The 10 'camp-mendments' of camping etiquette in Australia

The days are long, the eskies are packed, and the great migration has officially begun. It’s summer in Australia - undeniably the busiest, and best time to camp. As our campgrounds swell with holidaymakers, the delicate social ecosystem of the campsite is put to the test.

It's happened at every campground: the torchlight right in the eyes, the midnight techno music, or the "shortcut" through someone else’s living room. While there have always been unwritten rules regarding life under canvas (or in a caravan), it seems plenty of campers don’t get the memo, so, we’re writing them down. Consider this your definitive guide to camping etiquette in Australia.

Warning: Failing to abide by these rules may result in severe side effects, including passive-aggressive glares from grey nomads or punishment by drop bear. Consider yourself warned.

Why take our word for it?

As Australia’s largest RV sharing platform for over 10 years, Camplify has made thousands of camping adventures possible. Camping is in our veins, and we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of campsite behaviour - so, yeah, you could say we know a thing or two about camping etiquette.

1.Thou shalt not wander through another’s campsite

Picture this: you’ve arrived at your campsite, got the caravan set up, and you’re kicking back under the awning with a sundowner - life is good. Then, a neighbouring camper decides to take a stroll right through your campsite - with the kids and the dog trailing behind.

While the quickest way to the amenities block might be cutting through site 24, respect the invisible fence! The walls might be made of canvas (or completely imaginary), but the need for privacy is very real. Be a legend and go around (and the same goes for the kids and the dog too).

Ready for a camping adventure? Check out the 5 best South Australia campsites the locals love.

2. Thou shalt leave no trace

Now, this one should go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway: dispose of your rubbish correctly. Don’t leave it on the ground at your campsite, don't kick it into your neighbour's campsite for them to deal with (although it might be tempting if they’ve been keeping you up with their late night music), just pick it up and put it in the bin - simple as that.

3. Thou shalt not disturb the sacred quietude

If you can hear your music beyond your campsite, it’s too loud. While we love a good playlist, nobody wants to be forced to listen to your DJ set all night long. And while we’re on the topic, we’re sure that your rendition of ‘Wonderwall’ on the guitar is great in your own living room, but at 10:00 PM across a silent campground? Not so much.

Pro tip: Do a "perimeter check" to ensure your volume is respectful. And please, inflate that air mattress before you start drinking around the fire. The sound of an electric pump at 11 pm is the quickest way to make enemies.

4. Remember, thy tent is not soundproof

The horizontal tango, adults-only time, testing the suspension, sleeping bag gymnastics - need we go on? You know what we’re referring to.

In the quiet of the night, it’s all too common to hear that… excited couple making a bit too much noise in the tent. We’re not saying go cold turkey for the duration of the camping trip, but just be mindful - you’re tent is not soundproof, and the awkward conversation in the morning when your neighbours ask “was that you guys last night?” can be avoided.

5. Thou shalt have thy own gear

Pinching someone else’s stuff? Big no-no. Get yourself down to BCF before you head off on your camping adventure and grab everything you need. Don’t take it upon yourself to wander into Greg and Jan’s campsite next door, and take their fishing rod for a spin (sure, they probably wouldn’t mind your catch of the day for dinner if you’re willing to share - but still, ask first).

6. Thou shalt not slip into thy birthday suit

The only exception: The campground is nudist friendly - that’s it.

You may have been working on that summer body all year long, but we’re sorry to say, no one wants to wander over to the barbie to get started on dinner and see you standing there naked. Unless you’re at a clothing-optional campsite, keep it covered out of respect for your fellow camper’s eyes.

7. Thou shalt not leave the RV unattended weeks before the camping adventure begins

It can be tempting to want to secure the best lakeside free camp before the Christmas holiday peak period, but parking your caravan there weeks before you’re actually going camping, to secure your place, is a great way to annoy literally everyone (queue those passive-agressive glares from the grey nomads).

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8. Thou shalt quench thy fire, lest thy neighbour burn his feet

So you’ve finished having a few beers by the fire, and you’re ready to hit they hay. What do you do with the fire? It may be tempting to call it a night, and feel that sweet, crinkly embrace of your air mattress, but please, take a few minutes to extinguish the fire. And we don't just mean kick some dirt over it.

Take five minutes to actually drown it properly. If you leave a bed of glowing coals sitting there, you’re basically setting a booby trap for the poor soul who has to make a 2am 'nature call' trek to the toilet block. Don't be the reason your neighbour spends the rest of the trip hopping around on one foot with a bag of frozen peas strapped to their sole.

9. Thou shalt not set up unless the campsite be truly thine by right of booking

Want to make some enemies at the campground? Simple - arrive at your preferred campsite without a booking and start setting up anywhere you please.

Unless you’re looking to get into a high-stakes "profanity-off" with a very territorial stranger, do the smart thing and keep those wheels turning because "first in, best dressed" doesn't apply when someone else has the receipt.

10. Thou shalt not leave the toilet blocks with a legacy of stench

There’s no pleasant way to say this but we’ll try - if you’ve left some… punchy aromas in the toilet block after a visit, please do the right thing.

Grab the Glen 20 (it’s not for decoration) and give that cubicle a generous courtesy spray. Be a legend, kill the scent, and let the next person walk in without needing a gas mask.

Ready to start your camping adventure?

Now you’re equipped with the 10 ‘camp-mendments' of camping etiquette, you’re ready to hit the campgrounds (with a booking and a full can of Glen 20 of course).

This summer, camping doesn't have to mean waking up on a deflated mattress in a tent, with a stick in your back. Why not level up? Choose from thousands of RVs to hire from local owners and drive yourself, have it towed, or even get it delivered and set up at your campsite before you even arrive.

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