4 rules that every camper should know (and actually follow)

All right, I think our campers will agree, The Lynden KOA is beautiful and full of fun family entertainment. It's true! We pride ourselves in offering our campers the best camping experience possible. Who doesn't like the stocked fishing, or the pedal boats on the lake? That pool sure is nice, and there are plenty of thigs to do and open spaces to roam. Do you know I once got 3 holes-in-one on the mini golf course, and what about those special events? Boy, those sure are fun! Indeed, there is usually a little something for every one here. It's a great place to kick back and enjoy your time off. So, what rules are we even talking about? Everyone you meet is friendly and they all seem to be having a great time!... Well, here is our little list. It's really not much. We like to refer to them as basic camping etiquette or, as we like to all it, “Kamp-i-quette”.

KOA asked our friends on Facebook what the one rule was that they wish that every camper would follow—and boy, were there a lot of responses! Here’s what they said:

1) Kamp-i-quette Rule 1: Keep it down.

• Keeping the noise down, especially late in the evening or early in the morning, was overwhelmingly the number one suggestion of all who responded. At the Lynden KOA, we have a "quiet hour", like most campgrounds. Ours starts at 10pm and goes until the following morning at 9. From time to time, our staff has to go out to a campsite, in the middle of the night, to remind campers that sound travels, especially across those lakes and through the woods. We have all heard about old house that have thin walls, but camper, Scott E. says, "have you ever slept in a tent? Ya, sounds travels right through them". Another common complaint from several FaceBookers is car alarms. Just be thoughtful when you are going into the car in the middle of the night. Nobody wants to be that guy/girl. While reading through the responses, a number of folks suggested turning stereos down (or off) at night. While you may like cranking it up every time you hear Waylon Jennings, your neighbors with the young children might not, especially after the sun goes down and their kids are asleep. Without a doubt, noise is the biggest complaint in most campgrounds, and it's so easy to avoid. Keep this rule in mind.

2) Kamp-i-quette Rule 2: Scoop it up.

• The Lynden KOA has long been known as a great place to bring your dog. Our campers love dogs. They, along with many others who responded, encourage campers to pick up after their pets. As Tammy E. reminds, “Clean up after your pets; they can’t do it themselves.” Vicky H., who camps with her Chihuahuas, also reminds other campers to keep pets on leashes to avoid potential problems between animals. Speaking of dogs, You know about our dog park, the good ole KOA Corral, right? It is a great place for your pet to socialize and spend a little time off leash. Check it out. Your 4-legged friends will love it!

3) Kamp-i-quette Rule 3: I beg your pardon…

• In third place was a sentiment echoed repeatedly: please don’t cut through other people’s campsites. This rule should go without saying, but it happens all the time. It's a common complaint, and sometimes even leads to disputes between neighbors. I mean, do you take a shortcut through your neighbor’s backyard to get somewhere? Of course your don't, but many of us are guilty of taking the shortest path from point A to B while we are camping, even if its right through someone else's campsite! Kids often get tunnel vision while on their way to the park, and don't even realize. It's important to remind them. Diane R. agrees, and notes that sometimes cutting can even be dangerous. “I’ve seen a ‘cutter’ trip over someone else’s stuff.” Also, those friendly pets, even while on a leash, can get very territorial when someone comes tromping through.

4) Kamp-i-quette Rule 4: Keep it clean.

• Debra C.’s “Leave your campsite cleaner than when you got there” was the first comment about tidying up, but it wasn’t the last. Aimee F. said “All of the KOA’s that I’ve been to are beautiful and CLEAN. We all need to do our part to keep it that way.” That includes, as mentioned by Mandy B., "pick up after yourself at the shower houses". Granted, we have this great crew at the Lynden KOA who prides themselves on keeping our campground spotless, but sometimes even they can't keep up. Give them a hand with the basic stuff. It goes a long way, and it makes this property even more enjoyable for everyone!

So there you have ‘em—the top four rules that our kampers have told us they wished everyone would follow. And what were the runners up? They included keeping kids safe and well observed, not using foul language, avoiding parties or loud conversations, and idling/revving vehicles in the early morning hours.

But perhaps campers like Jason C.. had it right, when he said, “Just use some common sense and curtesy for your neighbors. We are all in this together".