Camping is a means of escaping the pressures of everyday life. It goes without saying that we don't want that ruined by inconsiderate campers - or spoil someone else's holiday with our own poor behaviour.

The following rules are based on common sense and courtesy:

Camping rules 

• Don't set up too close to your neighbour without asking. Caravan sites are generally two car spaces apart (one for a car, one for the annexe). Tent sites should be about the same except in holiday periods when it's accepted everyone must be closer together.
• Establish a good relationship by greeting your neighbour without imposing on their time or privacy.
• Avoid spreading out too much and crowding other campers.
• Noise curfews are 9 pm for national parks and 10 pm for caravan parks and camping grounds. Generators, stereos and TVs are the biggest cause of noise complaints and the use of them must be kept to a minimum.
• Recognise when your children are disturbing others or playing in areas not designated as play areas.
• Pick up your pet's droppings. Tie up your pet at night to prevent it roaming around other sites or harming livestock and wildlife.
• Consider the wind direction when lighting a fire to avoid smoke blowing into your neighbour's area. Use established fireplaces instead of creating new ones. Limit your smoke by not burning papers and rubbish. Put out your fire so it doesn't smoulder through the night.
• Dispose of rubbish correctly or take it with you. Don't leave it lying around to attract flies and vermin. Don't bury it as animals will dig it up or flooded rivers will uncover it and spread it far and wide.
• Being drunk and offending others is a matter for park management and the police. The laws applicable to drunkenness and offensive language apply here as they do in any public place.

How to fix a problem 

There is a simple three-step process for resolving any conflict:

1. Assess the problem. If it's a one-off occurrence and won't last for long, let it run its course.
2. Speak to the offending person. More often than not they will do the right thing and an amicable solution will be reached.
3. If not, report the problem to park management. The law dictates park managers have a duty to provide 'quiet enjoyment'. They have the right to settle disputes according to the law, evict people and call police if the need arises.

Don't consider lodging a complaint as a selfish act. There are almost always other people affected who are either prepared to suffer or are unaware of their rights. Think of it as doing everyone else a favour and don't be afraid to call on the managers - it's their job to provide your comfort and satisfaction.

Consider your holiday destination carefully 

Your destination plays a big part in determining the type of holiday you will have.

• Certain aspects of your destination determine the type of people who stay there. If the camping ground is by a lake popular with waterskiers, you can be sure the sound of revving outboard engines will wake you at 5 am.
• Form your own group so your neighbours are family or friends.
• If you have pets, go to a pet-friendly camping site, not one that merely tolerates them. That way you'll also meet like-minded pet owners more sympathetic to your needs.
• If you have children, stay at a family-oriented camping location with good facilities and lots of space for them to play. You can be sure other parents will have done the same, and both you and the kids are likely to forge new friendships.