Dry camping is also something referred to as boondocking. When you’re boondocking, you’re traveling in an RV, but you’re doing it without the hookups that are available at some campgrounds. A lot of campgrounds will have full hookups for water and electricity, but some of the more undeveloped and remote places don’t.
There is some debate among people as to the strict definitions of boondocking versus dry camping. For example, some people say boondocking is actually a location where you’re camping without hookups, but overall, the ideas are similar.
To give an idea, one example where people frequently boondock is in New Mexico. New Mexico is scenically beautiful and has a lot to offer campers, but even some of the most desirable spots aren’t going to offer the opportunity to use hookups.
So, if you’re planning a family dry camping trip, the following are some tips to make it manageable.
Create a Way to Wash Hands and Feet
When you’re camping without a water hookup, you need to be inventive. If you’re bringing your kids, you have to get even more creative. At the very least you will want to make sure you have a place where your children can wash their hands and feet.
You can bring a plastic bin to use as a wash basin and then bring some extra water in addition to what you’re going to need for things like drinking and cooking.
You can also create a bath station, depending on how long you’ll be dry camping. Bring a plastic tub that will fit your kids. You can fill it with water at least once and give baths. For yourself, consider a shower bag that’s heated by the sun. Worst case, bring baby wipes and hand sanitizer. These are great for when you leave you site to go on a hike etc.
Creating a Water Plan
It’s already touched on a bit above, but one of the most important things to focus on when you’re planning your trip is water. Water weighs a ton and having too much water on-board your RV can slow you down. You need to bring only what you need, but you also need to make sure that’s enough.
Also, make sure that you empty holding tanks in your RV before you leave.
You will need to consider how much you need for cooking, drinking, cleaning etc and guesstimate the approximate amount to based on each person. This may be challenging, but think of it in terms of number of cups or liters per person and go from there.
Power Consumption
Since we’re mostly talking about dry camping in terms of an RV, rather than tents set up at a campsite, you will have some opportunities to get power, but you have to be strategic.
When you don’t have an electrical plugin, you’re going to be using battery power. It’s best to charge as many of your devices as possible while you’re driving to save power.
Don’t run anything you don’t need overnight and talk to your kids about being aware of what they’re using. For example, tell your kids to turn off lights that aren’t being used and think about using lanterns whenever possible.
Finally, if you’re going to be renting an RV and boondocking you might want to think about looking for an option that has a generator. Otherwise, it’s going to limit where you can go when it comes to things like weather and temperature.
For more information about taking your first dry camping or boondocking trip, I suggest having at look at this website, Live Small – Ride Free. The couple who owns it are on an amazing journey and share lots of helpful tips and great photos for this type of adventure.
Do you have plans to camp this summer?
FT&PD
Suz
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Don’t think I could do dry camping, I need my water and necessities..lol I sound like such a diva
Sounds like a great idea for families to experience especially in this day but I am one who is not a camper. Whenever the time comes where we can do a little relaxing family vacay, I would get a cottage but that is just me and what im comfortable with
Wow its informative!! But i cant do it unless its unavoidable!
I have never been camping at all….. I need running water and electricity. Although, I did promise my youngest we would try it this summer – it might end up with us pitching a tent at my aunt and uncles cottage
LOL, I need running water and electricity too Ashley. None of this roughing it stuff. We did it when I was a kid and I know my own want to give it a try, but I can’t see camping without a toilet at the very least, LOL.
We do this most times we camp. Living in the Yukon means we have access to some of the most beautiful places in Canada to camp. However, outside of Whitehorse, there are very few places where you have access to hook ups.
Aside from the battery, we use solar panels, propane and a generator for power when needed. We can carry a lot of water in the tanks but rarely fill them above 1/2 (it’s a lot of weight!). We bring jugs of drinking water as well.
It’s the best of both worlds – we get an authentic camping experience without having to “rough it” too much.
I will be checking out that website though. 🙂
When we go camping we rough it we get water from running streams for cooking and drinking and use flash night at night.
My daughter Camp on crown land all the time,! They fill the trailer thank with water and use a generator and have water and electricity.
I have never camped anywhere that didn’t have some form of a hook up – if you’re in a trailer, I think there is a little more freedom than a tent though to try those options
No plans to camp this summer but we ONLY camp without ‘city water & electric’. We like private forest service areas by a lake or river (never a fee based campground) and have a gas powered generator for night time light. We even make our own porta potty!.
We haven’t tried dry camping yet but have camped all the way down to the florida keys with our trailer . Best purchase we have ever made.
We almost always dry camp… I know it may sound a bit hardcore, but the purpose has been to teach the kiddos to be self-sufficient and show them survival techniques (everything from harnessing power sources, to cleaning drinking water, to cooking, etc.). We have never struggled through it and its always been fun.
Thanks for this great info! We don’t have camping plans this summer, but it is such a fun way to spend time in nature.
This is the first that I have heard of dry camping. I have to admit that I am more of a glamper than a camper but my husband, who loves the outdoors, would have fun with it.
the way I remember camping as a kid! Definitely an experience!
We camped like this for years to me that’s the whole idea of getting away from it all!
Dry Camping saves so much money. You could easily spend $1000 a month on campground fees. It’s great being out in the wilderness with peace and quiet.
Back in my day it wasn’t called dry camping, it was called camping and I have some of my best memories from camping
We need to get out and experience nature without all the comforts of home,we seem to have become so lazy and needy!
Never heard of dry camping, we just pack the tent and coolers then hit the road.
Dry Camping is amazing roughing it is so much fun !
This was a very interesting article. I’ve never heard that term before but there were some really great tips. And even if you go for all the hook ups. Sometimes you just don’t have a choice. So there tips will absolutely come in handy. Thanks.
I have never heard the term “dry camping” but this is the only way to camp. Your family, friends, tents and the outdoors.
thanks for the great article