RV Etiquette: What’s Expected When Staying on Private Property

If you’ve been an RVer for a while, campground, RV park, and RV resort etiquette has become second nature. There are clear rules laid out on the website, you know the quiet hours, when to arrive, when you should leave, and where you can dump your trash or wastewater tanks before you go.

But staying on private property is different from staying at a campground. There are no rows of designated pads. No campground office. No ranger patrol. Instead, there’s something more personal: trust.

One of the best parts of RV travel today is the ability to stay somewhere truly unique — farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, and small businesses that open their property to travelers.

Whether you’re staying at a Harvest Hosts location or another privately hosted property, understanding RV etiquette on private property is essential. Good etiquette keeps hosts welcoming RVers, protects access for the entire RV community, and ensures your experience is positive and stress-free. The good news is that it’s not too different than what you’ve gotten used to at campgrounds.

This guide explains exactly what’s expected — and why it matters.

Why RV Etiquette Matters More on Private Property

Campgrounds are designed for RVs. Private properties are not. When a farm, winery, or museum welcomes RV travelers, they are:

• Sharing personal or business space
• Assuming responsibility for guests
• Trusting visitors to be respectful
• Offering hospitality, not just parking

Unlike public lands or large commercial parks, private properties operate on relationships. A single negative experience can impact whether a host continues welcoming RVers.

That’s why proper RV etiquette is more than courtesy — it’s community stewardship. Harvest Hosts has a code of conduct that members should always follow, but this blog helps break down what rules you need to follow before, during, and after your stay.

Before You Arrive: Set the Tone Early

Good RV etiquette starts before your wheels hit the driveway.

1. Read the Host Profile Carefully

Every Harvest Hosts location includes:

• Arrival windows
• Parking instructions + details
• Property-specific rules
• Business hours
• Seasonal notes

Ignoring these details creates unnecessary friction.

If a host requests arrival before 5 PM, respect that. If you’re running late, let them know. If they note “no generators,” take that seriously. These aren’t suggestions, they protect the property and experience.

2. Communicate Clearly

When staying on private property:

• Confirm your stay in advance
• Share your estimated arrival time
• Mention your rig length if needed

A simple, courteous message builds trust immediately.

Example:

“Hi! We’re excited to visit tomorrow. We’ll be arriving around 3:30 PM in a 32-foot Class C. Please let us know if there’s anything we should know before arrival.”

Clear communication prevents misunderstandings.

Arrival Etiquette: First Impressions Matter

The way you arrive sets the tone for your entire stay. Following these guidelines will keep your Host happy and ensure you leave a good impression.

3. Arrive During Daylight When Possible

Although not all Hosts require daylight arrivals, many Hosts do for a few reasons. Private properties often include:

• Narrow entrances
• Gravel or dirt roads
• Shared driveways
• Limited signage

Arriving in daylight allows you to:

• Navigate safely
• Avoid disturbing operations
• Position your RV properly
• Arrive while the business is still open and patronize the business before you go to bed.

The best thing to do is follow the Host’s arrival hour recommendations. Night arrivals mean the business might be closed when you arrive, but some will allow later arrival hours as long as you plan to patronize the business before you leave the next day.

Tip: For night owls, we recommend seeking out winery, brewery, and restaurant hosts that often have later open hours than farms and museums.

4. Follow Parking Instructions Exactly

If the host says:

• “Park by the red barn,” park there.
• “Use the gravel area only,” use it.
• “Avoid blocking equipment access,” respect it.

Private properties are working environments. Farms may need tractor access. Breweries may have delivery trucks. Museums may host events.

Parking casually “where it looks good” is not good etiquette. Another important thing to remember is that you should not expect the parking spaces to be intentionally designed for RVs. They may not all be paved or 100% level. Make sure you read the parking details closely and decide you’re comfortable with the parking situation before requesting a stay.

Tip: In a host’s profile, there are usually photos of the parking area, and the parking surface type is usually explicitly listed. For more photos of the parking area, you can click “show all photos” at the top of the Host’s profile to see all photos of the location, then navigate to the “Parking and RVs” tab to get a better feel for the parking area.

During Your Stay: Respect the Property

Once parked, your behavior reflects on the entire RV community.

5. Keep a Low Profile

Private property stays are for just a day (or a few), and it’s important to remember that you’re a guest, not a long-term camper. It’s best practice not to do a full campsite setup.

Good RV etiquette means:

• Checking to make sure slideouts are allowed beforehand (this will be listed in the Host profiles)
• Do not set up chairs, rugs, grills, or outdoor kitchens unless the host specifically allows
• Avoid hanging laundry
• Limit exterior lighting
• Do not take up two spots without explicit permission. Some Hosts do offer separate tow vehicle parking.

It’s also important to note that some Host locations are quieter than others. Rural farms may be more likely to enforce quiet hours. Some Host locations might be more social. You’ll really get a feel by reading the Host profile.

6. Limit Generator Use

Many private properties are peaceful by nature.

Generators:

• Disrupt the quiet
• Disturb animals
• Annoy neighbors
• Impact other RVers

If generator use is necessary, follow host guidelines strictly and keep usage minimal. There is a filter on the Harvest Hosts map where you can find Hosts that allow generators, but most will have quiet hours where generator use is not allowed.

7. Support Your Host

At Harvest Hosts locations, Members are not expected to pay camping fees for one-night stays. Instead, members support the host’s business through purchases.

This isn’t just a suggestion — it’s part of the model.

Whether you:

• Buy produce
• Enjoy a tasting
• Purchase merchandise
• Dine on-site

Your support makes overnight stays sustainable. We recommend spending about $30 for an overnight stay. If you book extra nights, the Host may charge you a fee to stay extra nights. If they do not, continue to spend $30 each day of your stay to properly thank your host.

Social Etiquette: You Represent the RV Community

Every interaction matters.

8. Be Friendly, Not Demanding

Hosts are business owners — not campground staff.

Avoid:

• Complaining about lack of hookups
• Expecting campground-level amenities
• Making special requests outside the host’s guidelines

Remember: you are a guest on private property. You can filter the Harvest Hosts map to find locations that offer electric and/or water hookups, so if these things are important to you, be sure to only book locations with these amenities available.

Hosts may charge you to use hookups, but this counts towards the $30 recommended spend.

9. Follow “Leave No Trace” Principles

Even on private property, Leave No Trace applies. If you need a reminder, that includes:

• No litter
• No dumping gray water
• No dumping trash without permission
• No pet waste left behind

Clean departure ensures future guests are welcome. Harvest Hosts locations are unlikely to have dump stations on-site, but the Harvest Hosts map includes dump station pins so you can easily find a dump station wherever you are.

Pet Etiquette on Private Property

Pets are common in RV travel — but private property may include:

• Livestock
• Farm animals
• Working dogs
• Wildlife

Not all Harvest Hosts locations allow pets, but over 90% of them do. Be sure to filter your map to pet-friendly locations so you don’t book any stays where isn’t welcome.

11. Keep Pets Leashed

Even well-trained pets can:

• Chase livestock
• Scare animals
• Damage crops

Always leash your pets unless explicitly told otherwise. Often, Hosts will have rules of where your pet can or cannot be, and where your pet must remain on-leash, so be sure to read the Host’s profile carefully so that you fully understand their rules.

12. Clean Up After Pets Immediately

Leaving pet waste behind is one of the fastest ways to lose host trust. Carry waste bags and dispose of them properly.

Noise & Privacy Considerations

Private properties often border:

• Family homes
• Neighboring farms
• Residential areas

13. Observe Quiet Hours

Even if no official quiet hours are listed, follow common courtesy:

• Keep music low
• Avoid loud conversations outside
• Close doors gently
• Limit late-night activity

You’re not alone, even if it feels rural.

14. Respect Private Areas

Just because you’re parked on the property doesn’t mean all areas are open for exploration.

Avoid:

• Entering barns or outbuildings
• Walking into fields without permission
• Accessing restricted spaces

If unsure, ask first.

Departure Etiquette: Leave a Positive Impression

The way you leave matters as much as the way you arrive.

15. Leave Early, Leave Quietly

Many hosts begin work early.

Plan to:

• Depart within the host’s stated timeframe
• Minimize engine idling
• Avoid blocking business operations

16. Say Thank You

Gratitude goes a long way. A simple: “Thank you for having us — we really enjoyed our stay.” Small gestures matter in host relationships. Another way to make sure you say thank you is by patronizing the business. Make sure you’ve done so before leaving. If the Host doesn’t have any items for sale that interest you, you should offer to make a donation, or just give cash.

Why RV Etiquette Protects Access for Everyone

Private property RV stays are built on mutual respect.

If guests:

• Leave trash
• Ignore rules
• Fail to support hosts
• Disturb operations

Hosts may stop participating. When guests:

• Follow guidelines
• Support businesses
• Respect boundaries

The system thrives.

Every RVer plays a role in protecting access and keeping Hosts on the platform.

Boondockers Welcome Etiquette: Staying on a Fellow RVer’s Property

While many private property stays happen at farms, wineries, breweries, and attractions, there’s another type of stay that requires a slightly different kind of etiquette: Boondockers Welcome.

What Is Boondockers Welcome?

Boondockers Welcome is a membership program that connects RV travelers with fellow RV owners who offer space on their private property for overnight stays. If you’re a Harvest Hosts All Access Member, Boondockers Welcome locations are available right in your Harvest Hosts map.

Unlike business-based hosts (such as farms or wineries), Boondockers Welcome hosts are:

• Individual RVers
• Homeowners
• Fellow travelers
• People sharing personal private property — often a parking space in their driveway or on their acreage or rural land

The environment is more residential and personal. You’re not just staying at a business — you’re staying at someone’s home. That makes etiquette even more important.

How Boondockers Welcome Stays Are Different

Boondockers Welcome hosts may offer:

• Driveway parking
• Rural acreage
• Hookups
• Advice about the local area

But these stays are built on hospitality and community — not commerce. You are a guest on someone’s private property.

Boondockers Welcome Etiquette Guidelines

Because the setting is more personal, there are specific etiquette practices that matter even more.

1. Send a Thoughtful Stay Request

Boondockers Welcome requires hosts to approve stay requests. When requesting a stay:

• Introduce yourself briefly
• Mention your RV type and length
• Share your arrival and departure timing
• Confirm you’ve read their profile details

Example:

“Hi! We’re a retired couple traveling in a 30-foot fifth wheel. We’re passing through the area and would love to stay one night on Tuesday, arriving around 4 PM. We’ve read your notes about driveway access and will come prepared.”

This shows respect and preparation. Never show up to a Boondockers Welcome location without an approved stay request.

2. Respect Residential Quiet

Unlike business properties, many Boondockers Welcome stays are in neighborhoods or on quiet rural land near family homes.

Good etiquette includes:

• No loud music
• No outdoor social gatherings without invitation
• Minimal generator use
• Quiet arrivals and departures

You are near someone’s home — possibly their neighbors’ homes as well.

3. Follow Property-Specific Rules Exactly

Some hosts may specify:

• No pets
• No children
• No slide-outs due to space
• No generator use
• Specific parking angles

These rules protect:

• Landscaping
• Driveway integrity
• Septic systems
• HOA compliance

Respecting them ensures the host can continue offering stays.

4. Don’t Assume Hookups Are Guaranteed

Some Boondockers Welcome hosts offer electric hookups or water hookups. Your Host may charge you to use them. If a Host graciously offers you hookups for free, it’s nice to offer them a bit of cash. You are not obligated to use hookups during your stay.

Always:

• Confirm what is offered
• Bring your own extension cords if needed
• Avoid overloading outlets

And never plug in without explicit permission or paying first.

5. Keep Pets Controlled at All Times

Since you are on someone’s private residential property:

• Keep pets leashed
• Prevent pets from entering gardens or yards
• Clean up immediately

Even friendly pets can create liability concerns for homeowners.

6. Avoid “Camping Behavior”

Boondockers Welcome stays are typically:

• Parking stays
• Short-term overnights

Avoid:

• Setting up chairs or rugs without invitation
• Running grills
• Treating the driveway like a campsite

Unless the host invites you to socialize or set up, keep your footprint small.

7. Be Friendly — But Respect Boundaries

One of the best parts of Boondockers Welcome is meeting fellow RVers. Many hosts enjoy chatting and sharing travel stories. Hosts often invite their guests in for a meal or a drink.

However:

• Let the host set the tone
• Don’t assume they want extended social time
• Respect their privacy and schedule

Some hosts love evening conversations. Others are simply offering space and prefer minimal interaction. Follow their lead.

8. Offer Gratitude (But Not Payment)

Unlike Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome stays do not revolve around business purchases. You do not pay a nightly fee, but you may be asked to pay fees to use hookups.

However, thoughtful gestures are appreciated:

• A positive review
• A bit of cash for hookups if you did not have to pay a fee

9. Stay Only As Long As Your Host Offers

Like Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome Hosts are only required to offer one-night stays, but some Hosts may offer up to five night stays. Follow your Host’s rules on this, and make sure you select your total number of desired nights when submitting your stay request. Once there, do not ask to stay longer. You are typically capped at five total nights.

Why Boondockers Welcome Etiquette Is Essential

Boondockers Welcome works because this community of RVers trusts each other.

If guests:

• Ignore driveway rules
• Leave trash
• Run generators late
• Damage landscaping
• Create neighborhood complaints

Hosts may stop participating.

When guests:

• Communicate clearly
• Respect property
• Follow guidelines
• Express gratitude

The community strengthens.

Harvest Hosts & Boondockers Welcome: Shared Principles

While Harvest Hosts locations are businesses and Boondockers Welcome hosts are private homeowners/landowners, both programs share core values:

• Clear communication
• Respect for property
• Community stewardship

The etiquette mindset is the same: You are a guest. When RVers treat every stay as a privilege, not a right, everyone wins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common RV etiquette mistakes when staying on private property:

• Treating it like a full campground
• Arriving unannounced
• Blocking entrances
• Overusing generators
• Ignoring seasonal notes
• Failing to make a purchase
• Leaving without acknowledgment

Avoiding these mistakes ensures positive experiences for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Hospitality Is a Two-Way Street

Staying on private property is one of the most rewarding parts of RV travel. It allows access to beautiful farms, scenic wineries, welcoming breweries, fascinating museums, and personal private property across the country.

But it only works when respect flows both ways.

Good RV etiquette:

• Builds trust
• Protects access
• Strengthens the RV community
• Keeps hosts welcoming travelers

When you stay on private property, you’re not just parking — you’re participating in a shared culture of hospitality. And that’s something worth protecting.