Do Any Of You Trim Trees in Campgrounds?

[Doc Burry]

Well most RV Parks maintain their parks, trees and grounds. Few don’t and ONLY at those that are not maintained do we prune. We do a very professional and tidy job of it.

[MCTroy]

In a state park in Indiana we were given a site that was supposed to be 35 long.
Problem was the last 5 feet was overgrown bushes. We didn't think Iwe should trim them,
And really, we did not want to. So we back the tail end of the trailer right into them!
The ladder prevented and scratches.
Sometimes trimming would be better for the vegetation.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

If I owned an RV park, there are several RVers in this thread I would kick out. Period.

If you were too cheap or lazy to keep the trees trimmed so as not to damage your customers campers and forbid them from trimming themselves, you probably wouldn’t have to kick people out for long- they’d stop showing up all by themselves, lol!

[camaro80]

Two anecdotes I've heard here in Saskatchewan, Canada in recent years.



Someone in a provincial park cut a 4" tree without asking to make site bigger. They were banned for the year and received a $500 fine.


Someone with a long-term seasonal site at a regional park cut into the structure of a tree damaging it such that it had to be completely removed. They were kicked out, losing their long-term site (which are very hard to get around here).


Not sure what it's like other places, but in Canada, lakefront property is owned by the provincial or federal government, even if a private entity is running the park. There can be some fairly hefty consequences for those who don't ask first.

[ppine]

Asking for trouble.
But it is good trouble.
It is totally reasonable to trim branches in your way.
Just be careful who sees you do it and when.

[5picker]

I sure would NOT recommend anyone trim limbs, branches or brush without getting written consent.

In 50 years I've been to two places where I was uncomfortable with my site's access because of limbs/branches. Both times I asked about it BEFORE backing in. One the place had maintenance come trim the limbs and the second time no one was available but the park owner gave me written consent to do it myself. (while he watched)

I would hope no one on this forum would be thoughtless enough to just go ahead and do so without permission.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by 5picker

I sure would NOT recommend anyone trim limbs, branches or brush without getting written consent.

In 50 years I've been to two places where I was uncomfortable with my site's access because of limbs/branches. Both times I asked about it BEFORE backing in. One the place had maintenance come trim the limbs and the second time no one was available but the park owner gave me written consent to do it myself. (while he watched)

I would hope no one on this forum would be thoughtless enough to just go ahead and do so without permission.

Spot on advice.

[D W]

Originally Posted by Flybob

I do not recommend it. It could get you a nice fine if in a federal or state campground. There is a major push to protect and preserve while still allowing the public to enjoy. If you are concerned about vegetation contact the park management and they will handle it.

X2! In my neck of the woods it will net you a citation, along with a hefty fine plus an invitation to leave. "Deadfall" is about the only thing you can touch legally.

[Scott V.]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Spot on advice.

2X
In our 8 years of camping with our trailer, we've only felt the need on 3 occasions to have something trimmed; all at private RV parks. All 3 times the maintenance staff came in a timely manner and took care of it.

I think most maintenance staff don't know there is a problem unless it is identified. What works for one size trailer, may not for another size. It's only the right thing to do ask permission or ask them to do it.

[JAChandler]

Originally Posted by TheWolfPaq82

I could probably come up with a dozen or so LEGAL reasons why that could be a BAD idea.

Or more. The problem is you all are correct. However, if it was to cause serious damage to my roof I would sue the **** out of them.

[Oaklevel]

Here you would get a $100 fine and escorted to the gate. If you complain the county authorities would give you a free room for the night and a hefty tow bill.

[BrokenArrow]

Break a branch and yo have to leave the park, really.. that is California for ya. We're all trying to just get to a safe camp spot with in our extremely expensive rigs and if the park fails to perform reasonable maintenance, I think it is prudent to gently trim a branch or two. Funny thing is the cost of these sites keep rising but the laziness and disregard for the visitor's equipment is out of control. Look, you call to reserve a 45' spot and they tell you yes you'll fit, but when you get there its a jungle, now what? Me, I would have a saw handy just in case. Look at California and how much has burned down, its because their ridiculous tree protection policies, just sayin...


There is a very nice Park in Tehachapi CA we like to use for overnight layovers when making the Yuma AZ run. It is on the South side of Hwy 58 behind the Flying J and Chevron and very pleasant. This is not the Park on the North side of the Hwy near the Airport. They have signage that states if you break or 'trim' a branch you will be asked to leave immediately...[/QUOTE]

[John816]

Our camper resides at a seasonal site all year long near Arkport, New York. The owners of the campground hire a professional arborist every spring to evaluate the entire heavily wooded campground (about 300 sites). All the potential problem trees are taken care of. However, tree damage still happens because of storms etc. Insurance, insurance, insurance!

[ActionJackson]

NW Wildcat: If you owned an RV park, I would never stay there if you did not maintain your sites. I’m not really sure why trimming a 2 foot branch rubbing on the side of your rig is such a powder keg of concern.

[ActionJackson]

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

Here you would get a $100 fine and escorted to the gate. If you complain the county authorities would give you a free room for the night and a hefty tow bill.

For trimming a two foot branch?? Really?

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by ActionJackson

NW Wildcat: If you owned an RV park, I would never stay there if you did not maintain your sites. I’m not really sure why trimming a 2 foot branch rubbing on the side of your rig is such a powder keg of concern.

You are assuming the park is not maintained, and who are you to decide what is proper maintenance. If you can't negotiate around a 2' branch, you are the problem.

[fenton04]

I have been in state parks where you can't find a ranger, or park employee to save you life. But someone who is too cheap to pay for wood fires up a chain saw. Just like that the park personnel show up to shut the chain saw down and escort the miscreant out of the park. No don't do it.

[ActionJackson]

I have been to many parks where I park centered on my designated site and there is a 2 foot branch rubbing on my rig. I cut it. Not a matter of “avoiding “ it.

[ActionJackson]

Originally Posted by fenton04

I have been in state parks where you can't find a ranger, or park employee to save you life. But someone who is too cheap to pay for wood fires up a chain saw. Just like that the park personnel show up to shut the chain saw down and escort the miscreant out of the park. No don't do it.

Not talking about firing up a chain saw and felling a tree. Just a small branch rubbing against your rig.

[Surveyor 295qble]

I usually camp on Corps sites. (Not Core.)

The trimming of trees etc. is a violation 36 CFR.

(b) Cutting or gathering of trees or parts of trees and/or the removal of wood from
project lands is prohibited without written permission of the District Commander.