Join Janine Pettit and Lesa McDermott in the debut episode of this monthly series of the Girl Camper Podcast as they tackle camping etiquette and discuss stories from their community about inconsiderate campers. They explore issues like campsite cleanliness, light pollution, and dog etiquette, while sharing tips on how to be a respectful camper.

In this episode, one of the primary examples came from a listener named Dorian. She recounted a camping trip that was almost perfect except for some unfortunate campsite maintenance issues, which sparked a conversation among many Facebook member, generating 179 comments.

Rainbow Marshmallow Mess

Dorian described finding melted, ant-covered marshmallows scattered across the camping pad area upon arrival, making the setup work troublesome. The lesson here: leaving marshmallows (or any other debris) at a campsite is inconsiderate.

Sidewalk Chalk Catastrophe

Another issue Dorian faced was picnic tables and trees covered in sidewalk chalk. While sidewalk chalk may entertain kids, its use should be limited to actual sidewalks, not communal campground property.

Fruity Pebbles in a Tree Stump

In an odd and smelly discovery, Dorian found a tree stump filled with milk and Fruity Pebbles, attracting bees. Thorough campsite cleanup can prevent such unpleasant surprises for the next visitors.

Practicing Proper Camping Etiquette

The post by Dorian prompted a wealth of responses, varied from complaints about sunflower seed shells to endorsements of the "leave no trace" principle. The consensus was that campers should always clean up after themselves, ensuring a pleasant experience for all.

Dog Poop Issues

Another listener highlighted the recurring problem of dog owners failing to clean up after their pets. Disregarded dog waste is not only unsightly but inconsiderate to other campers. Responsible pet ownership is crucial in maintaining campsite cleanliness.

Addressing Light Pollution

The discussion then turned to the annoyance of excessively bright lights at campsites. One listener recounted her struggle with a neighbor’s glaring motion-sensor lights. While these lights provide security, minor adjustments can often enhance communal comfort.

Practical Solutions

Adjusting the sensitivity or angle of motion lights could reduce disturbances significantly. A polite conversation with the neighbor is recommended for resolving light pollution issues. If direct confrontation seems daunting, campground managers can often mediate effectively.

Wrap Up

The first episode of "Are You a Crappy Camper?" emphasized the importance of good camping etiquette and consideration for fellow campers. By practicing these simple principles, everyone can ensure a more enjoyable outdoor experience. Janine and Lesa look forward to bringing more engaging topics and stories in the next installment of the Girl Camper Podcast. Stay tuned and happy camping!

Sponsored by Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller and Spacious Skies Campgrounds.

For more great camping etiquette tips check out this article on the Girl Camper Website.

https://youtu.be/4a_1s-Q3hfk