why do people huddle?

We Cant Wait wrote:
People are for the most part almost (especially newer campers) totally ignorant of some of the basic campground etiquette procedures. One being, "park at least ONE site away from other campers if open sited permit". Kind of like not cutting thru occupied camp sites, cleaning up after your dog, etc. etc. etc.

From what I've seen you are the only one who knows these basic procedures. The last time I had an empty site next to me it was used as a shortcut. Kind of like living on the median. Had to wear an orange vest to go outside.

Leftover ancient instinct to seek protection in new/strange places by clinging together. A modern expression that addresses this: safety in numbers.

It certainly reveals who is operating off of instinct and who is thinking for himself or herself.

Agree too that there are a lot of campers who are ignorant of common camping courtesy. If someone is parked away from others, then it should be a sign they want more quiet and privacy. Respecting campsite boundaries by not walking through them is also a given with the exception of emergencies.

jfkmk wrote:
So next time pick a place with larger sites if you can't deal with someone camping next to you.

I can DEAL with someone next to me, it just boggles the mind that with this many empty sites, and with so many on either side of me, people would keep picking the ones on either side of me.

One time we were boondocking out in the Mojave Desert with a bunch of dirt biking friends. About 14 rigs in all. We give each other space, at least 20-30 feet between rigs. The group was getting so big we didn't all know each other. A rig pulled next to one of our buddies and started setting up within about 5 feet! Nobody recognized him. We first wanted to make sure he was one of us, and then let him know to spread out. Turns out he was with a group about 1000 yards away! Just thought our area looked nicer! LOL

We gently asked him if he could at least give us some space between rigs. He said he was sorry and just wasn't thinking, and moved back to his group.

I guess maybe it is this "herding" mentality. I just think unless the place is crowded you give some courtesy and leave at least a space between rigs.

Maybe jfkmk is the one who just pulled in next to me! :S

Brian

Opie431 wrote:
For years I have looked for tubas at garage sales. One sitting on the table should keep people more than a site away.

You would have to find a place in your rv for the tuba! We need something that is easier to store. How about a big sign, "Beware of pit bull."

It actually has been studied and was found that humans just like other mammals have a herd mentality its the safety in numbers concept. So I guess its just something that we all have to get used to. Just be nice and get to know the people next door. You never know who you may meet and who knows you might even meet a new friend.

mericksonjr wrote:
It actually has been studied and was found that humans just like other mammals have a herd mentality its the safety in numbers concept. So I guess its just something that we all have to get used to. Just be nice and get to know the people next door. You never know who you may meet and who knows you might even meet a new friend.

We have been full timing for over 2 years now and still haven't gotten used to the lack of courtesy! Having said that, we have meet 3 couples that we have become good friends with just in this park. We continue to stay in touch with friends we meet on the road! It is a great life and this certainly doesn't tarnish it, sometimes you just need to rant! LOL!

Brian

We Cant Wait wrote:
People are for the most part almost (especially newer campers) totally ignorant of some of the basic campground etiquette procedures. One being, "park at least ONE site away from other campers if open sited permit".

Dude, you're making this up. I've been camping for more than 40 years and have never heard of such a thing. Folks need to use common sense. If I pulled into a park where there was an obvious gathering of friends I would not set up camp next to them. However, if there is someone camping near something that I desire to camp near, such as a lake, or is not near something I don't want to camp near, such as a dump station or dumpster, I'm not going to avoid camping at the next site over just because they may be a curmudgeon. As far as cutting through sites or having dogs, etc, well often there are written rules regarding these things, not just some perceived unwritten expectation.

huntram wrote:
I guess maybe it is this "herding" mentality. I just think unless the place is crowded you give some courtesy and leave at least a space between rigs.

It is, and they should. Could be many reasons: safety in numbers, make friends, they think they're 'supposed' to park together...etc. Drives me nuts because I don't do that.

Why did you pick the site that you did? Possibly they picked their site for the same reason. Next time pick the least desireable site and see what happens.

jfkmk wrote:

We Cant Wait wrote:
People are for the most part almost (especially newer campers) totally ignorant of some of the basic campground etiquette procedures. One being, "park at least ONE site away from other campers if open sited permit".

Dude, you're making this up. I've been camping for more than 40 years and have never heard of such a thing.

Ok... here's the scenario: You're walking into a mens room at the theater and see a wall of urinals with one of them occupied. Do you A.) Walk up to the one next to the occupied or B.) Pick one AT LEAST one space further away? I don't know about you but most of us have been employing the "at least one space away" rule long before we had RVs.

All meant in fun, of course... but that doesn't detract from the existence of the "rule".