Going Boondocking/Dry Camping
Sure, taking your RV to a nice campsite is always a great way to spend a weekend, but if you really want to seclude yourself from the rest of the world and get in touch with nature, nothing beats dry camping, otherwise known as boondocking.
Boondocking might not allow you all the conveniences that campsites do, such as on-site bathrooms, electrical hookups, and nearby grocery stores, but that’s also what makes boondocking so fun! You get to experience the great outdoors like they’re meant to be felt, without the distractions, fees, and neighbors that are always part of campground camping.
Before you get going on your trip, you’ll need to prepare a little more than you would for regular camping trips. This guide offers some guidance about how to safely and appropriately plan for boondocking, so read over these guidelines and you’ll have the knowledge you need to get going! Also, you don’t want to take any trip out to the wilderness unless your RV is in excellent condition, so if you have any damaged parts or need some amenities, schedule a service appointment at The Outpost RV. We’re located in Middlebury, Indiana and we proudly serve the areas of Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Follow the Rules and Regulations
Although boondocking is perfectly legal in every state and on the national level, there are still a few strict regulations that must be observed. For instance, you absolutely cannot camp on National Parks, but you can park on any other federal land. Private land is also an option, but you obviously have to get permission from the owner. If you have a friend with a ranch or a lot of land, that’s always a great place to set up camp. Along with parking regulations, make sure to obey any fire restrictions. Don’t burn during fire bans, and don’t start new pits (there are always pre-existing ones you can find). Also, dispose of your waste properly. Your RV probably has a black water tank, but if not, make sure you bury your waste at least 6 inches in the ground. Finally, don’t stay in one place longer than 14 days. Regulations don’t allow you to camp in the same spot for this long, although, strange as it is, you can just move a mile down the road after your two weeks is up and camp there for another 14 days.
Decide on Energy Source
If you’re really going to get “off the grid,” you’ll realize what that implies immediately: there’s no easy power. So, if you want power, you’ll have to settle for either propane or solar energy. Propane power is more reliable - it works as long as you have fuel - but propane will always run out. Solar power, on the other hand, can be hard to harness, but once you do, you don’t really run out until the sun goes away. A good idea is to try mixing a little bit of both. During the daytime, you can charge your battery with the solar panels, but when it gets cloudy or at night, use the propane to keep everything running. If you have the luxury of extra batteries and more solar panels, you might be able to charge all the batteries and then rely entirely on solar energy. To fill any gaps between though, it’s always good to have the propane for a backup.
Emergency Preparation
Lastly, emergencies can happen on any trip, but if you’re going to be out in the middle of nowhere, you especially don’t want to be caught unprepared. Tell someone you know or a nearby park ranger where you’ll be camping and how long you’ll be gone so they can send someone looking for you if you don’t come back. Also, stock up completely on emergency supplies. You’ll need a radio, medical supplies (including a first aid kit), spare food, water, and a cell phone. If you can find an area with service, or where there’s service nearby, you’ll have a much easier time contacting someone immediately in case of an emergency.
Dry camping is the best way to enjoy the great outdoors in their purest form, but because it’s so isolated, it also comes with many more challenges. Always do a little research before heading out there, and if you have more questions, or need services to your RV, come talk to us at The Outpost RV. Our Middlebury, Indiana location proudly serves the areas of Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, Indiana.