Last Updated on September 10, 2024
Have you ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and immersing yourself in the serenity of nature? Boondocking, or dry camping, offers a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors without the need for traditional campsite amenities. It's an adventure that brings you closer to nature, allowing you to camp in some of the most remote and beautiful locations. We found a great video from the YouTube channel HappilyEverHanks that delves into the ins and outs of boondocking. Below, we've highlighted some key tips from the video, but make sure to watch the entire video at the bottom of this article for a more comprehensive guide. Now, let’s dive into some essential boondocking tips!
1. Choose Your Location Wisely
Selecting the right location is crucial for a successful boondocking experience. Look for public lands such as Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, national forests, and other places where boondocking is allowed. Always check local regulations to ensure that overnight camping is permitted.
Remember, just because your GPS says it's a road doesn’t mean it’s not a goat path in disguise. Trust me, your RV will thank you for avoiding those “roads” that look like they were designed by mountain goats on caffeine.
2. Be Prepared with Supplies
When boondocking, you won't have access to amenities like water, electricity, or sewer hookups. Make sure to stock up on essentials such as fresh water, food, and fuel. Solar panels and generators can be lifesavers for maintaining power.
If you think you’ve packed enough snacks, pack more. Nothing ruins a scenic sunset faster than realizing you’re out of your favorite chips. And no, the desert does not have a 24/7 convenience store.
3. Manage Waste Properly
One of the golden rules of boondocking is to leave no trace. Bring along portable waste tanks and know where the nearest dump stations are. This helps keep the environment clean and ensures that boondocking spots remain open for others to enjoy.
Think of waste management as a game of Tetris. Only instead of colorful blocks, you’re dealing with, well, less colorful substances. Just don’t mix up the gray and black tanks, or you’ll have a whole new level of adventure.
4. Plan for Connectivity Issues
Remote locations often mean limited or no cell service. Download maps and entertainment before you head out, and let someone know your itinerary for safety reasons.
Losing cell service can be a blessing in disguise. It’s the perfect excuse to ignore those work emails and finally finish that novel you’ve been pretending to read for the past year.
5. Respect Nature and Fellow Campers
Boondocking is all about enjoying nature, so be respectful of your surroundings and other campers. Keep noise to a minimum, and avoid setting up camp too close to others unless necessary.
Treat your campsite like a first date. Be polite, don’t make too much noise, and for the love of all things holy, clean up after yourself. No one wants to find your “leftovers” next season.
We hope these tips help you get the most out of your boondocking adventures. For a more detailed guide, be sure to watch the full video from HappilyEverHanks:
