Boondocking: The Complete Guide to Free Camping (almost) Anywhere (2023)

FAQs

Boondocking: The Complete Guide to Free Camping (almost) Anywhere? ›

The State of California does not have any laws against boondocking in general. The question of whether boondocking is permitted or not is specific to each locality, state park, or federal agency in question.

The State of California does not have any laws against boondocking in general. The question of whether boondocking is permitted or not is specific to each locality, state park, or federal agency in question.

Living Off the Grid

But they also allow us to live off the grid and be self-sufficient in our RVs – to boondock. In a general sense, boondocking is simply camping without water, sewer and electrical hookups. It is also sometimes called dry camping.

If you're planning on primarily using your RV for boondocking, a smaller RV (a Class C or B motorhome, van, truck camper, teardrop, or small trailer) that's under 30 feet will allow you to access more remote places. This isn't to say that you can't boondock in a big rig, but it can be more difficult.

Stealth camping is camping without being noticed. Some people do this in urban areas, while some venture into wild locations. Sometimes stealth camping is legal, while other times it's illegal (which we don't recommend!).

Montana, with 31.97 free campsites per 100,000 people. It has the most hiking trails in the nation (418 per 100,000) and access to beautiful Glacier National Park. And New Mexico's in third place, with 17.70 free campsites per 100,000 residents.

“Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground, on lands that are managed for this purpose.” For the van life and RV communities, boondocking means camping in an area without hookups.

Boondocking is camping without any hookups outside developed campgrounds. Federal agencies refer to boondocking as dispersed camping. Other terms used to describe boondocking include dry camping and off-grid camping.

The boondocks is an American expression from the Tagalog (Filipino) word bundók ("mountain"). It originally referred to a remote rural area, but now, is often applied to an out-of-the-way area considered backward and unsophisticated by city-folk.

Dig a cathole, use a wag bag, or bring along a portable toilet - these are the 3 primary methods for using the bathroom while wild camping or boondocking, at least when it comes to dealing with #2.

Can you shower while Boondocking? ›

When boondocking, you take a shower just like you would when camped at an RV Park with full hookups. Taking a shower while boondocking doesn't have to be any different. However, most full time boondockers prefer to shower more efficiently.

Your best RV battery for Boondocking is going to be a lithium battery which is also known as a LiFePO4 battery. RVs do not use Lithium Ion batteries, but they use Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. These are safer and better for RV use.

The general answer to this question is 'yes'. It's usually safe to leave your trailer parked alone while boondocking.

Since many of the locations you'll find yourself setting up camp don't often have someone regularly overseeing them, you may be wondering just how safe it is to boondock in an RV. Boondocking in your RV is just as safe as tent camping, if not more.

Try to keep at least one gallon of fresh, clean drinking water for each person, each day, while boondocking. Keep in mind that you can offset this recommendation by bringing other beverages like soda, juice, or even fresh fruit.

Not quite “roughing it”, our lazy camping tents allow you to get the wilderness experience without having to sleep on the ground. Each tent is elevated on a concrete platform and is covered by a thatched roof. Our hand-crafted beds use raw local materials and are specially made in-house.

a type of camping that is more comfortable and luxurious than traditional camping. The word is a mixture of 'glamorous' and 'camping'. : Our glamping holidays provide all the fun and outdoor lifestyle of camping with just a little more luxury.

Coyote Camping is what Fire Fighters do when they are at a remote location relative to a Fire Base Camp and want a place to eat and/or rest that is close to the Fire.

Start With Public Lands

The most common boondocking sites are on public lands, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Army Corps of Engineers, State Parks, National Forests, etc. However, it's important to note that there are often limitations to RV boondocking.

What are all the states that have BLM & free camping? ›

BLM Land

You can camp on most BLM land for up to 14 days, even if there are grazing or mining claims (just watch out for cow pies), unless otherwise posted. Most BLM lands are in these 12 western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

So, after just three nights in paid campgrounds, we decided to try our hand at 'Wallydocking' - boondocking or dry camping (staying overnight in your RV) in a Walmart parking lot without hookups and without setting up camp.

Because you're not connected to any services it's also called “dry camping.” Other terms you might see that all refer to boondocking are “free camping” and “wild camping.”

Basic and Dispersed Permits:

You may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes. A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area.

Many boondockers do online customer service, write documentation, and handle client accounts. Ask your employer if you can shift to remote work. Offer Repair Services – Set up in a popular boondocking location like Quartzsite or Slab City, and hand out business cards offering RV or vehicle repair work.

Whether you're roughing it on the ground in a tent or in a warm RV, camping is still camping. Tents and RVs serve the same purpose: they offer a chance to go outside and enjoy the outdoors. Some people prefer camping in tents, and some people prefer RVs for their own personal reasons.

The terms “dry camping” and “boondocking” are often used interchangeably. They both refer to RV camping without access to electrical, water, and sewer hookups.

Quartzsite, AZ- the RV boondocking capital of the world. Every year during the winter months retirees from around the US and Canada pack up their RVs and campers and head south. The small truck stop along I-10, normally a town of around 3,000 will swell to nearly 700,000 people.

You can boondock just about anywhere in Grand Canyon National Park, as long as you have obtained a “backcountry camping permit”. Unfortunately, backcountry camping is largely restricted to hikers who carry their camping gear deep into the Park. It's not intended for campers with vehicles.

Boondocking simply means camping in your RV with water, electric, or sewer hookups.

Do I need to flush after every pee? ›

"Urine is normally sterile as a body fluid. Even if you have a urinary tract infection with bacteria in your urine it would be inactivated with the chlorine levels in the public water supply," he said. "So there's really no known disease transmission with urine left un-flushed in the toilet." Dr.

Toilet Paper

It should either be thoroughly buried in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags and packed out. Natural toilet paper has been used by many campers for years. When done correctly, this method is as sanitary as regular toilet paper, but without the impact problems.

Most truck stop showers have time limits that are 30 to 45 minutes. This is plenty of time for you to use the restroom, shower, and do any shaving or grooming that may be necessary. You're paying for the shower time, so make sure you take the time you need to get the job done.

If you can connect to a spigot, just use your hose to put water into the fresh water tank using the gravity fill. If boondocking with no hose, you will need a funnel to pour water from the tanks into the gravity fill. Again, you will need to access your external water jugs.

How long you can boondock will depend on the battery's capacity and charge. Most standard 12V batteries will last a day or two. It also greatly depends on how much battery power you use. If you're plugging in gadgets, kitchen appliances, and nightlights in every electrical outlet, you'll go through that battery faster.

Depending upon what you power and how much, you can generally boondock for 2-7 days. But a lot depends on what type of batteries you use. If your batteries aren't efficient, and don't hold much charge, your trip will be shortened substantially. So it's critical to choose the best battery for your needs.

A standard 20 pound propane tank (5 gallons, or 4.7 gallons actual) will last anywhere from three to seven days while boondocking in an RV. This is assuming you are using propane to run your furnace at night, power your refrigerator, keep your water heater running, and using your cook top.

Is There Boondocking in Florida? Yes, there is! But it is quite a bit different than boondocking out west. Many of these places are in the more natural parts of Florida, which many visitors probably can't say they've seen much of.

Can I boondock in Florida? ›

You will need to get a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to be able to camp for free, and you can't book a site, so be sure to get there early!

Boondocking, or camping on public lands without amenities, is legal in Florida in certain areas. While Florida does not have any BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, there are other options for boondocking, such as national forests, wildlife management areas, and water management districts.