One of the key benefits of RV travel is that it takes to technically start camping is to throw the motorhome or tow vehicle into "Park." With most vehicles being highly self-sufficient - even away from the energy grid and water hookups of your average campground - any stretch of land may become an impromptu campsite for the night. A secluded spot close to a stream. A clear field or perhaps a deserted parking lot. Yes, even Aunt Edna's driveway, if you're so inclined.
Such features being an onboard generator and/or inverter, LP tank(s), fresh water supply, and holding tanks make this type of reality possible. That is, assuming guess what happens you're doing. Surely, the temptation to dry camp or boondock, where travelers camp in a single way or another from standard campsites and hookups, attracts the gypsy spirit in many of us at some point and time. And you can find other reasons, too.
Me, Myself, and I
A sense of community is definitely nice, but sometimes being thrown in to the mix at the neighborhood campground isn't just what you are considering. Larger campgrounds may swell to thousands of campers on a busy weekend; poorly laid out parks stack RVs one directly on top of each other. Where did all these people come from? While no-one can deny the advantages of full hookups, hot showers, game room, and mini-mart, frankly, established campgrounds are not for everyone. Even the five-star RV resorts that everything from back your RV to massage the feet might sometimes miss the point. You would like to get away from it all, and that means blazing your own trail. Establishing the travel trailer at the secluded fishing hole. Maneuvering the motorhome through the deepest reaches of the dense forest and soon you discover the perfect spot. Ah, now that's more like it. No sounds of idling diesels next-door, no kids playing Frisbee during your campsite. Just you, your crew, and nature. Isn't this just how it was supposed to be?
Location, Location, Location
An RV trip isn't always to popular destinations, where campsites are plentiful. Some people, who take the second-home concept seriously, choose to set up their rig for a protracted stay in a place where an established campground is probably not found. For instance, that fold-down camper of yours my work admirably in grandma's backyard during your lengthy visit. Best of all, the grandkids are nice and close. Or simply it's the part-time job that has you working at the Christmas tree lot, volunteering at that State Park, or selling your wares at a regional art show that requires on-site living sans hookups? Patient's families have already been known to "camp out" at a healthcare facility, to become close to a loved one throughout a time of crisis. Furthermore, those whose hobbies take them far off the highways - such as motor sports enthusiasts, rock climbers, or boaters - often won't find better nightly accommodations than their RVs. Different situations call for different accommodations, as well as your RV is ready for any of it.
Drastic Times Demand...
The couple was absolutely dumbfounded by the no vacancy subscribes and down Pennsylvania's Interstate-80. They looked everywhere, by the finish of the night just longing for any campsite, anywhere. Unfortunately, it was fall foliage season and every single place was booked. Problem? It's getting late and everyone's exhausted? Somebody forgot to help make the reservations and things are looking just a little grim. Any RV maverick who heads for a prime tourist spot in-season knows full well how quickly campgrounds can fill up, often forcing a decision of where you can beach the rig for the night time. Facts are, sometimes boondocking is really a necessity - although you may don't particularly just like the idea of bunking down in a Wal-Mart parking lot or deserted field. If you're not going to be considered a stickler about making reservations, it's best to workout dry camping skills in advance - before you have to use them.
Money Woes
Compared to even a moderately priced motel, most RV parks, campgrounds - even plush RV resorts - are terrific deals. A night spent at a state or national park is cheaper still, bolstered by the kinds of bedazzling views one won't find just any old place. However, there are those of the RVing sect who say hooey to the complete notion of paying to camp. In the end, they already ponied up $100,000 for the motorhome, which is the premier full-time camping machine. By their thinking, every evening spent parked in the woods or at a friend's house or catching zzz's at the truck stop is money in the bank. Of course, campground owners don't much like this free-wheelin' philosophy, but you can't beat the price tag on a night of dry camping.
The Can-Do Spirit
Many RVers started as tent campers, so we're used to the thought of roughin' it. And just because we made the transformation from soggy sleeping bag to comfy digs doesn't mean we no longer embrace - or at the very least pine for - the pioneering spirit. Most of us still cuddle our inner explorer and we get a thunderous sense of pride from camping out where few motorhome tires have tread before. We're talking about an area so rustic that not the pricey satellite dish works. Generating your personal power, carrying your personal water, feasting on fresh trout or a pantry filled with canned goods is a sure-fire way to restore one's swagger - whether or not it's in a $5,000 truck camper or $500,000 diesel-pusher. Free camping are available throughout most of the million acres governed of the Bureau of Land Management and National Wildlife Refugees.
Before You Go...
However, contrary to popular belief, the world isn't your oyster. One cannot simply park their vehicle anywhere they please and throw out the welcome mat. You can find laws to consider, etiquette to follow, and safety concerns to factor. Furthermore, different RVs offer different capabilities so far as boondocking is concerned. Many smaller towables lack the ability to generate their own power, lacking an onboard generator, inverter, or even solar power applications. Smaller fresh water tanks will limit the duration of the trip - and amount of shower, for that matter - of any off-roading adventure. Is your RV up to the challenge? Are you? Here's a few things to consider before camping without a net.
Safety First
The issue with camping in Parts Unknown is just that - you just don't know. Is it safe or not? While every campground isn't necessarily Fort Knox, the reputable ones are well-lit, fenced-in, and offer the safety-in-numbers reassurance you will not get bunking at the truck stop or deepest, darkest woods. For me personally, every snap of a tree branch sends me right into a deep, paranoid panic when parked in isolation. For others, it's all part of the natural experience. Still, one must never compromise the safety factor. If it's just a matter of spending the night time before moving on in the morning, gravitate towards spots that are well-lit, fairly busy, and ideally located close to the communal bond of another RV or two. Parked under a streetlight may not make for the best night's sleep you've ever endured, but it does provide some assurances of safety. Moreover, make certain doors and windows are locked, possession brought inside for the night time, and you know where in fact the keys come in the case of a much-needed quick getaway. That, and a Louisville Slugger in case things ever get, ahem, interesting.
Legal Matters
While Wal-Mart has managed to get well-known how much they just love harboring RVers for the night, many potential landlords aren't so giving. Nor are some towns, which feel squatters is probably not the best thing for the community - or the local businesses that benefit from overnight guests. The truth is the land you're looking to camp on - be it in the back of a mall lot or next to a woodland stream - belongs to somebody. And that somebody probably isn't you. At the minimum, one should always make an effort to obtain the owner's okay before activating the slide-out and sending up it antennae for the big game. Otherwise, that tapping you hear on the side of the window at 4 a.m. might just be Officer Friendly looking to point you back on the road. Generally of etiquette, it certainly is nice to support a business that has allowed you to camp over for the night.
Is Your Rig Worthy?
The axiom is painful yet true: The smaller the RV, the less stuff it's got. Smaller fresh water tanks mean less aqua for drinking and washing, while minuscule holding tanks dictate fewer days spent in the wild before having to purge. Keep this in mind before scheduling a two-week odyssey a long way away from civilization. Once we mentioned, your vehicle may or may not have means to create electricity onboard, forcing owners to purchase a portable generator or inverter to accomplish the work. On the other hand, a smaller unit is way better when it comes to maneuvering you and your crew to more reclusive places. A camper van or truck camper is a superior off-road machine, with the capacity of squeezing through the tight passages that a 40' motorhome or 60' worth of trailer and tow vehicle can only just dream about. In a nutshell, don't write checks your RV can't cash. Go here and respect your RV's limits, and plan accordingly. Moreover, what is the health of the RV? Is everything working okay? Better be certain before you're 20 miles from a paved road with a flat tire or a dead battery. As you would before any trip, fully inspect the machine and stick to top of any preventative maintenance and routine service.
Ready, Set, Camp
Although you may never intend to spend one single, solitary moment camping from full hookups and the predictable fun of a campground, it's still a good idea to at least understand how what your RV is capable of - in the event. The best advice is to test thoroughly your dry-camping skills in a protected climate. The smartest way would be to get yourself a no-hookup campsite (or get full hookups and don't use them the initial night or two) to observe how you do. Or simply try things out in the driveway. You'll learn all-too-quickly you as well as your RV's learning curve. How fast does your family go through water? How much LP do you want for a weekend or more? How adept are you currently at cooking over a campfire if the LP gas runs out? How much can your generator handle at one time - or how good are you currently at conserving electricity? Ah, yes, conservation, the backbone of the dry camping experience. Here's some ways to get probably the most out of less.
Restore Power
If you go out of electricity, you go out of a whole lot. Fortunately, there are ways to keep that from happening, namely through the use of a generator or inverter to help keep the batteries surging. Portable models aren't cheap, but can be found to prolong your stays in the great outdoors. Otherwise, you will have to adopt an extremely disciplined approach to squeeze just of juice from your batteries. Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances you should definitely in use. A few guilty parities are the water pump, electric step, or exterior lights, which all subtly eat up the amps. Forgo the hair dryer and air conditioning equipment, which are big electricity-users. Park in the shade, on hot days, to keep the refrigerator from overworking, but nonetheless keeping things cool onboard. Don't keep using the slide-outs or spend the whole afternoon watching TV. Keep an eye on that monitor panel. You do not want the batteries to drain to zero. Remember: In a pinch, a decent-length drive can partially recharge your coach battery when readings begin to wane.
Water World
Not everyone has a 100-gallon water tank. For everybody who doesn't, it's time to conserve, considering that water is critical for cooking, cleaning, and hydrating the crew. How else are you going to make Kool-Aid? Thankfully, fresh water is pretty an easy task to maintain and re-supply should you go out (Quick Mart, anyone?) Still, shorter showers (remember the in-and-out style of the "Navy" shower) and minimizing hand washing (use hand sanitizers when possible) should maintain water levels. Don't leave the water on when brushing teeth or washing dishes, either. If there are facilities nearby for showering and such, utilize them. And consider - the less water you utilize, the less goes into the holding tanks. It's a win-win. A final thought: Just because nobody might be able to see you doesn't provide you with the to dump the tanks during your boondocking adventures. We're on our best behavior, right? Fifty gallons worth of spewing gray and black water is no solution to repay someone for using his or her property.
Pro-Propane
LP gas is a pretty hardy resource, meaning it's tough to run out for those who have any decent-size tanks. However, our conservative approach should be employed here as well. The best way to stretch the propane supply would be to cook outdoors. A campfire is still the most fun and flavorful solution to prepare a meal, a way that simply can not be replicated in the RV's oven no matter the method that you try. Snuffing out pilot light's when not used will stretch your supply even more. Otherwise, go easy on the furnace and hot water heater.
Provisions
Overloading the RV is a bad thing. Running out of Mac N' Cheese 30 miles from the nearest town isn't too good, either. Dry-campers must walk the line between loading up and overloading, that is hopefully something that comes with experience. Spare canned goods, firewood, and portable cooking devices can go quite a distance when roughin' it - provided they don't really tilt your vehicle in to the overweight condition. If boondocking plans simply call for a night here and a night there, you almost certainly won't run out of food or supplies. However, if the campout is of the epic variety, be realistic about how much of everything you may need and how easy it will be to get more. Bring extra water and food, if need be, since a hungry group quickly falls into mutiny mode. Additional possible what to include: portable grill/cooking grate, charcoal, fishing poles and tackle box, extra blankets, alkaline batteries, cell phone, medical kit, tool kits, hatchet/saw, manual can opener, cooking tools, and bug spray. And do not go to the woods with the fuel tank on "E." Chances are your generator will munch on a number of the fuel and dry camping is not any time to run out of gas.