Checklist of Off-Grid Camping Essentials

Off-grid camping is ideal when you can’t find any spots at RV parks or campgrounds. Some RVers prefer boondocking because camping off the grid often means better views and fewer people. But it also requires more preparation, packing, and some off-grid camping essentials you might not need in campgrounds with full or partial hookups. 

From finding a capable off-road RV to learning the nuances of driving the backroads, camping without electric power or running water takes planning and the right tools. Speaking of tools, here’s a list of off-grid camping equipment that’ll make your remote trips much more enjoyable!

Key Takeaways

• Preparation is Key for Boondocking: Off-grid camping requires thoughtful planning, including navigation tools (RV GPS + paper maps), proper fuel and water storage, and understanding how to operate your RV safely in remote areas.
• Power and Connectivity Essentials: Reliable off-grid power options like generators, solar setups, and portable power stations are critical. A cellular signal booster helps maintain communication in low-service areas.
• Comfort and Sustainability Tools: Rechargeable lights, water-saving shower heads, portable waste tanks, coolers, and games enhance comfort, reduce resource use, and help extend off-grid stays.

Checklist of Off-Grid Camping Essentials

Learn how to boondock in an RV with the right gear and mindset before your next off-grid camping trip

RV GPS Unit (and Paper Maps)

The first step to camping off the grid is getting there safely. While there are online resources for finding legal, free places to camp, such as on public land, an RV GPS unit will help you get there safely, especially in a large RV. It will help you avoid underpasses with low clearance, steer you around traffic, and identify RV-friendly gas stations along your route.

But every smart off-grid camper knows the importance of a backup—in this case, paper maps. Check out road atlases and travel directories, so you’re always prepared for the road ahead.

Generator (Portable or Built-in)

If your RV came equipped with an onboard generator, you have a leg up when off-grid camping. Luckily, there are many small, portable generators that make boondocking easier. However, choosing the proper generator size and learning how to operate it correctly are essential to safe off-grid camping. Here are a few additional resources: 

• What Size Generator Do I Need?
• Quietest Camping Generators
• How To Hook Up a Portable Generator
• Portable Generator Safety Tips

Solar Setup for Off-Grid Camping

The right solar array can dramatically increase your RV’s off-grid capability. Without one, you’re limited to the current charge of your RV batteries. Of course, that generator you just grabbed will recharge your batteries, but its ability will be limited by how much fuel you bring to power your generator. 

Solar energy is an excellent resource for off-grid campers. However, you’ll need solar panels, a charge controller, and potentially an RV battery upgrade to harness and utilize solar energy efficiently. Use these resources to learn about adding solar to your list of off-grid camping essentials: 

• Can I Add Solar to My RV?
• Top-Rated Go Power Solar Options
• RV Solar Installation for Prepped RVs

Portable Power Station

A portable power station is an excellent addition for boondocking because it essentially adds an extra battery for your off-grid camping setup. Most portable power stations are recharged using a 120-volt AC or 12-volt DC outlet. However, some RV solar generators recharge via standard, flexible, or briefcase-style solar panels.

There are many types and sizes of power stations. Some have surprising abilities that extend beyond charging small electronics. Use these resources to find the best supplemental battery bank for your off-grid camping needs:

• What’s the Best Portable Power Station for RV Camping?
• EcoFlow RIVER 2 MAX Power Station Review
• How To Choose a Portable Power Station

Cellular Signal Booster

There’s no better way to improve cell service when dry camping than with a cellular signal booster. Whether you need it for remote work or emergency calls, reliable service is vital to a stress-free boondocking experience. 

To be clear, a cellular signal booster won’t give you a signal if your campsite offers no service. It will boost the existing signal to provide better service to contact the outside world, or load your favorite YouTube sports highlights.

Fuel Storage

Not all off-grid destinations require driving hundreds of miles off the beaten path, but some do. You can’t be too careful about having enough fuel to reach the next gas station, especially when camping off-grid. 

Furthermore, many people camp off-the-grid because it provides easier access to trails or dunes for riding dirt bikes, ATVs, or other motorized toys. Those toys all require fuel. Unless you’ve chosen one of the best toy haulers with an onboard fuel station, you’ll need extra fuel for off-grid camping trips. 

If you carry fuel and flammables in your RV, please watch this video to ensure you load them safely: 

Water Storage

Images by Camping World

Calculate how much water you need for the duration of your stay and bring extra to be safe. While most RVs for off-grid camping have large onboard fresh water tanks, carrying extra in portable containers is always smart. 

The Reliance Aqua-Tainer is one of our favorites for storing up to seven extra gallons of water. Other containers offer 5.5, 1.25, and 0.75-gallon capacities, giving you options to fit the available storage space in your RV.

Energy-Saving, Rechargeable Lights

Images by Camping World

Conserving resources is essential to off-grid camping—the better you do it, the longer you can stay out. To that end, your RV should have energy-saving LED lighting instead of traditional bulbs. Luckily, most modern RVs are built with these more efficient lights. 

But you can add rechargeable string lights, headlamps, lanterns, or flashlights to reduce reliance on your RV’s built-in lights. Solar rechargeable lights are our preference, but battery-powered options are acceptable alternatives, so long as you have backup batteries.

High-Quality Cooler

When you learn the basics of RV refrigerators, you’ll understand why overpacking them is a no-no. Depending on the length of your off-grid camping adventure, you can supplement fridge space with an insulated cooler that actually keeps ice. Here are some resources to help you find your ideal camping cooler:

• How To Select the Perfect Camping Cooler
• Camco 350 Electric Cooler Review
• What’s the Best Cooler for RV Camping?

Portable RV Waste Tank

Portable waste tanks (also known as ‘RV tote tanks’) are great for long-term off-grid camping because you can partially empty your holding tanks without moving your RV. Most are made to be towed slowly (no more than 5 MPH) to a dump station to be emptied. 

You can also load them into a truck bed if you need to go further to dispose of RV waste. So if you’re camping off-grid for a full season, you can load up your portable tank and empty it on your next supply run into town. 

Water-Saving Shower Head

Unless you avoid showering for your off-grid camping trip, you’ll need a water-efficient showerhead when you clean off. Replacing your shower head is also an excellent way to upgrade your RV shower for added luxury, improved efficiency, or both. When camping off-the-grid, it’s the difference between getting home fresh or heading straight for the shower before unpacking. 

Portable RV Toilet

Images by Camping World

A portable cassette toilet is essential for dry camping if your RV doesn’t already have a toilet. Even if it does, a portable toilet makes it easier to dispose of waste if your tank fills up before your trip ends. 

Like RV tote tanks, portable toilets are easier to transport and empty at a dump station. Plus, a portable toilet allows you to set up your own “Porta-Potti” if you prefer doing your business in nature. More practically, it keeps your RV smelling cleaner if everyone does their business outside. 

RV Pro Tip: If you go this route, research and follow Leave No Trace principles to leave your favorite off-grid campsites better than you found them.

Camp Toys and Games

Disconnecting from electronics is one of the best benefits of off-grid camping. Give your family more reasons to put phones down by packing games and activities to enjoy at camp. Maybe your family loves outdoor yard games like bag toss or pickleball. Don’t forget board games and puzzles if the weather isn’t perfect.

Now that you have these essential items for boondocking, use these resources to prepare for your next off-grid camping trip: 

• Guide to RV Boondocking for Beginners
• How To Find Boondocking Spots
• Best Off-Road Pull-Behind Campers

What concerns you the most about boondocking or off-grid camping? Tell us in the comments below!