I AM A RESPONSIBLE CAMPER! ARE YOU?
May 2023
When we go camping, we all have different expectations. Some of us want a quiet peaceful breakaway from city life, while others are more interested in the outdoor activities provided at busy family resorts.
However, irrespective of our expectations, we still need to conduct our camping activities in such a way that everyone experiences an enjoyable camping trip while any environmental impact is kept to a minimum.
But what does it mean to be a responsible camper? How does a responsible camper interact with the environment and fellow campers?
Here are a few guidelines on what I think, responsible camping is all about.
Adhere to Rules and Regulations
Adhere to the rules and regulations of the campsite. When visiting campsites, we are often provided with a list of basic rules and regulations for the campsite. These rules and regulations are there to ensure a safe and pleasant stay for everyone. We often forget to read these rules only to be upset later when camp management reminds us.
Respect Other Campers
Camping is, to a certain extent, a social activity. Respect other campers by keeping noise levels to a minimum. People go camping because they want to get away from the loud city noises and be out in nature where it is peaceful and quiet. Most campsites have a cutoff time relating to camp activities and loud noise. It is important to adhere to these.
Do not Litter
Disposing of waste and trash properly is an important part of camping. Nobody wants to arrive at a campsite that is dirty with litter strewn everywhere. Some campsites provide for the separation and recycling of waste, so make use of these facilities. Always take a waste bag with you. If there are no waste facilities, take your waste back with you when you leave.
Respect the Wildlife
Respect the wildlife by not feeding them and keeping a safe distance. South African campsites are well known for wildlife often staying around or passing through the campsites. Respect wildlife and keep your distance. Do not feed wild animals, they might become used to interacting with humans, but they are still wild animals, and you are putting yourself and others around you in danger.
Ablution and Toilette Etiquette
Make sure that the ablutions are clean when you leave them. Ablutions are communal spaces, and it is not only the responsibility of camp management to keep them clean and tidy. Remember to flush properly when using the toilette. Do not smoke inside the ablutions. And do not leave paper towels, bandages and other items behind inside shower cubicles and toilets.
Pet Etiquette
Make sure that you clean up after your pet. There are a lot of campsites that are pet friendly. It remains the responsibility of the owners to make sure that their pets are not using public spaces as the bathroom. If they do, make sure that you pick up where your pet left off.
Be aware of Fire Hazards
It is also important to be aware of local fire regulations and campfire safety especially if you are camping in the dry season when there is no rain. If you are enjoying an evening around the campfire, do not go to bed without the fire being put out.
Support Campsite Management
The fact that you are paying to use the campsite facilities does not mean you own it. So, when campsite management ask you to adhere to the rules and regulations of the campsite, do not make their task more difficult.
Don't be a Difficult Camper
Don't be a difficult camper and complain unnecessarily. There are often many reasons to complain at a campsite, but we also do get those campers that are habitual complainers. They will complain when they get the slightest opportunity. This makes the task of campsite management so much more difficult.
Do not resort to Social Mob Tactics
It so often happens that some large groups do not adhere to the rules and regulations at campsites, and when approached by management, these groups will resort to social mob tactics and bullying to intimidate management. This type of behaviour is unacceptable; this is also why a lot of campsites in South Africa do not allow group bookings.
Appoint Group Leaders
It is the responsibility of campsite management to ensure that for every group the group appoints one or two group leaders that can interact with campsite management to address issues where rules are not adhered to. Rules and regulations must be explained to these leaders. This will make the interaction with large groups much easier.
Follow Leave-No-Trace-Principles
Follow the Leave-No-Trace-Principles. The Leave-No-Trace-Principles are a set of guidelines for minimizing the impact of camping on the environment. More about this will follow in our next article.
Summary
In summary we can say that responsible camping is about adhering to the rules and regulations of campsites, respecting other campers, not litter, respect wildlife, use ablutions properly, clean up after pets, support campsite management, not be a difficult camper, not resort to social mob tactics and follow the Leave No Trace principles.