The truth about Boondocking

[icanon]

I want to know the truth about Boondocking, the pros and cons.
I don't want it to turn into a 'story telling' thread but a thread about concerns, issues, advantages etc.

Some examples I wonder about are where to boondock, how do you know if you're allowed to camp there, how to know if you're not on private land and not get shot for camping there. What do you do with gray and black water? Do you pee in the woods or behind a rock if in the desert to save tank space? Yeah, seems like silly questions but I wonder what people really do?

How long do people stay in one place, do they move when they run out of water or food etc. Do you leave the TT there to get water or whatever?

Do you worry about theft, people roaming around near or in your campsite? I read somewhere about people being attacked by wild animals at night while letting their pet relieve themselves nearby. Is it the 'wild west' shoot first ask questions later?

I've read on the net lots of honky dory stories about boondockong but never the truth about some of the examples I listed above.

These are just some of the questions I'm asking myself and very interested in hearing from others who do this type of camping.
Please add other examples good and bad I love to hear about it and what to do.
Thanks

[Tiger4x4RV]

I sometimes carry spare parts/items which I could never install/use myself. The logic in this is that it is sometimes easier to find a mechanic than to find the needed parts.

I once waited 3 days in a medium-sized city in Idaho for parts to repair my 20-year-old foreign truck to be shipped in. That's one reason that I now have a newer American truck.

Item to add to one of the the lists above: I think it is called a pocket chain saw. Piece of saw chain with handles at both ends. I don't build fires or cut down foliage to "improve" a campsite, but I have used this saw and a pruning saw to remove smallish fallen trees which were blocking an established road. No, never trees placed there as barricades. Just ones that fell.

[profdant139]

Phil, that's not just a "boondocking list", it's a "prepping for the apocalypse" list -- wow! Very impressive.

But my advice to the OP is not to wait till you have crossed off every item on that list before you try boondocking for the first time. Be prudent, but just do it. I notice that you have young children. They will never forget the adventure of boondocking.

And then when you get hooked on it, like many of us are, then you can learn how to install your spare serpentine belt. (Full disclosure -- I have decided to forego this particular pleasure. But I do know how to change a tire on my truck. Does that count as prepping??) 😉

By the way, here is a link to a blog post in which I have collected photos of our trailer in a number of different boondocking sites -- it'll give you some idea of the peace and quiet we are always hoping to find:

Boondocking photos

[pnichols]

No OCD stuff on my list. In only 9 years of motorhome RV'ing I've had to make use of most everything on the list except some of the tire repair items I just added this past summer before our 10,000+ mile RV trip this fall. I keep the rig almost fully loaded per my list at all times between trips ... so there is no extensive packing required for the next trip. BTW, my full list is longer than the one I posted above.

My experiential based RV philosophy is this: You can't bring too much along ... only more than you can fit or more than your rig's weight rating allows.

I can of course "fit" all that I bring along - BTW with no trailers, outside racks, carriers, or ladder straps required. Everything is carried enclosed in drawers or inside/outside cabinets . As far as weight is concerned, I anticipated this up front by originally buying a small motorhome that could have been carried by the Ford E350 chassis but instead was built on the optional Ford E450 chassis. We have about 2000 lbs. of extra CCC capacity with the E450 over and above what a fully loaded RV our size would weigh as owned and/or operated by "non-OCD" RV'ers. What I am "OCD" about is having an otherwise spectacular RV trip ruined, seriously compromized, or threatened by safety issues that didn't need to be.

What you can't bring along is another RV: Our traveling couple companions this fall, early in the trip with us, totaled their RV thousands of miles from home and had to terminate their trip and return home.

P.S. We have at times brought home quite a load of rocks, too. 😉

[Less_Stuff]

Some of my boondocking photos where we spent at least one night:

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.


North rim of the Grand Canyon.


Valley of the Gods, Utah.


Central Georgia.


Baja California.


Idaho.


Old Tampa Bay bridge.


Boondocking is the very best way to enjoy a RV!

[greenrvgreen]

Lots of gtreat points from pnichols, along with some OCD stuff (IMO).

#19--A great idea that I am always kicking myself for not doing. I carry a couple of golf umbrellas that I can strap to ski poles (I carry ski poles all year long). But they're nowhere as good as a beach parasol. And don't forget the deluxe folding chairs (with cup holders).

#8--I've actually thrown a belt late on a winter night in the desolation of SE Idaho, long before cell phones were invented. Of course I didn't learn my lesson and haven't bothered to carry one since.

#13--A shovel should be in your vehicle any time you're driving it, along with warm clothing and gatorade. Many also carry a hatchet or axe for clearing treefall. I make do with a small jab saw (like a pruning saw).

#20--A tow strap is a better idea, better for your car and much less weight and bother. All you need is something good enough to get pulled out of a ditch--or to pull someone else out, if you feel like destroying your own transmission.

#23--I used to use an outside sun shower for washing me. But it is such a bother and waste of water (and the water is still cold), that I now sponge bathe with a damp cloth and hand sanitizer, if water is scarce. I end up much cleaner and no pine needles!

#12--Here I substitue plenty of exercise and copious stores of alcohol. Also it helps not to read the newspaper.

[pnichols]

Your question (the original poster's) sounds as if you are an RV'er looking to boondock on purpose?

Our situation is different, as we do spontaneous rockhounding mixed in with other RV activities. We boondock camp because we sometimes have to - out in the middle of nowhere - whether or not we want to at the time. What this means is we have to keep our rig in "boondock configuration" all the time ... just in case we find ourselves having or wanting to do it when we're out and about ... regardless of any trip plans when starting out.

We don't consider what is done, say, out in the desert around Quartzite as "boondock RV'ing", as there's too many others within eyesite to help fill-in for any lacks in self-sufficiency. The way we boondock we need to have our rig set up for lesser support situations, by taking along such esoteric things as:

1. Fairly complete tire servicing capability, including - of course a full size spare, an extended height hydraulic jack, a full power compressor, cans of flat fix spray, a professional tire puncture repair kit, and the ability to change an inner rear dual on our own on a soft surface if necessary.
2. Range extending cell phone access (... or some other remote access/rescue communication aid).
3. Decent on board AGM battery capacity, with three ways of recharging when there is no sun.
4. Both a built-in generator and a portable generator.
5. A comprehensive set of onboard tools - including such just-in-case things as an electronic remote viewing probe for inspecting broken things in behind walls, dash panels, firewalls, the engine block, etc..
6. A set of full size crutches for foot sprains.
7. Roof access via a permanent ladder because things can break or come loose up there.
8. A spare main engine serpentine belt.
9. Spare main engine and generator fluids.
10. Extra gasoline for the portable generator, that can also be used in an emergency for the main engine should the main tank ever run low.
11. Extra parts for the coach appliances and coach exterior maintenance.
12. A blood pressure monitor, a heating pad, wrist wraps for sprains, blood oxygen monitor, etc..
13. A full size shovel and a portable shovel.
14. Outside area, and personal, mosquito repellant.
15. A high volume 12 volt fan and an extension cord for it.
16. A built-in weather radio.
17. A couple of extended range walkie-talkies.
18. A portable electric heater that can be run off a generator as backup to the main propane furnace and the dash heater.
19. A full size beach umbrella for doing anything under a blazing sun.
20. A full length hardened steel tow chain.
21. A portable propane cooking burner and a portable propane BBQ as backups to the coach's galley cooktop.
22. Drinking water because we don't drink from the freshwater tank.
23. An outside shower for washing the dog every few days.

For what it's worth, here's a link to an interesting discussion on what "boondock camping" is:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f93/rv-park-boondocking-off-the-grid-confusion-of-terms-274748.html

[greenrvgreen]

The 14-day rule--or length of stay limit--is going to vary by jurisdiction, although it is mostly 14-days. It always pays to check with the local land manager to clarify this. In many cases I've found that the land manager is either unaware of the rule or just doesn't care--and will tell you that. In other cases I've seen them come out and cite people on day 15.

As said, potable water is going to be the biggest single determinant of how long you can dry camp without replenishment. Some people come on here and ask about methods and equipment for purifying water from nearby streams or even ponds. I recommend against this, and I've done a lot of it when backpacking in actual wilderness. The problem is that any water source that has been accessed by other humans has been used as a toilet already. The more people, the more toilets. The more toilets, the more time and equipment required to purify. It ultimately becomes quicker to drive an hour or two and buy bottled water, which is what I do.

Regarding generator hours, there are no generator hours outside of established campgrounds. There is common courtesy for others, but no law to say that you can't run your generator all night on NFS or BLM land that is not otherwise posted for camping.

In the west it is fairly easy to finding boondocking spots where there are no neighbors nearby, and nowhere near a campground where such hours would apply even if you are alone, or own a "quiet" generator. Out in these desolate places you are free to do as you please.

My general advice is to always carry heavy clothing, even in summer, and extra food and bottled water, apart from you water tank. Most of us stay aware of whether we have cell phone service, and some of us carry portable sat communicators like the Delorme Inreach. And some are also licensed to carry weapons.

Regarding animal attacks, when tenting alone near the John Muir trail in sierras, I had a large black bear tear down my food bag and happily eat everything I owned while I stood there shouting and banging pots at him. My feeling of helplessness in this encounter is why I now pay so much attention to the issues in my previous paragraph.

[qtla9111]

The more you boondock the more one seems to build a sixth sense about where to park in terms of safety. It's in the air so to speak. We've been boondocking for years in Mexico, the U.S. and last summer in Canada. Never an issue.

There are lots of great free camping or boondocking sites complete with maps, GPS locations and detailed information.

Our four month trip last year through the Western U.S. and across Canada was accomplished without a generator. A few days high up in the mountains with fog and cold we had to conserve a bit. We even used an electric blanket which BTW uses very little battery. I couldn't imagine staying in rv parks when we have such wonderful out of the way places.

Try it, it's a lot of fun to get out into the wilderness.

FreeCampsites.Net

FreeCampgrounds

Boondocking.org

BoondockersWelcome

[icanon]

The replies here are really answering my questions and concerns. Love the reply about -- start slow. A night or two at a time.

I have been wanting to do this for quite some time now but had some fears doing so, after reading the comments I'm a little more comfortable trying. As one person said it's about the "quiet, beautiful scenery, free".

Glad some of you pointed out about 14 day rule and generator hours, these things I did not know about.
I learnt more here today in this thread than reading most boondoocking blogs, websites etc. in the last week.

Thanks!

[2oldman]

06Fargo wrote:
Pick out a nice camp spot, but don't camp there first. Park at a second choice spot.

Great idea. If it looks good to you, it looks good to others.

[noteven]

Pick out a nice camp spot, but don't camp there first. Park at a second choice spot.

Stay hooked up and go for a nice hike.

That way when you come back from your hike and the only other rv in 6000 acres has "wagoned up" parked 20 feet way from you then you can move off to your first choice camp spot while they are gone for their nice hike. 🙂

[profdant139]

One more thought -- start slow. A night or two at a time, until you have the hang of it. We have never boondocked for more than a week at a time -- gotta get groceries and do laundry and dump the tanks. There are extreme boondockers who can go for a very long time without going to a town, but not me.

And if you are wondering how to go a week without dumping the gray water, we often use a bucket to transfer some gray water into the black water tank by dumping it into the toilet. We generate about 5 to 6 gallons of gray water a day (showering and dishes), which will fill the gray tank in 5 days, but we always have lots of extra capacity in our black tank.

[azrving]

I'll try to come up with some cons as I ramble on. Remember, you asked for all this. 🙂 I had many of the same concerns as you and with only 3 years experience I'm still learning. As Donno128 said it can mean different things to different people. I cant imagine you ever getting shot as you dont just roll up and park anywhere you like. You will mainly use the resources available that guide you to where others have already been. You can explore and find new places and add them to the websites that list boondocking places.

Places like BLM will often have signs pertaining to open or closed areas and time limits. 14 days is common and I would NEVER cheat. Some BLM areas will also have sections of LTVA long term visitor area. I believe it's about $180 for a season pass with some areas having no services and some having dump station, trash water on site. Same areas are sometimes $40.00 for 2 weeks which still isn't bad if the area is closer to town or whatever else you need.

Each state may be different in how it all works. If you look at freecampsites.net for Michigan you will see that it mainly shows a few casinos yet there are hundreds of thousands of acres to camp on. The DNR website explains dispersed camping and has a permit that can be printed. You are basically allowed to camp anywhere on state land as long as you go by their guidelines. Although the issue is accessibility. You will find many dirt roads or what we call fire trails through the woods but you dont know which ones you can venture down and be able to turn around in. In places like that I have used my bicycle to scout the area before pulling in. Same thing in some of the Florida remote areas. The road or trail looks fine but you dont know what happens a 1/2 mile in where the campsite is supposed to be.

Out in the desert areas it's much easier because it's so open. You can see other rigs and easily figure out how they got into their spots. It's also nice because there are often no trees to worry about and so much room to turn around. It surprised me that so much of the desert surface is so hard packed. Some areas are rather course stone on the surface yet others are finer texture. I have ridden my bicycle for miles with the only real obstacles being washes.

I basically try to camp for free while realizing that's not going to happen 100% of the time. There are times when I have stayed at rv parks to dump, fill, laundry etc. There are numerous sources for boondocking such as Dept of Agriculture, National forests, BLM, COE, county and city parks etc. One of the main resources that I have had great luck with is freecampsites.net. Before I leave I try to plan out a course with that website and try to have a couple backup plans. If I get to an area that I dont like because it just doesn't feel right or it's tacky looking or the space is too tight or whatever I can leave and have some idea of where else to go. The backup plan may even be a Walmart or truck stop but having multiple choices let's me operate without having a crisis on my hands when it's getting dark out. It's bad when something doesn't pan out and it's late and even a Walmart is 60 miles away. I think I have been to one or two from that site in three years that had bad directions or I couldn't find them but I have also found many fantastic places.

I also use google maps with street view and earth to try to check an area out. It often times wont let me see exactly the area I want to camp but it gives me an idea what the area is like. I can look at gas stations to see how easy they are to get into etc.

We can basically stay out for two weeks and then have to dump the black tank. I do have 15 gallon blue tote. It's about as big of a tank as I can slide up a 2x10 board to get it up in my truck bed. It can be emptied from free to about $10.00 usually with a wide range of places to take it. I never dump black on the ground and dont urinate outside. If we stay at places that have outhouses I will sometimes use it so we can stay out longer. Sometimes even somewhat remote camps may have water but I have bought it at Wmart and gotten it free at gas stations and rest areas. When we were near Yuma they had water stations everywhere for .75 to $1.00 for 5 gallons. I carry four 5 gallon jugs and our rv holds 60. Some places allow gray water to be dispersed on the ground, depends on the area. Certainly not in more populated and crowded areas. It's more of a remote area thing.

The other big issue is coming up with your energy management plan. Generator, updated converter, updated wiring to get the converters power to the battery, solar, inverting, house furnace vs cat heating etc. It's not difficult but can seem overwhelming at first. If you end up being forced to a park every few days to charge it gets pricey.

As far as leaving the rig, it all depends on what the area is like. I prefer to have others in the area but not right next to each other. I recently met someone online who was coming to our area and wanted to be near someone they knew when they left their rig to go to Mexico for the day. They knew the general area but were unsure about being out there so they started asking online. The area was actually very safe and many of the people parked there came every year and knew each other. As the new guy I was surprised when meeting people that they often knew who many of the other people are. I believe some people are scared to death to be anywhere but a commercial campground so they will pull up and park 15 feet away when the area is 100 acres.

I have never had any theft problems but I keep things pretty tight. Don't leave the gps on the dashboard or expensive lawn chairs out, Put the generator away all the time when you are done with it and don't depend on a cable. Don't leave the generator in plain view all the time. At some places I will lock the bicycles on the carrier every night, some places they sit out all the time. Some places that you camp are out of the mix of things and some have locals moving through or past the area. The guy camped near you is unlikely to steal your generator and more likely it would be the local boys. When you go to a crowded areas like Quartzite you have more riff raff and there have been posts about generators stolen.

You can do well by getting to know people and learn from them. They know where the dump and water are and good restaurants and stores. Many of them have been going to the same areas year after year. This will vary with the areas that you travel in. Just like rv parks, there are sort of pass through boondocking places and there are destination type BD places. Some places are seasonal and fill up with locals in the summer yet are empty during the winter. Some stuff in the South west empties out in the summer and even close.

I cant imagine where you will have wild animals attacking you. I'm from Michigan where the most dangerous animal would be a black bear. The only place I have seen one closely was at a landfill in the upper peninsula 50 years ago. They are around but it's not like they are out to eat you. If you stumbled on one when it has cubs with it that would be the most dangerous time. I'm sure places like Alaska are different and more caution is needed.

We have seen coyote and they wont attack you but I'm sure they would go after a dog. I have heard they will get a dog to chase them and then a group will kill the dog. I dont have experience in the worst bear areas but my understanding is that in general you need to make noise. They generally are not out to hunt you and most encounters center around startling them or running into them with cubs. Raccoon and possum will get into coolers but wont attack you. I have seen a porcupine chew through the floor of an long unattended TT and tear all the cupboards up and chewed on everything in there.

I guess only real negative would be dealing with the dump and water. On the other hand every time I go to the dump station or water I end up meeting and talking to others that share their camping spots and other resources.

It's always interesting to talk to people who are all doing the same basic thing yet all doing it in vastly different ways. One guy is using 800 watts of solar and the next guy gets by on 20 watts. One person drives 50 miles a day and one drives 400.

Often times when people are new to this they will do a lot of moving around and slow down as they find the places that they like to stay. We dont like moving a lot, yet we dont want to be right next to anyone so boondocking works well for us. As we travel we also find out where we might end up parking longer term and possibly even move to.

Since leaving home on September 5 my per night cost is about $1.60. That doesn't include water or dump fees.

[profdant139]

As an avid and experienced boondocker, I agree with almost everything AH64ID said. The only difference is that we do not put gray water on the ground -- it is against the rules in most of the national forests we visit. If it is not against the rules, then we would, I guess.

Boondocking is more work than other kinds of camping -- you have to haul water, you have to find a site, etc.

To me, it is more fun than other kinds of camping -- silent, private, utterly peaceful.

We have never felt threatened while boondocking. I have felt uncomfortable in an ordinary campground when other campers get drunk and party loudly. Not often, but it happens.

I have both a generator and a solar panel -- we try never to use our generator. The point of boondocking is to get away from engine noise.

My only regret is that we did not start camping till we were in our 50s, and we did not start boondocking until our mid-50s.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Here is a link that suggests where to find places:

https://freecampsites.net/how-to-find-more-sites/

For my part, portable reliable power is a joy from solar, but not so much from a generator. When I was part time I would run out of fresh water before I ran out of power. Now I wish the solar "farm" were five times what I have.

I hope this link may prove fruitful, too:

https://freecampsites.net/boondocking-how-to/