RV Tips - Boondocking/Dry Camping

Boondocking, also known as dry camping, is the practice of camping in a recreational vehicle (RV) without hookups to water, sewer, or electric services. This guide provides essential tips to help you conserve resources and enjoy remote locations.

Resource Management Checklist

Successful boondocking hinges on efficient management of your RV's core resources: power, water, and waste.

Power Management

To maintain necessary power for lights, furnace, and appliances, consider these strategies:

• Solar Power: Install solar panels to continuously charge your battery banks. This is the most common and sustainable power solution for dry camping.
• Generator Use: Use a quiet, inverter generator to recharge batteries or run high-draw appliances (like the air conditioner) during designated hours. Always check local regulations for noise and run-time restrictions.
• Battery Monitoring: Install a quality battery monitor (shunt-based) to accurately track your remaining battery capacity and avoid deep discharge.

Power Source	Primary Use	Notes
Solar Panels	Battery charging	Sustainable, silent power
Generator	High-draw appliances, rapid charging	Noise and fuel considerations
Inverter	Converting DC to AC power	Use sparingly to conserve battery

Water Conservation

Water is the most limited resource. Every drop counts.

• Tank Filling: Always start with a full fresh water tank. Know your tank capacity before you leave.
• Low-Flow Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets to reduce water consumption.
• Dishwashing: Use a two-basin method: one for soapy water, one for rinse. Wiping plates with a paper towel before washing reduces grease and grime in the gray tank.
• Navy Showers: Turn the water off while lathering. Use a quick burst to wet down and another to rinse off.

Waste Management

Managing your gray (sink/shower) and black (toilet) water tanks is crucial.

• Black Tank Prep: Ensure there is a few gallons of water in the black tank, along with a digester chemical, before use. This helps prevent solids from hardening.
• Toilet Paper: Use only RV-specific, single-ply, or septic-safe toilet paper to prevent clogs.
• Gray Tank Control: The gray tank often fills up faster than the black tank. Use the conservative water tips above to delay filling.
• Dumping: Plan your route to include accessible dump stations. Never dump gray or black water illegally.

Finding a Campsite

Boondocking is permitted in many locations, often for free or at a very low cost.

Dispersed Camping

Many federal lands allow dispersed camping (boondocking) outside of designated campgrounds.

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Vast tracts of BLM land across the Western United States are open for free camping, typically for a maximum of 14 days.
• National Forests: Most National Forests allow dispersed camping unless otherwise marked or restricted.

Other Options

• Walmart/Casinos: Many businesses allow overnight parking. Always ask a manager for permission before setting up camp.
• Rest Areas: Some states permit short-term overnight stays at rest areas; check state regulations.

Essential Gear

• RV-grade water hose
• Water pressure regulator
• Map of BLM and National Forest land
• First-aid kit
• Emergency communication device