Camping Etiquette – Here Is Some

Oh, it is still Summer even though here lately it has kind of felt like early fall.  Camping is still going on all over Central New York and the Adirondacks.

We camp every year because we absolutely love being in the outdoors and enjoying nature.  However, it seems, without fail, there are always some jerk who seems to want to ruin the experience for others.

Camping etiquette?  Is it important.  Sure it is.  Here are some simple rules to follow and I guarantee you won't have the camp police or security visiting your campsite.

1.  Observe the camp quiet hours - This is big, but often misunderstood.  Just because there are quiet hours starting at 10:00 pm, doesn't mean you can be as loud as you want to be up to that point.  Be aware of other campers who are trying to have a good time also.

2.  Don't bring your stereo.  Not everyone at the campground wants to hear your music.  Trust me, they invented headphones for a reason.

3.  Try not to arrive late at night to your campsite.  Your setting up at 12:00 am is disturbing those around you.  You are not the only ones camping there.

4.  Leave no trace - When you enter the great outdoors, it is very important that you leave it just the way you found it.  Don't leave bottles, cans, and other trash behind at your campsite.  Do us all a favor and clean up after yourself.

5.  Check the local rules and regulations regarding firewood.  With so many infestations, there are specific rules that are important to follow.  When it is posted "No outside firewood", they aren't trying to sell you their own firewood, there bugs that they are trying to control to keep the woods infestation free.  Please follow those rules.

6.  Say hello to your neighbors - Breaking the ice when you arrive at your campsite, could very well ensure a great time for all and you just might make some new friends.

We love to spend time in the great outdoors so let's all pitch in to help make it a great experience for all involved.  See you in the mountains!