Readers Respond: What Do You Think About Campgrounds Charging A Cleaning Deposit?

Responses: 74

From David Sweet, former About.com Guide

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I don't want to pay extra fees. When I arrive at a campsite, I check it for cigarette butts, dog poop, etc., and I clean up, if necessary. For the most part, however, I find campgrounds to be clean. If I see litter, I pick it up. If an inconsiderate dog owner has not cleaned up along trails, I carry extra bags when walking my two labs, and I pick it up and dispose of the poop myself. Shame that I have to do this, but hey...in the end it makes my stay more pleasant.
—hobopals

I think it's a good idea. I'm afraid, though, that for there to be an "incentive" may require fees that are too high for some, and the "standards" for return of deposits could get pretty "arbitraty".
—gohawks02

I think that it is a shame to have to do this, but some people are slobs and should have to pay. Those who are not, should not.
—Guest Fred McKenna

I think that there should be a $100.00 deposit for making sure the campsites are clean. I know I have gone camping and there was dirty diapers, newspapers and leftover food for the animals to get into and strung all over the campsite. I was refunded my deposit and camping fees for cleaning the campsite. It took me 2 hours to rake all the trash that was strung from my tent to the lake. When I left I was offered a job, but had to refuse because I was not from that state.
—Guest Russ

I think that holding a deposit for clean up service is ok. It's a shame we have to even have this conversation though.
—Guest Tank

My family is very tidy, and we make a point to clean up after ourselves. We do have an RV, however, I choose to use the showers provided. I have not come across a campground that has not been kept up. However, most campsites have a campground host that stays at the park or campground for no charge. Is it not the host's job to clean the park, restrooms, and get the site ready for the next camper? Therefore, if the campground has a host, and the site or bathroom is dirty, I think that managment should discuss this with the host.
—Guest Rachael

I don't think so. I think it is up to us to keep our site clean. In my state of Utah, the campground hosts go around and make sure the site is cleaned for the next occupants. If there is anything left behind, they know who occupied the site. Never been a problem for us.
—Guest Mary

I clean up my site, and I also clean up behind others too, but I would not want a cleaning charge unless they are willing to pay the next one using the site, because I have cleaned many of them free.
—Guest truestar@aol.com

I do not feel that everyone should have to clean up after people that do not have any respect. What should happen is a deposit taken and the site checked before the camper leaves, then charge them if it is left a mess. Camping has become more and more expensive and adding another charge will cause a lot of people to stop. Times are hard now, and we do not need more charges.
—Guest Linda

I've been camping 45 years, and I've never seen a campground so dirty that it offended me. If it is a little dirty when you get there, clean it up and quit whining about it. I think for the most part people clean up their mess. Maybe if you get to a campsite that was not properly cleaned, it would be a good time to teach your kids about why you should clean up after yourself. Kind of like a hands on lesson in life.
—Guest steeljo

NO! Most campgrounds here in Alabama have that already taken care of. They go around in converted golf carts with a dump body on the rear of the cart. If anything, the cleanup fee should be included in the campsite fee. And don't get on the need for a credit card wagon to use a campsite. We eliminated all our credit/debit cards many years ago and will not use a campground that requires a credit card to camp. I use a check or cash to pay my site fee, and if your camground starts requiring a credit card, we won't go there. We police our campsite before we leave, often picking up other camper's trash. Don't take the pleasure out of camping for us.
—longshorts

Most campgrounds clean up after campers leave, but I'm sure because of the slobs, the rates are a little higher. I would be willing to pay a cleaning deposit and have it returned once the site is inspected, but that needs to be worked on. Would it be a return on the credit card? Some people don't use a credit card, and that might be the problem. I'm sure with some thought, a campground will find a common ground and this will benefit everyone.
—Guest MEMATO6