Before I jump into all of the useful ideas I want to say this is just a general overview of basic etiquette for camping. There are many different styles of camping as well as different settings when camping. no matter if you are camping solo or with a group, I want to make sure you know that some tips are more suited for different styles. This way you can be prepared for what’s ahead.

• THE GENERAL CAMPING RULES

Before doing anything at all it is important to read the rules for the campground you will be staying at. See what the fire regulations are, if you are able to have a fire pit, what the campground quiet hours are, when you can check in and when you need to check out by, etc. This will help you get a plan in place and be ready for your camping trip.

• FOLLOW CAMP QUIET HOURS

This helps you provide a quiet time for everyone camping to be able to rest peacefully. So if you intend to have music playing, walk the perimeter of your camp. If you can clearly hear it at the edge of your camp, it is too loud and you should turn it down. also remember your voice can carry, if you don't want to hear others loud music and obnoxious laugh, they probably don't want to hear your either.

• FOLLOW THE CAMPS RULES

This will keep everyone safe, your camp clean and neat, and help create a great experience. If you are camping at a state or national park you should go to the ranger station for any questions about the camp rules. Sometimes at the national park service station you might find a more detailed flyer with everything that you need to know about the rules for the park.

• PROPER CHECK IN AND TRAVEL TIMES

Always plan ahead when traveling. While many campgrounds allow late check-ins, it is crucial to arrive at a descent time. Arriving late makes it harder for you to set up camp or take down camp when it is still dark out. It’s best practice to arrive at a good time where there is good visibility. Of course there will always be exceptions such as delays during your travels or emergencies. So don't fret to much, Rusty is always late and still manages to get his tent up jus t a bit of a hassle.

• ALWAYS PUT ALL FOOD AWAY

Leaving food out, even on tables or in the fire pit, can attract undesirable encounters such as bears or Rusty showing up. It is imperative to put food away properly when not cooking or before going to bed. This will help keep Rusty from digging through your camp.

• RESPECT WILDLIFE

Always leave the wildlife alone. Do Not feed animals or do damage to their home or even to the animals you find around the campground. That's how I go stuck with Rusty following me everywhere.

• PROPER CAMPFIRE PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS

Not all camps allow campfires. It's very important to know how to build a fire, never leave it unattended, never make a fire if it’s not allowed, and know how to keep your campfire contained.

• LEAVE THE CAMPSITE LOOKING BETTER THAN WHEN YOU ARRRIVED

Before you head out make sure to do a final walkthrough around your site. Throw away  any trash you see, put things back where they belong, and do your best to leave it looking cleaner and better than before you got there.

• KEEP YOUR SITE CLEAN AT ALL TIMES

Leave your campsite clean during your stay, it makes for a better time and makes final pack down that much easier. I tend to assign Rusty this task so it gets taken care of.  Dispose of trash properly and don't leave any trash laying around the camp. Campgrounds usually have a dumpster that's clearly marked to properly dispose of trash so make sure to know where the nearest one to your campsite is located at.

• RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOR’S SPACE

The thing that bugs me the most  is when others walk through my campsite to get to theirs. It happens to me more times than I would like. Always be mindful of your camping neighbor and to always respect their space. Things that help with that are blowing up your mattress before dark so as to not wake anyone with the sound of inflating beds. If you have a flash light or headlamp aim it down and away from eyelevel, non one wants to be blinded and stumble round in the dark.

So hopefully with these basic tips you will have a better time next time you go camping, be it for a LARP, a Ren faire, or just to get out to the woods and relax for a bit.