Stop Acting Like You Own the Campsite—You Don’t!
Stop Acting Like You Own the Campsite—You Don’t! #
(And Your Tarp Empire is Annoying Everyone)
Alright, who gave you the crown? Seriously. The sheer audacity of some campers who roll in and instantly behave like feudal lords claiming their divine right to the entire forest is enough to make a park ranger weep. Newsflash, Chad and Karen: You. Rented. A. Patch. Of. Dirt. That’s it. You do not own the lake view, the trail access, or the communal fire pit. Stop acting like you do!
The Space Hogs: Your tent doesn’t need a 50-foot perimeter. Spreading tarps, clotheslines, and camp chairs across three potential sites because you “need your space” is pure, unadulterated entitlement. People paid to be here too! Your kingdom of nylon and yeti coolers is blocking the path and hogging prime real estate. Pack it in, not outwards!
The Noise Narcs: Oh, you came for “peace and quiet”? So did everyone else! Yet you’re the first to stomp over and passive-aggressively shush kids laughing before quiet hours, or glare daggers at someone walking near “your” spot. The woods aren’t your soundproofed meditation dome. Basic sounds of other humans existing? Deal with it. Your death stare isn’t a zoning ordinance.
The Campsite Squatters: Leaving your decrepit camp chairs out ALL DAY to “reserve” the waterfront spot while you’re off hiking? Genius. And deeply selfish. That spot isn’t yours 24/7 just because you plopped down a $10 Walmart special. Pack your gear when you leave, you’re not the campsite monarch holding court. Others want to enjoy that view too!
The Facility Monopolizers: Washing every dish you own AT THE WATER SPIGOT during peak morning prep time? Turning the lone picnic table into your personal gear-staging warehouse for hours? Blocking the trail with your sprawl? You are the traffic jam! Be aware. Be considerate. Move your stuff!
Public land means shared space. We all pay for the privilege of being temporary visitors in nature. Your reservation buys you a defined area for your tent and vehicle, NOT dominion over the surrounding wilderness or the right to inconvenience everyone else. Pack your entitlement out with your trash. Be a decent neighbor. Share the damn vista. Rant over. (For now… seriously, move your chairs.)