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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Boondocking Complete Guide Plus 21 Essential Tips
Boondocking, also known as wild or dry camping, is a popular choice for adventurous travelers who prefer the freedom and simplicity of off-the-grid living.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Boondocking saves money on campground fees.
- Equipment: The RV needs water, power, and propane for self-sufficiency.
- Location: Secluded spots offer scenic beauty and tranquility.
- Responsibility: Leave-no-trace policy ensures environmental preservation.
- Challenges: Finding legal spots, managing limited resources, preparing for emergencies.
- Advantages: Freedom to choose location, and connect with nature.
One of the pleasures of camping is experiencing nature, as well as quiet, in unfamiliar surroundings. While camping at campgrounds allows you to experience some of that, for some campers that may not be quite rustic or simple enough.
Those who would like to camp at a camping ground without hookups can do dry camping, which is a step further from boondocking.
Those who are boondocking are camping without any hookups at all. The government term for this sort of camping is “dispersed camping,” which makes sense because it is camping spread out from the typically established area.
Although typically boondocking takes place on undeveloped land, its general definition simply means that you are camping without hookups on land that is not established as even the most basic campsite.
This can also mean camping in your camper with the permission of a property owner in a store parking lot or on their private land.
The best Boondocking for experienced RVers is Harvest Hosts network.
It costs an annual membership but is well worth it. You do not have to pay for your night’s stay, but it is standard practice to buy something from the host. Generally, your membership can be paid for in a night’s stay.
Imagine the experiences you will have visiting all the different host spots farms, wineries, and more.
Harvest Host is a network of wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, and attractions that welcome campers in their recreational vehicles to stay at any one of our more than 5,183 beautiful campsites.
Members who pay the $99 annual membership fee can spend the night without restrictions at any of our hosts’ locations.
Each time they stay with us, we kindly ask our members to show their support for their Hosts by purchasing one of the local products that they offer.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to RV Miles
Although boondocking means that you will go without simple camping amenities, it also allows you unique experiences, as well as sights and locations not typically experienced otherwise.
You may be able to experience what true peace means, as well as stay put and quiet enough for a long period to observe wildlife and the world around you.
Boondocking may not be for everyone, but it might be something that you want to give a try at least once.
Is Boondocking Legal?
If the field is untouched and open and could certainly fit your camper or RV, this does not mean that it is open for boondocking.
It is important to know whose land you are on, whether that be a private owner, a national park, or a retail facility so that you can get the appropriate permission and also any specific instructions from the owner.
For example, there may be an area where the owner would prefer boondocking, and they will direct you there. Although you would still be out of the way, sometimes an owner prefers that area of use be rotated to keep an area from being overused.
If you are in a town and are interested in street parking, there may be a designated place for that, or there may or may not be ordinances allowing or disallowing you to do so.
It is recommended that you check possible locations for boondocking along your route ahead of time.
Even if you do not plan on staying in a location, knowing that you can, or where you would be permitted to remain, is a load off your mind if plans change and you have to stop early along your route.
If you were to arrive at a town outside of regular business hours, and you would not be sure if that area has an ordinance, it would not be fun to find this out when you receive a ticket from a law enforcement officer.
This is yet another area where a bit of extra time and a little checking can go a long way.
In general, a little planning ahead will help you keep everything legal, ask any questions that you may have and get those answers, and then have even more peace in your heart as you begin your boondocking experience.
Knowing that you have permission, are welcome on your site, and do not have to worry about any legal issues.
Is it Safe?
I think the best place to start here is to trust your instincts.
Even if you have gotten permission to park on a site or are doing legal street parking and you feel as though you might be in danger where you are located or something seems not to be quite right, the smartest idea is to listen to yourself and relocate to a spot that feels better for you.
It could be the location or other people in the area, but whatever does not feel right with you should not be ignored. It is far better to pack things up and find a location that feels better to you.
Being in a spot that is not a designated campsite, possibly out in a rustic part of the wilderness, comes with its considerations, as well.
It is important to note that although you may be in a permissible spot, you are still out in an undeveloped spot, largely or entirely on your own.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Drivin’ and Vibin’
One of the most significant aspects of boondocking in nature is being on your own and experiencing the peace and tranquility that come with being away from most other people.
This can be a beautiful thing, but planning for the “just in case” is brilliant here. It is helpful to make sure that you have some form of communication if things were to go badly and you need to reach out to the outside world.
Weather also needs to be considered when picking a campsite, especially if it is particularly rustic.
For example, if a forest fire were to flare up, although the forest rangers may have some idea where most boondockers go, they also may not know that you are there, or have the time or a way to notify you if danger were to arise.
So a little extra heads-up if you are boondocking and storms are in the forecast would be wise.
If you are entering a park, you can also ask at the ranger station or something similar to be updated on the latest weather information as you arrive.
Sometimes, those at the ranger station have more access than you do. You can also get suggestions for boondocking areas, and, as a bonus, talking to them makes your existence known in the park.
If a rainstorm arrives, it can change the layout of the land as the water fills riverbeds and other areas. Note as you are traveling to your location if you cross a dry riverbed or a small brook.
With a water event, those can radically change and could cut off your ability to exit your campsite.
Similarly, if you locate your campsite near a creek, or a wash (an area that water flows through during storms), you might find your campsite overrun with water.
It is essential to visualize not just what is seen at the campsite during a dry, sunny day, but what the area would appear like with the addition of adverse weather conditions.
It is also essential for safety that your RV maintains its mobility, especially if you do not have a car connected to it.
When you arrive at a site, if there is a bit of a journey to get to the rustic location, or it is around the corner and not easily visible, it is suggested that you either drive your car alone a bit ahead or walk, to look into a few things.
First, make sure that the road is passable for your RV. Be sure that it stays consistently wide enough until you reach the destination. Determining that the road is not possible while in your RV is not a situation that you want to find yourself in.
Second, even if the road is passable, consider what heavy rainfall might do to it if storms are a possibility, making sure that you would be able to leave the site if necessary.
Finally, if a site looks favorable to you, be sure that there is space for your RV to turn around. Backing out of your camping location is not a good idea and is indeed unsafe.
An RV is not the most flexible vehicle, so it is worth this extra check-in planning to make sure that you have a spot that not only fits your peaceful needs but also comfortably accommodates your camper.
Has a road that is solid enough to get you there and back out again after you have completed your camping stay, and at your camping location, you can turn the vehicle around and exit once it is time to leave.
Again, use your instincts. If a site seems nice but just doesn’t seem right to you, take some time to find another location.
It is worth taking a few extra minutes to make sure that your access is good, the ground is solid, the weather is planned for, and you have room to leave the location both at the end of your stay and in case there is an emergency.
Your head will rest easier at night, knowing that you took a few moments to plan and look out for your safety.
Is it Sanitary?
This varies depending on your location and sanitary needs during the experience.
For example, if you are boondocking at a truck stop, you may very well have access to showers inside the facility and possibly some laundry access.
If you are boondocking in street parking, you may have access to bathrooms with running water in restaurants and stores and should typically be able to find a laundromat in most towns or cities.
A shower here may be more difficult but sometimes can be located at health club facilities or public swimming pools.
In locations out in the wilderness, you will need to be more sparing with your water if you want to remain at the site for longer than just a few days. You can still maintain some sanitary conditions with some planning.
For example, packing a good amount of underwear and socks, probably for more days than you need, will ensure you have a clean pair every day until you leave the site to locate a laundromat.
As for sanitary body conditions, taking a shower without being hooked up to a water supply may drain your clean water in the RV and fill your dirty tank quickly.
If you are boondocking but within the area is an established campsite with hookups, you may be able to locate a shower at those facilities.
From a straightforward side, a bucket of warm water, a washcloth, and soap at your campsite might do the trick.
If the water is rinsed onto the ground in the area where you are staying, consider using natural soap.
Another option is disposable adult washcloths. These would allow you to cleanse yourself when running water, or even a bucket does not seem like an option.
If you do not have access to a shower to wash your hair, make sure that you look for a biodegradable shampoo so that it is similar to the soap.
If you need to rinse your hair and the water runs off onto the ground where you are staying, the shampoo residue will not damage the balance of nature there.
Now, in all honesty, camping is a somewhat relaxed activity, which may mean that sanitary conditions are somewhat relaxed, as well.
However, with a little planning, maybe some extra packing, and some thoughtful purchases, you can stay up to date on sanitary practices while boondocking.
What about Water?
With a standard RV, you will have a freshwater, gray, and black tank.
Rather than being solely concerned about running out of fresh water, you also have to be vigilant that your wastewater tanks, the gray and black, do not get overfull, as that water will back up somewhere
Such as in shower drains or sinks, it is causing unpleasant smells and unsanitary conditions.
Tank sizes in RVs vary. It would help if you had a handle on your RV’s capacity and the operation of all the tanks and their uses.
So that you know exactly what maintenance needs to be done, when, and what the levels of all of your tanks mean to your boondocking experience.
Becoming an expert in RV operation will save you a lot of time and help you stay ahead of the game. You simply don’t want to flip through manuals or try to access help on your cell phone, as wastewater is backing up.
For personal hygiene, bathroom, and laundry services, using nearby facilities in towns or campsites will conserve your water.
If you choose to use your freshwater tank for such things, understand that you will have to pack up at some point to locate an appropriate dump station so that you’ll be able to continue boondocking.
Again, monitoring the tanks and knowing the levels will help you stay on top of the water situation.
If you have access to a river or stream, you may consider that becoming your first source of water rather than your freshwater tank. There are many filtering products and apparatus that you can purchase for this purpose.
This is important because the water in the river or stream possibly contains chemicals and/or bacteria. Using an appropriate filter set-up will ensure you can drink and use the water without concern.
A great tip for conserving water is to collect the water that runs off as you wash your dishes and dump it in your toilet for flushing purposes.
What about Electricity?
Many RVs contain generators, but again, with resources finite in a very rustic location, you may not want to utilize them much.
However, if you need to use a generator, make sure that you understand how it operates, what its capacity is, what it uses to run, and so on.
Rather than getting your electricity from a generator, a great alternative is a solar panel.
In particular, if you have a roof-mounted solar panel set-up, you will collect energy from the sun whether you are boondocking in a town or street situation or out in undeveloped land.
In general, the solar panel charges up a lithium battery, which then holds the energy you draw from to convert into electricity. This holding of energy in the battery is beneficial on days when the sun may not be plentiful.
When looking at solar panel systems, you will want to get recommendations about the size of the system you want, including the battery capacity size.
Thinking about how you will use the electricity daily, what sort of appliances you may want to plug in, and such will help you determine what solar panel system would work best for you.
Just as with the other camper systems, you will want to be very familiar with how to tell how much energy is left and has been used.
This will help you ensure that you’re planning your energy consumption well and not leaving yourself without anything to draw from.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Grand Adventure
Remember, too, charging devices such as cell phones will draw from that energy, so be sure to plan for that usage, as well, when thinking about the size of the solar panel system and the battery that you will need.
You can check out our guide to the best RV batteries for boondocking here.
Also, although you may run a fan at home all night, remember that you may need to adjust this habit when you are boondocking, as electricity may be much more than you can spare.
Additionally, in the quiet of nature, the fan sound may seem even louder than before, including any neighbors you might have.
What about Waste Disposal?
When it comes to waste disposal, you must dispose of your waste in a proper area, as it is not acceptable to dirty the location where you stayed.
If you are at a campsite, you should be able to locate and use the dump site facility there.
If you are using private land, you must leave the area to locate a dump site. Sometimes, these can be found at private RV parks or gas stations. Many public lands also offer a similar dump site service. Be prepared to pay a fee to use the dump site.
Here, again, a little planning comes into play. If you search for dump site locations online, some websites offer lists of such places. You narrow the filter, and you can determine your options in the area you plan to stay.
Knowing where you would be able to take your waste is not something you want to figure out at the last minute, so you must take time to plan for this.
What about Internet Services?
As boondocking is mainly out on your own and away from general civilization, you may find it very difficult to get any cell phone or internet service.
Planning is helpful here, as you may be able to pick up internet service in the towns you visit while washing your clothes or shopping.
If that is not viable, products like cell phone signal boosters exist. These products allow you to amplify the cell phone signal and possibly pick up cellular service without leaving your campsite.
What is the Best RV when Dry Camping?
Just like camping experiences, RVs have many different options. Some RVs are loaded with features, but may not be of much use for those planning on Boondocking for most of their camping.
The temptation may be too great to use some of those possibly energy-draining features while relying on a solar panel or generator. In that case, it may be better not to have the options.
However, if you are someone who will only boondock on occasion, getting an RV with a few luxuries or features that you value may be something you are very grateful for when you do traditional camping with hook-ups at another time.
Overall, the best RV for Boondocking will allow you to live the Boondocking life you are looking for. Many of these specifications will be driven by the capacities you need in water tanks, energy storage, and such.
Thinking about how long you would like to be at a Boondocking site without breaking camp needs to be considered.
Suppose you know that you would like to stay primarily at locations where a campsite with traditional amenities is not available. In that case, the ability to be self-sufficient for long periods is even more crucial and is to be taken into account when thinking about what features you would like in your RV.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Campendium
If you want to be sure that your energy consumption is not an issue, you may seriously think about an RV with few features. This may be a natural fit for those who are boondocking because they want that sort of non-electric simplicity.
So, in general, the best RV for boondocking is a pretty personal matter. It depends on what you require and what you can do without.
Do some good thinking, look at many options, and see what stands out to you as crucial and what seems frivolous and/or completely unnecessary. Then, it is simply a matter of finding an RV that checks most of your boxes.
How to Find Dry Camping Sites
There are many ways to locate sites that are viable for boondocking. To start, take a look at the internet. The boondocking community can be pretty closely knit, and boondocking enthusiasts have set up several websites for this purpose.
There are websites dedicated to finding out-of-the-way accessible camping locations in a wide variety of venues that might not usually be considered, such as wineries, museums, and even on land that other boondocking enthusiasts on themselves.
Some of these sites charge a membership fee to access the information, but that may be well worth it if you plan on boondocking regularly.
There are also many websites featuring blogging by boondockers. These are an excellent resource if you want to know what boondocking is like.
As the bloggers largely want to inform, their goal is to be real and describe things as they are experienced, both the good and the bad.
Knowing how to locate public land will bring you to many boondocking locations. Public lands are displayed in atlases, as well as maps. Many such maps can be found in the welcome travel centers for the states you are traveling in.
Stopping in these centers is helpful anyway, as you may get some tips from those who work there, as well as chat with other travelers looking for sites.
Do understand that the description of sites by other boondockers may need to be taken with a grain of salt.
For those who are brand-new to this type of camping, their description may not consider how a larger RV may or may not fit on the site, the quality of the road on the way up, and such.
Sometimes enthusiasm for a beautiful location does not quite consider some of the essentials a boondocker needs in accessibility and safety.
So, as you travel to a site, remember that you may need to adjust or look for another site close by if the site as described is not what you see upon arrival.
Essential Tips
1) Fire safety
As a camper, you should be well-versed in how to burn and extinguish a fire properly.
When boondocking, these procedures become even more critical because if a fire were out of control, or if you left a small ember burning and then left the campsite, your out-of-the-way location becomes an out-of-the-way start for a fire.
Make sure that you brush up on your campfire knowledge and that you, and all those with you, understand just how important it is to ensure that your fire is properly contained and completely extinguished later on.
2) Use roads
As tempting as it may be to head off of an existing road to find a completely “undiscovered” campsite, stick to the established roads unless you are given express permission by the land owner or you know that it is permitted in the area where you are boondocking.
3) Wildlife
remember that you are essentially a guest in the natural environment you choose to stay in. This means that you are coming into the natural home of wildlife. For this reason, you must ensure you do not affect the natural balance around you.
Keeping your trash properly contained is sure that animals in the area will not get into something that they shouldn’t, causing danger and possibly harm to the animals.
Wildlife should not be fed by humans in any way. Doing this can make the animals more dependent on humans, making them less able or willing to survive as nature intended.
So as cute as the animals may seem, do not offer them a treat, no matter how small it may seem.
If you bring pets to your boondocking campsite, they should always be watched. Not only could a larger wild animal put your pet in danger, but the smell, sound, and presence of your pet in the wild, where it typically would not be, can upset the balance or habitats of the wildlife in the area.
Indeed, your pet should not be able to run off and check into things independently. Remember, as you are a guest in the natural environment, so is your pet.
4) Some Alternative/Different Sites
Some stores, restaurants, and locations regularly offer RV parking. There is usually a designated area for these vehicles.
These may not be places where you want to stay for an extended period due to a lack of peaceful nature views but instead should be thought of as locations where you might stay to get a nap or where you might stop for the night in the middle of a long trip.
Regarding retail locations, Cabela’s and Walmart are known for having designated RV parking at their stores, and Walmart is noted as allowing overnight parking.
Before you set up camp for the evening, it’s a good idea to make a quick call or stop into the store to double-check the rules.
Cracker Barrel restaurant offers RV parking at select locations. As it is not at all locations, it would be wise to call to make sure that RV parking is available.
As you travel, you will see large truck stops, many allowing for overnight RV parking. As these are popular places for larger vehicles, the spaces may be harder to come by.
Some truck stops offer a small amount of reserved parking spaces, so a call ahead to see if those are available might be a great option for your travel.
Rest areas and visitor’s centers in the states you visit will sometimes allow overnight parking. However, the states differ, so it is important to check beforehand.
Note that sometimes the visitor centers charge a fee to park, but again, this differs between states and centers.
Once within a town or city, you might find that you can locate legal RV parking. This is typically done to encourage visitors to come into the town.
If you can locate a City Hall or town building, they are a wealth of information and will be able to answer your questions.
5) Be polite to your neighbors
If another RV is in view while boondocking, make sure first that you do not park very close to it so you both can experience open space.
Secondly, be thoughtful about noise, such as music, and the running of your generator.
A generator running all evening, for example, if unnecessary, could become extremely loud in the quiet of nature, taking away some of the good experiences of your neighbors.
In general, just be thoughtful and polite, as you are both there for largely the same reason, to experience boondocking, nature, and peaceful surroundings.
6) Prepare for emergencies
Make sure you have a first-aid kit, some flares, and other supplies, just in case. A perusal of RV websites will show you a lot of different options.
The ability to handle minor emergencies makes you even more self-sufficient as you head out into the wilderness. If something was a more extensive emergency, reaching out or getting help could be incredibly vital.
Preparedness for emergencies also means that someone should know where you are. When you arrive at a campsite, sending your GPS location to a family member not with you is a very thoughtful and safety-minded task.
7) Controlling your trash
Boondocking means that you will usually be well outside of camping amenities and will not have a dumpster or trash receptacle where you choose to camp.
Everything you generate in the trash must be brought back with you when you leave. Keep this in mind and plan for where you will store the trash to avoid a stressful moment later.
When at the campsite, you may notice the trash of others. You are indeed a steward of the wilderness if you keep up after yourself and collect up what trash you see from others.
Hopefully, there will not be much to pick up, but if something got away because of the wind or the campers did not treat the area correctly, you can help to correct this a bit and keep these pristine areas exactly as they should be.
Please note that as far as organic food waste is concerned, just because you have an apple peel that would biodegrade outside does not mean you must not leave any trash, food or otherwise, in the environment.
That apple peel could very well be eaten by an animal that may not be able to tolerate it or could harm it in some way. Anything you bring into the environment is not there on its own and, thus, should not be left when you leave.
8) Do not take from or change your surroundings
It is important that your stay does not alter the natural location. This means that you should not start a pinecone collection or pick up rocks from each site. Make every effort to keep the site as it looked when you arrived.
If parking your RV means moving some logs or clearing away some natural debris, you need to find another place to park, as this would alter the setting.
A small exception could be collecting kindling for a fire, but this is not allowed at every location. Make sure that you know it is permissible before collecting. Speak to rangers and look for signs.
9) Security of your things
Even though the chances of theft occurring while out at a boondocking campsite are not high, you should still consider being safe.
Before you lock up for the evening, ensure that any valuable items are not left outside for the taking.
This is definitely a better safe-than-sorry opportunity. The few moments it takes to make sure everything is properly stored are worth the peace of mind, just in case.
10) Meal planning
Preparing your meals before heading out is a great idea for a few reasons.
First, it lessens your need to break camp and find a store. Second, your trash is less because the original ingredients packaging was disposed of at your home.
Third, not having to figure out what to make gives you more time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Meal planning may seem small, but it can make a significant difference in the enjoyment of your trip.
11) Consider your windows
As you park your RV in your location, take a moment to orient the location of your windows and the location of sunrise and sunset.
If you have a large bank of windows and you face them toward the sun, you may find that the RV heats up more quickly than you would like.
This may not be a concern in a colder environment, but it is something to consider in warmer locations.
12) Don’t forget the evening
Spending time outside at night in the wilderness and looking up at the stars is not an experience that can be found everywhere. Make sure that you take the time to not only enjoy your campsite during the day but also hang out a little bit outside at night.
13) LED lighting
You may want to consider replacing as many traditional bulbs as possible in the RV with comparable LED lighting. Not only is LED lighting quite bright and effective, but it also uses less electricity than traditional bulbs.
This will enable you to use the lighting longer before needing to recharge and such.
14) Consider disposable dishes and silverware
To conserve water, paper plates and plastic utensils may be helpful. These will not need to be cleaned in water, and thus, you would save that resource.
However, you would increase the trash that needs to be held. For some, the switch to paper dishes might be worth it, and for others not. But this is something to consider.
15) Potable water
Parks, campgrounds, and ranger stations often have potable water stations. Sometimes there is a fee, and sometimes not, but this is a great way to obtain water while traveling.
16) Google Earth
Taking some time on Google Earth will help you demystify the land you’re interested in visiting.
You can look at sites that may be good for boondocking and give yourself a heads-up when you can tell visibly that a site would not be habitable. This can undoubtedly save you time.
17) Keep logs
Keeping a running log could be very valuable for supplies, including electricity. In addition, logs for supplies and your trip experience can help you plan for future trips.
For example, if you keep an electricity log, you can note how much power you’ve been using and when, which may help you determine how low your batteries are getting, etc.
This will also let you know when to cut back a little. It helps to take the mystery out of your electricity use.
Keeping a log of your supplies and what you are using will also help you lessen unnecessary store visits and plan for future trips.
For example, if you do not bring enough bread and note that you had to buy several loaves while on the trip, you can adjust for that on your next excursion.
Keep a log of where you visit so that you can know where you would like to see again and where you may want to avoid.
This could also be considered a diary, noting fine experiences, tourist locations visited, and especially spectacular parks.
When you return home, using all of the logs you have maintained will help you revisit and relive some of your experiences and prepare even better for your next journey out.
18) Be mindful of your TV and radio volume
Even if you have no neighbors nearby to worry about with sound, there is another reason to be mindful of your TV and radio volume.
The volume does draw from the energy, and the louder the volume, the more power it draws. So be sure you have your volume set at what you minimally need, and not much more, to be most efficient.
19) Boondocking practice?
Although boondocking is loved by many and can be a wonderful and relaxing experience, it can also be very intimidating for those who have not tried it before. For this reason, a little practice may be a good idea.
One of the easiest ways to get practice and see if you can be without hookups for your RV is to park your RV in the driveway of a friend or neighbor’s home and see if you can handle a night or weekend without being “plugged in.”
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Colorado Camperman
This is a great way to learn your boondocking skills without a huge amount of risk. You will be able to determine what you might have forgotten and make adjustments before you are out in the great outdoors.
And, of course, in a pinch, your neighbor or friend is there if need be.
20) Charging your devices while traveling
While traveling between locations, sightseeing, or running errands, be mindful that you plug in the devices that need to be charged, such as laptops, phones, etc., so that you will not have to waste stored energy in the RV to charge those items later.
21) Think about things to see in the area
While visiting various parts of the country, you may encounter some great historic areas and fascinating sites.
Make sure that you look to see what you might be able to visit and experience in the areas you travel to so as not to miss something memorable.
FAQs
What types of RV parks allow dry camping?
Boondocking is generally prohibited on established campgrounds and parks to preserve the pristine natural environment.
With that said, some parks may allow boondocking. Besides, less developed and undeveloped campgrounds and parks are likely to also allow boondocking.
You will need to check whether boondocking is allowed for the desired park.
Look for information on the desired campgrounds at the US National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or local state agencies in the state you want to boondock in.
What class RV to choose?
Any self-contained RV will work for boondocking. A self-contained RV has sanitary, sleeping, cooking, eating, and electrical amenities.
It’s an RV that requires no hookups to operate and ensures that you have all the necessary conveniences no matter where you are.
Any RV class can be self-contained, so you should focus more on the features of an RV than its class (unless the class interests you for other reasons).
How do you keep RV batteries charged?
The trick is simple – you must minimize using your RV’s electrical appliances. You may also charge your RV batteries with an RV generator or a solar energy system.
Solar panels are more cost-efficient since most of their costs are associated with installation. Buying an RV generator is less costly, but a generator will require fuel.
Where to dump sewage?
You have three options:
- Dump the RV waste at a dump station. This is the most convenient and hassle-free option of the three.
- Dump the RV waste into your local sewer system or septic tank. This option works if you have no dump stations nearby. However, local regulations may prohibit unauthorized individuals from accessing sewage systems.
- Buy a portable RV waste tank if you need to dump your tanks on the road. This will help you free some room in your RV’s waste tanks, but you will have to dump all the tanks at a dump station or your sewer system.
Do not dump the RV waste in a random spot out in the wild. You may run into issues with the law and won’t be doing nature a favor.
How to run a residential refrigerator?
Your primary concern while boondocking will be energy consumption. This means you should minimize using your RV refrigerator while in the wild.
One way to do so would be to avoid buying foods that need refrigerated or frozen (which isn’t realistic). Alternatively, you should immediately consume such food items or store them for a short time.
Next, avoid opening the refrigerator door while it’s running. Doing so will let heat in from the outside, forcing the refrigerator to work harder to maintain cool temperatures.
Refrigerators also typically have built-in thermostats that turn them off once the desired temperature is reached or once it’s too hot inside. If your refrigerator doesn’t have a thermostat, you may equip it with one.
How to get Wi-Fi?
If you are staying at an RV campground, it may have Wi-Fi coverage. However, public Wi-Fi networks are often overcrowded, and there are security concerns associated with them.
But what do you do if there is zero coverage in your area? Well, you have two options:
- Satellite internet.
- Tethering your computers to a data-capable cell phone (any modern smartphone or tablet should work) with an activated data plan.
Both cost money, and their availability may be limited in some areas. You will need to research on your own to determine which internet service provider would be the best for you in terms of both costs and features.
How do you run your AC?
RV air conditioners usually have thermostats, which means they turn on only when the interior temperature exceeds the temperature set on the thermostat.
Even with this in mind, RV AC units consume much energy, so you may need to adjust your AC routine to save fuel and/or battery power.
You may optimize your AC use in the following way:
- Park the RV in a shaded area to prevent heat from getting in.
- Use window shades (preferably thermally insulated ones) to block off heat again.
- Use portable fans. These consume much less power than ACs, and you can pair a fan with a thermostat to make it even more energy-efficient.
- Camp in a colder climate (not too cold, though, since you must think about heating).
How much solar energy do you need?
This is quite a difficult question. It depends on what kind and how many electrical appliances you have and your daily needs. You will need to do plenty of calculations to estimate how much you will need.
This post by RVshare provides solid insight into this topic.
How much water to take?
The short answer is “the more, the better.” Unless you have limited access to fresh water, you should fill your freshwater tanks to the brim for your boondocking journey.
How much your water usage will depend on several factors, including how many people are coming, whether there are pets, and how often you will be cooking, showering, or using the bathroom.
It isn’t easy to give estimates since the needs of every RVer are different.
We suggest that you gather some stats before your actual boondocking journey. Make at least one trip, preferably at a campground with full hookups – this way, you’ll measure your water expenditure in a safe, controlled environment.
You may also do a test run in your backyard, but ensure no local regulations prevent you from doing so.
Final Words
Boondocking, the practice of camping in an RV in a remote location without traditional hookups for water, power, and other amenities, offers several financial and experiential advantages.
It carries significant cost-effectiveness as it eliminates the expense of campground fees, allowing travelers to allocate their resources more efficiently.
However, an investment in equipment is required to ensure the self-sufficiency of your RV, including water, power, and propane supplies.
Regarding location, boondocking usually involves secluded spots that provide campers with unrivaled scenic beauty and tranquility. It is a unique opportunity for those seeking solace and a deep connection with nature.
However, it does come with its own set of challenges. These include finding legal boondocking spots, managing limited resources efficiently, and being prepared for potential emergencies that might occur in such isolated locations.
Moreover, boondocking requires a strong sense of responsibility towards environmental preservation. Campers must adhere strictly to the ‘leave-no-trace’ policy by ensuring they do not disturb the natural environment during their stay and leave the site as they found it.
Despite these challenges, the advantages of boondocking are compelling. It offers the freedom to choose your location and provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature intimately.
In conclusion, with proper planning and responsible actions, boondocking can create an enriching camping experience that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
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