Some call it boondocking. Others, dry camping. Or off-grid RVing or overlanding … on and on. Whatever you may call it, this type of camping has its appeal. It offers very few services, is low cost (in some ways free), and doesn’t require reservations. Quite simply, this is camping like it was meant to be. But if you’re new to going off-grid, you might wonder what the boondocking essentials are. (It’s all about the essentials, after all, right?) Well, we have some good news for you: The resources in this blog will help! (And, like some of the best boondocking essentials, this advice is free.)
Thinking about boondocking essentials starts by getting to the bottom Maslow’s Hierarchy. But if you’re just eating dehydrated meals and drinking bottled water, you might not be doing it well. Here’s some expert tips to handle the boondocking essentials well.
Water: Replenishing Your Supply
Most RVs have water storage tanks, but if you use them like you do at home, you’ll run out quickly. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to conserve your precious tank if you’re planning on being out there longer than your freshwater budget allows. It’s important to remember that most water sources in North America such as rivers and lakes are “not potable” due to harmful bacteria and viruses. Even so, there are things that you can do to help replenish your supply. When camping on a lake/reservoir, find a stream that flows into the lake as your water source, then make it potable using one of the following methods.
- Boiling. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute to kill all viruses or bacteria.
- Filtering. Backcountry water filters remove harmful bacteria, though not always viruses because of their extremely small size.
- Treating. Iodine tablets, or other water purification tablets, are extremely effective against bacteria and viruses.
Water for dishwashing, laundry, or personal hygiene can be used untreated. If you’re nervous about untreated dishwashing water, use a small amount of bleach in the rinse water and allow dishes to fully dry.
Power: Adding a Little Star Power
According to Our World in Data, solar power offers the least expensive, safest, and least polluting source of energy. (And you’re less likely to offend your neighbors by setting out your portable panel rather than firing up a noisy gas generator.) With many different solar panel options, and high efficiency LiFePO4 batteries, an effective off-grid solar powered system is within reach of every boondocking RVer.
Fast track your solar know-how with our RV Solar 101 blog series. Also, on YouTube we show how to size a system with our solar system sizing worksheet.
Waste Management: Dealing with Dark Matter
Without facilities nearby, it’s simple: You must bring your own. Many RVs include a bathroom with gray and black water storage tanks. And many RV campground locator apps include dump station emojis to help you find them. While holding tanks can be a limiting factor for boondocking, there are other ways to manage water/waste:
- Bag and bury. Portable toilets with bag liners that contain chemicals and gelling agents can provide a safe and effective way to collect, and later dispose of waste. Burying human waste is appropriate if using proper Leave No Trace techniques is appropriate in some areas.
- Slow the flow. Shower less frequently and wash hands outside with biodegradable soap.
- Stave, sieve, and scatter. Use three stacking bins for dishwashing (wash, rinse, and sanitizing with bleach solution) maximizes space and uses minimal water. Remember to sieve out all food particles, then scatter the water outside.
Food Storage: Keeping Micro Bears Out
While boondocking, a major concern is keeping the fridge running. Many RVs on the market come with fridges that can either run on propane or DC power to save energy while not plugged into shore power. Consider installing a 12V Fridge Freezer, which uses very little energy!
While it’s important to keep our food safe for consumption, preventing the local residents from absconding with it is of equal concern. While bears are a concern, it’s the “micro-bears” that often do the most damage. Mice, other rodents, and birds can be among the most voracious infiltrators. Follow these steps for safe storage:
- Lock it up. Keep food in a hard sided container, inside the rig or vehicle.
- Don’t leave it out. Never leave unattended food outside.
- Keep things tidy. Clean up all food waste, including micro-trash, even if it’s biodegradable. Using a table cloth helps contain food for proper disposal.
Safety
Each person has a different threshold for what they consider safe. Ours generally assumes that where there’s more people, there’s more problems. We don’t typically boondock, or lotdock, in urban areas for more than one night. Rather, we find more remote areas to feel more secluded, and more safe. Keep in mind, most people are using that area for the very same reasons you are. Some basic tips:
- Check the use. Look at the camping area in daylight; if it is heavily used, move on.
- Feel it out. Trust your gut, if something doesn’t feel right, move on.
- Keep valuables low key. Don’t leave valuables outside of your vehicles, and don’t leave any valuables visible in your vehicles.
- Lock things up. Lock your vehicles and set vehicle alarms.
Leave No Trace
Every person who learns and practices Leave No Trace principles will reach another 256 people in their lifetime. Be a good steward and educate yourself. If everyone followed these seven simple practices, we’d never have any conflict in the outdoors. Quite frankly, with record numbers of people recreating and boondocking across this continent, we need all the education possible.
Got the boondocking essentials down? Well, there are even more ways to save — including how you eat. Next up, we’ve got tips and recipes for making fun, delicious camping meals that won’t break the bank! This article is part of our Cutting RV Travel Costs 101 series.
The First Step to Find Your Dream RV (Part 1)
A Few RV Secrets to Help You Save on Camping Fees (Part 2)
Boondocking Essentials for RV Newbies (Part 3)
RV Kitchen Must-Haves: How to Make Memorable Meals That Save Cash (Part 4, Coming Soon)
Going Deep into Your Backyard (Part 5, Coming Soon)
