Boondocking is seen as the ultimate camping adventure by many RVers. It’s camping “off the grid” on public land, without any amenities, hookups, or dump stations. Some people call it “drydocking” or “independent camping.” Either way, it’s just you, your RV, and the wide-open splendor of nature. (Actually, you can boondock in parking lots, too—but just for one night at a time.)
But boondocking is unique from camping at a campground, and it comes with its own rules of etiquette. If you’re planning to take your RV boondocking, make sure you know the code of behavior. Here are the five most important rules of etiquette you should follow when you’re camping on public land.
And as a bonus, we’ve included 6 tips for drydocking in parking lots.
1) Use Existing Roads & Camping Spots
If it’s your first time boondocking in your RV, you might be tempted to set up camp at the first spot with a gorgeous view. But your RV has an impact on the environment, and it’s important to drive only on actual roads and camp at designated camping spots. Not only is this good manners, it’s policy at most wildlife, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and national forest offices. Some places rigorously enforce it, and offenders are quickly asked to leave.
Camping spots should be pretty obvious. You’ll usually see a fire ring at a cleared area, and the ground will be firm enough to park on.
Also be aware of additional rules, such as dispersed camping rules, which may designate how far you must be from other campers and roads.
2) Leave No Trace
This should go for every campsite, whether you’re boondocking or at a campground. Never leave any trash at your campsite when you pack up and move on. The point of boondocking is to enjoy nature at its finest, and campers who don’t pick up after themselves slowly destroy that experience for others.
Dumping black water when you’re drydocking is an absolute DON’T. You won’t find any dumping stations and emptying your black water tank into the ground at a dispersed site introduces harmful biohazards into the environment. Some areas allow you to dump gray water, but you should check with the agency first and be sure to follow their restrictions.
3) Pay Attention To Stay Limits
Most public lands have stay limits—usually two weeks. Once your time is up you’re required to move on to another location at least 25 miles away. Not everyone follows this policy, but when RVers fudge on the rules, the authorities become more restrictive. Some rangers can get fairly aggressive on this issue, and some public lands eliminate camping spots altogether.
4) Don’t Crowd Your Neighbor
The reason most RVers choose to boondock is to get away from civilization. They want to stretch out and enjoy the land. Be sure to honor that when you’re pulling in.
How close is too close? That will depend on how much space is available. Provide as much room as you’re able to do. Sometimes, you just won’t have much space between RVs. If that’s the case, then you can’t do anything about it. But whenever you can provide the space, do so.
5) Watch Your Pets and Noise
Boondockers like their space, but they’re serious about having peace and quiet. Make sure you’re careful not to intrude in these ways:
Noise. Don’t use your generator during times when it will disturb others. Be considerate during quiet hours. Also, be aware of how much sound carries in your area—especially along lakes and on desert land.
Pets. Keep dogs on a leash and be sure they don’t bark at all hours of the night. Clean up after your pet.
Lights. Turn off your porch light and other outdoor lights when you aren’t using them. Boondocking provides a rare opportunity to enjoy the night sky without light pollution, and many RVers choose to camp on public lands for that reason.
Blacktop Boondocking
Many Wal-Mart stores allow blacktop boondocking, but not all do. Get the Walmart Overnight Parking Locator mobile app so you can always find the closest blacktop boondocking location.
Blacktop boondocking has its own rules of etiquette you should follow. Roadtrip America recommends these guidelines:
- Get permission from the store manager.
- Only stay only one night. It’s not a campground.
- Purchase dinner, fuel, or other items as a thank you. The more courteous you are, the easier you make it for the store to continue allowing overnight camping.
- Park away from other vehicles, along the sides of the parking lot.
- Don’t get chairs and barbeque out, and don’t put out your awning. Avoid using your slideouts if possible.
- Show respect by picking up all of your trash.
Now you’re all set to boondock like a veteran. As always, do your research ahead of time so you know what to expect. And find out if there are any unique rules that apply to the land you’ll be camping on.
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