Etiquette and rules for caravan and camping

The golden rule of hiking, caravanning, camping and van life is to 'leave no trace'. It doesn't matter whether you're at an established caravan park, an unpowered campground or in the middle of the bush - when you leave, you shouldn't be able to tell that you were ever there. 

The idea is that your enjoyment of the natural world should have minimum impact, so take all of your rubbish with you. That includes cigarette butts, bottle caps and even fruit and vegetable waste (yes, even though it is biodegradable). Use bins if provided or carry out all your rubbish. Do not flush rubbish down toilets. 

When it comes to human waste, you should always use a toilet if provided. Many, but not all, campgrounds in Victoria have basic toilet facilities, so check whether your destination has a toilet before leaving home. If there are no toilets, you can either:

• Bring your own portable toilet
• Take a spade to dig a hole to use as a toilet. You must dig this hole at least 100 metres from any waterway (including beaches) and make it at least 30cm deep.

Caravans and campervans should always use designated dumping stations to dispose of any human waste. 

More: 8 common mistakes novice caravanners make

Maintaining the amenity of your site is a key rule when camping or caravanning. In addition to disposing of waste and rubbish appropriately, you should follow these rules:

• Only light fires where and when permitted
• Bring your own firewood if required, don't chop down or collect fallen wood
• Don’t kill the grass at your site (don’t pour hot water or fuel on it)
• Don’t feed wildlife
• Don’t dig at your site (unless there are no toilet facilities, as outlined above).
• Clean up after yourself when using shared facilities
• Put the toilet seat down to stop any drop toilets attracting flies.

The whole point of being in the great outdoors is all that space – and tents have very thin walls - so allow sufficient distance between you and your neighbours so that everyone can enjoy their time away.

If your destination has allocated caravan or camp sites that can be booked, make sure you only set up within your allocated area. There's nothing worse than booking a site, maybe even paying for it, then arriving to find someone else in your spot. Even an errant guy rope or an awning overhanging into someone else's spot will be frowned upon.

During peak periods (including Christmas and Easter holidays) popular campsites are often fully booked. At these times it's even more important to respect other people's space and be patient when using shared facilities like barbecues and toilets. 

Finally, don't take walk through someone else's site. It's equivalent to walking through someone's living room.

More: Beginner's guide to buying a caravan

Camping and caravanning allows you the freedom to escape the city and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

Respect your fellow campers right to that tranquillity by being mindful of how much noise you’re creating and at what time of day. A good rule of thumb is to start winding the noise down at 9pm and stick to quiet conversations from 10pm onwards. If you’re an early riser, avoid making lots of noise until most campsites are awake.

If you’re new to campgrounds and caravan parks, be aware that sound can travel further in these environments thanks to the wide-open spaces and lack of solid walls. Things like generators can also be quite noisy (some sites do not allow them for this reason) so try to use them only in short bursts during daytime hours.

More: 10 best cars for towing a caravan

Rules at caravan parks and campgrounds aren’t about stopping you from having fun but ensuring everyone stays safe and can enjoy themselves and the location for perpetuity.

Established parks and campgrounds will usually have their rules prominently displayed or provided to you upon check-in. 

At remote sites you should refer to any signage or the appropriate managing authority for the rules. In Victoria, this is usually Parks Victoria.

More: What you need to know about towing with an EV

Camping and caravan holidays are great for families with kids or pets. But that doesn’t mean others at your destination want share in the family fun.

Teach your children to respect other campers’ space and sites, including keeping the noise to a reasonable level and their mess contained to your area.

While campgrounds and caravan parks often give children the chance to mix and make friends, it’s important you know where they are and who they’re with at all times. Safety is paramount, especially as vehicles move throughout campgrounds and caravan parks constantly. As a motorist, drive to the signposted limit in the area and stay alert for children and pets who may appear suddenly.

For pets, keep them restrained at all times for their safety and that of other campers. Check if your destination permits pets before you arrive – most national parks prohibit dogs, although most Victorian state parks permit them. Always pick up and dispose of their waste appropriately.

More: Road safety tips for summer and school holidays 

It can be great meeting new people and socialising is definitely part of the camping experience. Always be friendly and polite but also understand a quick hello isn’t necessarily an invitation to dinner, either.

Greeting your neighbours is considered good manners when camping. Offering a cold drink or to help set up may also lead to some new friendships forming.

Conversely, be respectful if others do not wish to socialise. 

While caravanning and camping is lovely, other residents at a city hotel may not appreciate your RV blocking their vehicle. Make sure the place you choose to holiday is made for your type of adventures.

Victoria is lucky to have hundreds of caravan and camping sites to choose from. There’s everything from deluxe caravan parks with powered sites, excellent toilet facilities and even children’s activities, to remote, unpowered campgrounds that allow you to truly reconnect with nature.

RACV Inverloch Resort or RACV Cobram Resort, are both well equipped for caravans and motorhomes, with dozens of powered sites and the option of a private ensuite, as well as a shared laundry, kitchen and leisure activities.

RACV Members save when they book directly with RACV Resorts across Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland.

Whether you’re in a caravan, motorhome or tent, doing a little bit of research about your destination will help you pack accordingly and ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable getaway.

Along with a car emergency kit, an emergency roadside assistance plan, car insurance and caravan insurance, your caravan's tyres, battery, external and internal fittings, and LPG system all need safety checks.

Having an appropriate level of caravan insurance can help put your mind at ease should an insured event occur. RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance is also available for caravans up to eight tonnes and nine metres with the Extra Care or Total Care plans*.

While away you'll be at the mercy of the elements so stay abreast of the weather forecast, including any emergency warnings. Always check the current fire danger rating and have a plan in place in case an evacuation order is issued. 

More: Tips on how to stay bushfire safe on holidays

It's important to drive to the conditions when towing a caravan. Plan ahead, and leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Adjust your driving behaviour and speed to suit the conditions.

The RACV My Country Road campaign shows that the condition of regional roads has become a safety concern for Victorians due to potholes and poor road conditions.