The ULTIMATE Beginner's Guide to RV Boondocking
Boondocking, also known as dry camping, is the ultimate way to experience the freedom of RVing. It allows you to camp in remote areas without the need for hookups or designated campsites. But if you're new to boondocking, it can be intimidating to venture off the beaten path and into the wilderness without a plan. That's why we've put together this blog post to help you understand the basics of boondocking. From finding the perfect spot to conserving water and electricity, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your boondocking experience safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free.
This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you!
Boondocking or Dry camping simply means camping without any hookups for your RV or van.
Know before you go!
We’ll keep this short and to the point but do try to have an idea of an answer to these questions. They will come in handy when you’re planning.
How many days can you go without dumping your grey and black tank?
How many days does your fresh water tank last?
Is the weather where you want to boondock going to be manageable without running AC?
Have a general idea about your battery life span and what percentage is safe to run it down to. All of this information varies based on your rig, family size, tank size, etc. Familiarize yourself with your camper! Don’t let this information-gathering stage scare you.
Simply jot down when you dump your tanks & when they fill back up. Fill your fresh tank, run a shower or two, knock out some dishes, and see how much you used out of your tank. FYI — You’ll need to utilize the water pump to get water from the tank into your faucets.
Most RVs have a panel with sensors for your tanks and battery life. If you’re still nervous about this, keep reading, we’ll give you some insight into our personal experiences as we go to give you a general expectation for these things.
With a Basic Setup, You Will…
Let’s assume you are boondocking in a remote location or in a spot that allows your slides out, and like us, you are only boondocking with a single battery.
In this scenario, you will have access to your stove. You will have access to your fridge. Your water pump to get water out of your fresh tank to your faucet runs off of the battery, and most of your lights also run off the battery. Your fridge and stove ignitor run off of battery and once lit, run off propane. (Unless you strictly have the 12v fridge).
You will not have access to your outlets, microwave, or AC unit (unless you have a generator or inverter). You will not be able to plug in your Wi-Fi or charge your electronics. With all of this in mind, keep reading and we’ll tell you exactly how to prepare and execute an awesome boondocking trip anyway!
We boondocked on the beach with a single battery! Watch Here
Where Can You Boondock?
We use various apps to determine where we want to boondock or dry camp. Sometimes we go for an overnight stop and sometimes, with a little planning, we can spend a couple of days off-grid. After a long travel day, you can find parking lots across the country to rest for the night. We just shared a video about some unconventional overnight stops, which include dry camping options such as the Cracker Barrel. You can check into a few different apps. We primarily use the Campendium app (free), Harvest Hosts (paid membership), and AllStaysPro (paid).
All you are looking for here is:
Which site is along our route?
Is the location safe?
Can I access the location with my size RV?
Is the weather going to be manageable?
This is a great time to read the reviews and check out the pictures! When in doubt, call ahead and ask questions.
We have saved a ton of money on overnight stays using Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts. This is a paid membership, but so worth it for the savings!
How to Prepare for Boondocking
Okay, so you’ve got a location picked out and perhaps a backup spot as well! How do you prep for a boondocking experience?
First, make sure you have water in the fresh tank and preferably, a completely empty grey and black tank. You will need to ensure you have adequate drinking water for you, your family, and/or pets for the duration of your intended dry camping. You will have limited fresh water, so if you’re going for a long experience, consider easy-to-cook foods or prepped in advance.
Speaking of cooking, remember what we said earlier— no microwave or plugged-in appliances? But you can use the stove and oven! This is also a great time to enjoy nature and cook over the fire or use the grill that has been sitting in your storage. Consider having some paper plates and utensils to limit dishes and reduce water use. We mentioned checking the weather; be smart here because you will only be able to use your windows and fans. If it’s going to be cold, be sure to fill your propane tanks in advance. A lot of times these boondocking locations are in remote areas. We recommend having everything you need before you get out there so you don’t have to leave.
Some Insights
If you’re new to this boondocking thing, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, but I need more information!” Every motorhome/RV/camper/van is different, so it’s hard to give you an exact “here’s what to do” answer. What we can tell you, for a little insight, is that our Grand Design Solitude S-Class came with a single, 12-volt, lead-acid battery. We are able to boondock and use our lights, water pump, etc, for 10-15 hours before it gets down to about 50% or 1/2 on the sensor. At that point, we plug our 7-way pin into our truck while running, which helps recharge the battery.
As for tank space, we have a 90-gallon freshwater tank. For an overnight stop, we fill it to about 1/3 full. For 2-3 days we’d consider 2/3 full to be a safe amount. We have two grey tanks and typically have to dump them every 5 days using regular water consumption. Our black tank can last about 7 to 10 days. All of this is accounting for two adults! You will need to account for how many people will be using the rig because it could mean double the dishes and showers!
We know many people who opt for additional batteries, generators, solar, inverters, etc. The more you add, the more you can run. However, what we’re trying to express to you, is that you don’t necessarily have to have all of these things to get out there and enjoy a boondocking location for a night or two!
Conclusion
Now that you have a solid understanding of the basics of boondocking, it's time to hit the road and explore all the unique and breathtaking locations that are off the beaten path. Remember, boondocking requires careful planning, preparation, and responsible behaviors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and others around you. By following the tips and guidelines we've outlined in this blog post, you can maximize your boondocking experience and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack up your RV or van, and hit the road with confidence!
Watch our boondocking experience at Hot Well Dunes in Arizona and get the free guide on how you too can experience the hot springs!
