tip: The "Walk-Around" Rule. Before you drive away from your site at the end of the trip, walk around the RV one last time. Check the roof, the ground, and the hookups. You’ll be surprised how often you find a forgotten chair or a hose that is still plugged in!

Final Thoughts

Everyone makes a mistake now and then, but knowing these big ones ahead of time makes you a "Pro Camper" right from the start. By being careful with your gear and respecting the animals and neighbors, you’ll have a much smoother adventure.

Stay safe and have fun!

🐟 Want to make sure you don't miss a low branch in the dark? See the site in high definition before you go! CampgroundViews.com lets you take a 360-degree tour of the park. You can see exactly how much room you have for your awning and your truck before you ever pull into the site.

See the details at CampgroundViews.com!