Anyone who loves the outdoors can agree that spending a night in the wilderness is one of life’s greatest pleasures. As boondocking has become increasingly popular in recent years, more people are flocking to the idea of truly getting away from it all.
Whether you’re looking to embark on your first boondocking trip or just want to learn more about this type of camping, keep reading for everything you need to know about boondocking!
So, What Exactly is Boondocking?
In short, boondocking is dispersed camping on public lands. In most cases, boondocking is completely free – but there are a few exceptions where campers may need to pay a small fee or obtain a permit.
The “boondocks” refers to a remote rural area off the beaten path from a more developed area. Camping in the boondocks is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of nature, as long as you’re up for some of the (rewarding!) challenges that come with this type of camping.
The main idea of boondocking is that campers are away from designated campgrounds and your typical camping amenities. There is no direct access to water spouts, toilets and showers, electricity, fire rings, picnic tables, and in most cases – neighbors. Boondocking is considered dry camping – but not all dry camping is considered boondocking!
Many people believe boondocking requires an RV, but there are many ways to boondock! The spirit of this camping style relies more so on where and what you camp with and less on how you choose to do it. There’s no wrong way to boondock – whatever you prefer, boondocking is a wonderful experience that is just as magical the 15th time as it is the first.
Boondocking in an RV
One of the most common ways to go boondocking is with an RV. An RV can be easily moved from place to place, and this option is especially convenient for longer-term boondocking.
Depending on your RV’s features, taking this route makes it easier to have access to water and electricity – as long as you plan to supply your own via generators and water storage tanks! For help choosing a water heater, check out our post on the best RV water heaters.
When boondocking in an RV, it’s important to consider the dimensions of your vehicle – the last thing you want is to drive out to your desired spot and find that your RV doesn’t fit the way you had hoped. When parking your vehicle, it’s always best to park facing a way out in the event you have to leave suddenly.
For everything you need to know about this type of camping, check out our Ultimate Guide to Boondocking in an RV.
Hammock Camping
Boondocking in a hammock is an incredibly unique experience that truly allows you to fully immerse yourself in the nature of being outdoors. Sleeping in a hammock allows you to pack light for easy travel.
Because you only need two trees to find a place to sleep, a wide variety of boondocking spots open up to those who choose this method of camping. Many picturesque locations are easily accessible when boondocking in a hammock.
However, it’s important to stay safe by picking a spot that is easy to set up. Find sturdy trees that are able to support your weight, away from steep drops and bodies of water. Keep in mind that hammocking rules and regulations vary by state. Before you pack just a hammock, always make sure that your intended destination is hammock-friendly.
For more information on how to hammock camp, check out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Hammock Camping.
Boondocking in a Tent
One of the more traditional ways to go camping, boondocking in a tent, is a great way to have a beloved camping experience while appreciating the unique circumstances of boondocking.
Whether you prefer a roomy tent or a small one that’s easy to set up and take down, there’s nothing like waking up to birds chirping and unzipping your front door to the refreshing morning air.
Finding a safe and secluded spot to house your tent is key to this type of boondocking. To learn more about tent camping, check out our Guide to Camping for Beginners.
What to Expect When Boondocking
Although planning for your first-ever boondocking trip can seem a bit nerve-wracking, knowing what to expect beforehand can help ease the nerves and better prepare you for this exciting endeavor.
When boondocking, it’s just you and the items you’ve brought with you. Developed facilities such as restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, and water spouts are not available. Making sure you bring everything you could need while camping is the best way to avoid any unwanted surprises while boondocking.
Depending on where you set up camp, you may have to drive or walk for a bit off the beaten path. Different areas have different restrictions and regulations on where vehicles are allowed – which can affect your ability to stay in an RV or cause some additional walking when tent or hammock camping.
Because you are out in the woods, it’s quite possible that you’ll find yourself with poor phone service. For some, this is ideal – it forces you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature truly. However, it can make things such as communication and finding your way around more difficult – always carry maps with you and have a solid idea of the area in which you’ll be camping.
For those who like to camp with furry friends, don’t forget that you’ll have to share your food and water supply with them. You’ll also have to share your sleeping space. For RV and tent campers, this shouldn’t be a problem – for hammock campers, this could prove to be tricky! Larger dogs may not be apt to sleep in a hammock, and sharing the space with your pet could compromise a good night’s sleep for you both.
Bringing a pet while camping can be a wonderful experience, and it allows you to spend unique time with them in a way sure to be memorable. If you choose to have them tag along, just make sure you’ve got a practical and pet-friendly plan!
Where to Stay
In general, the best place to go boondocking is at national parks and forests, state parks and forests, and land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the United States Forest Service (USFS).
When searching for a place to set up camp, it’s important to note that not every public land is available for boondocking. Always do your research before choosing a place to stay. While many places are free to boondock, some locations, such as Grand Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park, require backcountry camping permits for a small fee.
As a general rule of thumb, boondocking in one spot on BLM land is allowed for 14 consecutive days. However, different areas follow different rules, some of which state a maximum of 3 days and others which don’t state any sort of timeline. Although it’s rare that the length of your stay will be enforced, it is common courtesy to abide by the guidelines.
Another general rule is that boondocking is allowed on federal public lands within at least a 300 ft radius from any other buildings, facilities, or roads unless otherwise specified.
Boondocking is also allowed on some private lands, such as ranches, wineries, or farms. Boondocking on these lands is only permitted with the permission of the owner. Usually, boondocking in these areas is not free. However, campers are granted closer access to electricity and water, as well as other people.
Ultimately, the best way to choose your boondocking spot is by finding available locations online. While this may seem to defeat the purpose of boondocking, taking advice from others on where to stay can help give you some insight into the best places to camp – especially regarding anything you may want to look out for!
How to Stay Safe
Staying safe while boondocking is as easy as planning ahead. Always tell people where you’ll be staying and how long you plan to be there – if you have no phone signal, having people who know when to expect you back is a key step of emergency preparedness.
Bringing a Mini First Aid Kit is a great thing to have on hand in the event of a minor injury. Having extra food and water on hand is also important to bring. Because you will likely be without refrigeration, non-perishable food items are the best option to carry on camping trips.
A Jetboil Flash Camping and Stove Cooking System is a lightweight item that can be used to quickly boil water to cook food in a flash. If you’re around a natural water source such as a stream or lake, this LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a handy tool that lets you drink directly from the water source as it purifies and removes any harmful bacteria in the water.
Especially when tent or hammock camping, take extra caution to store food in a locked, odor-free container. Naturally, curious wildlife may roam the area you camp in – ensuring there is no food to attract them to your site explicitly is the best way to protect yourself from wild animals.
Always check the weather before leaving for your camping trip. If rain or storms are expected, packing extra tarps and rain flies can help keep you and your gear dry. When staying in a tent, be mindful of its resistance to wind and other forces – you don’t want your tent to tear or blow away while you try to sleep!
Additionally, always be aware of the fire risk in the area you’ll be staying in. Knowing when it’s okay to start a campfire and how to put it out before it gets out of hand are very valuable things to consider when boondocking!
What to Pack
The first step when planning what to pack for your boondocking trip is considering what you’re looking to get out of the experience. If you want to ease into the minimalistic nature of boondocking, having a wonderful time with a light pack in tow is possible. If you choose to bring more items, you can maximize your comfort without giving up any of the true essences of this unique camping style.
The longer you stay, the more items you will need to bring. After all, the spirit of boondocking involves supplying everything you need for your trip – including water, electricity, light, warmth, etc. The last thing you want while boondocking is to find yourself in a position without one of these items – especially when you’re far from other people.
Additionally, make sure to consider how you’re boondocking. Sleeping in an RV and sleeping in a hammock definitely warrant different equipment. There’s no right or wrong answer regarding how much to pack – only you know what additional things you’d like to bring along. However, everyone should take a few essentials on their boondocking trip, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned camper!
Packing Essentials
Even in the middle of summer, it’s always a good idea to pack a blanket with you. In addition to warmth, extra blankets are great to cover you or your belongings. Sunscreen, bug spray, flashlights, extra batteries, camping chairs, a small folding table, a portable camping stove, ample food, and water, enough clean clothes, and a secure place to store your trash and waste are all vital to have on hand.
Different ways of boondocking require different items that tailor to your needs. Here are a few items to consider bringing based on how you choose to camp.
For RVs:
- Extra RV batteries
- A generator
- A fan or a heater, depending on the season
- A wastewater tank
- Leveling blocks
For Tents:
- Extra tent stakes
- A tarp
- A rainfly
- A sleeping bag or sleeping pad
- A hanging lantern
For Hammocking:
- A bug net
- A rainfly
- A sleeping bag (for cushion and warmth)
- Extra hammock straps
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Boondocking
When planning your first boondocking trip, there are a few things to be mindful of before you head out.
- Make sure to do your research on an area beforehand and pay attention to the reviews of people who have previously camped in the area – their tips and tricks can be of great use to you!
- Always find a campsite, never create one. The “Leave No Trace” policy encourages campers to come and go without causing any damage or destruction to the area. Never cut down any trees or bushes, and don’t disturb trails in an attempt to make the “perfect” campsite.
- Arrive at your campsite during the day and always have a backup plan. In the event your desired location is not what you had hoped for, ample sunlight allows you to relocate and find a better site.
- Be mindful of the weather and parking on grass – sudden rains can cause your vehicle to get stuck in the mud!
- Leaving your belongings unattended while boondocking can make them an easy target for theft. Although you’ll likely be far from others, it’s still important to be cautious when boondocking. Always keep your valuables out of sight and lock any vehicles before stepping away.
- Always park your vehicle facing an exit and keep your keys handy, especially at night.
- Trust your gut. If you feel uneasy about the area or situation at any point during your trip, don’t hesitate to leave. It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry.
The Beauty of Boondocking
Your first boondocking trip is guaranteed to be one you’ll never forget. Although it can be challenging at times, the magic of boondocking is tremendously rewarding! Whether you stay in a hammock, tent, or RV, your experience is sure to change your perspective on how you like to camp.
Want to learn more about boondocking? Check out our other boondocking posts for more information, including state-specific guides on where to set up camp!
- About the Author
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Alanna Singletary is an avid outdoor enthusiast who takes any opportunity to spend time outdoors. Having attended college in the Appalachian Mountains, she has spent countless hours under the stars.
Alanna knows the rich experiences and learning opportunities the outdoors holds, and her passion for it drives her to share that knowledge with the world. Hammocking, hiking, kayaking, and camping are just a few activities that she enjoys most.
One day, Alanna hopes to take a cross-country camping road trip. Until then, she’ll continue seizing every opportunity to write and learn more about the great outdoors.