Most campers are respectful and want to be great guests. Every now and then, though, small issues like noise during quiet hours or fire safety concerns can come up. The good news is: with clear communication and the right tools, you can prevent most of these before they start and keep your Hipcamp welcoming and safe.
1. Communicate Expectations Early
Use Scheduled Messages. Hipcamp’s scheduled messages feature lets you automatically remind campers of your guidelines before they arrive. This might include things like fire safety guidelines, how to dispose of trash, or a reminder to update their booking if extra guests are coming.
We recommend scheduling a friendly reminder the day before check-in to set the right tone. Here are some example messages you may wish to use:
- “Hi [Camper Name], we’re looking forward to welcoming you tomorrow! Just a quick reminder of our quiet hours (10pm–7am) and fire safety rules — thanks for helping us keep things safe and peaceful for everyone.”
- “If your group size changes, please update your booking so we can prepare. Thanks for letting us know!”
Keep the tone positive. Instead of sending messages in all caps (“DO NOT LITTER”), try a positive, welcoming approach. Behavioral research consistently shows that people are more likely to follow rules when they’re framed positively. Saying “Thanks for keeping your fire small and safe” is more effective than “Don’t make your fire too big”—because it sets the desired behavior as the norm and makes campers feel appreciated.
2. Reinforce Guidelines On-Site
Post clear signage. Many Hosts find it helpful to use signs around their property to reinforce key guidelines. We've made a series of signs available for Hosts to use in our General Store. These include...
- Quiet hours
- Stay on designated roads
- Fire safety
- Trash signs and pack it out
- Group size management
- Selling Extras
- Other notice signs
The entire set of notice signs has also been bundled into our free, print-at-home pack you can download anytime HERE.
Place signs where they’re most visible. Quiet hours signs near communal areas, fire safety signs near fire pits, and litter signs near trash collection points work best.
3. Address Issues Calmly and Directly
If problems come up during a camper’s stay:
- Approach with a calm, respectful tone.
- Assume good intentions first—sometimes campers simply don’t know the guidelines.
- Use “thank you” language: “Thanks for keeping your fire small and safe” instead of “Your fire is too big.”
Most campers are happy to adjust when spoken to kindly and clearly.
4. Follow Up When Needed
If a camper repeatedly ignores guidelines or behaves in a way that puts safety at risk, you can:
- Document the issue with photos or notes.
- Report the situation to Hipcamp Support.
You’re not alone. Our team can step in when necessary and review the camper’s account.
Most campers want to do the right thing. By setting expectations upfront, reinforcing them gently, and keeping conversations positive, you’ll prevent most issues before they start. And remember, Hipcamp is always here to support you.