Camping Ettiquette

[MaryPoppinsPenguins]

I’m camping this weekend, two tents, two children, two dogs.

This is the first time we’ve each brought our dogs and searched for a long time and through lots of reviews until we found this place... spoke to the owner who said he only takes a certain amount of bookings to make sure you’re all a bit seperate and no one bothers anyone else.

Last night it was amazing... it’s almost like you’re camping totally alone. I can see a group of tents in the distance and the top of another through the trees but it does feel very secluded.

When we arrived the owner was at the gate and told us to drive and find an empty space. I assume he says this to everyone..

Today a new family arrive, and park and pitch up right next to us. And I mean Right next to us. Some of their ropes even cross over with my friends tent. Their table and chairs are right in the siteline of ours, I can even hear their drink open!

To make it worse, their kids seem terrified of dogs. Our dogs aren’t on leads and have been running around ‘our camp’ really happy. Now we’ve had to get the crate out.

AIBU? I’m kind of pissed off. I wish I’d brought hungry hippos or some really loud scream inducing game but unfortunately playing cards and magiclip dolls are all I have..!

I think that's tough luck to them and if they complain, point out that it was their choice to pitch up next to dogs!

I agree. But I'd speak to the owner first. Tell him how close they are and remind him that he said to you he likes to make sure people are all a bit seperate and no one bothers anyone else.

They're not going to move if they're all unpacked etc. They are probably the nervy sort that don't want to be on their own if they've pitched so close. But there was other space so I wouldn't restrict my dogs, whether they like them or not.

Would I fuck crate my dogs OP. They don't like it, they can move.
Are they just giving you the evil eye when the dogs roam near, or have they said anything?

Yes maybe speak to the owner about it in case they do that before you!!

That’s insane....WTF is wrong with people?!i never understand why people do this...

Maybe they’re a bit new to camping and don’t realise they can pitch anywhere. Say to them how great that you can pitch anywhere on this site and there’s so much space, then let the dogs out.

OMG I totally know what you’re talking about.

We go in a massive group every year and last year a group of 3 rocked up and set up their tents about 5ft from one of ours so it made part of our circle. It was so odd.

Also, same thing happened to me at yoga this morning, loads of room and someone phoned themselves down right next to me so that we hit one another with certain poses

Well they definitely shouldn’t have pitched so close to your tent (it’s not something I/we would do).
But equally most sites usually say dogs should be on a lead at all times on the campsite? Unless yours is a very informal small affair? It’s unusual to have dogs running around on the campsite. We went camping with our dog last weekend and had to put him on a lead on a ground spike (just to tow the line with the campsite policy). All other campers were doing the same.

These are the type of people who would park next to you in an empty car park.

That's so weird that they would camp so close. Like when you're the only one in the ladies' room, and someone comes in and chooses the stall right next to yours. but Just weird. I'm glad you let the dogs out.

People are weird.

Let your dogs out! Hardly the dogs fault they pitched so close to you. If the kids are that scared they'll move.

Good leave the dog out, they might pissoff then

Aww don't crate the dogs. Let the kids scream, hopefully their parents will get fed up and move.

Ask them what on earth they think they're doing

They sound too close speak to the owner and offer to help them move.
I just don’t get why some people do this. We always look for a good space as we don’t want another tent and family right on top of us so we look for a good pitch with plenty of space. Then often some loon comes along and pitches almost right on top of us.

Are they using you as a wind break?
Or maybe the owner said to pitch up next to you and they’ve took it literally?

Marypoppins Just out of interest, what breed are your dogs and where do they sleep at night?

They knew there were dogs around. Ignore them hopefully they will move.

You may want to join the Bell Tent fb Page and get some advice on erecting it - shouldn’t take 3 hours! I’ve been told 20
Mins tops (peg out ground sheet, central pole up then peg out opposite guy ropes and finally tighten up as needed!). I’m very jealous of your bell - I wasn’t allowed on due to the drying time and lack of space. You have a lovely set up!

I wonder if they have camped near you because they want the security of people being close? I can’t think of any other reason (unless they want company!?!?). Try and let them get on with it and enjoy your holiday.

Next time bring a little garden edging that looks like a white picket fence.

Map out an area around your tents.

It's silly. Sure. but I works ... sorta.

I’d talk to owner of campsite. That’s a stupidly close place! I assume dogs are allowed off a lead in the campsite. If not do you have a long lead/ rope so they can still play - crating when they’ve been playing is not fair- you could offer the crates for your new neighbours for their kids (😉!)

Not had time to read entire thread but I volunteer for scouts and run camps regularly. We are told to allow 6m between tents wherever possible as a fire safety precaution.

I think it's very strange that they've pitched so close to you. I'd not crate my dogs in this situation.

I'd speak with campsite owner nicely and ask his take on the situation.

I’d definitely have a word with the the owner.

Doesn't sound ideal. Maybe they didn't realise how much room there was.
Hopefully they will move. I'm not a dog fan and would hate to be so near them so if like me they might decide to leave anyway. Have a good break.