RV dry camping, also known as boondocking, is a form of camping where you stay in your recreational vehicle (RV) without any hookups to water, electricity, or sewer. Unlike traditional RV camping at designated campgrounds, dry camping allows you to park your RV in more remote locations, often for free or at a minimal cost.
Many RV enthusiasts prefer dry camping because it offers a greater sense of freedom and adventure. You can camp in beautiful, secluded spots away from crowded campgrounds. However, dry camping also requires more preparation and self-sufficiency since you won’t have access to the usual amenities.
How Dry Camping Differs from Traditional RV Camping
Traditional RV camping typically involves staying at established campgrounds or RV parks that provide various hookups:
- Electrical hookups: Usually 30-amp or 50-amp service
- Water hookups: Direct connection to fresh water supply
- Sewer hookups: Direct connection for gray and black water tanks
- Other amenities: Often include Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, and sometimes swimming pools or recreation areas
In contrast, dry camping means:
- No electrical connections (you rely on batteries, solar power, or generators)
- No direct water supply (you use your RV’s fresh water tank)
- No sewer connection (you must manage your waste tanks carefully)
- Often no facilities like restrooms or showers (you use your RV’s facilities)
Essential Equipment for Dry Camping
To successfully dry camp, you’ll need some essential equipment and systems in your RV:
Power Systems
- Batteries: Deep-cycle batteries store power for lights, water pump, and small appliances
- Solar panels: Convert sunlight into electricity to recharge batteries
- Generator: Provides backup power when solar isn’t enough (follow quiet hours)
- Inverter: Converts battery power (DC) to household power (AC) for some appliances
Water Systems
- Fresh water tank: Stores your drinking and washing water
- Water filtration: Optional but recommended for purifying water from natural sources
- Water conservation devices: Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators
Waste Management
- Gray water tank: Holds wastewater from sinks and shower
- Black water tank: Holds waste from toilet
- Portable waste tank: Allows you to transport waste to dump stations
Other Useful Gear
- LED lights: Use less power than traditional bulbs
- Propane system: Powers refrigerator, stove, and sometimes heater
- First aid kit: Essential for remote camping
- Emergency supplies: Extra food, water, tools
Choosing the Right Location for Dry Camping
Finding good dry camping spots requires some research and planning:
Public Lands
In the United States, you can often dry camp for free on:
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land: Many areas allow 14-day stays
- National Forests: Often permit dispersed camping
- Wildlife Management Areas: Check local regulations
- Some state trust lands: Rules vary by state
Other Options
- Parking lots: Some Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or casino parking lots allow overnight RV parking
- Rest areas: Some permit overnight stays (check state regulations)
- Friend’s property: With permission, of course
What to Look For
When scouting a dry camping spot, consider:
- Accessibility: Can your RV safely reach and exit the site?
- Level ground: Makes for more comfortable camping
- Natural protection: Trees or terrain that block wind
- Distance from roads: Reduces noise and dust
- Sun exposure: Important if using solar power
- Local regulations: Always check camping rules and stay limits
Water Management While Dry Camping
Water is precious when dry camping. Here’s how to manage it:
Conservation Tips
- Navy showers: Wet down, turn off water, soap up, rinse quickly
- Use paper plates: Reduces dishwashing water
- Cook one-pot meals: Fewer dishes to wash
- Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving
- Use hand sanitizer when appropriate to save water
Calculating Water Needs
A general guideline for water usage:
- Drinking/cooking: 1 gallon per person per day
- Minimal washing: 1/2 gallon per person per day
- Basic shower: 2-3 gallons per person (with conservation)
Multiply by your planned stay duration and number of people to estimate needs. Always bring extra.
Refilling Water
Options for refilling your fresh water tank:
- Dump stations: Many have potable water fill
- Gas stations/truck stops: Some have RV water fills
- Campgrounds: May allow water fill for a small fee
- Natural sources: Only with proper filtration/treatment
Power Management Strategies
Without electrical hookups, power management becomes crucial:
Energy Sources
- Solar power: Silent and renewable but weather-dependent
- Generator: Reliable but noisy (use during daytime hours)
- Vehicle alternator: Charges batteries while driving
- Wind power: Less common for RVs but an option in some setups
Reducing Power Consumption
- Use LED lights: They use about 1/10 the power of incandescent bulbs
- Limit inverter use: Only run essential AC devices
- Manage refrigerator: Keep full (items retain cold better), avoid frequent opening
- Unplug devices: Even when off, many draw “phantom” power
- Monitor battery levels: Don’t discharge below 50% to prolong battery life
Battery Care
- Regular maintenance: Check water levels in lead-acid batteries
- Proper charging: Use appropriate charger for your battery type
- Temperature awareness: Extreme cold reduces battery performance
- Battery monitoring: Install a monitor to track state of charge
Waste Disposal Considerations
Proper waste management is critical for environmental protection and legal compliance:
Black Water Tank Tips
- Use plenty of water: Helps waste break down and flow out
- Add treatments: Helps control odors and break down solids
- Dump when 2/3 full: Prevents overfilling and clogs
- Use RV-specific toilet paper: Dissolves properly
Gray Water Practices
- Use biodegradable soaps: Better for the environment
- Spread gray water: In some areas, you can disperse it widely (check regulations)
- Don’t let food particles accumulate: Can attract animals
Finding Dump Stations
Locations to empty your tanks:
- RV parks/campgrounds: Often available for a fee
- Truck stops: Many have RV dump facilities
- Rest areas: Some offer dumping
- Wastewater treatment plants: Some municipalities allow dumping
Food Storage and Preparation
Proper food handling is especially important when dry camping:
Storage Solutions
- Bear-proof containers: Essential in bear country
- Coolers: For perishables if refrigerator space is limited
- Airtight containers: Keep pests out and food fresh
Cooking Methods
- Propane stove: Standard in most RVs
- Campfire cooking: Where permitted (check fire restrictions)
- Solar oven: Eco-friendly option in sunny climates
- Electric appliances: Only if you have sufficient power
Meal Planning
- Non-perishable foods: Reduce refrigeration needs
- One-pot meals: Minimize cleanup and water use
- Pre-prepared foods: Saves time and energy
- Proper food disposal: Never leave scraps that could attract wildlife
Safety Considerations for Dry Camping
Remote camping requires extra safety precautions:
Emergency Preparedness
- Communication devices: Cell booster, satellite phone, or personal locator beacon
- First aid knowledge: Basic medical training is valuable
- Emergency supplies: Extra food, water, and warm clothing
- Vehicle maintenance: Ensure your RV is in good condition
Wildlife Awareness
- Proper food storage: Prevents attracting animals
- Know local wildlife: Understand potential dangers
- Carry protection: Bear spray where appropriate
- Keep distance: Never approach or feed wild animals
Personal Security
- Remote location safety: Be aware of your surroundings
- Lock doors at night: Basic security measure
- Trust your instincts: If a spot feels unsafe, move on
- Let someone know your plans: Share your itinerary with a contact
Advantages of Dry Camping
Despite the challenges, dry camping offers many benefits:
- Cost savings: Often free or much cheaper than campgrounds
- Privacy: Away from crowded RV parks
- Beautiful locations: Access to stunning natural settings
- Self-sufficiency: Rewarding to rely on your own systems
- Flexibility: Freedom to stay where you want
- Adventure: More authentic outdoor experience
Challenges of Dry Camping
Be aware of potential difficulties:
- Limited resources: Must carefully manage water and power
- No amenities: Missing conveniences like laundry or showers
- Isolation: Far from help in emergencies
- Waste disposal: Need to plan for tank emptying
- Weather exposure: More vulnerable without hookups
- Learning curve: Requires practice to master systems
Tips for First-Time Dry Campers
If you’re new to dry camping, start with these suggestions:
- Practice at home: Try living without hookups in your driveway first
- Short initial trips: Start with 1-2 nights to learn your systems
- Choose accessible locations: Stay relatively close to resources
- Bring extras: Pack more water and supplies than you think you’ll need
- Monitor usage: Track your water and power consumption
- Have backup plans: Know where nearby dump stations and water fills are
- Start in good weather: Avoid extreme conditions for first attempts
Environmental Responsibility
Dry campers have a special duty to protect nature:
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and waste
- Respect wildlife: Observe from a distance
- Stay on durable surfaces: Avoid damaging vegetation
- Proper waste disposal: Never dump gray or black water improperly
- Minimize campfire impact: Use existing fire rings when possible
- Keep noise down: Preserve the natural soundscape
Conclusion
RV dry camping opens up a world of adventure and freedom for RV enthusiasts. While it requires more preparation and self-sufficiency than traditional RV camping, the rewards of beautiful, secluded locations and the satisfaction of independent travel make it worthwhile for many. With proper planning, the right equipment, and responsible practices, dry camping can be an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors in your RV.
Whether you’re looking to save money on campground fees, escape crowded RV parks, or simply challenge yourself with a more self-reliant form of camping, dry camping offers an appealing alternative. Start small, learn your systems, and gradually extend your dry camping adventures as you gain experience and confidence. Happy boondocking!
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