What's Your Solution for "Privacy" in a Public Camping Area?

[The Old Boot]

I built my tarp with doors for just that reason!

Also site selection makes a big difference. If I'm camped with a group I try to make sure that I've got my doors face away from their tent doors.

Now open in porch style facing the lake, that's different... I just doublecheck that there's no one canoeing within visual distance and let them take their chances with blindness...

[Yojimbo]

As a scout leader working with young boys, this was a issue I needed to address. Currently I have a hammock with an over cover so I can easily change in privacy. Before I would change at night sitting in the hammock with the lights out. When I was dressed to a fair level of decency I could turn my light back on if need be. Note when sitting in the hammock even with no doors on the tarp, I am fairly shielded.

[jstn]

Most of my camping is with the Boy Scouts. Because of the absolute need to be private when changing with Boy Scouts nearby it justifies spending the extra money on a tarp with doors.

[Z0rst]

+1 for doors, but make sure the tarp is low enough. Even without a tarp it is possible to do a change of clothes. Surfers change in very public places using a towel, and I've used that technique. Even works for a night time sponge bath. I've often used a long tailed shirt (e.g. duluth trading) while sitting. I've even used a long sleeve shirt tied backward around the waist while sitting at a picnic table. Nothing shows more than what's at a plumbers house! Those hiking kilts probably work great for changing.

[Dead Man]

I prefer to stink.

Seriously, just go for it.....under the tarp.

[CoreyR]

I always keep at least one of those cheap little blue wal-mart tarps with me and, if this is an issue, I can hang it at one end of my Hennessy Hex as an impromptu "door." I can always set it up with the other end pointed away from anybody. That said, I try to do my washing up at night. Feels better to go to bed clean anyway.

[CubmasterTony]

Generally, I'm with Cub Scouts - I will usually go to the bathhouse, or ask to borrow someone else's tent briefly so my sons can change. (They are in hammocks too)

If I was away from civilization, I would probably rig a temporary tarp, and/or ask one of the other adult leaders to stand guard for a few minutes.

As difficult as it is for me to get into a sleeping bag, I think I'd kill myself changing clothes.

[Pedal]

Standing under the tarp sounds perfectly adequate to me. If someone wants to look into my shelter, it's their own fault if they go blind from what they see!

Except for those with Scout's the Tarp is reasonable and adequate. Off the hammock and on the bike, I know of many riders who change behind their open car doors. Everyone is attempting to be modest and respectful. But, we need to great REAL about life sometimes. Gosh! there was a time that swimming at the YMCA was without suits and apparently they all survived.
For those Scout leaders - well plan on a privacy tarp or something.

[Chameleonbear]

Baby wipes and deodorant if you really are worried about "exposing yourself." Personally I go wherever I go to use the bathroom (except for where I go when I been drinking and it's at night) and change there.

[chapmage]

Being as most of my camping is done with Scouts also, I invested in one of these Pop Up Tents.
It works out well, as we have a few Scouts and a couple of adult leaders who hammock, so we all take turns using it to change.