The Best Guide to Boondocking and Free Camping

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, then I’m sure you’ve heard of boondocking – or free camping in the woods. But what exactly is it? Is it safe and how do you even get started?

In this awesome guide to boondocking, I’ll be covering everything from the basics of what it is and where to go, all the way through to best practices for beginners – like solar power set-up and waste management. After reading this blog post, not only will you know how to camp completely off-grid, but also why everyone should give boondocking a try!

Whether you’re new to camping or an experienced outdoor enthusiast looking for something more adventurous – this friendly guide has lots of tips that are suitable for every type of camper. So grab your cozy blanket & let’s explore!

What Is Boondocking?

Boondocking, also known as dry camping or free camping, is a type of camping that involves setting up camp in remote areas without the use of modern amenities like hookups for water, power and waste management. Boondockers are those who choose to boondock, and they typically find their locations by searching public lands such as national parks and forests or private campgrounds often with dispersed sites.

Boondocking can be an incredibly rewarding experience because you’re able to access some of the most pristine places on earth without needing to pay for a campsite – plus boondockers often have first dibs on all the great spots! You’ll have more time to explore nature and get away from it all while still having access to basic amenities like small stores or gas stations located nearby – just enough so you don’t feel completely cut off from civilization. However, always make sure you check with your local ranger station before choosing a location – some areas may require permits or only allow day-use visitors during certain times of year.

It’s important to note that when boondocking, there are no electrical hookups available, so if you want power at night you’ll need either solar panels (for daytime charging) or a generator (which isn’t allowed everywhere). That being said, many people who opt for boondocking are looking specifically for an off-the-grid experience where they can truly disconnect from modern life – so it might be exactly what you’re looking for!

Where To Boondock

Boondocking, also known as free camping or primitive camping, is a great way to get away from it all and explore nature without the need for hookups or amenities. It’s an ideal option for those who are looking to save money on their travels but still get a taste of the outdoors.

There are lots of places you can boondock – public lands such as National Forests and state parks often allow overnight parking in designated spots without any hookups. Some private campgrounds offer boondocking sites with no electricity, water, or sewage hookups available. You’ll also find many people boondocking at the side of roads – usually well off the beaten path – where there may be little access to amenities but still plenty of nature around you. Walmart parking lots are popular among people on road trips and some communities even host special events specifically for RVers looking to go boondocking together!

Finally, there are websites like Campendium and Freecampsites that provide information about different public lands and campsites throughout North America, so if you’re looking for specific locations within a certain region then these can be great resources.

Public Lands

Boondocking on public lands is a great way to camp without the need for hookups or other amenities. Public lands are areas that are owned by the government and open to the public for recreational use, such as national forests, state parks, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and wildlife refuges. They often include designated campsites with no facilities or dispersed camping where you can park your RV in certain areas without any fees or permits.

You’ll want to check with the local ranger station before setting up in a particular area because some locations might have restrictions on how long you can stay and what sort of activities are allowed. Be sure to follow all rules and regulations while boondocking on public lands — often this means leaving no trace behind when you leave!

Solar power is usually your best option for powering things like lights and appliances while boondocking since there won’t be access to electricity from grid sources. You may also opt to bring along a generator if warranted by your situation; however, generators can be noisy so it’s best not to run them at night unless absolutely necessary.

Since water will be scarce when boondocking, carrying extra tanks along with you is highly recommended — they’re relatively small and lightweight so they shouldn’t take up too much space in your rig! It’s also important to practice good waste management habits — make sure all of your trash is disposed of properly even if there aren’t garbage cans nearby (you can carry a couple empty bags with you just in case!).

Private Campgrounds

Private campgrounds are an excellent option for boondocking, as they usually offer a range of amenities and services that you won’t find in public areas. Typically, these places include full hookups (electricity, water, and sewer) as well as access to showers and other facilities like laundry rooms. The cost of staying at private campgrounds varies based on location and the amenities offered.

You might find yourself paying anywhere from $20-$50 per night for a basic campsite in some places. Of course, if the campground offers more amenities like swimming pools or other activities you might pay upwards of $100 per night.

Another great thing about private campgrounds is that most allow you to stay up to 14 days without having to move your vehicle or RV – so it’s perfect if you’re planning to stick around for a while!

One thing to consider when choosing a private campground is that many require reservations ahead of time – so make sure you check their website before arriving! Also be sure to read all the rules carefully when booking your spot – some may have restrictions on things like pets or generators. Finally, it’s important to remember that although some private campgrounds don’t allow overnight camping without hookups (such as electricity), they often still allow day-use parking during business hours so you can explore the area without needing a campsite!

Popular Boondocking Spots

Boondocking is a great way to experience nature without the expense and amenities of traditional campsites. It’s often referred to as “free camping” or “dry camping”, and as the name implies, you’re camping without any hookups (water, electric, etc.). That means you’ll need to bring along your own power sources such as solar panels or batteries, and waste management supplies for dealing with things like toiletries and trash.

Popular boondocking locations vary from state to state – but there are some places that are especially popular for boondockers. National forests are a great place to start looking for free camping spots – usually located off-road in remote areas. Dispersed sites can be located through US Forest Service websites or apps like Campendium and FreeCampsites.net.

State parks also offer primitive campsites with no hookups for campers looking to really get away from it all. Many national parks have designated backcountry zones where you can camp without electricity or water too; Yellowstone National Park has several backcountry options spread out across the park wilderness.

Walmart parking lots have become another popular option among boondockers – they often allow travelers to stay overnight in their lots at no charge (as long as it’s just one night). You won’t find many amenities here though – usually just an area of pavement with access points for charging batteries or running generators if necessary.

Finally, don’t forget about other fellow travelers! Moochdocking is when two RVers arrange a mutually beneficial exchange of services between each other – typically trading parking spaces at different locations so both parties get someplace safe and quiet to stay overnight without spending money on fees or using up precious battery power/fuel sources driving around searching for free spots!

How to Boondock

Boondocking, also known as free camping or dispersed camping, is a great way to explore new places and enjoy nature without the amenities of traditional campgrounds. When boondocking, you’ll usually be in remote areas without any hookups for running water or electricity. This means that you’ll need to bring all of your own supplies and manage them carefully.

Solar power is often the primary source of energy when boondocking. You’ll need good batteries and a solar panel system set up on your rig in order to generate enough power for your needs. Many people also rely on generators when they have access to fuel sources.

Waste management can be tricky when boondocking, so it’s important to know how you’re going to handle things like trash and grey/black water tanks before setting out on your trip. You should check local regulations for guidelines about dumping waste in certain areas as well as where you can refill tanks if needed.

Finally, it’s important to take safety considerations into account when boondocking without the help of a nearby campground host or other people around you for support if an emergency arises. Be sure to always leave with a plan in mind and let someone else know where you will be camping each night so they can alert authorities if needed

Solar Power

One of the most important things to consider when boondocking is solar power. This means that it’s essential to have good quality batteries and a good solar setup if you want your boondocking trip to go smoothly. Solar panels provide a great way to charge your batteries while off-grid, and can often be found at camping stores or online.

When shopping for a solar panel, look for one with high wattage (more than 150 watts) so you can get enough energy even in low light conditions such as cloudy days or nights. Make sure you also get an MPPT charge controller which will help in charging your batteries faster and more efficiently. You should also check out the specifications of the battery – look for deeper cycle AGM type batteries that are able to hold up against deep discharges from nighttime usage without much trouble.

Additionally, make sure you bring along some extra cables and connectors just in case something breaks down during your trip – having spares handy could save you from having to drive back into town suddenly! Finally, always make sure that all components are rated appropriately for the amount of power they will be handling in order to avoid overloads or short circuits, especially if using larger setups such as RV-style systems with multiple panels and bigger batteries.

Waste Management

When it comes to boondocking, one of the most important things you have to think about is waste management. Boondocking usually means camping in a remote area without access to hookups or amenities, so managing your waste can be tricky.

The first thing you’ll want to do when boondocking is make sure that your grey and black water tanks are empty before you arrive at your campsite. If they’re full, then you’ll need to find a dump station nearby where you can empty them out before heading back into the wilderness for some more camping fun!

Since there won’t be any trash cans around, it’s important that you bring along enough garbage bags with you so that you can collect all of your trash and dispose of it responsibly when possible. Make sure not to leave any traces behind when packing up – this includes leaving no food scraps or litter on the ground!

It’s also important to remember that most public lands and campgrounds require visitors to pack out their own garbage as well. This means bringing along extra garbage bags for all of those non-recyclable items like chip bags or takeout containers so they don’t end up in our environment instead of being properly disposed of offsite.

Another great way to manage waste while boondocking is by bringing along reusable containers and water bottles instead of relying on single-use items like plastic cups or cutlery which are often not recyclable either. Plus, choosing reusable items will help reduce your overall impact on the environment – something we should all strive towards while enjoying nature!

Water Storage

Water storage is an important part of boondocking since you’re often camping without hookups. You may need to bring along your own water for washing dishes, showering, and drinking. To do this, you’ll want to have a few options available depending on the length of your stay and the type of boondocking you’re doing.

For shorter trips or overnight stays, bringing a few 5-gallon water jugs can be enough to get by. You can fill them up at any public drinking fountain (often located near parks and campgrounds) or purchase them pre-filled from a store like Walmart.

If you plan on staying longer than one night or are headed out into more remote areas, getting some large water tanks for your RV is essential. These tanks usually hold between 20–60 gallons and will allow you to spend more time away from civilization without having to worry about finding clean drinking water every day or two.

You might also consider investing in solar-powered batteries that allow you to charge devices such as portable pumps so that you can easily refill your tanks with river or creek water with minimal effort. Additionally, many national forests offer designated “boondockers welcome” camping sites which sometimes provide access to potable water—so always check ahead before arriving!

Safety Considerations

Safety is always an important consideration for any outdoor activity, and boondocking is no different. Before you go camping in a remote area, make sure to check the local laws and regulations to ensure that overnight stays are allowed. Many public lands may prohibit or limit camping without permits – be sure to research these restrictions before heading out on your trip.

Also consider the wildlife that you might encounter while boondocking. Bears, cougars, snakes, wild hogs, and other animals can all pose potential hazards in some areas. Make sure you keep your food stored securely away from your campsite so as not to attract unwanted visitors!

If possible, try to find a spot with cell phone reception so that you have access to emergency services if needed. It’s also wise to let someone else know where you’ll be camping and what time they can expect you back home. When it comes time for departure day, always double-check the campsite before leaving – pick up any trash or belongings that were left behind and be sure there aren’t any campfires still burning!

Benefits of Boondocking

Boondocking is a great way of camping without the need for hookups or electricity. It refers to camping in remote, usually public areas away from most amenities and services. People who boondock have to be self-reliant when it comes to power, water storage, waste management, and other essentials. You might find yourself in national forests, state parks with designated dispersed sites, BLM land parking lots (without any infrastructure), off-grid private campgrounds and many other places.

The beauty of boondocking is that you can often access great sites without spending a penny – if you’re willing to get creative! You can also access some amazing places that don’t allow for traditional free camping – such as National Parks like Yellowstone or popular rivers like the Wisconsin River. As long as you’re respectful of your surroundings, there’s always an option for overnight stays without having to worry about fees or permits.

You’ll also find people offering their land up for free through hosts like Campendium or Moochdocking – these are great options if you want to meet new people on your travels while still being able to enjoy nature in its untouched form! Lastly, don’t discount Walmart parking lots; even though they don’t offer much in terms of scenery they do provide easy access to amenities like groceries and gas stations which sometimes make them worth considering.

Boondockers often rely on solar power systems with batteries as their main source of energy but generators are another option too (although not always allowed depending on the location). Without hookups it means all tanks must be filled before leaving home so plan ahead: check out your tank capacities before packing up and learn how best you can manage them within the length of your stay at any given location – whether it’s fresh water tanks (which should last longer), greywater tanks which will fill up quicker due to showering/laundry etc., and black water tanks which should never come close to overflowing!

Tips for Begineers

If you’re new to boondocking and free camping, it’s important to consider a few things before you hit the road. Here are some tips for beginners:

Start small and work your way up. It can be daunting to take on an unfamiliar adventure like this, so start with shorter trips or smaller areas until you get comfortable with the process.

Check out dispersed camping sites first. These are often available in national parks, forests, and wilderness areas without any designated campgrounds or campsites. You’ll need to practice Leave No Trace principles when using these spots!

Look into Walmart parking lots as a resource. Many people use Walmart parking lots as overnight campsites due to their convenience and access to amenities like bathrooms and food stores nearby. Just make sure that it’s okay for RVs to park there first!

Use online resources such as Campendium, Boondocker’s Welcome, etc., which provide maps for free camping locations along with reviews from other boondockers who have visited the area before. This is a great way of finding out if a particular location will suit your needs before actually getting there yourself!

Always research the local rules and regulations regarding boondocking in advance; different places may require permits or have different laws about where campers can stay overnight (e.g., state parks). Taking time now to learn about them will save you headaches later on!

Conclusion

Boondocking is a great way to explore the outdoors and get in touch with nature without having to pay for camping sites or RV parks. With boondocking, you can find free, designated areas where you can camp overnight without facilities like hookups and amenities. You’ll often find that these areas are located away from cities and towns, so they provide a great escape into the wilderness.

These sites can range from remote forest roads to wide-open spots on BLM land or National Parks. Different states offer different rules regarding boondocking: some require permits while others may allow it only if there are no other campsites available. It’s always important to check local regulations before setting up your rig in any area.

You could also try moochdocking, which involves staying at someone else’s home or property for an extended period of time (often a few days). People who do this usually help out their hosts in exchange for free accommodations — things like gardening, maintaining their pool, etc. You can usually score free stays through websites like Campendium or by asking around your local RVing community too!

And of course there’s Walmart parking lots — another popular option among newbie boondockers since many stores allow overnight parking across the US (though some locations might not). If you’re looking to stay for more than one night though, you should definitely reach out beforehand just make sure they’re okay with it!