

The Bottom Lineīoondocking is an excellent way to go camping with the comforts of your RV while saving money and getting close to nature. If you prefer to really get off the grid and go without service, make sure you know where the nearest landline is, whether it’s at a ranger’s station or in the nearby town. Keep your phone on your person at all times so you’ll have it when you need it. Have an extra tank of fuel in the RV so you won’t find yourself stranded. Make sure someone always knows where you’ll be and when you’re expected to return. Pack extra jugs of water so you can use it for drinking or other necessities.īefore you set out, tell a friend or park ranger what you’re doing. Keep at least one extra day’s worth of food. Have an emergency kit on hand, complete with a stocked First Aid supplies, flashlights, a radio, and batteries.
#BOONDOCKING RV GENERATOR#
Consider your needs before you venture out and invest in a generator or rechargeable batteries to make the transition smooth. It’s easy to think you can go without, but you soon realize that you depend on the appliances that make life easier. Honestly, I’ve found that one of the biggest things for new boondockers to overcome is the lack of electricity. Consider the weather if you have solar panels-you need to make sure you’ll be getting enough sun during the day to charge your batteries for later use. It works best when paired with batteries because it’ll recharge them when they’re not in use. Solar setups are the most environmentally friendly option for boondocking. The batteries will have to recharge periodically, so you’ll have to factor in that time and effort.
#BOONDOCKING RV TV#
Heavy-duty batteries can power your refrigerator and power outlets, giving you enough charge to watch TV or cook dinner with kitchen appliances. Some boondocking sites don’t allow generators due to the pollution and noise they make, so you’ll want to check your options before buying one. You will, however, be making a lot of exhaust when you burn the gas. They’re rigged with a failsafe to cut off when your gas tank hits a quarter, so you won’t be stranded without gas. The generator will pull gas or diesel from your fuel line to power your appliances. Large motorhomes have built-in generators, but if you have anything smaller than that, you can purchase a separate generator. Know Your Power Needsīoondocking means you won’t be able to use any appliance or outlet on your RV, so unless you’re prepared to do without, you might want to invest in a generator, battery, or solar setup. Be considerate about the noise and smell if you’re running a generator, and don’t trespass on their space. This can be nearby campers or people who live in towns near the land. Be gracious about the experience you’re getting and make sure you don’t overstay your welcome or leave anything behind you.Īs with any camp, be courteous to neighbors you might have while boondocking.

Boondocking Etiquetteīoondocking is legal, but you also need to consider that you’re camping on natural land, often without paying. You can also meal prep before your trip so you don’t have to cook or wash at all. Consider grilling instead of using cookware. Washing dishes is another task that will use a lot of your freshwater. You can use biodegradable wipes to clean up, or just take advantage of your location and jump in the nearest body of water! Showers will use a lot of water, so you might choose to shower in public facilities if they’re available. You could also opt to bury your waste safely. If possible, you can use public toilets when you go out for the day-if they’re available. You can use your RV bathroom without water hookups, but you won’t be able to dispose of the waste. Consider getting a pump and filter that pulls wastewater from the grey water tank and uses it to flush the toilet.
#BOONDOCKING RV FULL#
If you’re trying to make it the full two weeks allowed, you’re going to have to pack a water bladder so you don’t have to go without.Įmpty your black and gray tanks according to guidelines before you boondock. If you’re only venturing out overnight, having some water in your freshwater tanks should be enough. When you plan your boondocking adventure, think about how long you plan to camp so you can manage your water smartly.
