Camping Courtesies

Ahh, the weather is warming up and the sun is staying out a little longer, which means it is time to hit the beach in a camper for vacation! We remind guests to remember their beach towels and sunscreen, their car passes and golf car registration stickers. However, one thing we tend to leave out at times are camping courtesies (some things are not common knowledge). 

Calling all campers, beginners and pros, let’s talk the do’s and don’ts of camping etiquette | 

Quiet Hours | Most, if not all, campgrounds have set hours that ask their guests to quiet down for the night. Our Quiet Hours are from 11 PM to 7 AM. This does not make us or any campground the “fun police,” but it does allow for the campers around you to get a good night sleep. Everyone is here to relax and have a good time, and to do so, we all need our rest at the end of the day. 

Turn The Volume Down | This is a big one around here, and we all know it is the truth. Yes, we all love our music and yes, music is good for the soul. However, we each like our own music. Certain songs have bad words (words that I cannot type here), and they should not be loud enough for those around to hear. Keep in mind, there are young ears all around – After all, we are a family campground. Listen to whatever song you would like but keep the volume down. Parents, please remind your teens to keep it down, as well. A little respect goes a long way.

We will issue a $100 fine after one warning for loud music in the campground. We will issue a $100 fine without a warning for lewd, vulgar, or offensive music in the campground. 

Respect Your Neighbor’s Space | Let’s not walk or drive across an occupied site. That space is for that guest to utilize. Know your site boundaries and respect your neighbor’s site space. Your site boundary is road to road, and from site post to site post. Be considerate, please try and keep fences, vehicles, and other items 3 feet from the street edge. Do not park behind your camper as that is your neighbor’s site. Try not to park or place your belongings too close to the roads; leave ample clearance for vehicles and camping units to pass. 

Arriving Early OR Arriving Late | It happens, we get it (I am either early or late, and never on time, myself)! If you arrive early, there is NO guarantee that your site is ready. Please do not stand or park and wait for the guests to leave, and do not approach them. Would you want that treatment? Be courteous. If it is their check-out time, then our Security Team will approach the guests and remind them it is time for their departure. 

If you arrive late, and I mean LATE, then try your very best to be as quiet as possible. There are campers around you settling in for the night, so try to be mindful. Remember, you can always set everything up in the morning.

Camping With Pets | Clean up after your pets – We even provide Doogie Doo Stations with bags for all guests to use! We will issue a $100 fine if you do not clean up after your pets. If your pet does not like being left alone, then please do not leave them unattended. This may result in loud barking or unruly behavior, and that is no fun for the pet or other campers. All pets should always be on a leash, and it must not exceed 6 feet in length. 

Think about your fur babies – Make sure they have water and shade, and if you are not around, they need to be in the AC inside your camper. There are apps you can download to alert you if the power goes out in your camper while you are not around. Keep in mind, the sand and pavement get hot, and it may burn their paws; their paws are sensitive. 

Keep It Slow | The speed limit in the campground is 10 mph, and that is everywhere in the campground. We are a family campground (it is literally in our name), which means there are little ones out having fun. Please no speeding. It is not cool; it is not fun. It will only lead to a fine and/or an accident. Everyone is on vacation, so why the hurry? Slow it down and enjoy yourselves – You are on Ocean Lakes time. 

Where Are Your Kiddos? | Parents and guardians, please know where your children are. Whether they are young or teenagers, you need to be aware of where they are and what they are doing. Guest safety is our top priority, and our Security Team patrols the entire campground 24/7. It would help us out if you would do your part. If they are going to an activity or to enjoy an amenity, we would like adult supervision with them. 

If they are riding their bikes, scooters, skateboards, or hover boards (or any other method of transportation), please teach them to stop at Stop Signs and to watch their surroundings. Their eyes should be on the road and not on their phones. 

It is incredibly flattering that you trust our Team and feel safe in our campground; however, anything can happen. We always tend to err on the side of caution, and we ask that our guests do the same. 

Leave The Campsite How You Found It | To put it simply, clean up after yourselves! Our Team works hard to keep our campground looking beautiful, so please do your part. 

Until Next Time | As our co-founder, Nelson Jackson, used to say, “We really only have one rule, conduct yourselves like ladies and gentlemen.” Campers truly are friendly people, and we have a beautiful place we like to call our “Home Away From Home!” Respect and being courteous to other campers and to nature goes a long way.