Why camper sliding doors are the top noise at quiet campgrounds

The racket from camper sliding doors has become the top source of irritation at small, quiet-oriented campgrounds. That’s the takeaway from a survey of 5,311 holidaymakers conducted in the summer of 2025 at intimate sites designed for those who value nature and calm.

According to the respondents, 83 percent come for the natural surroundings and 72 percent for peace and quiet. Yet 65.3 percent said the loud slam of sliding doors bothers them most; tellingly, many motorhome owners acknowledged that these doors do make a lot of noise. In tight quarters, even a single clang can fracture the stillness.

Sliding doors are most common on so‑called bus campers built on commercial van platforms. In most cases they need to be shut by hand and with a firm pull, although there are electric variants. Experts note growing interest in soft-close systems—a sign that comfort and courtesy are increasingly part of the brief. The heavy, abrupt action may be practical, but it doesn’t do the soundscape any favors.

Beyond noise, 28 percent of those surveyed view the rising number of campers and caravans as a threat to the cozy character of small sites. Even so, the biggest aggravation was poor hygiene, cited by 86.2 percent of participants. Clean facilities set the tone for a stay; when standards slip, everything else feels louder.