Sean Jenner's Top Tips for First-Time Caravanners
Spend enough time in a caravan park at peak capacity and you’ll see the same scene play out on repeat — someone reversing a van, someone else directing like it’s air traffic control and at least one quiet observer pretending they’re not invested in the outcome.
It’s exactly the kind of moment Sean Jenner, CEO of BIG4 Holiday Parks, said people still underestimate when they arrive, expecting a simple park-and-go holiday.
“It’s probably more about people’s misconception of a caravan park if they haven’t stayed at one since they were young,” Mr Jenner said.
“Caravan and holiday parks have come such a long way over the past couple of decades. They’re no longer just a place to park your van and go check out the sights.”
These days, he said, many parks were destinations in their own right – with pools, splash parks, mini-golf, sports courts, games rooms and a full mix of accommodation from powered sites to cabins and glamping tents.
And with that evolution has come a steady influx of first-time travellers, many still working out how everything actually works once they arrive.
“Every year there are people staying in holiday parks for the very first time and we certainly saw that a lot during and after COVID,” he said.
“What is great is that first timers, who are often a younger demographic, are experiencing what the rest of us know; that holiday parks are a lot of fun and offer a great value holiday in fantastic locations.”
That mix — seasoned travellers parked next to first-timers — is what drives most of the everyday etiquette lessons, Mr Jenner said.
And none more iconic than the park’s unofficial hero: the “marriage saver”.
1. The only “marriage saver” you’ll need is for reversing
If things get tense while backing in the van, that’s normal. If someone comes over to help, even better.
“The seasoned campaigners are really willing to help out,” Mr Jenner said. “Whether that be helping back in a van or just offering friendly advice.”
2. You’ve probably got more space than you think
One of the most common mistakes is setting up too close to neighbouring sites, usually just from not realising the layout.
“The main one we see is caravanners or campers setting up too close to another van or tent,” Mr Jenner said. “This is often just an oversight.”
He said making sure guy ropes were not pegged into the ground near a busy thoroughfare and that they’re clearly visible where possible helped avoid any unnecessary accidents.
3. Shortcuts through sites aren’t shortcuts
Cutting across occupied sites might feel efficient, but it’s one of those things people always notice.
“It’s a bit of a no-no, think of it as walking through someone else’s loungeroom unannounced,” he said.
4. Shared spaces are actually shared
Camp kitchens, barbecues and bathrooms aren’t just for your group and a quick tidy makes a big difference.
“Make sure to clean things you use afterwards such as camp kitchens, toilets and other shared amenities,” Mr Jenner said.
5. Noise travels further than your campsite
Music, chats, and campfire stories all carry — especially when the park is full.
“If you choose to bring a portable speaker, keep it at a low volume and turn it off at an appropriate time,” he said.
“Things like this help you get along with those around you and don’t keep others, particularly kids, awake.”
6. Dogs are welcome — but still need to behave
Mr Jenner said around 70 percent of the Big 4 parks were pet-friendly, so people didn’t need to leave their dogs at home.
But he said responsibility was key.
“If you bring your dog along, make sure they’re well-behaved and always supervised. Follow any specific park guidelines too. If you’re aware of these things then there’s no reason your dog will impact other people’s holiday. Apart from other holidaymakers asking if they can pat your dog that is!”
7. Everyone’s still figuring it out at some point
Even the most experienced caravanners started somewhere and most parks run on a quiet culture of helping each other out.
“Holiday parks are very social spaces,” Mr Jenner said. “Most people are happy to have a chat or share advice.”
As the peak travel period winds down, Jenner said the real secret to caravan park etiquette was simple: slow down, give people space and don’t be afraid to accept help when reversing a van turns into a group project.
