What Does Boondocking Mean in Camping?


The definition of boondocking is camping in a motorhome for free, outside of an established campsite, with no connections or access to other amenities.

Boondocking is the name given to camping without connections to outside electricity or water sources. It is similar to primitive camping, although one may still bring technology along with them during boondocking. Boondocking is a method for gaining a more authentic natural experience.

While boondocking is untethered camping outside of developed campsites, dry camping is just untethered camping. In addition to camping in the vast wilderness, there are other options for lodging for the night. Because you will be camping offline, you will need a little more time to plan your campsite than camping at developed campsites.

Most boondocking is dry camping, which means you won’t have access to electricity, water, or a drainage station. Remember that there is no electricity or running water in a boondocking or dry camping. When you go to the backcountry, you will most likely need some kind of electrical connection. Before you go for a walk, you must learn to accept the fact that you will use less electricity than in a house or campsite with outlets.

Preparing for Camping without Outside Influence

The lack of connections also means you’ll have to carry all the fresh water you’ll need for the duration of your stay in the boondock. Boondocking really just means camping in a motorhome where you don’t have a connection. Boondocking is a form of dry camping, especially on public lands where you can camp wherever you want. If you plan well, you can find good RV parking on public land that allows you to stay longer.

Despite some restrictions, including occupancy restrictions or designated camping areas, this type of terrain will usually be your choice for boondocking. Since boondocking is usually done in undeveloped areas, you can choose your own campsite away from your neighbors if you wish. For those who want to camp in remote areas away from the crowds, a ford is a welcome alternative. The flexibility of boondocking can be great if you’re willing to be spontaneous, but it can be frustrating if you’re planning to camp in a certain area and find it packed with other campers.

Why Boondocking Is So Popular

The fact that there are no restrictions is the reason why many campers prefer bundocking to other forms of camping. Although, if you are in an RV, you will actually be camping. No, you cannot roam if you are in a tent, pay for camping or camping, however simple it may be.

Boondocking is certainly not for everyone, but camping on wheels isn’t either. For those looking to forgo camping, boondocking is a way to make camping cheap and easy. Boondocking for us is an opportunity to camp outside of the box, away from the services and amenities found in developed RV parks or campgrounds. You can spend the night in a variety of ways, such as sleeping in a business parking lot or camping on public land.

Boondocking is often used in campgrounds with vehicles such as RVs or caravans. Bundocking usually involves camping in a vehicle such as an SUV, van, car or pickup truck. Boondocking is an umbrella term for camping, but is more common in RV, van living, and Overlanding communities, as they tend to have the necessary supplies and storage space for dead docks.

Other terms you may see referring to backcountry are wild camping and wild camping. The term “boondocking” is also used as a synonym for any of the many types of offline camping. Although both terms describe unrelated camping, the term “boondocking” is used almost exclusively for camping outside designated campsites. Bundocking is a term used by vacationers to describe an RV without water, electricity, or sewer connections.

Some Discussion on What Constitutes Boondocking

Some say that the definition of boondocking is to park strictly in the “outback” without electricity, water or sewer. Others use a broader definition and do not have the “Boonies” requirement: simply parking anywhere without connections (also known as “dry camping”) qualifies as paddock.

Since tents have no hooking ability at all, calling dry camping in a tent would be redundant. No matter where you hope to stay, it’s best to double check if camping is allowed. Luckily, as long as you stay in areas where dry camping is allowed and follow proper etiquette, boondocking is completely legal.

Many homeless sites will provide accurate coordinates so you can be sure you are camping legally in designated areas. When bundling on BLM lands or national forests, areas are sometimes closed for abuse or overuse, so be sure to look out for any local signs that say no camping is allowed. As a general rule, you can camp anywhere in the National Forest as long as there are no other indications. Boondocking is when you camp for free, usually in national forests or BLM terrain.

Boondocking Is the Most Natural Form of Camping

Boondocking means camping in the most traditional way of being in nature, deep in the forest, or in the desert, or in the mountains, away from the city and without connection to public services. This kind of boondocking is sometimes referred to as wild, primitive, or scattered camping, and often comes with Instagram-worthy views. Among the various types of boondocking, this type gives you a little more nature without losing some of the amenities of developed campsites. Boondocking (also known as dry camping) involves trekking into a wildlife center—outback, if you will—and setting up camp.

There is no official definition of the term “boondocking”, however nighttime RV parks such as WalMart or truck stops, NASCAR races, federal and state campgrounds, and whenever a RV connection is not available (dry camping) are referred to as boondocking. Boondocking also usually means camping at undesignated campgrounds – no campsite hosts, no site numbers, no picnic tables. This is a phrase that travelers use to describe wild camping in places where there are no services such as sewerage, water, or electricity.

As long as you use common sense and follow the simple safety rules outlined at the end of this article, booodocking is just as safe as any other type of camping. When you have full connections, it’s easy to sit inside your RV while camping.

Eric Greene

Eric Greene is the avatar of Wildseer. Eric is a nature lover and technologist who strives to integrate modern human life into the natural world for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.

Recent Posts