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Topic: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations? (Read 385 times) previous topic - next topic
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Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
We pulled into Carpinteria looking forward to a nice weekend. The people who pulled in next to us hugged the white line between us and then EXTENDED their slide right into our space, cutting into what should be our outside lounge area. See pictures.  This is just one more reason I don’t like slides. What experiences have you had and how did you handle them?
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #1 –
It looks like your neighbor’s slide is encroaching into your space. You could nicely point that out and ask if they would move their RV over a little.  I think anytime you camp at crowded beach locations, issues like this will pop up.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #2 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
It looks like your neighbor’s slide is encroaching into your space. You could nicely point that out and ask if they would move their RV over a little.  I think anytime you camp at crowded beach locations, issues like this will pop up.
And then explain that you are new at playing the bagpipes and don't always hit all the correct notes.  Actually the above solution almost always worked for me.  If owner even looked a little screechy I might go straight to the office, but generally the best way is politely ask them to center their RV.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #3 –
Quote from: SoCal-Gal  - 
We pulled into Carpinteria looking forward to a nice weekend. The people who pulled in next to us hugged the white line between us and then EXTENDED their slide right into our space, cutting into what should be our outside lounge area. See pictures.  This is just one more reason I don’t like slides. What experiences have you had and how did you handle them?

Sadly, these days many people are unpredictable.  IMO, the people who parked next to you knew exactly what they were doing and didn't care.  I find it best in these situations to the office and let management and/or the ranger on duty resolve the situation or move you to another space.  Many years ago I recall a camping incident at a state park (Pismo Beach?) where the people in question shot and killed two people over a parking incident.  Personally, I wouldn't engage in a "discussion" with the owner of the RV in question.
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #4 –
Carpinteria is a mixed bag. It's in a nice town and close to the beach but with a number of what I can only call marginal sites for RVs. And like many of the CA beach parks it has an urban vibe. If I reserved one of those marginal sites for a weekend visit this time of year I would have no expectation of privacy or quiet and wouldn't be surprised if courtesy among visitors was sometimes lacking.

These days, before I'd question someone about their parking or other questionable behavior I'd want to get a sense of the type of person I was dealing with, perhaps through a greeting and some small talk. And then only if the person seemed reasonable would I perhaps broach the subject of how they'd parked.

About ten years ago, on a motorcycle trip, I was camped in a forest service campground in Oak Creek Canyon in AZ. Each site had a sign on the number post that said very clearly that amplified sound was forbidden at all times. Yet after 9:00pm a group was playing loud music at their campsite. I went over to point out the sign at their site. Long story short I ended up being pursued by some very large guys seemingly intent on inflicting bodily harm. I escaped back to my site through the bushes in the dark and eventually packed up and left for a motel in Flagstaff, discretion being the better part of valor.

I don't like the lack of consideration for others that is so common these days. But one thing I like about camping is that those annoyances are usually temporary. The perpetrators or we always move on. And I always have the option of doing that sooner than planned. And once the situation has passed I forget about it.

And as to talking with people I find that if I get to know someone a bit I tend to find them less annoying and I tend to be more forgiving than would otherwise be the case. For instance, if that was your good friend parked next to you I doubt you'd be concerned about a small encroachment. So the best strategy, rather than lodging a "complaint" that might lead in unpleasant directions, might be to get a bit friendly with your neighbor and see if that allows you to let go of your nonetheless justifiable annoyance. Or to eventually say something about the encroachment knowing that it won't lead somewhere unfortunate.

If none of that works for you I suggest walking up to Island Brewing, right across the train tracks from the campground. Order a beer and sit out on their terrace and watch the sun set. And, if you're lucky, a train go by.
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #5 –
I saw Desert Diva handle a worse situation like this extremely ably and got moved immediately by park management, so her advice may be right.

Personally I would politely ask the RVers first and then the office, but that depends on how nutty you think the people are and if you think they may be dangerous or carrying guns. Hope you resolved it.

 I’ve camped at many CA state parks and Carpinteria was probably my least favorite. But prob the best option close to Santa Barb that has regular availability. Cheers,

Sasha
2005 Mid Bath
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #6 –
We don’t know what to think about the growing lack of civility in our society.  I’ve read some recent editorials regarding this apparent degradation of social skills in many sectors of our society.   So it’s no surprise that we experience rude, selfish, and obnoxious behavior in campgrounds.   In fact, when we experience polite and helpful strangers, we’re surprised and grateful.  It’s one of the reasons I continue to visit this Neighborhood. 
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #7 –
This sounds like a campground where these type of issues might be common.

A properly managed campground (IMO) provides camphosts with a checklist of common violations and an easy non-confrontational way for them to notify the campers of the issue and request corrections (like a piece of paper taped to the door).  If the issue persists, then paid staff (rangers or law enforcement or whoever) get involved. 

I've seen this kind of system for issues like camper not entirely within campsite boundaries, vehicles parked on the grass, trash left outside, food improperly stored, ropes tied to trees, unattended fires .... all things that they see again and again during busy season.  The host check the box for your violation, gives you some time to correct the issue, and then calls for backup if things aren't fixed. 

Rich





2003 MB
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #8 –

For every inconsiderate RV person/group there are hundred and or thousands of considerate human beings that are out there camping with their RV's and Trailers (or tenting).

Just good human beings looking for peace and a chance to unload the burdens of the moment.

We cannot change for the poor behavior of others.  Avoid confrontation if you can.  Sometimes it's painful, but in today's world perhaps wise.

Kindness.

Cheers!

Tony R. (aka codefour)
 
 
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #9 –
Thank you to all who responded, very sage advice.  We decided to let it go because we were only there for such a short time and it was a trailer they had already unhooked and leveled.  However, in the future when we are in tight spaces like that again, I’m going to jump outside an watch them pull in and speak with them if it looks like they will be over the line.
 Good boundaries create good neighbors and I need to get a set of bagpipes or maybe a drum?
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #10 –
If I see someone encroaching on my space, I run the generator and hope that encourages them to move elsewhere.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
 
Re: Inconsiderate camping neighbors, how do you handle uncomfortable situations?
Reply #11 –
Ed and Margee,
 wow, we keep talking about the same exact subject !!

mar 🌴❤️🌺
Current 1 and only: 2003 LD Mid Bath 26.5
2017 Winnebago Minnie Winnie TT
2011 Dutchman Colorado 32' TT
2011 iCamp 14' TT
1985 Coachman Catalina 32' RV