The biggest perk of living the RV lifestyle is freedom. Freedom to hit the open road. Freedom to travel off the beaten path. Freedom to explore all the wonders the world has to offer. When planning your next excursion, it helps to know how to boondock in an RV. It’s a popular choice among RV enthusiasts who really enjoy disconnecting from their everyday lives and connecting with their natural surroundings.
What is Boondocking?
Boondocking is a term used by RVers to describe RVing without being connected to water, electric, or sewer. It’s also called dry camping since you’re not connected to any of these services. Other terms you might see or hear that also refer to boondocking are free camping and wild camping.
With boondocking comes the freedom of location. You can boondock your RV in various approved locations, but there are three particular types of boondocking that every RVer should know about.
- The Overnight Stay: A quick camping experience at a specific location for a single night
- Wallydocking: An overnight stay at a Walmart parking lot. It’s more common than you’d think.
- Moochdocking: A stay at a friend or relative’s place, often their driveway, for a night or two.
How to Boondock in an RV
If you’re new to the idea of boondocking, you’re probably asking yourself how to go about it. Valid question. As with anything new, start with baby steps.
A few tips for beginner boondockers:
- Check the weather.
- Cover your RV basics (such as filling your freshwater tank and emptying your gray and black water tanks).
- Plan a partial hook-up stay to ease into the idea of camping without hookups.
- Boondock with a built-in back-up plan in case you don’t love it.
- Boondock at a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Campground.
- Boondock on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property.
Not only are these tips helpful when starting out on your first boondocking journey, but they’re great reminders for those who have been doing it for years. Another fun fact that’s helpful to know regarding boondocking is that you can do it in any type of RV.
While smaller towables and teardrop campers with off-road capability are best for those seeking very remote destinations, there are plenty of boondocking locations accessible to larger RVs and travel trailers.
With proper preparation, your RV can be the perfect home away from home when exploring off the beaten path. There are a few accessories that will make your boondocking experience as smooth as possible.
When it comes to equipment, you don’t need much to take your boondocking trip up a notch. In fact, there are three pieces of equipment every boondocker needs for their RV, whether you’re a weekend warrior or on the road full time.
- A solar power setup: Since you’re off the grid, you won’t have access to shore power. The best way to charge up your RV batteries is with solar power.
- A portable generator: Portable generators allow you to run larger RV appliances, like your air conditioner, that normally require shore power.
- A cell signal booster: While boondocking is the best way to disconnect from everything, it’s wise to have a cell booster to ensure a signal in the event you need one.
Following the steps and tips above will help you save money and allow for more freedom when planning your next road trip. Not to mention, once you’ve introduced yourself to the world of boondocking, you’ll never plan another RV trip without including it from the start.
How to Find Boondocking Sites
There are assumptions when it comes to boondocking. Among them are the thought that it’s simply just camping under the stars and pointing out constellations before falling asleep, or under a tree canopy hypnotized by a babbling brook nearby with chirping birds as your alarm clock. While those things can absolutely happen, finding those locations requires some effort.
For starters, not every boondocking location will be scenic and worthy of an Instagram post. There will be times where practicality takes priority, and an empty parking lot or rest stop might be the best option.
Luckily, there isn’t just one way to discover a good spot for your RV. Whether you’re looking for that mesmerizing, secluded location or somewhere to hold you over to your next stop, these five ways are a great jumping off point to find your next boondocking spot.
- USFS Website
- Campendium (site and app)
- iOverlander (site and app)
- Google Maps Satellite View
- Ask a Forest or Park Ranger
Word of mouth is also a helpful way to find the perfect boondocking location. Ask other full-timers where they enjoy staying, and you’ll be amazed at the answers you receive. We spoke with Rachel and Nathan from 2 Traveling Dogs, as well as Dan and Lindsay from Follow Your Detour, about where to stay, and they had plenty of advice to share. Read more from our interview with them here.
How to Camp on BLM Land
As for boondocking on BLM land, it’s free! Often referred to as dispersed camping, boondocking is allowed in many areas of BLM land. Conveniently, the BLM outlines where and when they allow it on a map from their website. Something to note is your stay cannot exceed 14 days in a single 28-day period, meaning you’ll have to move and relocate every 14 days if you plan on spending a significant amount of time on BLM land.
BLM land is available for public use, but it should still be treated with respect. Practice the “Leave No Trace” camping guidelines when boondocking on their land.
Have you been boondocking before? Share your experience in the comments below!
We plan on doing some boondocking this year. Your tips were helpful thanks