The Complete Guide to RV Boondocking (for Beginners) + Avoid these Mistakes
Gone are the days of paid camping!
Today, it’s all about RV boondocking.
If you’re interested in the learning how to boondock in an RV, but aren’t sure how it all works, this boondocking guide will cover every little detail you need to know before your first off-grid adventure in your travel trailer.
Our tips include how to get started, what supplies are needed, how long you can boondock in an RV, how to power your RV, how to find the best free boondocking, campsite etiquette and more.
Learn the Best RV Boondocking tips and hit the road with confidence.
Let’s get started!
Definition of Boondocking
So, what exactly does “boondocking” mean?
RV Boondocking, off-grid camping, dry camping, and dispersed camping are simply all different names that refer to camping in an RV or travel trailer on public lands without any hook-ups (water, electricity & sewer).
There are many benefits to RV boondocking, including shrinking your footprint, and using less resources.
Not to mention it keeps camping simple and cost-free. Say goodbye to amenities, and being assigned a specific campsite.
No bothersome camp neighbors? Count me in!
Want to know my absolute favorite thing about Boondock Camping? It’s truly the best way to disconnect from city life and immerse yourself in nature.
RV Bondocking For Beginners
Are you planning on taking your RV boondocking for the first time?
Not a problem!
Find out the best RV Boondocking Tips and tricks for any newbie RVers who want know how to get started.
Is it safe to Boondock in my RV?
Boondock camping in an RV is generally a safe option, and most people are super friendly!
But there are some things you need to know before boondocking at remote campsites.
Statistics show that crimes are most likely to happen in the city, not in the wilderness.
Thankfully for you, that means realistically, the chances of someone driving out to the middle-of-nowhere-woods searching for unsuspecting campers is pretty unlikely.
In all our years of travel, we’ve never felt unsafe.
But, here are a few bonuses of RV Boondocking that might help you feel safer in the woods at put your mind at ease:
- You have wheels: If you have a sketchy feeling about the area, you can leave. Keep your keys close by so you can activate your car alarm if you suspect anything.
- Bring a Flashlight: Take with you a good flashlight so you can see what is out there if you hear a noise.
- Consider self-defense options: Many feel safer with a firearm. Just be sure you know how to use it properly.
- Bear Spray: You can easily protect yourself without doing any real long-lasting damage to a predator. I always have my bearspray handy, especially in bear country.
- Keep cell phone close by: If you are boondocking with cell service and you are in danger, call the police (dial 911).
Is Boondocking really legal?
Absolutely it’s legal!
Almost every National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land throughout the United States allows primitive camping areas without amenities.
Typically, you can camp anywhere on National Forest as long as there are no signs that tell you otherwise.
This makes boondocking an excellent alternative for RVers who do not want to stay at a paid public campground.
How to find free RV Boondocking
The easiest way to find places to boondock for free will be online resources.
We use a website called Campendium.com that provides the exact location to free boondocking campsites, as well as places to dump your black and gray tanks with a little 💩 symbol.
Learn more about the apps and websites we use to find epic free RV camping (with seriously awesome boondocking spots + some user friendly apps).
Pro Tip: Arrive during the daytime so you can inspect the area. Since you won’t be camping in a marked parking space, you will need to visually inspect the area to find the best spot for your RV.
How to prepare for your first RV boondocking trip
Do A Practice Run: Take your RV on a weekend trip somewhere close to home, like a nearby RV Park or campground, and practice your boondocking skills by living off-grid for a few days.
Pre-plan your meals: Planning your meals before you go camping is essential. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure that you have something tasty and satisfying for every meal. We recommend packing a variety of quick and easy-to-prepare meals. Be specific about what ingredients are needed so nothing goes to waste.
Start with a full fresh water tank: The best way to ensure that you have ample water supply on your RV boondocking trip is by filling up your fresh water tank before leaving home.
Figure out where you are camping before leaving home: Another great way to prepare for boondocking in your RV is know exactly where you are camping ahead of time. This can be done with apps and websites like Campendium and iOverlander.
Test your RV Batteries: When boondocking, every ounce of power counts. Make sure your RV Batteries are working properly or invest in a deep cycle or Lithium Ion battery.
Top Up on Propane: Another key thing to keep in mind when boondocking is that you’ll need to have propane tanks full before leaving home. This will help ensure that you don’t run out of gas while cooking on the road or heating up your RV.
Pack more than you need: Boondocking does require some degree of self-reliance. The more you pack, the better your boondocking trip will be. By packing more than you need, especially when it comes to water, food, and fuel, if something happens, you have extra supplies to get back home with. You’ll also want to pack an emergency kit with RV safety essentials.
Check the Weather Forecast: Inclement weather can be a tricky thing to navigate when you’re out in the wilderness. The last thing that anyone wants is bad weather conditions, so make sure and check for any storms or high winds before your adventure begins!
How do I go to the bathroom when nature calls?
There are a couple of ways to answer nature’s call.
And you can definitely use your RV bathroom when boondocking. Just be sure you have added the correct chemicals to your black water tank to ensure your waste will break down properly.
We like happy campers or these bio paks. Just follow the directions on the packaging to get the right amount in your black tank. Please dispose of your black water tank waste properly.
When pee and poo are combined it creates a bio-hazard and must be disposed of at an RV dump station. ☢️
Here are some other options if you don’t want to use your RV toilet:
- Nature’s Head Composting Toilet: If you know you are going to be boondocking a lot and don’t want to deal with dumping your black tank. A composting toilet is a great option. Basically, it separates the urine from the solids. The solids drop down into a holding area where your poo is turned into a natural fertilizer and can last 2 people up to 6 weeks. The pee needs to be dumped every 2 days or so.
- Going Outside: Please answer nature’s call in the woods responsibly. That means, if you have to pee make sure you are 100 feet away from any water source. To go poo, dig a hole 200 feet away from any water source, and at least 6 inches deep, simply fill the hole when you are done. It will naturally degrade in the soil. Make sure to pack out your toilet paper (most is NOT biodegradable).
Powering your RV while Boondocking💡
Boondock camping means you cannot hook your RV up to any shore power.
You’re going to want a good, reliable way of powering your RV when camping off grid.
An RV with batteries made for boondocking, solar panels and an onboard generator system is a great choice if you want to boondock in RV for an extended period of time. Here’s our tried and tested product recommendations for keeping your RV powered when off grid camping.
Lithium Ion Batteries: Lithium Ion batteries are a popular type of RV battery because they last four times as long and weigh less. They also have an energy density that allows them to hold up with twice the power when compared against lead acid cells, making this type best for those who will be using their RVs for extended boondocking trips.
Solar Panels: If you are new to RV Boondocking then you probably don’t already have Solar Panels installed on your rig yet. But they make a huge difference. On our Travel Trailer, we have panels installed on the roof and as long as we have sun, we can use all the electricity we want. We use Renogy Solar Panels. ☀️
Get a Goal Zero: It’s basically like a big battery bank. Goal Zeros are great for about a week of charging your phone or camera so you can always stay connected. However, it’s not so great for powering your RV.
Invest in a Generator: We all know how important it is to prepare for the unexpected. It’s a good idea to invest in a gas powered generator for emergencies. So no matter what happens, your fridge and other necessary appliances will continue working. We have a Yamaha Generator and have been very happy with it.
Portable Solar Panel: This is a great place to start with solar and is super affordable. Plus, you can face it in the direction of the sun throughout the day to get optimal power. store that solar energy in a battery bank to be used when the sun goes down. Renogy has a great option for a foldable portable suitcase solar panel.
Getting Internet While Boondocking
For those who are looking to live as digital nomads, having cell service is incredibly important.
A cell booster is a device that takes existing cell signals and boosts it.
The exterior antenna captures the initial, weak reception of signals from nearby cell towers and amplifies it.
This amplified version can then be broadcast inside your RV via its interior antenna.
Cel-Fi GO RV Smart Signal Booster
Cel-Fi GO X RV is our choice for having the most powerful and reliable cellular signal booster. It offers unparalleled performance, and incredible coverage with its directional antenna system that enhances cell phone signals better than any other product out there, ensuring you stay connected no matter where life takes your traveling adventures!
Learn more about the Best Cell Boosters for Digital Nomads.
Starlink for Boondocking
Starlink internet from SpaceX has revolutionized the way RVers get internet while boondocking. It provides reliable satellite internet anywhere in the US.
Our friends have Starlink and it powered nearly 12 devices, with 100 mbps down in some of the most remote parts of the country.
If you end up loving boondocking so much that you want to become a full time nomad, consider getting Starlink.
What's the best method for cooking while RV Boondocking?
Most RV’s come with a propane cooktop and oven which makes for convenient cooking when in the woods.
Make sure that you fill your propane tank before you leave.
The last thing you want is to get to your location and find out you have no propane.
You can find propane refill stations at hardware stores, RV dealers, and even some gas stations.
If you’re craving a good ole camping grill out, check out our favorite gear for outdoor cooking:
Barbecue Grill:An outdoor portable BBQ grill is a must for camping. It is so much easier to clean (less dishes to wash, woo!) This grill has a collapsible design for easy storage and requires no matches so you can grill anywhere your travels take you.
Camp Chef Everest Cooktop: Cooking outside is amazing. And you’ll want this Camp Chef Everest High Pressure Two-Burner Stove that pumps out all the heat you will need for outdoor cooking. Plus, it lights up quickly and easily with a matchless ignition system.
Coleman Collapsible Camp Oven: Great for when you want to bake something, but don’t want to heat up your RV. I love this Coleman Camp Oven because it sits right on top of the camp chef propane cooktop, has a built in thermometer and folds up to be nice and compact.
Cooler for food and drinks: Since you won’t be hooked up to shore power unless you plan to install solar panels or get a generator, the food in your fridge will not stay cold. This means you need to have a way to keep your food cold.
How to Refill Fresh Water Tank While RV Boondocking 🚰
How much water do you need to Boondock? Where do you get water when Boondocking? Water conservation is important while Boondocking but it doesn’t mean you can’t shower or live “normally.” We have a few tips on how we like to store and use water to make the most out of it:
Get a portable RV Fresh Water Tank: Traveling with a portable fresh water tank or water bladder is easy and convenient when you need to refill your tank. This handy device safely stores up to thirty-six gallons of potable water when you are camping without hookups.
Drinking-Water Containers: Fill up 5-gallon water storage containers of freshwater at Walmart or any grocery store that offers drinking water fill stations. Their water is filtered and 5 Gallons lasts us a week for all of our cooking and drinking needs.
Use a Low Flow Showerhead: Oxygenics are a great option to help you save water. You can also learn how to take “navy showers” when you are boondocking to help conserve water.
Berkey Water Filters: A lot of full-time RV boondockers swear by the Berkey Water Filters which allows them to turn any clear freshwater source into safe drinking water.
What do I do with my Trash?
Keep in mind you will be stuck for a few days with anything you throw away while camping.
The simplest way to limit the amount of trash you acquire is to eat fresh foods. Fruits and vegetables don’t usually come in packaging that has to be thrown away.
We keep grocery bags in our trailer for trash. Since we are limited on space, we don’t have room for the white gallon bags anywhere. When one of them gets full, we place them in the back of the truck to keep bears and critters from getting into it. Once we get to town, we dispose of them at a gas station.
Pro Tip: Cereal boxes, cardboard and paper items can be burned 🔥 in your campfire to reduce the amount of trash you carry with you.
What if I’m on the road to my RV boondocking site and need a place to stay for the night?
Outside of camping in the woods, there are options for travelers to stay overnight in the city. You might be wondering, can you boondock at Walmart? Yes, you can boondock at most Walmarts. There is a designated parking lot for RVs within most Walmarts across America and Canada. These other places also offer their parking lots for free:
- Cabela’s: an outdoor retailer that provides designated RV parking for their customers at select stores.
- Cracker Barrel: a popular eatery that allows overnight RV parking at select locations.
- Walmart: Those looking for RV Boondocking can stay up to 24 hours at a time in any Walmart parking lot. It’s the perfect option for stocking up on supplies before tucking in for the night and getting an early start to your destination the next day.
- Truck Stops: Many truck stops and rest areas are totally fine with RVers and Van campers staying overnight. Usually first-come-first-serve, but they offer overnight parking.
Know the Rules of RV Boondocking
Most National forest or BLM land have rules about how long you can stay and if campfires are allowed. We have been to a few that only allow camping for 3 days, and others that will allow you to be there for 16 days.
Remember to Leave No Trace ♻️
Always pack out what you pack in. Leave your off-grid campsite in better condition than when you arrived. Please follow the Leave no trace guidelines:
- Plan ahead and be prepared
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Do your best to minimize your campfire impact
- Respect wildlife at all times
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Help educate others
Together we can help minimize our impact in the wild and help make it be a happy place for everyone to enjoy.
Boondock Camping Essentials for your RV
No one tells you what you are going to need when you go boondocking in RV for the first time.
You’re so excited about the first trip that you don’t realize there are actually extra things you need that will make boondocking in your RV more comfortable and convenient.
So, without further ado, here’s my list of things you actually need for your RV when you are boondock RV Camping for the very first time.
Leveling Blocks + Level: I can’t tell you how essential these are. It doesn’t matter if you are in an RV, bus, or Van, you need these. There’s nothing worse than driving hours to a new camp spot just to find out how unlevel the ground is. Don’t forget a level!
Cell Phone Booster: If you like getting phone service when camping off-grid, you might like to add a cell booster to your collection of boondocking gear.
Solar Panel Kit: Solar panels are great for charging phones and other personal electronics in remote locations. Did you know that to charge a phone from an outlet, it takes as long as 8 hours? That’s why many people choose solar power instead of trying to find the nearest wall socket!
Portable Barbecue Grill: Camping is only as good as the food you whip up on your portable grill. You can cook with ease even when camping in remote locations!
Berkey Water Filter: If you don’t want to be lugging around a bunch of heavy water bottles, and you don’t like to drink tap water, the Berkey filter is the best solution for thirsty people on-the-go!
Want to rent an RV for your first Boondocking trip?
We recommend Weelerz for RV rentals. Navigating the website is easy, and it helps you find the best deals on RV rentals in the US. Just enter the destination you want to visit, add the dates and Weelerz will compare all prices saving you time and money!
RV Boondocking Guide
We hope you’ve found this boondocking guide helpful and that it has inspired to explore the world while camping off-grid, responsibly.
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or comments!
Do you have a favorite wild camping spot or RV Boondocking tips of your own you would like to share? Post them in the comments below.
There is always something new to learn!
Our blog is full of tips and tricks to make RV ownership easier.
From finding the best boondocking locations throughout the US to choosing a cell booster for your RV.
Be sure to check our RV Boondocking Resources for more helpful guides related to RV living.
Additional RV living posts you might find helpful:
What a great post about RVing! You answered a ton of questions I had wondered about with RVs. We don’t have one – we pretty much always tent camp – so I am always wondering how the RVers get by. I will definitely be returning to this post if we ever decide to take the plunge into the RV world. It sounds like a super sustainable way to live and travel!
Great information! I have friends that just were Boondocking for 2 months. It was very helpful to have a toilet with then during these times when most paces are closed due to COVID. Plus it was safer to use their own facilities than any public ones!