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Take careful notes of your usage on other things, including food and other essentials. Pay attention to how much gas and water you use.
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Camp in your RV is if you are in the middle of nowhere (or at least a few miles away from amenities).
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#Rv boondocking trial#
One of the best ways to prepare for boondocking is to give it a trial run at home in your driveway, at a campsite at a local campground, or even in the parking lot of your local Walmart. Many RVers love boondocking because it’s a spontaneous camping experience, but a successful boondocking requires a little planning. Preparing for Your First Boondocking Adventure You can find all of these items online or in outdoor gear stores. Whether you have a mechanical error on your RV or run out of groceries while you’re on the road, always prepare for the unexpected by cushioning your boondocking budget.ĭon’t forget to stock your RV with a first aid kit, a shovel for burying human waste, water purification devices, and emergency flares. Unexpected ExpensesĪs with any road trip or vacation, you should consider unexpected expenses that might occur when boondocking. Dumping services typically cost between $5 and $30 depending on the size of RV or the pit stop that provides the services. Water is often free, but it’s important to make sure that it’s safe to consume. If you’re new to the world of RVs, you may not be ready to explore alternative energy options, but most 100-watt solar panels cost between $100 to $150, and most RVs need at least two. Unless you’re an RVer who spends most of the year on the road and have a lot of experience with boondocking, you may not think of adding solar panels to your RV. If you use propane for cooking or heating, the usage is likely to fluctuate based on how many meals you cook and how much heat you use.Īlways check out your current fuel and propane prices before you plan your trip so that you can create a fuel and propane budget (make sure to account for fluctuating prices). The amount you spend on fuel is dependent on the type of fuel you use (diesel or gas), how far you plan to travel, and how frequently you fire up the generator. Fuel and Propane PricesĮvery RVer knows that the cost of fuel fluctuates.
#Rv boondocking free#
If you decide to go boondocking on public land, rather than at a campsite, the cost is free (but again, make sure to follow any posted signs or other guidelines). Public campgrounds include local, state, and national campgrounds, and there are specific guidelines to follow.Īlthough there are some regulations to follow when you’re boondocking on BLM land, you have a little more freedom and space. If you choose to stay in a public campground, but at a site with no hookups such as a primitive site, it can cost around $25 to $30 a night, which is comparable to a night in an RV park. It’s important to note that boondocking is typically spontaneous and making reservations can be difficult (or not an option).
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The prices we list are average costs, so if you need more accurate pricing, it’s best to take a little time making price comparisons and planning out an itinerary. Not only do RVers choose to boondock to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, but many also decide to go boondocking to keep their costs low. Your costs are dependent on numerous factors from the type of RV you own to your wants and needs while boondocking. Most often, boondocking takes place on public land provided by US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM).Īs with all costs associated with RVing, the costs related to boondocking vary. Some RVers are happy to stay in a crowded RV park for a weekend, but may also crave the solitude and space of staying in their RV in the great outdoors without the constant hum of generators or having strangers parked just a few feet away.īoondocking is becoming increasingly popular because it’s a balance of camping comfortably and enjoying a more simplistic outdoor experience.Įven though boondocking often refers to getting in touch with nature, boondocking falls into some different categories, such as moochdocking (RVing at a friend or relative’s place) or Wallydocking (an overnight stay in a Walmart parking lot).īoondocking occurs in developed campsites with no hookups or primitive campsites. While there many benefits and conveniences to parking your RV in an RV campground, it’s not what every RVer wants to do.
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If we consider the history and culture of RVing, many people are quick to assume that boondocking and RVs don’t go hand-in-hand. Boondocking in the RV world means that you are not connected to water, sewer, or electricity. Others may refer to it as independent or wild camping. Some avid RV owners refer to boondocking as dry camping or free camping.
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