Last Updated on September 15, 2022 by Douglas
Boondocking is the term used for camping without a campground.
It means that you can park your trailer on any land, public or private, and not worry about being asked to leave. It’s also a great way to explore the country and find out what camping is like in different regions.
Boondocking is not only for people who have RVs; people with tents can boondock as well, by finding a secluded area like a forest or field.
How do I set up Boondocking?
Have fresh water in your tank. Arrive during daylight. Double-check the weather forecast. Check if the camping area has designated generator hours and plan accordingly. If using solar panels, make sure you have an inverter.[1]
What do you need for boondocks?
Extra Batteries and Generator. Extra Fuel. Portable Dump Tank and Pump. Water Bladder and Water Filter. LED Lights (Outdoor and Indoor). Propane Space Heater. Leveling Blocks. 12-Volt Fans.[2]
How long can I Boondock?
How Long Can You Boondock in an RV? You know where to go and what to do, but how long can you boondock in an RV? Some national forests and BLM areas allow boondockers to stay up to 14 days. Others will place a limit to typically under a week.[3]
Can you use AC while Boondocking?
Yes. With enough solar power and lithium batteries, you could run an air conditioner for a while. While possible, this is still not a practical solution. The solar and battery system you would need to do this would be much larger than your average off-grid boondocking setup.[4]
Do I need a generator for Boondocking?
The short answer is, “no”, you don’t need a generator for boondocking. However, the long answer is, “it depends on how much electricity you need and how long you want to boondock in the same site. Most full time boondockers have at least a small 2,000 watt generator.[5]
Where are the boondocks?
The real boondocks are half a world away. In fact, the word comes directly from the Tagalog word bundok, meaning “mountain.” The original boondocks were the Cordillera Central, the spiny mountain range in the north part of the Philippine island of Luzon.[6]
Where did boondocks come from?
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.[7]
How do you get power when Boondocking?
The only way to get AC power to your camper when boondocking is with a generator, or through an inverter connected to the battery bank. DC Power provides electricity to 12-volt appliances like the water pump, lights, vent fans, and anything with a USB cord.[8]
Is there an app for Boondocking?
The Dyrt App The user-friendly app lets you find campgrounds and boondocking sites at public lands, private RV parks, national parks, state parks, military parks, county parks, and more. The app has both a free and a paid version and is available on both iOS and Android platforms.[9]
Is Boondocking safe?
Rest Assured Boondocking IS Safe! Boondocking actually increases your safety by isolating you from places where crimes take place. Even things like fighting and vandalism are more common in a heavily traveled RV park because criminals don’t like the risks associated with RVs in the middle of nowhere.[10]
How long will battery last Boondocking?
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.[11]
What is the difference between Boondocking and camping?
For all intents and purposes, they mean the same thing. That is, most RVers and campers use these terms interchangeably. However, most people still see boondocking as a form of dry camping, but camping well away from developed areas.[12]