The Basics of RV Boondocking

Taking camping trips in your RV is a wonderful way to see the country, but it might feel a bit limiting to stick to campgrounds and designated sites. Fortunately, there’s another way to camp: boondocking. Also known as “dry camping,” boondocking is simply parking your RV wherever you’re able to do so and relying on generators and your water tanks instead of power and water hook-ups for your utilities. Before you take your first boondocking trip, here’s what you need to know.

Know the Rules

When boondocking, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations of the place you’ve chosen to park your RV. There are many places that will be off-limits to you; typically, these are marked with “No Overnight Camping” signs. You’ll also need the express permission of a landowner before you park on private lands. Additionally, you must park 300’ or more away from water sources so that they don’t become polluted. The standard limit for how long you can park your RV in one place without moving it is around two weeks.

Be Respectful

As a dry camper, you will need to ensure that you’re practicing “leave no trace” ethics wherever you go. Pick up all trash and recycling, don’t leave any fire pits or smoldering wood, and never empty your blackwater or graywater tanks outside of a dump station. Avoid making too much noise at night and don’t be disorderly.

Prepare Your RV

Finally, you’ll need to make sure that your RV is ready for camping without hookups. A reliable power source in the form of solar panels on the roof or a generator with propane for fuel will be necessary to power your RV’s electrical system. Meanwhile, you’ll want to fill up your freshwater tank with clean water and bring bottled water with you to ensure you have enough water for washing, bathing, cooking, and drinking.

Stop by our dealership in Vernal, UT, today to view our wide stock of new and used RVs for sale. Let us know if you’d like to use our financing options on your RV purchase. B&D RV Center is proud to serve our customers in the cities of Salt Lake City, Utah; Grand Junction, Colorado; and Rock Springs, Wyoming.