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boondocking sites and tips

Best Boondocking Sites & Tips to Keep in Mind

Boondocking, also known as dry camping, is a popular and adventurous way to experience the great outdoors and to see and stay near some of this country’s amazing natural wonders. It also provides the opportunity to take the road less traveled, whether you’re in a camper van or luxury RV.

However, RV boondocking for beginners can be intimidating for those who have never gone off-grid before. Boondocking involves camping in remote and undeveloped areas without access to water, electricity, or other amenities typically available at campgrounds.

Boondocking can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it does require some preparation and planning. If you are interested in trying boondocking for the first time, here are some tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Also Read: Planning to run RV AC on Solar? Here are some things to keep in mind…

RV Boondocking Tips:

  1. Research your destination: Before heading out to a remote location, it’s essential to do some research on the area. Check out the weather forecast, local regulations, and any potential hazards. You can also read up on other camper’s experiences on blogs or social media groups.
  2. Plan ahead: It’s crucial to have a solid plan in place before you go boondocking. Decide on your route, the length of your stay, and what you’ll need to bring. Make sure to have plenty of water and food with you and consider bringing a portable solar panel to charge your electronics.
  3. Choose the right vehicle: Boondocking requires a vehicle that can handle rough terrain and is equipped with the necessary camping gear. If you don’t have one, consider renting or borrowing one from a friend or family member.
  4. Practice leave-no-trace principles: When camping in remote areas, it’s essential to leave the site in the same condition you found it. This means packing out all trash, avoiding building campfires, and avoiding disturbing the natural environment.
  5. Be prepared for emergencies: Boondocking can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies. Bring a first-aid kit, a satellite phone, and a GPS device to help navigate in case of getting lost.
  6. Respect wildlife: Remember, you are a visitor in the animals’ homes. It is crucial to respect their habitat and avoid disturbing them. Keep a safe distance and never approach or feed them.
  7. Enjoy the experience: Boondocking travel can be an incredible experience, providing you with a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Take the time to appreciate the beauty around you and embrace the solitude.

Wondering where to go for your first boondocking excursion?  A test run is usually a good idea, but once you’re ready for the real thing, there are several boondocking apps, such as Campendium, iOverlander, and FreeRoam, that can help you find free and low-cost camping options.  Experienced boondockers have their favorite destinations. Here are ten most frequently visited RV boondocking sites that are recommended:

Best RV Boondocking Sites To Remember:

1. Mojave National Preserve, California

Mojave National Preserve, California

Mojave National Preserve, California

On our list of the best 10 RV Boondocking Sites, Mojave National Preserve comes in at number one. With over 1.6 million acres of desert wilderness, this park offers plenty of opportunities for boondocking travel, stargazing, and exploring.

Also Check Out: RVing in rain? Check RV Essentials For Boondocking

2. BLM Land in Arizona

BLM Land in Arizona

BLM Land in Arizona

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages millions of acres of public land in Arizona, offering endless possibilities for boondocking in stunning natural settings.

3. Organ Mountains

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico

Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico – This relatively new national monument boasts dramatic desert landscapes and excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

4. Olympic National Forest, Washington

Olympic National Forest, Washington

Olympic National Forest, Washington

With over 600,000 acres of wilderness, this forest offers plenty of opportunities for boondocking, hiking, and fishing.

5. Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley National Park, California

This park offers some of the most extreme desert landscapes in the United States, as well as incredible stargazing opportunities.

6. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

This sprawling national monument offers a range of landscapes, from desert to canyons to mountains, and is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers.

7. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

This park offers a unique high-desert landscape, as well as opportunities for stargazing, hiking, and exploring limestone caverns.

8. White River National Forest, Colorado

White River National Forest, Colorado

White River National Forest, Colorado

With over 2 million acres of wilderness, this forest offers plenty of opportunities for boondocking, hiking, and fishing in the Rockies.

9. Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

This boondocking spot offers a mix of dense forests, rolling hills, and granite peaks, as well as plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

10. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park, California

Our list of RV boondocking sites in California concludes with Joshua Tree National Park. This park offers unique desert landscapes, world-class rock climbing, and plenty of opportunities for stargazing.

5 Tips Before Heading Out On A Boondocking Adventure

5 Quick Tips Before Heading Out On A Boondocking Adventure

If you’ve been RVing for a long,  you’ve probably heard the phrase “boondocking” thrown about a few times. Camping in a remote location that hasn’t been formally authorized for camping is sometimes referred to as boondocking. Enthusiastic travelers with a passion for adventure, occasionally need to travel off the grid.

There are so many stunning national parks and unknown areas around the country that if you own an RV and don’t attempt boondocking at least once in your life, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Get out there and explore the back roads; you’ll thank us later! Here are some pointers for you boondocking adventure to get you started…

Quick Tips for Boondocking Adventure:

Before you leave, make sure your RV and tow vehicle are in good working order.

This is really crucial. The entire concept of boondocking is to travel out to a completely barren spot with very few, if any, people present. The last thing you need is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery or a flat tire with no spare. This may appear to be a little step, but it might save you a great deal of trouble in the long run.

Assess the weather

How many times have you departed for a vacation with the sun blazing and not a cloud in the sky, only to be met by a heavy rain a few hours later? Know what the weather will be like so you can pack appropriately.

Investigate your destination

Do your homework before embarking on a boondocking adventure. Driving around until you discover the “ideal” place is definitely not a good idea. You’re probably not going to find what you’re searching for and will wind up staying at a campsite you’ve been to before. Then, consult with your RV mates and other folks you know who like camping.

There are several internet sites for learning about the greatest boondocking places around the country. Make it a point to learn from the errors of others.

Have plenty of food and drink on hand

If it hasn’t been clear by now, we want to make sure you plan ahead of time before taking a boondocking adventure with your RV! Stock up on water and, preferably, non-perishable food to bring with you. If you intend to spend a lengthy amount of time in the wilderness, you must ensure that your food does not spoil.

Before embarking on this expedition, you might want to consider crafting a few items to carry with you.   Don’t forget to bring wet wipes with you. Do not burn your limited water supply on routine cleaning tasks.

Also Read: Best Boondocking Sites to Keep in Mind

Carry a generator with you

Because there will be no power hookups while boondocking, it is critical to invest in a sufficient generator to ensure you have electricity in your RV. A 3000 watt generator will cost you between $250 and $500, depending on the brand, whether it is new or used, and so on. This is where the RVAC Solution Soft Starter shines. Some Ac units will require a higher wattage generator just to start up, let alone running your air conditioner and other electronics at the same time.

Due to the limited source of power, normal functionality of your electronics and appliances is often compromised. The AC system is one of the most power taxing devices on the entire RV. However RVAC Solutions soft starters are designed to reduce the startup power demand of RV Air Conditioning Units by up to 75%, which greatly reduces the sacrifices those without a soft starter will have to make. After all your supposed to be enjoying your adventure not sweating miserably wishing your were home!