By Bob Difley
Raging discussions continue between real campers (tenters) and behemoth campers (us RVers) about annoying each other. Tenters complain about giant RVs (that’s anything larger than a tent) pulling into a campsite next to them and so that all they can see is a giant hunk of shiny metal from their campsite. Then they complain about RVers running their noisy, smelly generators exhausting fumes into their campsite, and playing their TVs too loud.
On the other hand, RVers get annoyed by tenters walking about right outside their windows, talking, laughing, and making too much noise. Besides, they build fires with the smoke blowing in their windows, and they stay up late at night with loud talking getting louder as the amount of alcohol consumed rises.
For one side of the debate, consider what Jeremy Klaszus wrote in an opinion piece on July 25th in the Calgary (Canada) Herald called Keep it down, fellow campers:
Camping is an opportunity to get away from the noise and chaos of urban life. A chance to unplug, unwind and so on. These days, however, more people seem to be hauling the city to the campground, unable to live without modern luxuries (heat, electricity, TV) for even a weekend. Earlier this month, I spotted a satellite dish at a campsite. A few campgrounds even offer wireless Internet, a terrible idea.
The goal, it seems, is to convert boring old campsites into urban residences. It’s baffling. Why go to the trouble and cost of hauling all that stuff into the woods, just to recreate the same setting you’re leaving? What’s the point? Why not just stay home?
There must be good reasons behind RV culture (though they escape me), and if people want to lug half of their homes into the woods, then of course they’re free to do so. But when they start spoiling the camping experience for others, it’s time to draw the line.
Klaszus feels that the “stuff” RVers have with them–and using it–is the problem, resulting in an inability to “get away from the noise and chaos of urban life. A chance to unplug, unwind . . . ” But I wonder whether he has considered fulltimers, where, yes, they are hauling their house around with them and they do stay in campgrounds.
But if the issue is annoying other campers, has he considered week-end partiers as the source of the discomfort and not whether they are in tents or RVs? Separation of RVs from Tents would defuse the tension between tenters and RVers, but isn’t the real reason common courtesy toward your neighbors? I would no more want a loud bunch next to me in an RV than I would in a tent. However, if RVers and tenters followed campground rules (which are usually not too strongly enforced), such as generator hours and quiet hours, would the problem go away?
Both sides of the issue argue their respective points, such as an older RV couple having to turn their TV down so low their aging ears can’t hear it just so the tenter next door can’t hear it at all, or the 20-something tenters that claim they have a right to unwind on weekends by going camping, building a campfire, having “a few drinks,” talking, laughing, and enjoying themselves.
One solution for the dilemma could be for RVers to go to RV resorts where tents are not allowed, and for campgrounds to set up tent areas separate from RV areas. Another answer might be for RVers to go boondocking more, away from crowded campgrounds. But even the BLM and forest service have rules for dispersed camping such as:
Operating or using in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over an adjacent body of water without a permit, any device which produces noise, such as a radio, television, musical instrument, motor or engine in such a manner and at such a time so as to unreasonably disturb any person. (Title 36 Part 261.10 [i])
Is there a better solution, or should we all accept the fact that we–tenters, week-end partiers, vacationing RVers, and fulltimers– will just have to accept what is–like it or not?
Check out my website for more RVing tips and destinations and for my ebooks, BOONDOCKING: Finding the Perfect Campsite on America’s Public Lands, Snowbird Guide to Boondocking in the Southwestern Deserts (now available in a Kindle version), and 111 Ways to Get the Biggest Bang out of your RV Lifestyle Dollar.
JC
Respect and following the rules…its too easy…however, its so hard for some. Sadly, a lot of these issues boil down to egotistical people believing their way is always the right way, the best way, and everyone else is the problem. All the while…the egotist has no sense of rule, regulation, or order. Why? Because they are the center of the world and everything revolves around them…me, my, and I !!!
As to the question: yes…separate them as much as possible. Campgrounds need to clear about this issue through layouts, notification, and policy. As to boon-docking…??? If you want a complete RV free camping experience, get into the wilderness…that’s what I do. If you want the ability to travel for long periods of time with the comforts of home, get an RV…that’s what I did.
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For me, it boils down to common courtesy, and simple awareness. We’re all out there to have a good time. For some, it might be watching the game on TV from the comforts of our Class A in the middle of nowhere, while the generator’s running. For others, it may be socializing around a campfire with friends and family till the wee-hours of the morning. And for others, it may be to simply spend a quiet evening sleeping in the outdoors. My rule-of-thumb has always been to ensure that “My Fun” is not negatively impacting my “Neighbor’s Fun”. Unfortunately the campers lacking that etiquette don’t likely spend time following good discussions like this and therefore are completely unaware that they are bothering anyone. I agree with most everyone here that the discourteous neighbors come in both tents and RV’s.
Ron
When camping as a tenter, I’ve always hated being neighbored by RV’ers. Nothing to do with personal manners, but if I wanted to camp in a parking lot I’d have done that. When camping as an RV’er, I’ve never been bothered by tenters. Go figure.
Luckily, living in OR, there aren’t many private campgrounds that I’d go to, and state parks do a good job of either keeping everyone seperated, or having large ‘rustic’ spots that are are private enough for it not to matter.
Sherrie Scott
Hi from Texas! We are blessed to have a great state park system that usually has spacious sites- these are generally separated by services offered. Some private campgrounds are just too close-for anybody! We are in our 40’s & frequently travel with teenagers, both tenting, & travel trailer, & at times a combo of both. I love having tenters and RV neighbors! Both groups add fun to our outings & I wouldn’t trade either! If you want to be separated ASK at check in, or reservation time. Personally, I love the mix & am blessed to have great neighbors the majority of the time. The not so great neighbors come in tents, RVs, etc…. Ya want a good neighbor—BE ONE. :-). Xoxo
Dalton Tamney
I think tenters would be happier in their own area. They can party to their hearts content and not worry about bothering anyone except each other. I have had more problems with RVers who use their rigs simply as a bunk house for their partying. As has been previously stated many times it all depends on being considerate of your neighbours, whether with generators or drunken parties. I can tell as soon as I get into a campground where the problems are going to be and it’s not limited to tenters by any means although I will say, at the risk of being labelled as discriminatory, I have rarely had any problems with the people in the big class A. However I do resent the rigs with the huge exterior entertainment centres. I don’t want to listen to them. Keep the entertainment inside.
sjncrulz
We have been to several private and government managed campsites and the ones we liked best were the ones that had a “party” or “late night” area and a separate “family” area. Simply choose what meets your needs. We currently have a travel trailer and have no issues with tent campers on an “RV” designated site. If they want to pay for the amenities and realize that they will be with RVs then first come first served. Personally when I shop for a site I look for the best one available that meets at least my minimum requirements, I feel no ill will to someone in a tent, sleeping bag, popup, 5th wheel or diesel pusher who takes a site I did not get reserved before they did. I agree with the majority of posters that most of the time issues boil down to courtesy and the golden rule than anything else.
curt McRee
Why can’t we Live and Let Live and treat each other like we want to be treated.
We live only once and each person we meet leaves an impression on us and we do like wise.If all of us lived like our parents taught us to live, Good I hope. Then
we would be a better group of people. Live like this is your last day on earth.
Elario
Didn’t someone once say: “Can’t we all just get along”?
Morgan
This is a great debate that is as old as the RV… I am on the side of keeping both separate… Roads generally need to be different to get to your site, the site has to be different, and noise is by nature different as RVs run generators and tents have virtually no walls.
Geoffrey Pruett
The problem between tenters and hard shell people is usually self limiting due to campground layouts, hookups are expensive to install and most tents and many pop-ups do not need them. That said when dry camping enjoy the experience and pretend the genset is broken! Even in an A with the windows closed most generators are an unwanted extra noise. Since solar panels are quite effective use an inverter for needed power and a fan for cooling except in extreme conditions. We have learned how to keep peace in our constantly more crowded cities, use the same practices in the close confines of a campground.
William Weed
We have done both the tent and the now rv camping. It has always been better for us to be in the area of like style campers. The mixing always had some problems.
enjoys reading the thoughts of others.
Mary wilcox
Having been both a tent camper and the owner of a motor home we all have a place. I have seen lots of campgrounds get away from tent camping spots. I hate to see that happen but they should leave a place for tents and a place for motorhomes, trailers. Just don,t put the motorhomes next to or between perment structures of the people that live in a campground instead of a trailer park. Maybe we need different types of parks or separate parts to a park.
Barb O
We live in a big RV because we are full timers but I can remember when we camped out of a van and tent. I did not appreciate siting outside my tent surrounded by big RVs and buses. We wanted to enjoy nature not looking at big RVs. So I think it’s a good idea to separate RVers from tenters. Our big complaint are smokers. They stand outside their RVs and the smoke blows right in your window. At one RV park every time the guy next to us came out his door I shut the window until he left again and this happened about 10 minutes out of every half hour. Very annoying.
catchesthewind
Seems to me the problem is behaviour and not tent vs big box. Rudeness is common to both groups and the application of a little courtesy will work wonders.
Nick Stumbaugh
As long as tenters respect quiet hours and RVers minimize generator usage, I don’t see a problem. As one comment noted, it’s people, not camping mode, that can be objectionable. Even in an RV, I’m annoyed when other RVers run their noisy, smelly generators full-time near me.
Stephen
Since tenters now often have generators and TVs, and big RVs can survive for days on their solar panels. The difference is blurred.
As mentioned before it is just be courteous to and considerate of fellow campers.
Earl Gillespie
I found the solution—Bought a large backpack and a motorcycle—I can go places “they” can’t. I only stay on “campgrounds” when I’m traveling—1 night max. Try it, you’ll like it. Too old and feeble? Motorcycle with side car. I’m 64.
hockeyguy
I would generally agree with the seperation of the tents from rvs concept. It can overlap a bit in our park as many of the trailers will sometimes have guests up and then set up a tent or two for their overflow. We have set up tents ourselves to cover off and it usually means that you have a group mix of folks with you who are not familiar with the common courtesies hence when it is time for the nightly fire you do end up with a larger than usual group and this can result in more drinking and more noise as the group tends to behave a little different than the smaller family group.
I have tented in alot of provincial parks and a couple of private grounds and it always came down to just using common sense.
Since I started using a trailer about 10 years ago at a fixed site it is easier to add a bit here and there until it has much of your home comforts but on a smaller scale.,
I use some appliances to do some cooking ie slow cooker , toaster , propane bbq and blender on occasion just to get the work done easier.
A normally quiet group near me had a 50th birthday party last weekend and there were quite a few younger family members up with their partners and they were a bit rowdy into the evening (past midnight} but it was a one off event and all I did was go in my trailer after 9 pm and watch television until bedtime. If it started happening on a regular basis I would say something to the rver or to the owner but I doubt that it will happen again.
I like to play music in my trailer most of the time and on occasion I turn it up so that I can here it outside but no complaints that I have heard yet.
As by my nickname I am a big hockey fan and might move my tv outside in the spring to watch some playoff games but that would only be only be a couple of times at most and it could get a bit noisy if certain teams were involved but I doubt that it would disturb anyone too much.
I guess that I look at it as a live and let live but each one has to think of the impact that you have on the immeidate neighbours and then those who are also nearby.
One comment that I read about having someone take good sites with what I read as “less than deserving or necessary” just comes down to being there first. Why would you not take a nicer site if available ? If you get to your area and you are not pre assigned then naturally you will look for the nice spot with lots of room.
How To Buy an RV
I agree with Jon. Contrary to popular belief there is no correlation between being inconsiderate and the type of camping you prefer. Be quiet. Clean up your trash. How hard are those to really do?
Jon
Sounds to me more like of not having any campground manners to me. Doesn’t matter if you are in a tent, 45 ft motor home or what ever. The lack of manners run thru all of them.
Craig
Hi from Ga. . . We RV camped in a great state park Thanksgiving weekend and the group of RVers drinking and watching a football game on a giant outdoor TV just about ruined it for everyone, tenters & RVers alike. 20 or so inconsiderate people can ruin just about anyplace these days. I would segregate tenters because I think that’s what they want and I understand that. I wish we could have a separate ‘drink till your sick’ section too. Folks-in-charge can help a lot by enforcing rules. Regards, Craig
Tom S
My wife and I started tent camping 40 years ago. We’ve had a Tent trailer, a Class A and now we’re in a 30′ Travel Trailer. As tent campers, we were always PO’d that the expensive motor homes took all of the creekside sites in a campground but never came out of their RV to enjoy the scenery. A lot of them ran their generators all day long.
Recently we camped in Death Valley at the NPS CG where quiet time was from 7 PM to 6 AM in deference to the tent campers. So our generator was off at 7 PM, (I usually run it til about 9 or 9:30 PM) but we had to listen to the raucous noise coming from the tent campers (4 separate groups) partying until around midnight.
Someone above mentioned common courtesy and common sense should be the order of the day in campgrounds. I’ve come to the realization that Common Sense isn’t all that common.
Frank Howard
Here in Alberta, the provincial and federal parks sites are divided by services. Since tenters generally don’t need the services (there are exceptions – it is nice to have the electric toaster ) or if the serviced site is on ashphalt , they tend to congregate in the unserviced areas. The government campsites tend to have more room per site so congestion is reduced. As in all aspects of life,mutual respect is paramount.
Teri B
As a campground owner and tenter and RVer I believe that I prefer to have tenters separated somewhat. When tenting, I prefer seeing trees, campfires and nature in general around me not a big rig. And since sites for a tenter and RVer have different needs, as a park operator, I find it easier to have them in different sections. Activities, amenities and park features are, of course shared and tenters and RVers are able to interact freely.
Executing park rules is not an easy thing but always best for all involved. Party Nazis are not necessary but common courtesy often needs to be enforced, mostly because some just don’t think about how their actions affect others. Usually a gentle reminder does wonders. But even if more sternness is needed it is worth it. It’s nice when campers can work out these things between themselves but many are squeamish about it and usually call the office. The answer is not disallowing one or the other but separating tenters from RVers makes so much sense because they have different lifestyles.
Kenneth Lane
I see no reason for the noisy inconsiderate types to be allowed to annoy others. Rules should be strict in all public parts. Party types should open their own parks. We are too crowded on this planet to indulge childish behavior.
JERRY THORNTON
Both are ok but its the ones with the dogs thats most irritating, peeing all around you and your rv, diapers should have to be used on all dogs. Babysitting 2 dogs and walking them 4 times a day, feeding, cleaning up their mess, when the kids
leave they should all take their dogs with them.
Curt McRee
It seems to be the trend now days to complain about some one else.If all people
would use Common sense to guide them through all things that humans confront
in what ever they do. There are more people trying to get others to do and be like them. Every one should spend more time working on improving themselves and
their dislikes, than bad mouthing their neigbors. Why can’t people just do their thing and pay no attention to what others are doing. None of us are perfect, we just think we are.I have been R.Ving since 1974 and I have been around all kinds of people and I have never been bothered by loud noise, Bad language or bad attitudes. I think people vent their anger on sites like this, because they don’t have the fortitude to be a good neigbor and approach the people they are critizing here.
It take compassion and Common sense to be a good camper and a good human being! That is my STORY and I am sticking to it.
Dave Stoeffler
Maybe we should separate generators from the rest of us…… We were recently at Bryce National Park where there was a small motor home with a loud generator on for several hours each day. It didn’t seem to bother them, but, I’m pretty sure it bothered everyone else. We enjoy campgrounds with a mix of families and older couples. When we are at campgrounds we expect to spend time outside around the campfire. When we want to watch TV we go to RV parks with hookups. We have even been invited to join tent camper groups around their campfire.
GlenO
I do the satelite dish but my TV is inside and what we may want to watch at night or when we want to not bothing anyone. As far as noise I have seen far more RV party types than tenters doing the partying. It is all around the individuals. If they are partying to hardy, the park in most cases resolves it. I have no issue with tents or RV mixes as long as we are all reasonable and consider others. After all that is what is is all about. Get out and enjoy yourself but respect others.
cdude
We camp work for part of each year at the same campground that has no separate tenting areas. From our experience it is not the tenters who are the problem but the weekend rv’ers who feel it is their right to party in a family oriented campground. Segragation is not necessarily the answer, but owners who enforce the rules and weed out the habitual party types. Also keep in mind many campgrounds have separate areas for tenters and rv’ers and not sure without enforcement there is any different outcome.
Bruce
Yes, please seperate the tents from the RVs. I usually try to stay away from RV parks that allow tents. If we are at a state park, I try to get away from the tenters.
trailertrashrick
Pick the experience you want and deal with it. Misbehavior is not backpackers, tent campers, or RVers — it’s people. That’s how they are.
I currently backpack, tent camp, and drive my class A around the country. Each is a completely different type of experience. Backpacking is solitude and being in more in touch with nature, less with technology and society. Ten camping is minimalism at it’s best with great food and company enjoying the outdoors. RVing, at least in the big guys, is mobile living — your front door is wherever you put it — with all of the conveniences of home.
When I back pack and I see trash, it wasn’t the RVers that did it. When I tent camp and someone builds a bonfire with lots of drunken shouting, it’s irresponsible tent campers. When I RV, and watch someone dumping their grey water on the ground, that’s not a tent camper doing that.
Guess what? The problem is us. All of us.
Clean up our own act first, talk to the misbehavors, and then report them. If the campground habitually won’t do anything about it, don’t go there, write to their sponsoring agency, and write reviews. They’ll either enforce their rules or they won’t. Pick the places that do. They’re out there.
butterbean carpenter
Howdy Bob,
If the weekenders bother you; spend the weekends at WalMart and go to the woods during the week.. Haven’t had too bad experiences, but don’t sit outside and play the TV or music.. Just get in your walking and then stay away from the skeeters by
reading or watching a movie..
Smooth roads, clear skies & balmy breezes !!!!!!!!!
Jim
RV, Tent, Trailer, Bus, Pick-up Camper, so what, who cares what you are ‘camping’ in? It is all about the experience. Campfires, a couple drinks, some music, maybe even a guitar (acoustic only please) all this is a part of camping out. there are RV Resorts that don’t allow under 16, tents, fires, radios, pets. Go there, please. I just spent two months in a campground with a complete mix, tents, pop-ups, buses, trailers seasonal and weekenders. Had a great time. Yes there were fires, there was music, there was a little beer and wine, there were kids and there were pets.
If you are traveling the country for a year, relax, you have all week, those other people probably have this weekend and back to work. maybe you could make an effort to meet your neighbors. Might make for a much better time for everyone.
I personally set up, light a fire, light a couple torches, pour a glass of wine, turn on my music (Softly) and read a book and watch the world go by. We try to take part in at least some of the activities that are offered. I have generally found that if a group or site is really too loud, most owners will ask them to quiet down, especially if someone approaches them. Sometimes you can just walk over and chat with them and they can get the idea.
Montana Mike
I and my family spent nearly twenty years backpacking in the mountains every chance we got. We also tent camped in campgrounds right next to the RVs. I do not recall any problems what so ever with that. Eventually we graduated to a Pickup Camper, and now to a Fifth Wheel. Been on both sides of the issue and enjoy each.
However if J. Kalszus wants to really get righteous about it, perhaps he should go backpacking. Go where no RV can go, and he can drink and carouse all he wants to and only bother the chipmunks. In all our tenting and backpacking years, we NEVER went to campgrounds unless we were passing through on a automobile vacation. I am not sure where the campground draw is to those who tent?
Should we kick THEM out of campgrounds? Well, I would sort of like to. The only reason for that is that for the last few years, I have noticed that tenters will look for a pull-through and park their little economy car there, blocking access for the large RVs that the pull-throughs were made for. Of course, the same lack of manners is sometimes noticed in folks in 12′ trailers homesteading on a sixty foot pull-through, or grabbing the longest back-ins.
What I have never noticed was tenters being any louder or more roudy than their neighbors in RVs. And most everyone in a campground has a campfire going night and day. I don’t, but I am not offended by the people who do.
One other thing I have picked up on, and use it to our advantage all the time. The further one gets from a city and/or a major highway, the better behaved the various campers are. Oh, and I still prefer to boondock.
Marty
We’ve had 2 very positive experiences with tent campers … both in a COE Park so the occupants knew what the rules were and knew what to expect if they didn’t follow the rules. All that is to say that maybe someone should enforce the rules if it is necessary. The last experience really surprised us. Two vans pulled up with about 12 campers under 20 years old. They stayed for 4 days and respected everyone around them. They left one day early because they got too much sun out on the water and several became ill. You would want someone with their manners and maturity camping next to you any time. We are full-timers in a 40′ diesel pusher.
Howard Barron
Absolutely, ,,,,,, seperate the tenters from the RVs and Fulltimers, NO QUESTION about it!!
Gary
CRAP< CRAP <CRAP. This is the third time . 1st. incorrect address. 2nd. wrong captcha code. Well they say that the third times charmed. YES. Keep them separate. Not going to do the lengthy response. Ran out of patience. Sorry.
Jennifer
Yes, yes, please separate us! My husband and I took a year off to see this wonderful country. Tonight we are in Wisconsin Dell and are staying “in” to watch TV, meanwhile, the tenters are all around us consuming lots of alcohol, making large fires and playing very loud music. We have the fan on just to diminish the noise. It would be a blessing to be separated from the tenters who are just in for the weekend. This is our lifestyle right now, we’re not RVing to “unwind”.