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There’s no official rulebook for life on the road, but ask anyone who’s spent a bit of time caravanning and they’ll tell you there’s a kind of code. Not written down, not enforced, but followed by those who understand that a good trip isn’t just about where you go, it’s about the people around you too.
So, whether you’re a first-timer finding your feet or a seasoned road warrior, follow these unspoken etiquette rules and you won’t just avoid being “that caravanner”, you’ll be the kind of traveller others are happy to pull up next to again.
We get it, you’ve got great taste in music. But your neighbours might not be on the same wavelength. Loud music, especially at night or early in the morning, can quickly go from “vibe” to “vexing”.
If people are closing their windows or glaring from across the campground, it might be time to hit pause.
Keep the volume reasonable, especially during meal times or after dark. If you’re having a get-together and the tunes are flowing, a friendly heads-up to nearby vans goes a long way.
Or better yet, invite them over!
We all want to see what we’re doing, but once the sun’s down, switch to soft lighting. Those mega-bright LED floodlights might be great for reversing into a tight spot, but when you leave them on all night, it can feel like a spotlight on everyone’s peace and quiet.
Fairy lights and soft outdoor lanterns are perfect, warm, ambient and kind to sleepy eyes. And if you do use bright lights for a task, just remember to turn them off when you’re done.
Communal kitchens, BBQs and bathrooms are a blessing, but only if everyone treats them with respect.
After using a space, give it a quick wipe down. Pick up crumbs, rinse the sink and toss any rubbish. In the bathrooms, take your toiletries with you and give the basin a quick rinse if you’ve made a mess. And yep – nobody wants to talk about it, but hair in the drain? Please remove it
Unless you’re in a packed-out holiday park with assigned sites, try to leave a bit of room between your van and the next. Even just a few extra metres can make a big difference to privacy and comfort.
Most caravanners value their own little patch of peace, so if you’ve got the room, use it. It’s not about being unfriendly, it’s about respecting personal space.
Grey water (the stuff from your sink or shower) might seem harmless, but no one wants to wake up with a soggy campsite or catch a whiff of yesterday’s dishwater wafting through their annex.
Many parks have dedicated grey water points. Use them. If you’re free camping, store it and dispose of it responsibly. Letting it run into the grass, under your van, or towards a neighbour is not the kind of “free-flowing” nature most campers signed up for.
Hot showers are one of life’s great caravan park luxuries. But when there’s a line forming and you’re on your third round of conditioner or still perfecting your skincare routine, it’s time to wrap it up.
Same goes for camp kitchens — wash, dry, and clear out so others can use the space. And this should go without saying: never, ever wash your undies in the dishwashing sink. It’s happened, and it’s horrifying.
Generators can be a lifeline if you’re off-grid, but they’re also noisy. If you’re running one, stick to reasonable hours (usually between 8am and 8pm) and try to position it as far from other campers as possible.
If you can switch it off during peaceful times (like early morning coffee hour or golden hour at sunset), even better. A quiet campground is a happy campground.
Caravan parks are great for families, including the four-legged kind. But it’s still your job to make sure your crew’s not causing chaos. Kids darting through other campsites or dogs barking endlessly (or worse, “visiting” another site) can quickly upset your neighbours.
Caravan parks are great for families, including the four-legged kind. But it’s still your job to make sure your crew’s not causing chaos. Kids darting through other campsites or dogs barking endlessly (or worse, “visiting” another site) can quickly upset your neighbours.
Teach your kids campground boundaries, keep dogs on leads and always clean up after them. Bonus points for saying hi and introducing them – most people are much more tolerant once they know the name of the dog sniffing their sausages.
We’ve all had moments trying to reverse a van into a tight spot, looking more like a game of Tetris than a smooth arrival. If you see someone struggling, a friendly offer of help is usually welcome.
Just don’t turn into a sideline coach or offer play-by-play commentary. A helpful “Want a hand?” is perfect. Standing there yelling “LEFT! LEFT! YOU’RE GONNA HIT IT!” doesn’t exactly ease the nerves.
One of the best parts of caravan life is the people you meet and a simple smile or “G’day” can lead to great conversations or even new mates. But not everyone’s always up for a chat.
If someone’s got their book out, headphones in, or is clearly deep in camp-chores, let them be. Social cues matter just as much out here as they do anywhere else.
We’ve all read them – the scathing, all-caps reviews over minor inconveniences. If something’s genuinely off (like safety issues or cleanliness), definitely flag it constructively. But if your only gripe is that someone left one toilet roll empty for a day? Maybe just move on.
Caravanning is full of imperfect moments and that’s part of the charm.
