Do You Brush It Off?

[big rockpile]

Ok I have a Camp Ground across the road from us. Before we moved here it was common for them to come over get Firewood and dump their trash.

This year one looked in my Dumpster I pay for, they was going to put their trash in it but it was full. Next time one took their half burnt wood throwed it in my yard so their Camp Fire wouldn't catch grass on fire on their side of road. Today Guy was in my yard picking up Twigs to get his Charcoal going.

Ok I knew the Camp Ground was there when I bought this place. My neighbors already think I'm a Bad Person should I say anything?

big rockpile

[mvick]

Put up some "No Trespassing " signs. They should get the message.

[Ardie/WI]

Yes, You should say something about the issue. What do you have to lose!

[FarmChix]

...not only would I say something and put up the signs, but I would put a lock on the dumpster! Hmmmm....what about a video surveilance sign? A town here locally just started videoing common dumping sites to catch and fine the culprits. It is working stupendously!

[Studhauler]

I know your feeling, I had to say something to day to one of my neighbor who was using my property without permission. It automatically made me the bad guy because I said something. I got strait to the point, I gave examples, I rebutted his excuses with more examples, I maintained a cool demeanor, I didn't raise my voice, I didn't swear. But I will still be the bad guy to him and his friends that are also my neighbors. He got all defensive, raised his voice, when he started swearing I just turned around and walked away. Shortly there after he got on his golf cart and drove out of my back yard swearing all the way. So that was proof enough for me that I did the right thing.

For me I came down to, I will be upset is he continues, or he will be upset if I say something. I choose to be happy, he can be miserable.

[JoePa]

Can you put up a fence of some sorts - it will let people know that there is a property line that they have to cross to get at your place - you need to say something in a nice way - otherwise they will be taking over -

[Awnry Abe]

I wouldn't worry about being the bad guy. That's pretty annoying.

[dizzy]

Yep, you need to say something. If they get injured on your property, you're liable.

[Kasota]

I think you should say something. Otherwise they will think you don't mind and continue to take advantage of your good nature. I also agree that you ought to put a lock on your dumpster. I remember when I had my retail shop I had to put a lock on my dumpster. If it's a public campground let the owners know their clients have been trespassing. If it's private for the owner's use then speak with them directly.

[Forcast]

what about a letter to the owner of the campground, dont they have some job in keeping campers off your land? I think the fence and signs is a good idea as well.

[BadFordRanger]

As far as being the bad guy on the block goes, I am always that person. I don't let anything slide at all.
I am, sorry to say, still a renter, but as long as I pay the rent, I consider this land my own and I treat it that way, where ever I live.
Thank the Good Lord, this time I rented a house that adjoins 71 acres, I finally found that out, that the land owner told me that I can do as I please, as long as it looks good.
He doesn't want the land to look junky, nor do I.
Rock, anyone doing anything wrong on my land, as I see it, will listen to what I say, or look up a barrel one!
I am sure that you have heard the saying, "Give them an inch and they'll take a mile!"
And I am sure that you heard Barney Fifth say "Nip it in the bud!"
The two sayings go hand in hand.
JMHO

Ranger

PS. I have also found that a gun in hand, that they can see, and a firecracker set off will make people leave and never come back.
If they call the police, the evidence of the fire cracker is all over the porch, and the intruder has already admitted to trespassing!
Game time for them.

[gweny]

Draw a chalk outline close to the road where they are crossing. Put up some police tape and throw some camping stuff (like some cheap cooking equipment, empty bug spray can, etc.) around the area. Than spray some animal blood around. Make sure to create a nice pool of blood right on top of the chalk outline. Lol

[geo in mi]

So they think you're a bad guy? Time to prove it. Pretty hard to wipe your feet on a vertical carpet.


geo

[o&itw]

I'm a bit confused about the exact details here. Is it a public campground? private? public land people camp on? Private land that only a few people in the area use? It makes a difference if we are to know who "they" are. Is your dumpster out on the road or behind your house?

If it is a campground where pay to stay, or one that has reserved sites, then you need to speak to the owners about putting up some notices that the land across the road is private and that they should not trespass or use their facilities. If it is just a piece of property that "tourists" use to camp, then it will probably be necessary for you to put up signs or a fence on your side of the road. Besides, if these are various non-local people, they may think your dumpster is for their use. It would be hard to know without pictures.

Besides, if it is just "tourists" type campers, telling one is not going to help you the next day with the others. You would end up having to constantly patrol, which would not seem like a rational solution.

Now, if it is private land that only a few of the owners friends or relatives use for camping, you may have to say something to the owner. People have weird ways of rationalizing things. They may think that putting trash in your dumpster is preferable to leaving the place trashed out across the road, not considering that they should do neither.

If your land is unfenced and forested, most people would not consider it an offense to pick up twigs off the ground on your side to start a camp fire.

Again, we need a better picture of the situation to offer an opinion.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Fence. Sign.

[big rockpile]

Ok it is Private Camp Ground where they pay to stay. These are regular Trailer Houses that people have moved in, pay so much a month but they only come on weekends. There is also Camp Trailers and some Tents.

I have a Fence and two No Trespassing Signs up. Most part they don't hurt any thing, I do talk with them and keep it on the friendly side.

big rockpile

[Alice In TX/MO]

Then, you need a lockable gate.

[ninny]

Put a sign on the dumpster that it's private, not for public use. Someone using your dumpster without your permission can be charged with theft of services. And as someone else said, put up no trespassing signs.

.

[Use Less]

I'd go with the lock and the signs. Send a polite registered letter with a return card, to the camp owner, apprising them of the issues, so there won't be any surprises later.

[Studhauler]

If I were in your situation, I would talk to the campground owners first. If that don't work I would sent a letter as Use Less recommended. As far as locks and gates and the like, I personally shy away from because they also hinder my use of my property. I like the idea of the "not for public use" sign that Ninny recommend.