Last Updated on December 12, 2024
Have you ever checked into a campground or an RV resort only to be handed a list of rules longer than your grandfather's life story? Does the place you're staying feel more like a military boot camp than a relaxing getaway? Well, hold onto your hats because today we're diving into the 7 most absurd campground rules we've ever encountered. From restrictions on your RV's age to bizarre dog policies, these rules will leave you scratching your head and laughing out loud. We found a great video highlighting these rules. Make sure to watch the entire video at the bottom of the article for the full experience.
1. Not Allowing Your Rig if It's Over 10 Years Old
Did you know some RV parks out there don't allow your rig if it's over a certain number of years old? Most places that set this rule cap it at around 10 or 15 years. Because, you know, a 2013 model must be a complete eyesore, right? Imagine if we applied the same logic to people: "Hey Grandpa, you're going to have to sit this year's family reunion out. You just turned 80, and you're leaking a little." It's ridiculous! Most people who buy a new RV are paying for it for 10 or 15 years, and now they have restrictions on the places they can go? Come on, let's base it on condition, not age.
2. Not Allowing a Clothesline or Drying Towels Outside
Really? No clotheslines or drying towels outside? I get it; this isn't a laundromat, but come on! What are we supposed to do with our stinky socks and wet towels from the beach? Have you ever been camping in the rain or with kids? It's an absolute mess. Sure, the campground doesn't want to spoil their Instagram feed with a pair of rogue undies waving in the wind, but when did drying out your wet clothes become an epidemic? Maybe next, they'll ban campfire smoke for ruining the "aesthetic."
3. Breed Restrictions on Dogs
Breed restrictions on dogs? Seriously? Here's my take: anyone who brings their dog to a campground needs to be a responsible pet owner. Feed it, water it, walk it, and pick up after it. But clumping all dogs into one category based on their breed is just plain wrong. They say pets take after their owners, so don't be a jerk, and neither will your dog. And let's be real, the biggest menace in the campground is usually the guy who blasts his music at 2 AM, not the dog.
4. Having to Keep Dogs on a Six-Foot Leash
Some RV parks and even state parks require you to keep your dog on a six-foot leash at all times. Is this a prisoner or a pet? I'm not saying let our furry companions run all over the place like they own it, but six feet? Really? I wonder if someone comes around with a tape measure to enforce this. Responsible pet ownership is key, but our four-legged family members deserve more than a six-foot world thought up by someone who probably has a cat.
5. Charging Extra for Kids
Have you ever stayed at an RV resort with amenities like a splash pad, pool, or jumping pillow, only to find out they charge extra per kid? And they justify it by saying they need to account for the extra water and wear and tear. Right, because kids with sticky hands are single-handedly ruining your facility. Quick, somebody call the ranger—Timmy's on the slide again! It's almost like they want to charge you for breathing next.
6. Charging Up to $5 Per Minute After Check-Out Time
Some parks charge up to $5 per minute after the check-out time of 11:00 AM. State parks are usually pretty good about this, but some private places are on another level. If you've ever stayed at a place like Cayuga Lake in New York, be prepared for the ranger to knock on your door at the crack of dawn to hurry you along. And if they have your credit card on file, you better believe they'll charge you. It's like they're running a parking meter, not a campground.
7. Daytime Guests Aren't Allowed to Use the Restroom Facilities
Wait, what? Some private facilities out there have locked bathrooms that require a key code for access. You need to be cleared by the Secret Service to use them. Hopefully, you got your tanks pumped out before your guest arrives because that's probably the only toilet they'll be able to use unless you pay a $10 fee for the key code. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches, especially when nature calls.
