Campground fees can add up to $1,000+ per month—sometimes rivaling a mortgage payment. Boondocking offers an alternative: camping for free (or nearly free) without hookups. It's not only a budget-saver but also gets you closer to nature and away from crowds.
💰 Savings Potential
What is Boondocking?
Boondocking (also called dry camping or dispersed camping) means camping outside developed campgrounds without any hookups. You rely entirely on your RV's internal systems:
- • Battery bank and solar/generator for electricity
- • Fresh water tank (no city water connection)
- • Propane for heating and cooking
- • Gray and black tanks for waste storage
Where to Find Free Camping
🏜️ Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
The BLM manages 245 million acres of public land, mostly in the Western US. This is the most popular option for long-term boondocking.
- • 14-day stay limit per area
- • Must move 25+ miles after 14 days
- • No campfires during fire season
- • Pack out all trash
- • Quartzsite, AZ (winter haven)
- • Moab, UT
- • Nevada desert
- • New Mexico
🌲 National Forests (USFS)
National forests often allow dispersed camping along service roads. Great for shade and cooler summer temps.
- • Check Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)
- • Stay 14 days, then move
- • Camp in existing spots or on durable surfaces
- • Some areas require free permits
- • Kaibab NF (Arizona)
- • Coconino NF (Sedona area)
- • Tongass NF (Alaska)
- • Rocky Mountain forests
🏕️ State & County Land
Many states have wildlife management areas, state forests, or county parks that allow free or low-cost camping.
- • Check individual state DNR websites
- • Florida water management areas often allow camping
- • Texas has some free county parks
- • Georgia WMAs allow camping during hunting season
🛒 Retail Overnight Parking
For quick overnight stops while traveling—not extended stays.
- • Walmart (many locations)
- • Cracker Barrel
- • Cabela's / Bass Pro Shops
- • Camping World
- • Always ask permission first
- • One night only
- • Stay self-contained
- • Shop at the store as thanks
Best Apps for Finding Boondocking Spots
📱 Campendium
Best for detailed reviews, photos, and cell signal reports. Great community feedback.
📱 iOverlander
International coverage, includes water fill-ups, dump stations, and repair shops.
📱 FreeCampsites.net
Community-driven database focused specifically on free camping locations.
📱 The Dyrt
Includes both campgrounds and dispersed sites. Offline maps available.
Essential Boondocking Gear
| Category | Essential Gear | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Solar panels, lithium batteries, inverter | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Water | Extra fresh water container, filter, low-flow faucets | $50 - $300 |
| Internet | Starlink, cell booster, multiple carriers | $200 - $800 |
| Safety | Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach), first aid kit | $300 - $500 |
| Comfort | Outdoor rug, awning shade, chairs/table | $100 - $400 |
Boondocking Etiquette: "Leave No Trace"
Following these principles keeps public lands open for everyone. Bad behavior leads to closures.
- 1. Pack it in, pack it out: Leave the site cleaner than you found it.
- 2. Use existing sites: Don't create new roads or clear vegetation.
- 3. Respect quiet hours: Generators off by 8pm in most areas.
- 4. Bury human waste properly: 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water sources.
- 5. Follow fire rules: Check local fire restrictions before any fire.
- 6. Give space to others: Don't camp right next to someone else.
How Long Can You Really Boondock?
Your boondocking duration depends on your RV's self-sufficiency. Here's what limits most RVers:
Typical Limits (Without Upgrades)
- • Fresh water: 3-5 days (conserving)
- • Battery power: 1-3 days
- • Gray/black tanks: 4-7 days
- • Propane: 2-4 weeks
With Upgrades
- • Fresh water: 7-14 days (200+ gallon tanks)
- • Battery power: Indefinite (solar + lithium)
- • Gray/black tanks: 10-14 days (composting toilet helps)
- • Propane: 4-8 weeks (100lb tanks)
Safety Tips for Remote Camping
- ⚠️ Tell someone your plans: Share GPS coordinates with family.
- ⚠️ Carry a satellite communicator: Cell service is often absent.
- ⚠️ Scout your site by day: Don't arrive after dark in unfamiliar areas.
- ⚠️ Trust your gut: If a spot feels weird, move on.
- ⚠️ Know local wildlife: Bear country requires bear boxes or secure food storage.
Conclusion
Boondocking opens up a world of freedom and adventure. With the right preparation and a sense of exploration, you can wake up to million-dollar views for absolutely free. Start with easier spots near towns, build your skills, and gradually explore more remote locations as you gain confidence.
Plan Your Boondocking Budget
Use our Solar Power Calculator to size your system, or the Tank Duration Calculator to see how long you can stay off-grid.