15 Annoying Campground Habits Van Lifers Love to Hate

Camping is meant to be a peaceful escape, but inconsiderate behavior can turn a dream destination into a nightmare. Over on The Van Life Collective Facebook page, we asked van lifers what they hate most about campgrounds.

What would YOU add to this list? Add a comment!

1. Barking Dogs

Dogs are beloved camping companions, but when they bark endlessly, it disrupts everyone’s relaxation. The occasional bark is understandable, but it becomes a problem when barking continues unchecked—especially during quiet hours or when the owners leave their pets unattended. Here’s what van lifers said about barking dogs:

“I love that people take their pets, but when they take these big bastards that bark all night during quiet hours, it’s 👎👎.” – Anonymous

“People who leave for the day and let their dog go insane barking all day in the camper.” – John

Unattended barking disturbs other campers and can stress out the dog. This pet peeve is one of the quickest ways to ruin a peaceful environment.

How to avoid it: If you’re traveling with a dog, keep them entertained, exercised, and well-fed to reduce anxiety. For persistent barkers, consider tools like anti-bark devices or enroll in behavior training. If your dog struggles with new environments, quieter and more remote camping options might be better for everyone involved.

2. Unsupervised Children

Kids bring energy and joy to camping trips, but when they’re left to run wild, it often leads to chaos. Children zipping through other campers’ sites or causing disruptions in sensitive areas, like fishing zones, can quickly sour the atmosphere. We’ve been in many campgrounds where children just run through our site willy nilly, or ride their noisy bikes down the streets at 6am. Here are complaints from van lifers:

“Children behaving worse than dogs off a leash. Keep your kids with YOU!” – Tricia

“Kids riding bikes through everyone’s camp.” – Richard

Unsupervised children can disrupt other campers and put themselves at risk. Campgrounds often have campfires, sharp tools, and wildlife, making it essential for parents to watch their kids closely.

How to avoid it: Set clear boundaries for your children about where they can play and how to interact with others. Encourage them to stay on designated paths and remind them to respect the privacy of other campers. Supervision doesn’t mean hovering—it just means being aware and present.

3. Excessive Noise

Noise pollution is one of the fastest ways to ruin a camping trip for your neighbors. Whether it’s blaring music, loud arguments, or even the sound of a TV at full volume, these disruptions diminish the peacefulness of the outdoors.

“Neighbors. They’re loud and argumentative with their spouses, hard pass.” – Deborah

While socializing and enjoying yourself is part of the fun, excessive noise—especially during quiet hours—can feel disrespectful. Many campers rely on these hours to relax, meditate, or simply listen to the sounds of nature.

How to avoid it: Familiarize yourself with the campground’s noise policies and stick to them. If you enjoy music, opt for headphones, and keep conversations at a respectful volume. Quiet hours aren’t just a suggestion—they’re essential for maintaining harmony.

4. Bright Lights

There’s something magical about gazing at the stars on a clear night—until your neighbor’s LED lights are shining like a beacon. Bright lights can disrupt the natural ambiance of a campground and make it harder for others to enjoy the night sky.

Here’s what van lifers said about it in The Van Life Collective:

“Lights on rigs. Turn the damn things off.” – Juli

“Bright LED outdoor lights on the newer RVs.” – Doug

Beyond being disruptive, bright lights can confuse wildlife and make it harder for nocturnal animals to navigate their natural habitats.

How to avoid it: Use motion-sensor or dimmer lights, and turn off all outdoor lighting when you’re done for the evening. For extra consideration, invest in red or amber lights, which are less intrusive and preserve night vision.

5. Generators Running Nonstop

Generators are a practical tool for powering your rig, but their constant hum can quickly become unbearable. Campers who leave their generators running through the night are a frequent source of frustration.

Besides the noise, constant generator use may also create unnecessary emissions, which can harm the environment and your neighbors’ experience.

How to avoid it: Stick to generator hours outlined by the campground. If you need power for extended periods, consider solar panels or battery banks as a quieter, more eco-friendly alternative.

6. Invading Personal Space

Nothing ruins the feeling of having your own slice of nature more than neighbors who don’t respect your space. Whether walking through your campsite or parking right next to you in an otherwise empty campground, this behavior feels invasive.

“People and kids walking through your campsite—it’s invasive. And unnecessary, the path is 5 ft away, use it!” – Juliann

“When you find a nice secluded place and some idiot decides to park next to you.” – Pat

Invasive behavior can make campers feel uneasy and disrupt the sense of privacy that many van lifers cherish.

How to avoid it: Treat campsites like personal property. Always use designated paths and keep a respectful distance. If you’re parking, consider the proximity of others and choose a spot that maintains space.

7. Messy Campsites

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a campsite only to find trash left behind by the previous occupants. It’s not just unsightly—it also poses risks to wildlife and the environment.

“People that don’t clean up their site before they leave. We cleaned up someone else’s camp after ours—it was disgusting!” – Peter

“Dogs taking a poop where I have my trailer, and they don’t pick it up, so I end up walking in it.” – Brenda

Messy campsites ruin the experience for everyone and go against the “leave no trace” principle that’s essential for sustainable camping.

How to avoid it: Always pack out what you pack in. Dispose of trash in designated bins, and clean up pet waste immediately. Double-check your site before leaving to ensure it’s clean for the next camper.

8. Rude Behavior

Some campers treat campgrounds like they own them, ignoring basic etiquette and making others feel unwelcome. This selfishness is a recurring complaint, as seen in these van lifers’ comments:

“Inconsiderate A-holes who act like they are the only ones who matter and the rest of us are NPCs that don’t matter.” – Aaron

“Extroverted families within 100 yards of my campsite.” – Neil

Rude behavior can take many forms, from cutting off others in shared spaces to being dismissive or confrontational.

How to avoid it: A little consideration goes a long way. Be mindful of others’ experiences and remember that campgrounds are a shared resource. A friendly smile or wave can also set the tone for positive interactions.

9. Leaving Food Out

Food left unattended not only attracts animals but also endangers wildlife and campers alike. Bears, raccoons, and other creatures quickly learn to associate humans with easy meals, which can lead to dangerous situations.

“Leaving food out so bears walk into campsites, which risks the bear’s life and everyone else’s around you.” – Jaimie

Improper food storage creates hazards that ripple beyond the immediate campsite. Animals that become reliant on human food often face consequences like relocation or even euthanasia.

How to avoid it: Use bear-proof containers or store food in your vehicle. Avoid leaving trash or leftovers out, and always dispose of waste properly. Keeping a clean site is crucial for everyone’s safety.

10. Car Alarms and Security Systems

Car alarms going off repeatedly or at odd hours are not only startling but also entirely unnecessary in a campground setting.

“People’s car alarms going off randomly at all times—it’s like, everyone’s right here in the campground. Why do you even need to alarm it?” – Roberto

This annoyance can feel particularly jarring in an otherwise tranquil environment.

How to avoid it: Disable car alarms when camping or set them to only trigger under significant threats. If theft is a concern, secure valuables and rely on physical locks instead of noise-based deterrents.

11. Overpricing at Campgrounds

While camping is often seen as an affordable getaway, some campgrounds push the limits with excessive fees.

“Overpricing, also instead of charging per unit, they charge per person.” – Paul Wyeth

Fees for basics like parking, extra guests, or even pets can feel like nickel-and-diming.

How to avoid it: Research campgrounds ahead of time to understand pricing structures. For those seeking affordability, boondocking or dispersed camping can be excellent alternatives.

12. Garbage in Fire Pits

Few things are more frustrating than arriving at a campsite and finding a fire pit filled with trash. This practice isn’t just unsightly—it’s also hazardous.

“Pooping in the fire pit.” – Chris

“Trash left behind.” – Kelly

Burning trash releases toxic fumes, and improperly disposed waste creates a mess for the next camper.

How to avoid it: Never use fire pits as garbage cans. Dispose of waste in designated bins, and double-check the pit is clear of debris before lighting a fire.

13. Space-Hogging Campers

Some campers set up sprawling sites with fences, windbreaks, or ropes that encroach on neighboring spaces. This can make already tight campgrounds feel even more crowded.

“People fencing around themselves with windbreaks and being too loud.” – David

Overuse of space often leads to tension among campers.

How to avoid it: Be considerate of your footprint. Use only the space you need and keep your setup compact, especially in crowded areas.

14. The Over-the-Top Camper

From giant TVs to blaring games, some campers bring their entire living room outdoors, disturbing the rustic vibe others seek.

“Then there’s the for-no-reason huge camper guy that brings out a 96-inch TV to watch the game at top volume and throws trash everywhere.” – Matthew

This behavior not only disrupts peace but also detracts from the natural environment many campers come to enjoy.

How to avoid it: Save big electronics and loud parties for home. When camping, embrace simplicity and the natural surroundings.

15. The Wannabe Guitarist

While a campfire sing-along can be magical, there’s always that one person who insists on playing guitar… poorly.

“The guy with the guitar who can’t play but thinks he can.” – Edwin

Unskilled or loud performances can quickly turn charming into cringe-worthy.

How to avoid it: If you’re not confident in your musical skills, keep it low-key or skip it altogether. A shared playlist on a portable speaker at a reasonable volume can create a similar vibe without the risk.

“The Campground-Free Solution”

For those who can’t stand the noise, lights, and overcrowding of campgrounds, boondocking is often the perfect solution.

“Campgrounds in general. I’d rather boondock somewhere remote.” – Aaron Hermanson

Boondocking allows you to escape to a quiet, self-reliant setting with no neighbors, fees, or rules to worry about. Just remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, even when camping off-grid.

Let’s Keep Campgrounds Peaceful

Camping is a shared experience, and following basic etiquette ensures everyone has a good time. Whether it’s keeping noise down, respecting personal space, or cleaning up after yourself, small actions can make a huge difference.

What’s your biggest campground pet peeve? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Join the conversation on The Van Life Collective’s Facebook Page!