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Whether you want to or not, you’ll meet some interesting people in an RV park.
However, if you’re hoping to befriend them, there’s a right and wrong way to behave. Since the first impression is crucial, you’ll want to start on the right foot.
To help you find your next BFF, we’ve compiled a list of wrong ways to make friends. Avoiding these behaviors will help you to fit in with those around you.
Let’s get to it!
Is It Easy to Make Friends in an RV Park?
Making friends in an RV park can sometimes be easy. Typically, most people in RV parks are only there temporarily. It could be anywhere from an overnight stop to several months.
As a result, you won’t always have much time to get to know those around you. Making friends can be challenging if you’re the type that takes a while to warm up to someone new.
Additionally, not everyone in an RV park is looking to make friends. Some introverted people may enjoy more privacy and settle for a wave or head nod instead of a conversation. While they may be friendly, the odds of becoming close to them are very low.
Luckily, many RV parks offer a variety of social opportunities. These typically vary based on the location and time of year.
These include potluck meals, community campfires, and many other activities. Attending these events can make getting to know those around you at an RV park easier.
The Wrong Way to Make Friends in an RV Park
If you want to enlarge your circle of friends, you’ll want to avoid several behaviors. Let’s look at some things many consider the wrong way to make friends in an RV park.
Disregarding Campground Etiquette
One of the most surefire ways to ensure you don’t make friends in an RV park is to disregard campground etiquette. When we say campground etiquette, we mean the written and unwritten rules of the location.
While rules will vary by location, some are common across the board. Ensure you follow rules about excessive noise, trespassing on others’ campsites, and not properly disposing of waste.
If other campers witness these behaviors, they’ll likely report you to management rather than become your friend. Always know and follow the written and unwritten rules wherever you’re staying.
Talking Only About Yourself
Another common mistake many make when making friends is only talking about themselves. It’s easy to get excited about sharing your adventures, but showing an interest in the other person is essential.
Because most people have two ears and one mouth, some argue that it’s twice as important to listen than to talk.
We’re not saying you shouldn’t share about yourself, but make sure to balance out the conversation. Don’t dominate the entire interaction by sharing all about you.
Take time to listen and get to know the other person. Ask quality questions that can help you to understand where they’ve been, where they’re going, and other interesting facts about those you meet.
Being Judgemental
Over the last decade, the demographics of the RV community have changed considerably. Previously, most of the people you’d find in RV parks were retirees.
However, online learning and employment have caused a substantial change in the community. You’ll find families, singles, and just about every generation represented in most RV parks and campgrounds.
As a result, you must be non-judgemental to those you meet, especially if you want to make friends. Luckily, many in the community do a fantastic job accepting each other and their differences.
Those around you may not look, act, or talk like you, which isn’t bad. It’s an excellent opportunity to get to know other cultures and broaden your worldview.
Pro Tip: How to Meet Friends on the Road with Nomad Near Me!
Complaining Constantly
Nobody likes a negative Nelly, Whether in an RV park or anywhere else. Constantly complaining will cause people to end interactions quickly. Listening to someone complain or be negative can create a very uncomfortable environment. If you want strong relationships with those around you, avoid constantly being negative.
People will likely distance themselves from you if you’re always negative about the facilities, weather, or other aspects of life. Part of being an RVer means being willing to adapt to changes.
Complaining is a sign of being unwilling to adapt. Refrain from letting your complaints dominate interactions to the point that they detract from your conversations and overall journey.
Avoiding Group Activities
Group activities are one of the best ways to meet your fellow campers. These communal activities can be a fun and relaxed way to brush elbows with those around you.
However, refusing to participate can signal that you’re not interested in building connections.
Many campgrounds and RV parks maintain weekly and monthly activity calendars. These will often vary based on the time of year but can bring campers together. Many find they’re opportunities to share experiences and laugh with individuals interested in the RV lifestyle.
Attending these activities can be a good idea, even if you’re an introvert. You’ll step out of your comfort zone and embrace something new.
Remember, you don’t have to attend every event. However, it doesn’t hurt to attend them from time to time.
Pro Tip: The Escapees RV Club is an excellent resource for meeting friends on the road and so much more.
Gossiping
Loose lips can sink ships, and gossiping can sink your hopes of making friends. Hopefully, you learned in middle school that gossiping erodes trust and creates a hostile atmosphere for those around you.
Many often consider it a major red flag when they hear someone whispering. They’ll likely be very cautious and keep their distance.
If you want to build genuine friendships, avoid gossiping. It undermines the trust and respect required between two individuals. If you’re willing to gossip about someone to another person, they’ll likely think you’ll talk about them behind their back.
You’ll push more people away than you will by gossiping.
Excluding Others
The RV community is extremely inclusive. It’s common to see people from all walks of life sharing their experiences and building connections.
However, deliberately excluding others is immature and leads to the formation of cliques. It often creates an “us” versus “them” mentality.
Many RV parks must keep this in check, as long-term guests can see short-term guests as a nuisance. This can lead to a highly hostile and awkward vibe throughout the park.
Group activities can be a great way to include as many campers as possible. Even if you’re not best friends with someone, you should never exclude them from an activity.
You Can Make Friends in an RV Park
Making friends in an RV park can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Even if you’re staying a short time, social media makes it easy to grow connections after you’ve checked out.
Whether on Facebook, Instagram, or any other popular platform, connect with anyone you meet during your adventure. You never know when your paths will cross again.
