So why not develop a list, a sort of graphical and verbal primer on campground etiquette and post it at the check-in kiosk at each campsite area? If the issue is truly one of not knowing (as opposed to not caring) what the rules are it should be fairly simple to say, "This is what's expected of you." as folks come into the campground. The problem with trying to educate folks after the fact is that it is awkward to inform somebody who is in the act of violating one of the "rules" that they aren't behaving properly.

Presuming that the number of most significant camping rules could be reduced down to a list of ten items, what would the list include? My short list would include:

1) Do not play your radio or stereo louder than what YOU can hear. If the person in the next campsite can hear it, it's too loud.

2) Don't burn unseasoned firewood and confine all fires to the fire pit.

3) You can have a valid camping experience without a campfire!

4) To the muffler-less Harley rider who has to ride through the camp revving the throttle, "Your bike is obnoxious and your mother dresses you funny. Please refrain from blipping the throttle!"

5) Pick up after yourself and strive to leave the campsite cleaner than you found it.

6) Excessive alcohol consumption may lead you conclude that the racoons did drink all of the beer in your cooler while you slept.

3) You can have a valid camping experience without a campfire!

It doesn't have to be a bonfire either!

I'd like to see more of a Ranger presence in the campgrounds. The concessionnaire hosts are find, the volunteer hosts are fine, but somehow, things seem to quiet down when that Ranger vehicle drives thru or someone in uniform goes walking thru.

Level sites would also be nice. I don't sleep too good on a slant.

Do any of you other "seasoned" folks remember the conditions of or highway right of ways before all the $500 fine for Littering signs went up in the '60s? There has never been a shortage of people to lazy to clean up after themselves. Personally, I don't mind outlandish fines to make people do things they're supposed to, especially if it is something I would never think of doing or not doing. I know the problem is enforcing things, just saying.
On the subject of generators, I'd much rather listen to even a contractor genny for a few hours than a site full of screaming, crying kids or barking, yapping dogs all day, only interupted by the whining roaring dirt bikes and OHVs.
Tom J, alias the curmudgeon

Level sites are also nice in that my stickshift truck is unable to back our rather large tent trailer uphill without frying its clutch--reverse is too tall geared for that. Butcha gotta take the topography as you find it, I suppose.

Well said campwest. This is not unlike the choice of eating at McDonald’s or Ruth Chris. The individual choice is there. Its burger, fries, and kid noise or quiet dining, soup to nuts.

I have an amenity filled; power hungry motor home because I like my own bathroom and cooking indoors without smoke. Occasionally, I like to camp in a NF if the rig size can be accommodated. It would be nice to have 50A power and water, but I can live without it. In fact, I side more with those that are back to nature, keep it simple advocates because that why I went there in the first place.

There are lots of things that go into the management of a NF. There is wildlife and forest management, maintenance, hunting and fishing supervision, misc recreational services, fire fighting, and a few others. They share the set budget with the campground. Adding amenities to the CG is absolutely going to be paid for by the users.

Now go forth to the NF and hug a camp host (if deserved). It’s hard work.