Embarrassing Campsite Mishaps!

 

 Whether you are a seasoned tourer or just hitting the road for the first time, we have all had those "rookie" moments that leave us a bit red-faced. To help you keep your dignity (and your deposit) intact, here is a comprehensive guide to the 27 most common campsite blunders and how to avoid them.

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I. Pre-Departure: The Final Checklist

Before you turn the key, ensure these critical items are checked to avoid mechanical damage or getting trapped.

• Check the Site Gates: Always verify the campsite's gate operating hours. Don't get caught behind locked gates at 6:00 AM when you have a ferry or Eurotunnel to catch.

• Disconnect the Hook-up: Driving off with the mains lead still attached can result in a "loud bang" and ripped-out sockets.

• Retract Your Steadies: Driving off with corner steadies down can furrow the pitch or even push the steady through the van's floor. Pro Tip: Leave the winding handle across the driver’s pedals as a physical reminder.

• Secure Rooflights and Windows: A rooflight left open can be torn off at motorway speeds, causing expensive damage and hazards for other drivers.

• Lower the Aerials: Perform a final exterior walk-around to ensure the TV aerial or satellite dish is lowered and all laundry is removed from bike racks.

• The Power Sequence: When unhooking, always remove the cable from the site bollard first. This prevents trailing a live cable across potentially wet grass.

• Collect Your Ramps: It is easy to leave wheel levelling chocks behind on uneven pitches.

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II. Site Etiquette: Being a Good Neighbor

Campsite living is community living. A little consideration goes a long way.

• Respect Private Space: Never walk across someone else’s pitch. Think of a motorhomer’s pitch as their "castle" and maintain their privacy.

• Monitor Noise Levels: Fabric awnings are not soundproof. Keep music and TV volumes low, especially during the evening and at night.

• Manage Barking: A noisy dog can be a major headache for others. Never leave a pet in the van on a hot day or for long periods without water and toys.

• Sociability: Giving a quick "hello" to neighbors can lead to great local recommendations or even an invite to a barbecue.

• Considerate Cooking: Some campers are sensitive to smells. If you’re having a barbecue, use a designated spot or cook at a distance from others.

• Manage Your Guests: Avoid overfilling a four-berth van with extra festival friends. You may regret the decision by 4:00 AM.

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III. Maintenance & Utility Essentials

Preventing small errors can save you from big (and smelly) problems later.

• Toilet Hygiene: Never ignore the red light on your toilet cassette. Overfilling results in a "malodorant" mess that requires deep cleaning of every nook and cranny.

• Waste-Water Management: Only drain waste water where instructed by the site. Driving with an open drain is frowned upon and ruins the reputation of motorhomers.

• Electrical Safety: Never leave your hook-up lead coiled up while plugged in. Coiled cables generate heat and are a fire hazard.

• Awning Care: At the first sign of strong winds, take down or roll in your awning. Dismissing wind warnings can lead to total awning destruction.

• Grass Protection: Don’t assume you can use a groundsheet. Many sites ban them because they kill the grass. Always check with reception before pegging one down.

• Cleanliness: Small spaces get messy fast. Keep a well-stocked cleaning cupboard to avoid being caught without supplies mid-tour.

• The Fridge Clear-Out: Always remove food at the end of a tour. A forgotten wheel of cheese can create a stinky surprise a month later.

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IV. Planning & Connectivity

A successful tour requires a bit of foresight and the right tools.

Navigating and Choosing Sites

Tip	Description
Site Selection	Read reviews to ensure the site matches your needs (e.g., adults-only sites for peace and quiet).
Pitch Choice	Use online maps to request a pitch near washblocks to make emptying containers easier.
Destination Variety	Don't just visit the same favorite spots; mix in new destinations to keep things fresh.
Sat Nav Skepticism	Standard Sat Navs may lead you into lion enclosures or 6ft-high tunnels. Use one modified for motorhomes but always trust your own eyes.

Staying Connected and Prepared

• WiFi Codes: Ask for the WiFi code at reception upon arrival. If you wait until the office closes, you might be left desperately banging on the door.

• Avoiding High Fees: Campsite WiFi can be expensive. Consider hiring a dongle or planning your access before leaving home to avoid hefty charges.

• Packing for Reality: Pack for the weather you might encounter, not just the weather you want. Always include 20% more warm clothing than you expect to need.

• Off-Season Security: If storing your van, use a high-quality wheel clamp for peace of mind and as a visual deterrent.

You can here some of my Top Hints and Tips on Caravan Radio https://caravanradio.co.uk

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 Spanish Car Parks

Many drivers treat car parks as relaxed spaces where normal road rules no longer apply. This assumption is widespread — and incorrect. In Spain, any car park that is open to the public is considered a public traffic space, meaning that standard traffic regulations remain fully enforceable.

This misunderstanding leads to frequent incidents, disputes, and avoidable penalties.

Traffic Signs Still Have Legal Force

One-way arrows, stop signs, no-entry signs, and give-way markings inside public car parks must be obeyed in exactly the same way as on the road. Ignoring them is a traffic offence, even if the car park appears quiet or informal.

Drivers often justify breaking these rules by saying “it’s only a car park,” but legally, that distinction does not exist.

Priority Rules Still Apply

Priority does not disappear once you leave the road. Vehicles already moving within a marked lane have priority over those joining it, and give-way markings must be respected.

Pedestrians also retain priority in designated crossing areas, and drivers are expected to proceed with caution, especially near entrances, lifts, and payment machines.

Common Car Park Mistakes

The most frequent errors include:

• driving against one-way systems to save time,
• ignoring no-entry signs near exits,
• cutting across parking bays instead of following lanes,
• reversing without checking surroundings properly,
• assuming pedestrians will always stop or move aside.

These behaviours significantly increase the risk of low-speed collisions, which are among the most common incidents reported in urban areas.

Speed and Attention Matter

Although speeds are lower in car parks, hazards are often greater. Visibility can be restricted by parked vehicles, pillars, and tight corners. Children and distracted pedestrians may appear suddenly from between cars.

Drivers should maintain very low speeds, cover the brake, and remain alert at all times.

Responsibility Does Not Change

If a collision occurs in a public car park, responsibility is assessed in the same way as on the road. Ignoring signs, markings, or right of way will weigh heavily against the driver at fault.

Understanding this helps avoid unnecessary disputes and ensures safer behaviour.

A Simple Rule to Remember

If the car park is open to the public, drive as if you are still on the road. Obey signs, respect markings, watch for pedestrians, and proceed with caution.

Following the rules costs nothing, but ignoring them can be expensive — and dangerous.

Source:- N332 https://www.ibexinsure.com

Please note that this information has been compiled for general awareness only. It's not a substitute for professional advice, and we can't guarantee its complete accuracy. For any specific concerns, please consult a qualified professional.