Boondocking in Your Camper
Love camping in your RV, but getting tired of crowded campsites? One way to change your routine is by going off the grid and trying out boondocking. Also called “dry camping,” boondocking refers to the practice of camping out in the wilderness without hook-ups. Curious about this practice? We’ve got some of the best tips for successful boondocking in a camper, so your next adventure goes off without a hitch!
Check Rules and Regulations
While boondocking on public lands is legal, it pays to know some of the regulations that are in place. Some limitations exist as to where you can camp. For example, you’ll need permission from a landowner before you camp on their private lands.
Pay heed to “no overnight camping” signs in an area. Many places will have time limits as to how long you can stay. Generally, your limit will be around two weeks. Know what the rules are where you’re going to avoid fines from law enforcement.
Make sure that you aren’t leaving litter or waste behind. Take out everything you bring in and leave the campsite in better condition than how you found it by removing any trash or recyclables you find. Park your camper at least 300 feet away from a water source to avoid polluting it with trash, fluids, or waste. Never empty your blackwater or gray water tanks on the ground! Wait until you go back to town to find a dump station.
Acquire a Reliable Power Source
When you’re camping without access to electricity hook-ups, you’re left to your own devices when it comes to powering your camper’s appliances. You’ll want to make sure you’re bringing enough propane with you for a boondocking trip so you won’t have to pack up and head back into town to get more.
The other primary source of power is solar energy, which is harnessed via solar panels that store energy from the sun in a battery. While it can be a costly initial investment to install solar panels on your camper, the savings can be substantial over time since you’re making use of sustainable and renewable power.
Plan for Emergencies
When you’re boondocking, you’re going to be far from the nearest town and may not even have any other people nearby, which means you'll have to be proactive and self-sufficient. Stock your camper with necessary emergency gear, like flashlights, a hand-crank radio, mylar blankets, a hatchet, extra food and water, first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers, and signaling devices.
Looking for campers for sale near San Diego, CA? Come see us at MYRV in El Cajon to browse our selection. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff looks forward to serving you!