What is boondocking?

The phrase “boondocking” generally means free off-the-grid camping. Some free camping can be found at truck stops, rest areas, and some big-box stores like Walmart or Home Depot, although with a usual limitation of a single night stay only. Most people consider boondocking as the free camping out in the ‘boonies’ in our public lands such as National Forest or BLM lands (they refer to it as “dispersed camping”). On those public lands boondocking can be done for longer periods of time, generally up to two weeks at a time although some places have different limits and usually posted on the signs leading into such areas, or on the National Forest or BLM websites.

When boondocking, there will be no hookups. This requires your RV to be fully self sufficient during your stay with power, water, and waste disposal 100%  your responsibility. If you are lucky, you will have chosen a location with nearby pit toilets, but many times you may not even have that luxury.

New to boondocking? The following will help you understand what to expect

Boondocking etiquette;

• Choose locations that have been clearly used by others in the past. Try not to destroy any more of the plants, trees, or land.
• Stay only as long as permitted. Staying beyond the posted limits causes areas to be shut down to boondocking for future people.
• Always pack out your trash, and if possible, pickup additional trash that others may have left behind. Never dump human waste on the ground.
• Give room for your neighbors as they are there for some solitude as well. One rig per clearing is normal, but a friendly request can go a long way if you are unsure.
• First come first served. You do not get to muscle others out of their spot. If they were there first, it is their spot.
• If you need to run a generator, talk with your neighbors about times of the day to run them. Solar is best, but everyone understands the need for a generator if you are without solar.
• Don’t block the entire view, or at least expect daily visitors in your camp if you are. You may have claimed the land you are parked on, but the view is for everyone. Welcome those visitors to setup chairs, have a communal camp fire, and make new friends.
• If you do not like your neighbors – move. Do not expect them to move, just do it yourself and save yourself the headache.
• Many other have pets, and while off-leash dogs is more common when boondocking, be aware of your neighbors. Leash them up if you need to. If your dog does a lot of barking, consider keeping it indoors to reduce noise pollution.