If you’re new to RV ownership, boondocking in an adventure van might seem like a daunting task. However, with a little planning and preparation, boondocking can be a great way to save money and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Where to find Boondocking Campsites
There are a few ways to find good boondocking spots. One of the best resources is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website. The BLM has a searchable database of public lands that are open for dispersed camping. Another great resource is the Campendium app, which has detailed information on campsites all over the country. Once you’ve found a few potential spots, it’s time to start planning your boondocking road trip. When boondocking, you’re responsible for your own water, power, and waste.
Boondocking Etiquette
Choose your location carefully. When you’re boondocking, you’ll want to make sure you’re not disturbing any sensitive areas. This means avoiding areas with fragile ecosystems, like wetlands or alpine meadows. You’ll also want to make sure you’re not blocking roads or trails.
Be mindful of your impact. When boondocking, it’s important to remember that you’re a guest in nature. This means respecting the land and leaving no trace. Be sure to pack out all of your trash, and avoid driving on sensitive vegetation.
In addition to packing out your trash, you’ll also need to bring enough water to last you the duration of your stay. You’ll also need a way to filter or purify more water if necessary. You’ll need a power source to power your RV, and a plan for disposing of your grey and black water.
Off-Grid Camping Supplies
When boondocking, it’s important to remember that you’re a guest in nature. This means respecting the land and leaving no trace. Make sure you bring enough trash receptacles and bags and leave nothing ur black water or have no black water tank you may go super primitive and dig a ‘cat hole’ though most adventure vans these days have a toilet or at least
Here’s a list of supplies that I use when I am camping off grid.
Water
There is a reason that boondocking is sometimes referred to as “dry camping”. You will need to have enough water and you can’t always rely on a potable water source.
Filter
If you are off the grid for a long amount of time you may want filter water from streams and ponds. Some folks have come up with complex water filtering for their van. Other’s use a portable water filter. I am currently contemplating the Nomad water pump because it’s not tied to the van and I can use it when I am camping.
Another popular option is the Berkee Water Filtration System (affiliate link). Which is a countertop filtration system that’s gravity fed. It’s good for about 6,000 gallons of water filtration per set of filters. The only downside is that it can take up a lot of valuable counter space, and even then you need to secure it so it doesn’t go flying when you head down rough roads.
Water Storage
Hopefully you have onboard water storage but if you use that for bathing, cooking and washing dishes it probably won’t be enough fresh water. That’s why I usually keep a few cases of water or if I want to be more efficient, I take 1 gallon jugs to keep extra drinking water for Woodford and I.
If you have outdoor storage you might want to invest in some Rotopax that can affix to many outside storage systems like those sold by Owl Vans.
Shelf Stable Food
Of course you will want to eat on your boondocking trip but if you want to spend a significant time on the road you will probably want to conserve your power and your cooler/refridgerator space. I also like to keep a cache of supplies in case I want to take a spur of the moment trip.
Power Source
I guess this is essential for some boondockers and not a consideration for others. For me, I want to be able to work in nature if possible. Though unplugging, is very nice too.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are by far the most practical source of power, The bright side (pun intended) is that they provide an unlimited rechargeable power supply without bringing any fuel. Though they do require you to have access to the sun so camping in the deep woods and cloud days might have an impact on their effectiveness. Also in the summer, you may want to park in the shade to keep your adventure van cool. Many Class B RVs have roof mounted solar panels and if you want to stay out of the sun you may benefit from having portable solar panels that can plug into a charging outlet on the outside of the van like the Interstate 24X.
Generator
This is my least favorite charging option because a generator requires fuel whether it’s gasoline, diesel, or propane. They also are noisy and spoil the peace and quiet for me. Though if you need a lot of power in a hurry to power something that takes a bunch of power like air conditioning or a microwave then a generator is a must have.
Battery Station
Hopefully your adventure van has all the power you need but having a battery backup station is always a nice to have. I have an Anker Power Station that’s a number of years old but the Jackery and Goal Zero stations are decent additions to your boondocking essentials.
Fire Starters
Making a campfire is a must for me and my camping experience. While you probably will find your own firewood when you are camping in the woods but you should always keep some tinder and a good source for creating fire with you. I keep old chopsticks from Chinese takeout to keep things dry and save dryer lint. This gives me a super-easy way to start fires. I stuff the link into old toilet paper holders and fray the edges a bit with my knife to catch it. If I am really having trouble I keep some petroleum jelly in my first aid kit but it does double duty to make the lint really catch my tinder.
Also a good lighter is an easy way to start a fire but an old fashioned flint and steel works well too. I keep a butane torch lighter in my kit and it’s great for starting even if the tinder is a little damp. I also keep a backup disposal lighter or five and a flint and steel.
Cell Phone Booster
If you’re planning on boondocking and you want to make sure you have cell phone service it’s important to bring a cell phone booster in remote areas. A cell phone booster will help you stay connected to the outside world. It can help you get a cell signal for phone calls and data.
The cell phone boosters available that seems to be the most popular among RVers is the weBoost X for RVs. It provides a more permanent solution and can help you stay connected why going deeper into nature.
RV Levelers
In nature you may not be able to find a parking spot as level as the local campground. I have used my rescue boards to level a single wheel though RV Leveling blocks is probably the best option.
Lights
I have a variety of lights I keep in my rig. Basically there are four kinds of lights that I think cover every situation.
Tactical Flashlights
I like tactical flashlights because they are made to hold up to tough condition. They also throw a lot of light from a small source and they can be kept easily in hand. There is alwasy a tactical flashlight in holster on the back of my drivers seat. I also keep a small baseball shaped back-up right next to me in the center console.
Solar Lamps
I always have a couple of solar lanterns with me as well. They provide a lot of light in a super lightweight package. I use the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0: Solar Inflatable Light (affiliate link). thes I can leave them in the sun on my picnic table to charge. They last for about 24 hours and when sitting out they are alwasy charged.
HeadLamp
When I am tramping around in the woods or even getting ready in my tent. Having a wearable light source makes things much easier. I have a variety of headlamps but Liteband ACTIV 520 by Optimal Ventures (Affiliate link). This is my favorite headlamp because it’s rechargeable via USB-C, has a long battery life, and has a red light mode that can save your night vision.
Work lamps
These lamps are especially handy for when I need to work on the truck. They have a magnetic back, and a hanging hook, and are USB chargeable. My truck has steel MOLLE plates on the back of the seat so they are easy to store. They also throw off a great deal of light when I need to look under my hood or my 4×4.
Toilet Supplies
The number one question asked of most rv owners is, “Where do you poop?”. It is unlikely that there will be a convenient public restroom in public lands and nation forests. You can dig a “cat hole” if you bring biodegradable toilet paper. But doing your business in a hole is a bit extreme for some people.
Composting toilets are a great option for boondocking, as they don’t require any water or plumbing. They work by breaking down the waste material into compost. A small amount of peat moss is all you need to stay off the grid for an extended period of time.
There are a few different types of composting toilets available. The one that seems to be the most popular among RVers is the Nature’s Head self-contained composting toilet. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require any special installation. Plus, it’s portable so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Enjoy free camping in your RV
Boondocking, also known as “dry camping” is a great way to save money on your camping trips. It simply means camping without hookups for water, sewer, or shore power. This can be done in your RV or van and doesn’t require any special gear. Just be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on the environment.
With a little preparation, boondocking in your RV can be a great way to save money and enjoy the outdoors. Just be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on the environment.