Boondocking Tips for Off-the-Grid Adventures

Looking to avoid the crowds on your next family road trip? Rent an RV and use these boondocking tips for an adventurous and quiet camping trip. Boondocking is also easier on your budget than paying to stay in an RV park.

RVing in general allows families to hit the road and vacation with all the comforts of home. Boondocking gets you off the beaten path and away from crowded campsites and parks. For RV owners and renters who are ready to try this side of the RV lifestyle, boondocking is a great way to get outdoors and vacation again. PLUS it is cheap, fun, and simple to do once you know the basics.

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While camping off-grid may seem a bit intimidating, it is easy if you are prepared. Create a plan for fresh water to drink, power, food to eat, and bathroom options. Once you have the basics covered, you are on your way to a memorable family adventure.

The boondocking community offers lots of advice, strategies, and helpful tips to newbies which make it a fun and overall positive experience.

What is Boondocking?

Boondocking, also known as dry camping or dispersed camping, is essentially free camping. For us, it’s the opportunity to camp “off-grid” away from other RVs, traditional campgrounds, and services. Boondocking gives you great access to remote, beautiful areas of the country.

Some boondocking sites are in a campsite isolated from populated areas. In these sites, you get a cleared place to park your RV. However, boondocking also refers to finding your own place to park your RV, typically in a natural environment. You set up camp on your own with no hookups or amenities.

Because most boondocking sites are out in the wilderness, there are no site fees. If there are no site fees, then there are usually no bath houses, hook-ups, or dump points. There might not even be a rustic outhouse.

Knowing where you are camping and what is available helps you prepare for the first boondocking experience. Packing everything in and out of the campsite is essential.

Plan carefully so you don’t forget any necessities. Many boondocking sites are far from cities with stores so if you forget it, you might have to live without it. Advance preparation makes your experience just as good, or even better, than if you had access to all of the modern amenities and services you are used to.

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Where Can You Go Boondocking?

Boondocking spots can be found in a variety of places such as roadside rest areas, public land, trail heads, and even in Walmart, Cabela’s, Flying J Truck Stops, and Camping World parking lots. However, don’t just assume you can park your RV anywhere you want. Always call ahead of time and double check before setting up camp.

It’s almost always free to boondocking on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Vast areas of land in the west are managed by the BLM. There are formal campsites that have associated fees, but if you ask, you can find out about free and primitive campsite options.

National parks and the forest service lands also often offer boondocking options. Look at their map to learn more details about where camping is available. You can call directly to the specific forest to inquire about dispersed camping options, even if you do not see them listed.

Finally, there are plenty of discounted camping programs such as Harvest Hosts. While you must pay a membership fee, you can enjoy free camping for one night at farms, breweries, and wineries across the country.

NOTE: See our article on Free Camp Sites in the United States for more resources and websites we use to find dispersed camping areas.

Is boondocking illegal?

Boondocking regulations vary by location and jurisdiction. Some public lands, such as national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, permit boondocking. It’s essential to research local regulations and restrictions, as private land and some public lands may prohibit boondocking.

Is boondocking safe?

Like other outdoor activities, always inform someone of your location and expected return time. Carry first-aid supplies, communication devices, and navigation tools. Research the area’s wildlife and natural hazards.

Apps for Planning Your Boondocking Adventure

Simplify the process of finding suitable places to camp off-grid with boondocking apps. These apps and websites offer reviews, GPS coordinates, and detailed descriptions. Some have filters to help you make decisions about amenities and locations. Apps make boondocking more accessible, safer, and enjoyable.

iOverlander: A crowdsourced app that gives user-generated reviews, photos, and GPS coordinates. It’s an excellent resource for finding off-grid campsites worldwide as well as services for water fill-up stations and dump points. Keep in mind, this app features all types of camping and traveling accommodations so read descriptions carefully.
Campendium: Browse detailed reviews, filter by amenities, and even look up cell signal strength using either the website or the app. It gives information on RV sites, tent camping, and boondocking.
Free Roam: Available for both Apple and Android users, Free Roam was created for boondockers. It allows you to plan your trip. There are filters for nearly everything so you can really identify a location that’s right for you.
Freecampsites.net: This website focuses mostly on public lands. Use the search feature to check out your off-grid camping options.

The boondocking community is a wealth of information and gives their best tips and locations freely. If you use any of these community-driven sites, make sure to leave your own feedback and advice for others.

How to Boondock?

In short, know AND obey the rules for where you want to camp. Before settling in, make sure you know the rules about where you are staying. Talk to the local staff in charge of the park, land, or parking lot. Some details to consider include:

How long can you stay?
Can you build a fire?
Can you hunt or fish?
Are there rules about where to park or recommended sites?
Is there a dumping station, and if so, is there a fee to use it?

Most BLM land allows boondockers to stay for up to 14 days. However, this is the average and may vary from location to location.

Knowing the rules can help you avoid problems and trouble with park authorities. Take a few minutes to chat with staff in person or give them a call.

On public lands, it’s important to follow seasonal guidelines. These may change throughout the year, especially during wildfire season. Always follow local restrictions.

Conserve Water

With no access to water where you are camping, you will need to bring in your own. Fill up your fresh water tanks (and empty your black and gray water tanks) before boondocking.

NOTE: If you are traveling far, I recommend you wait to fill up your water tank as close to the boondocking location as possible. Pulling less weight increases your gas mileage.

Depending on how long you are staying, bring along jugs of extra water you can use for drinking water and cooking. You might also consider purchasing a large, 5-gallon jug in case you end up needing extra water. It is better to have too much water than not enough when you are boondocking.

Conserve as much water as possible during a boondocking trip. You can get as extreme as only taking sponge baths or using body towelettes and using as little water for cooking and washing dishes as possible. Obviously, laundry will be hard to do on-site with limited water, so make sure you have enough clothing packed.

Some other ways to conserve water include taking a dip in a nearby lake or river rather than showering and using a water sprayer bottle for washing dishes. You can even collect rainwater for flushing your toilet and other water usages that do not require potable water.

Conserve Power Resources

If you need power for your rig, you will need a generator or solar panels set up. Also, bring enough gas and propane to run your generator. Check your deep cycle batteries throughout your stay to make sure they do not dip below 50%.

To help conserve power, use LED lights and use electricity sparingly.

If you plan on boondocking regularly, a solar power system is a great investment as it creates electricity wherever you go. Because you will mostly just be running lights and perhaps a few electronic devices, solar power is often enough to keep things going.

Do not forget to consider the season, too.

When boondocking in cooler months, you may need to run your heater. During the day, you can rely on the sun’s warmth and, if permitted, light a fire to stay warm outdoors. However, at night you will probably need some additional heat.

Plan your power needs ahead of time with plenty of propane, gas, or battery charged up so that you stay toasty warm. Alternatively, purchase sleeping bags specially designed for very cold weather and bundle up!

The heat is another concern. Air conditioning can run your battery dry very quickly. Instead, turn your exhaust fans on “in” mode and hang a wet towel underneath. This will help you stay cool without using as much electricity.

Note: If renting an RV, RVShare makes it easy to find a model with a generator. On the “More Filters” tab, select electric generator, then look through the listing where you’ll find of the RV/trailer at your location. Be sure to take note of how many hours of generator time are included in your rental free.

Leave No Trace – Pack It In/Out

Just like when backpacking, be responsible! You’ll be packing in everything you need for the duration of your trip. With no dumpsters in sight, you will have to pack all your trash out. In some remote locations, bears and other wild animals can be a concern, so leaving your trash outdoors is not an option.

Bag up your trash in trash bags or use old grocery bags to pack up your waste. A larger plastic trash can helps keep everything contained.

Make sure you have a plan for human waste as well. Follow good camping practices for burying waste if there are no outhouses available. A composting toilet is also a good investment.

Plan Your Meals

What can you eat while boondocking? Well, just about anything!

However, it is worthwhile to plan so you can take all your groceries with you. Avoid driving a long distance to a grocery store from your remote location. Many people make a meal plan on a weekly basis, writing out which meals they will make every day of the week.

Note: if you need help with meal planning or want pre-made meal plans, see our Stress-Free Camp Meal Plan Bundle that has everything you need for delicious camping food.

In addition, when it comes to cooking while boondocking, simplicity is best so you can avoid the many dishes that more complex meals involve. Crockpot, instant pot, and one-pot meals are ideal (as long as you have electricity.) For example, chili, soups, and chicken and rice recipes are great.

Another way to conserve while boondocking is to cook meals over the open fire outside, assuming having a campfire is allowed. This way you can save your propane for other uses.

Think Outside the Box

Boondocking is a lesson in living simply.

Because you do not have access to all your usual hook-ups and services, conservation is essential. You will have to think outside the box to make everything last. This means you should think about entertainment creatively as well. Instead of watching movies and using your digital devices, spend your free time reading books and enjoying nature. Set up some chairs outside and watch the clouds, look up at the stars, or gather to play camping charades.

Have an Exit Strategy

Keep an eye on your gray and black tank levels throughout your stay. When they are too full, it’s time to move on. Boondocking requires a plan, which includes knowing where the closest station is to dump your tanks.

Sometimes, there are dumping stations within the same park where you are boondocking if there is a paid camping area. You can ask about using the dump for a fee if you parked in the non-paid section.

Another option is to check at rest areas, gas stations, or truck stops. They sometimes have public dump stations available for RVers to use. The important thing is to know where to go so you can clean up your RV immediately after your dry camping trip.

Renting an RV to go Boondocking?

Dispersed camping isn’t limited to seasoned, veteran RVers and owners. New RVers and renters can have a great time off-grid camping too. Start by renting the right RV or travel trailer for you and your needs. Start with these questions to ask to find your right RV rental.

What’s the Best Dry Camping Travel Trailer?

When renting an RV for dry camping, I highly recommend renting smaller (under 30 feet), lightweight travel trailer that includes a generator. This smaller size makes it easier to get in/out of places you can camp. I highly recommend RVShare for both renting an RV and for owners looking to rent out their RVs. Make note of how much generator usage is included in your rental fee and how many propane tanks are on board. Two tanks can last you well past a full week if you converse energy usage.

Why RVShare?

RVShare is the largest peer-to-peer RV rental company. They make the whole rental process simple, easy, fun, and totally COVID safe! For anyone looking for an economical vacation, RVShare renters save an average 57% on vacation costs compared to other forms of travel. Plus they offer rental insurance and 24/7 emergency roadside assistance with every booking. So you can rest well knowing that you may be camping away from crowds, but you aren’t alone if a problem arises.

Start your RVShare search for the perfect RV rental here.

Note: Do you own an RV and want to make up to $22,000 in rental income? Click here to learn more about listing your RV with RVShare.

After a few boondocking camps, you will get into rhaythm and preparing for this type of camping will be a piece of cake. As a bonus, it keeps your RV living and rental costs down. Because you can often stay for up to 2 weeks at a time, you can enjoy a bit of stability as you roam around from site to site. There are many advantages to boondocking, indeed.

While boondocking may seem intimidating for beginners, with some research and a day’s preparation, you can make it happen! Before you know it, you will be a pro at boondocking and be able to prepare for this sort of stay very efficiently.

Don’t forget to invite your friends to our Facebook groups! We would also love to see your vacation pictures!

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