What is Dry Camping

An RV or travel trailer can make cross-country travel an enjoyable experience. Visiting multiple campgrounds with complete hookups lets you enjoy your vacation comfortably. For those who need help locating a suitable campground, however, other places to reside need hookups for electricity, fresh water, and sewage systems.

This is referred to as dry camping.Dry camping is in an RV, van, or motorhome outside a traditional campground with no utilities. There is no cost if dry campers camp on public and private lands with the landowner's permission. This activity is sometimes called dispersed camping in national parks and forests.

Dry camping is not only a fun, safe, and pleasant activity, but it can also significantly reduce campground costs. Numerous locations, including national forests, BLM land, and parking lots, are ideal for camping without hookups.

 Dry Camping VS. Boondocking

In the RVing community, boondocking is commonly used to refer to camping without utilities, although dry camping is a more accurate term. "Dry camping" and "boondocking" are frequently used synonymously. Both phrases refer to RV camping without electricity, water, or sewage connections.    

 Boondocking is a form of dry camping typically practiced in remote natural areas without infrastructure. It is sometimes referred to as "wild camping." Dry camping encompasses a broader range of locations, such as state park campgrounds, casino parking lots, retail parking lots, recreation areas, and even someone's driveway — a practice commonly known as mooch docking.  

Energizer solar generator for dry camping

Typical campers may not comprehend why anyone would want to camp this way. Standard campgrounds provide excellent amenities such as flush restrooms, showers, picnic tables, camp stores, and possibly Wi-Fi. Off the grid, you are left to your own devices. There are, however, two aspects to every coin.

 Dry camping is only sometimes free but is typically more affordable than camping with complete hookups. Being independent of connections expands the number of camping locations. There are different opportunities, such as staying at breweries, farms, golf courses, or camping in a lakeside national forest campground with a long history.Close to Nature: You can appreciate the sunrise, the sunset, and how the moon illuminates the sky just enough to see your surroundings.

Less Restriction:No designated campsites exist, so you can park wherever you have the most significant access to water or the best view.  

Private:If your ideal camping trip takes place in a pristine natural setting with only you and your camping companions, this may be your option.

Free: On average, standard RV camping costs between $25 and $80 per night, with private and renowned campgrounds charging more.

Cons of Dry Camping

Regarding disadvantages, residing off the grid has the most significant drawback. Without connections, you must bring all of your water with you. It means not filling your wastewater containers. It also involves carrying additional fuel and cooking over an open flame.More Work Required: Sadly, you cannot park and camp wherever possible. Before selecting a location, you must familiarize yourself with all applicable regulations.

Need Check Regulations:There are no designated camping areas, so you can park wherever you have the best water access or view.  

Take More Stuff:You will need an ample supply of water, an emergency pack, and off-grid power, all of which can add weight.

What to Pack for Dry Camping

There is nothing quite like a camping excursion in the wilderness, where you can get closer to nature and leave your worries behind. 

An RV enhances your camping experience by allowing you to bring essentials from home, such as a comfortable bed, on your wild excursion. Dry camping is a great way to escape RV campground crowds and experience nature at its finest. While dry camping may seem intimidating to novices, nothing is impossible with some preparation and the right mindset.