First impressions count, even at an RV resort. How you arrive and leave can set the tone for your entire stay. Whether you’re pulling into a luxury oceanfront park or a rustic forest retreat, following good campground etiquette helps you kick off your trip the right way and leave on a high note. Respecting check-in windows, setting up quickly and quietly, and leaving your site clean doesn’t just show good manners, it ensures a more enjoyable experience for everyone around you. Here’s your friendly and practical guide to arriving and departing an RV park with grace and ease.
Arrive During Check-In Hours (If You Can)
Most RV resorts set their check-in times in the early afternoon, often around 1:00–3:00 p.m. This gives the park’s maintenance crew time to clean and reset the site after the previous guest checks out, especially if the resort offers full hookups or premium amenities like patios, outdoor kitchens, or fire pits.
Arriving within the designated window is ideal. Show up too early, and you might find the previous guest hasn’t left yet, or the site isn’t prepped for your rig. Show up too late, especially after dark, and you risk disturbing your neighbors who may already be tucked in for the night. But sometimes, delays happen. A flat tire, bad traffic, or unexpected detours can push your ETA past sunset. If that’s the case, do the courteous thing: call ahead. Many parks will leave you a packet with your name taped to the office door or posted on a late-arrival board with a map to your site and any access codes you need.
Some high-end resorts like Sun Outdoors Myrtle Beach or The Resort at Massey’s Landing may even have staff or security to guide you in after hours. Other smaller or mom-and-pop-run parks might not offer that flexibility. Either way, keeping communication open with the office helps ensure a stress-free arrival, even if it’s a little later than planned.
Be Courteous During Site Setup
Once you’ve arrived at your site, settling in slowly and leisurely is tempting. But remember, you’re likely not the only one checking in that day. If you’re blocking the main road or entry point, it can cause a traffic jam and set tempers flaring. So, before you begin leveling or hooking up water and sewer, do your best to pull your rig far enough in to allow others to pass. Flash your hazard lights if you’re still maneuvering or unsure of your spot. It’s a simple signal that helps others know you’re actively parking.
If it’s daylight, be mindful of your voice level, especially when chatting with travel companions or giving parking instructions. And if you arrive at night, keep the lights to a minimum. A couple of warm-tone LED lanterns or flashlights are better than flooding the area with high beams or blinding porch lights. If your site backs up to other campers or tent areas, remember that even small noises can seem loud in the stillness of the evening.
Luxury parks like Malibu Beach RV Park may have strict rules about quiet hours and generator use, so it’s worth reviewing the welcome packet or park map before you get too deep into setup. Treat the moment like you’re moving into a shared neighborhood—slide in smoothly and keep things low-key. Your neighbors will appreciate the respect, and you’ll feel more relaxed once everything’s in place.
Check-Out on Time (and Clean Up)
Check-out time is usually late morning—anywhere from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. RV resorts enforce this timing to allow the staff to clean and prep the site for the next guest. Respecting the check-out window ensures that turnover happens without delays and prevents friction between departing and arriving guests.
Start packing up early enough to avoid a last-minute rush. Put away the outdoor rug, secure your awning, and double-check your hookups. If you need an extra hour or two, some parks—like Zion River Resort in Utah or BlueWater Key RV Resort in Florida—offer late check-outs for a small fee, or if your site isn’t booked immediately after. It never hurts to ask.
Most importantly, leave your site better than you found it. Pick up any trash, even if it wasn’t yours. Make sure the fire pit (if there is one) contains only cold, extinguished ashes. Don’t forget your leveling blocks, dog tie-outs, or patio furniture. Leaving behind a clean site isn’t just about etiquette—it helps maintain the natural beauty of the campground and supports the staff who work hard to keep the park welcoming for everyone.
Handle Late Arrivals and Early Departures Thoughtfully
Life doesn’t always run on campground schedules. If you have to arrive after dark, the number one rule is: stay quiet. People may already be asleep or enjoying a calm evening, so avoid loud conversations, slamming doors, or letting pets bark. Set up only the essentials, power and water if needed, maybe a few stabilizing blocks, and handle the rest in the morning.
On the flip side, if you plan to leave before sunrise, prep as much as you can the night before. Secure anything you won’t need until morning, stow chairs and tables, and put your hoses and cords away. When you pull out, idle gently, and skip the diesel rumble if possible. It’s not just about rules, it’s about respecting your neighbors’ vacation vibes.
If you’re staying at a family-friendly resort like Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, early risers might be expected during peak season, especially on check-out days. But even then, a considerate departure goes a long way. Use your interior lights instead of flooding the area, and keep your voices down until you’re on the road.
What to Do If the Office Is Closed When You Arrive
It’s a common situation, especially during long drives or cross-country trips. You finally reach your destination only to find the office closed and nobody in sight. Don’t panic. Most RV resorts have a system in place for late arrivals. You’ll often find a marked board or clipboard outside the office with envelopes for that day’s incoming guests. You’ll usually find your site number, a park map, and any relevant codes for restrooms, Wi-Fi, or the main gate.
Some upscale parks may offer text support, an after-hours number, or even a mobile app to guide you through check-in. Resorts like La Pacifica RV Resort in San Diego or Boyd’s Key West Campground often have updated systems to streamline late check-ins.
The golden rule still applies: keep things quiet, and do only what’s necessary. Park, plug in, and lock up. Head to the office in the morning to finalize your check-in, ask questions, and pay any remaining balance.
A Smooth Check-In and Check-Out Is the Cherry on Top
RVing is all about the journey, but how you arrive and leave at each stop can make that journey smoother, friendlier, and more enjoyable. By sticking to check-in times, keeping noise to a minimum, being mindful during setup, and leaving your site as you found it, you’re not just showing good manners—you’re participating in the shared experience of outdoor travel.
Whether you’re settling in at a coastal getaway, a desert oasis, or a mountain hideaway, the vibe of your stay often starts the moment your tires roll onto the site. So make those first and last impressions count. Happy camping—and safe travels!