What is boondocking?  Boondocking is essentially camping without hookups. You may also hear it referred to as ‘dry camping’. Often, dry camping means staying in a campground without hookups, whereas, boondocking typically means staying in a completely undeveloped area. You may also hear people talk about ‘dispersed camping’, which is the official term often used by government agencies such as the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), Fantastic camping opportunities can be found on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) undeveloped public lands. BLM camping is a highlight for any recreation enthusiast who wants open space and solitude to pitch a tent or park a self contained RV* and enjoy the great outdoors. In addition to developed campgrounds, national conservation areas, and outdoor recreation, the BLM offers dispersed camping for those who want to truly get away from it all.

The real question to ask is whether or not boondocking is right for you. If you enjoy being outdoors soaking in peace, quiet and natural beauty, then it just might be. If you prefer to be surrounded by neighbors and have lots of defined recreational activities, then maybe you would be happier in a campground. While boondocking, you often need to amuse yourself rather than go to the campground’s swimming pool or the golf course down the street.

My two favorite resources to find free and very low cost camping:

1. Campendium.com

Campendium.com

Of these two, this my first go-to resource. Many of the listed spots have been reviewed by people who previously stayed there. When they are reviewed, you might be able find out if there’s cell service by carrier, road conditions, sometimes there are photos, and where to dump/get water, shop nearby etc. Another cool feature is the reviewers sometimes link to their pages / blogs and if you liked their style of reviewing, you can check out all of their other spots they have written about.

Make use of the excellent selection of provided filters to narrow your search results.

1. Freecampsites.net

Is somewhat similar.

*Self-contained means that your RV MUST have an INTERIOR toilet and BUILT IN holding tanks for waste water. You must have INTERIOR cooking facilities and be able to supply your own power and water.

Boondocking is a term that refers to camping off the grid (no hookups..electric, water or sewer), usually on public lands for free or a very small fee. It can also be done overnight only at places such as rest areas, large parking lots or even just on the street if you can get away with it. One other way is to park in someone’s driveway, invited of course! Now if the owner of the property happens to have some hookups for you to use it isn’t technically boondocking anymore. It’s what I like to refer to as “moochdocking”.

In the fine tradition of couch surfing (where travelers can spend the night at a friends house) Moochdocking is also referred to as driveway surfing.

Moochdocking is generally known as camping on a driveway of a friend or family member. In many cases, your power cord and hose are run from the home to connect make-shift hookups to the rig. Use an adapter like these below.

2 things to keep in mind,

1. Your RV runs on 120 volts, not 240! Whatever you do, do not let your host plug your RV cord in his garage where he plugs in their 240v welder, compressor or clothes dryer. It will fry your RV’s electrical system.

2. You will not be able to run a lot of your appliances all at one time, due to being hooked up to 15 Amps. You could run one Air Conditioner but not two. You cannot use the Microwave at the same time as the Air Conditioner as you will trip the circuit breaker in the house.