New to park RVs? You’re not alone!
With over 19,000 campsites in Ontario parks, every year there are new adventurers entering the RV game.
With the help of our friends at Wayfarer Insurance Group, we’ve compiled some unwritten RV rules you should know before your first road trip:
Know the written rules
We know, we just said that these rules are not written.
However, understanding the park rules is an essential first step to having a safe and positive camping experience.
Before you leave, check your park’s individual website for everything you need to know about your visit.
Have everyone in your group take the time to review the Park Rules tab to make sure everyone understands the ins and outs of park camping.
Remember, there is one basic rule in Ontario parks: have respect and consideration for other visitors and the environment.
Perfect parking
It’s important to find the right campsite for your RV.
If you have sliders, make sure they are included in the total length of your rig when booking online.
When you’re parking and setting up, remember to consider the location of your slide-ins.
There’s nothing worse than sliding right into trees or into an inconvenient spot!
Park your trailer and test the sliders before unhitching them. This step will save you time and prevent you from having to reconnect everything and park again.
Making sure you park in a good, flat area is key. Higher ground is preferred.
Make sure your RV is also more than 6 feet away from your fire pit.
Making new friends
It’s easy to form new friendships while camping, especially when you share a mutual love of the parks!
As exciting as it is to meet new people, always give other campers time to get settled and settled in before introducing yourself.
If you feel like you need help, call him to offer help. Try not to take it personally if someone doesn’t want to connect and do your best to respect their boundaries.
This rule applies to human friends and furry friends!
Speaking of new friends…
No matter how cute they are, not all dogs want to play!
Always check with the owner before you or your children (furry or human) interact with their dog.
When you are at your campsite or out for a walk, keep your dogs on a leash no longer than 2 meters in length.
respect quiet time
We all have fond memories of gathering around a crackling fire, singing or laughing a little.
Excessive noise is not permitted at any time, but there is a greater expectation of quiet at night. This applies to conversations, music, generators, and bright lights.
You can still enjoy that fabulous bonfire (if there is no risk of wildfire, pay attention to the posts), but do so with your neighbors in mind.
Social routes and shortcuts
Never walk around someone else’s site.
It may seem like just a second or just the edge of the site, but it can make people uncomfortable and disrupt the park’s ecosystem. Not to mention the possibility of running into irritating plants like Poison Ivy!
Take extra steps to ensure your neighbors can enjoy their camping experience too.
Respect departure times
Just like a hotel, check-out time is when you need to be off-site.
For campers, this means your site is clean and ready for the next group of campers at 2:00 p.m.
This also applies to arriving campers! Please be respectful of the campers ahead of you. If you arrive before 2:00 pm, do not sit and wait for them to pack.
Why not use your extra time to start exploring the park’s beach, trails, or Visitor Center?
Leave your site better than you found it
It’s as simple as that!
Sweep your site after packing and moving your RV.
Make sure there is no trash behind it and the campfire is out.
Prepare for the trailer sanitary station
Have your gloves, black tank hose, and connector handy when you arrive at the station.
If you’re not sure what to do, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
In the camping and RV community, there is always someone willing to lend a hand.
Make sure you are covered
If you have ever been involved in an accident where another driver caused damage to your property, you know how disappointing and stressful the experience can be.
Now imagine this happening on your vacation.
No matter how much experience you have driving, towing, or parking your RV, accidents happen.
Before you head out on your first RV trip of the season, make sure your insurance policy is up to date with the most comprehensive coverage.
Wayfarer Insurance Group has specialized in RV insurance for over 30 years and we truly understand the importance of protecting your home away from home.
Call us at 1 (844) 929-4768 or contact us today to find out what sets us apart from other insurance providers, discuss your policy and look for opportunities to help you save on your premiums.
Ontario Parks thank you Corporate partners like Wayfarer Insurance Group for their support.