Contents
- Respecting quiet hours and the campsite’s timetable
- Respect your neighbours’ privacy
- Leave communal areas clean after you’ve used them
- Keep your pitch clean
- Follow the traffic rules on the campsite
- Be mindful of noise made by children
- Follow the rules regarding pets
- Respect the natural environment and the campsite’s facilities
- Get on well with other campers
- Observe the campsite rules
Respect the peace and quiet and the campsite’s opening hours
A campsite is a friendly place where you can easily get to know your neighbours, enjoy an aperitif together or let the children play. But this proximity also means you need to be mindful of noise.
Music, lively conversations, the television, games or car doors slamming can quickly become a nuisance, especially when pitches are close together. Remember to keep the noise down in the evening and to respect the quiet hours set out in the campsite rules.
After a busy day, some holidaymakers simply want to get a good night’s sleep. So please avoid keeping the noise going late into the evening near tents and accommodation, even if you’re still on holiday.
Respecting your neighbours’ privacy
The fact that pitches are close together does not mean that everyone has to live together. Avoid walking across another camper’s pitch, even to save a few metres, and respect the boundaries of each plot.
The same applies to neighbours’ equipment: do not use a table, chair or power socket that does not belong to you without asking first. If an item falls onto a neighbouring pitch, ask for permission before retrieving it.
Finally, everyone should be able to enjoy their stay without feeling watched. Discretion is therefore essential, particularly when taking photos or videos in communal areas.
Leave communal areas clean after your visit
Toilets, showers, washbasins, the launderette and dining areas are used in turn by many holidaymakers. A few simple steps will help keep them pleasant for everyone.
After using a shower or washbasin, please take a moment to leave the area clean. In the launderette, please also avoid leaving your laundry in a machine once the cycle has finished if other people are waiting their turn.
At the swimming pool, follow the campsite’s rules and be considerate of other swimmers: shower before swimming where required, respect designated areas and equipment, and tidy up your belongings when you leave.
The same principle applies to barbecues and communal facilities: use them in accordance with the campsite’s rules and leave them clean for the next users.
Keep your pitch clean
Even though your pitch is your own little private space whilst on holiday, it’s still important not to leave anything lying about. Packaging, bottles, food scraps and other rubbish must be disposed of in the bins provided for this purpose.
Also follow the campsite’s recycling guidelines, where applicable. Do not leave any food or rubbish near your tent, caravan or mobile home: it may attract animals and cause a nuisance.
Finally, before leaving your pitch, remember to check that you haven’t left any rubbish or items behind, including small pieces of plastic or paper that might blow away.
Follow the traffic rules on the campsite
On a campsite, vehicles travel close to pitches, but also near children, pedestrians and sometimes cyclists. Observe the speed limit set by the campsite and always adapt your driving to the situation.
Be particularly careful when entering or leaving your pitch. A child may suddenly appear between two structures, or a holidaymaker may cross a path without seeing you.
If the campsite has designated areas or specific times for vehicle traffic, please observe them. When parking your car, also ensure you do not obstruct the passage or access to neighbouring pitches.
Be mindful of noise from children
Children are a natural part of campsite life and should be able to play and enjoy their holidays. However, some areas are not suitable for noisy games, particularly near pitches occupied by other holidaymakers.
Simply explain the campsite rules to them and the boundaries they must respect. In communal areas, also teach them to wait their turn and to leave the equipment clean after they’ve used it.
Particular care is needed in the evening, when most holidaymakers start to seek a bit more peace and quiet.
Follow the rules regarding pets
If you’re staying with a dog or another pet, check the campsite’s rules before you arrive. Some campsites require dogs to be kept on a lead in certain areas of the site or have designated areas for pets.
In all cases, always pick up after your pet and ensure it does not wander onto neighbouring pitches. Even a friendly dog can disturb a holidaymaker who is afraid of dogs or another animal on the campsite.
Also, please ensure your pet does not bark repeatedly, particularly early in the morning or late at night.
Respect nature and the campsite’s facilities
Good manners also mean respecting the place where you are staying. Do not pick flowers, damage plants or leave your rubbish in the countryside.
Please also respect the facilities provided by the campsite. Play areas, sports pitches and communal furniture are intended for everyone’s use: avoid monopolising them and teach your children to look after them.
If the campsite is near a natural area, please also remember to respect the surroundings when you go out. Stay on the paths where required and take your rubbish away with you.
Maintain good relations with your neighbours
Camping is also a chance to meet new people. A simple ‘hello’ when you bump into your neighbours is often enough to create a pleasant atmosphere, without needing to get to know everyone on the campsite.
Courtesy also involves sharing communal facilities. If several holidaymakers want to use a communal barbecue, for example, let everyone have a go and remember to clean it up afterwards.
This approach is also helpful when a problem arises. If, in exceptional circumstances, you need to make some noise – for example, during a party or when leaving very early in the morning – letting your neighbours know in advance can prevent a lot of misunderstandings.
Similarly, if another camper’s behaviour is bothering you, start by making a calm and polite remark when the situation allows. For a more serious or persistent problem, it’s better to speak to the campsite staff rather than letting the conflict escalate.
Follow the campsite rules
Each campsite has its own rules, which may cover quiet hours, traffic, pets, barbecues, visitors or the use of certain facilities.
Take the time to read them on arrival. These rules clarify how the campsite should be used and help ensure that holidaymakers can coexist harmoniously.
Ultimately, the rules of good behaviour at a campsite are quite simple: respect others, look after the site and be mindful of any disturbance you might cause. A positive attitude ensures everyone can enjoy their holiday in a pleasant atmosphere, whether you’re staying in a tent, a caravan, a motorhome or holiday accommodation.