Are all camps like this?

[Topgunben]

I don't really pay attention to the rules too much. In your case you were outnumbered and out leveled by the campers. You had little chance of getting decent exp or loots.

While there are rules, most of the time it's more about logistics and force.

Glad to hear you made it to kurns. Stay there till 20. Then head directly to Lake of I'll Omen.