Respect Others - Camper's Code

Camp with Kindness: Respect Others and Follow the Campers Code

Camping is one of the purest ways to reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself. Campgrounds have been designed and laid out to accommodate multiple people in one manageable location.

Privacy is an important consideration in laying out campsites but as more people discover the joys and benefits of outdoor adventure, it becomes necessary to have guidelines to share the space responsibly and respectfully. That’s where the Campers Code comes in—a set of 9 simple but powerful principles that help protect the land, wildlife, and show respect for each other.

Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or pulling into a popular campground, your actions and those of your family and friends can make a big difference in someone else’s outdoor experience. Everyone camps for the experience, but some people camp with different levels or expectations for noise, interaction or activities. Here’s how to be a kind, respectful camper and uphold the spirit of the Campers Code.

Gathering of Friends at Whistler Olympic Park RV and Campground – Credit @originoutside

1. Respect Others’ Space and Quiet

One of the greatest joys of camping is peace and quiet—but that can disappear quickly if your neighbours site turns into a late-night party. The golden rule? Be mindful of your volume, this means items such as radios, kids chanting, generators, hammer drills, wood chopping. To assess your volume, take a walk to the edge of the next campsites – do you hear your music, generator or laughter? Then it’s probably too loud (not everyone likes the genre of music you choose or to listen to your generator for two hours), especially in the evening after 9:00 pm and early morning before 8:00 am. Keep the music volume low and use quiet voices after dark.

When you rent a campsite, you have a license to use that site as your personal space so never walk through another campsite as it is their personal space, even if it is the shortest distance to your destination. Please always stick to roadways and designated paths and trails, never trudge through the woods to make your own way as we want to preserve nature and there may be rotten wood that you could fall into and harm yourself.

2. Keep Pets Under Control

You love your furry companion, but not everyone else does. Please always keep pets on a leash, or in an exercise pen and under control and always clean up after them. A barking dog or an unleashed pet can disturb wildlife and startle other campers. Make sure your pet is comfortable and won’t disrupt the peace of the campground.

3. Leave No Trace

Respect for others starts with respect for the land. Always pack out what you pack in, and don’t leave garbage, food scraps, or gear behind. A clean site isn’t just courteous—it helps protect wildlife and preserves nature for the next visitor. Use designated fire pits, use firewood and related items only, never throw your garbage in the fire as residues can attract unwanted pests, follow local fire regulations, and never cut live or pick up fallen trees in the forest for firewood in the frontcountry. Practice Leave no Trace.

4. Share Facilities Responsibly

Whether it’s a dishwashing station, a communal firepit, or an outhouse, be considerate when using shared amenities. Clean up after yourself, take turns fairly, and leave things better than you found them. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in creating a welcoming space for all.

Relaxing at Whistler Olympic Park – Credit Justa Jeskova

5. Practice Trail Etiquette

If you’re hiking or biking near your campsite, remember to yield to others on the trail, stay on marked paths, and avoid blocking narrow sections. Greet other hikers with a friendly nod or hello—it builds community and lets people know you’re there.6. Keep Wildlife Wild

Respecting others also means keeping wildlife safe and wild. Don’t feed animals or leave food unattended. Not only is it dangerous, but it also habituates animals to humans, which often leads to conflict. Store food in bear-proof containers or designated lockers and always follow local wildlife guidelines.

6. Keep Wildlife Wild

7. Be a Role Model for the Next Generation

If you’re camping with kids, teach them to respect nature and other campers. Show them how to stay on trails, use quiet voices, and clean up their messes. Kids learn by example, and when they see you following the Campers Code, they’ll pick it up too.

Tent setup at Whistler Olympic Park – Credit Justa Jeskova

Camping with Respect Builds a Better Outdoor Culture

The outdoors should be a space where everyone feels safe, welcome, and inspired. When we all do our part by being thoughtful, tidy, and courteous – we help preserve the spirit of camping for generations to come.

So next time you zip up your tent or light a campfire, remember the Campers Code. It’s more than implementing rules, it’s a mindset of respect: for the land, for the wildlife, and for each other.

Camp with kindness. Camp with respect. Camp with the Camper’s Code.

Published: May 29, 2025

Last Updated: June 24, 2025