Boondocking: How And Where To Go Dispersed Camping
Some of our favorite RV tips and hacks are the ones that save money!
One thing to love about boondocking … You can’t get any cheaper than FREE!
You can find awesome remote camping locations that allow you to save money while dry camping on stunningly beautiful public lands.
We’ll show you how to camp in the wild just like a seasoned boondocker while keeping camping safety a top priority!
Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.
How And Where To Go Boondocking
You just need a few tips on how to go boondocking and how to find boondocking sites before you head out to the wilderness!
Dispersed camping is probably easier than you think!
Because we choose boondocking over any other type of camping, we have written lots of posts based on our years of experience and the nuances related to boondocking (like lack of power, water and services.)
So, this list includes posts on EVERYTHING you need to know for a successful and safe boondocking camping trip!
Cell Phone And TV Service While Boondocking
We spend most of our camping trips unplugging but on extended trips we like having the creature comforts of home.
Currently, we are using Hulu for TV with a Verizon unlimited data plan BUT if there is no cell phone signal, we are out of luck.
If there is a weak cell phone signal we are golden … we turn on our weBoost Cell Phone Signal Booster and are back in business for phone calls, internet service and TV streaming.
NOTE: A signal booster can only boost a signal … it can’t create one that is not there. So you have to be in an area with some signal before a booster is a benefit to you.
Boosts Voice Quality And Data Speed
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Free Camping In USA
Boondocking is NOT legal everywhere so you need to know where boondocking is allowed.
The good news is that there are tons of free camp sites in the United States and this post shows you how to find them including areas in National Forests, on BLM Land (Bureau of Land Management), US Army Corps of Engineers, State Owned Land, Wildlife Management Areas as well as links to books, apps and websites to find free camping!
Camping In National Forests
We live in Arizona and have an abundance of free camping areas located in several National Forests throughout the state.
If you have never been boondocking in National Forests, you’ll see how easy it is in our post.
Best Camping Apps
We like to unplug when we are camping BUT we still use our phones in the wilderness because the best apps are not just for trip planning and navigation!
Camping Without Fire: How To Camp With Fire Restrictions
One of the most awesome things about boondocking is the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature in really remote areas.
BUT, with that occasion comes the possibility of having fire restrictions placed on the area where you are camping.
Did you ever try to grill a hamburger when you can’t start a campfire, light a grill or even strike a match?
You can easily accommodate the rules with the tips in our post.
Solar Products For Camping
Solar panels are not the only pieces of solar equipment that contribute to an enjoyable boondocking experience.
Our post has cool gear for charging your personal electronic devices, lighting your campsite, taking a warm shower surrounded by the trees and even cooking while boondocking!
How To Charge Your Phone Without Electricity While Camping
Make sure you know how to charge phone while camping without electricity because when you are boondocking, your phone will run out of power faster than an ice cream cone melts in Phoenix in July!
How To Refill Fresh Water Tank During Camping Trips
Learn 4 different methods with step-by-step instructions to refill your fresh water tanks when you are out in the middle of nowhere! We’ve got tips on where to find water, how to haul it, how to conserve it, safety tips for you and your equipment as well as sanitizing your water system.
DIY Portable Water Tank For RV Boondocking Using Gravity Fill Camping Water Container VIDEO
Water when boondocking is one of the biggest challenges to camping out in the wild!
We found solutions that work for us when it comes to where to get water and how to store it for our boondocking adventures.
We built our own portable water container which is really simple to build and use.
We have a VIDEO to show you how in our post.
We also discuss issues related to gray and black water when boondocking.
Portable Solar Panels For RV Camping VIDEO
The lack of power is another challenge when it comes to dispersed camping.
We use portable solar panels to meet our needs.
We started with smaller panels and as our boondocking trips became longer, we needed to increase production … so, we invested in panels that easily satisfy our increased demands.
Check out our VIDEO and tips in our post.
How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?
If you are thinking about the possibility of using solar power on your boondocking trips but are not sure if your demands can be met using solar, you can answer the question: How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV? This post includes a FREE printable RV Solar Calculator!
How To Choose, Use And Maintain The Best RV Battery
Your ability to generate power with solar panels is only half the challenge when you are boondocking.
You need to store that power until you are ready to use it so your RV batteries are a critical component to have the power you need while camping in remote areas.
Our post is full of tips that you need to know for your wild camping trips.
Best Quiet Generators For Camping: Top RV & Tent Inverter & Conventional Generators
If you are even thinking about using your AC when boondocking, you will either need an enormous bank of batteries to run your air conditioner using solar power … or … you will need to use a generator.
Personally, we like to camp in moderate weather so this is not an issue for us and we rarely even take our generator on our camping trips.
But, we do have one and it meets our needs when we use it.
We have a FREE calculator to determine what size generator you need in our post.
Camping Security Protects Valuables From Theft
People who have never done it before always wonder “Is boondocking safe?”
The answer is … it depends.
Most of the factors that contribute to how safe boondocking is, actually depend on you.
Don’t let the peacefulness of a remote camping area take you off guard when it comes to everyday safety and security.
Personally, we actually feel more safe when we are camping in the wild than when we are camping in a crowded campground or RV park.
This is a post we wrote about how we safeguard our family and gear during our camping trips.
What Are Walk-Up Only Campsites
First come first serve camping sites are not always free and they are not always amenity-free … but sometimes they are so we’ve got information to help you understand what walk-up campsites are and how to find the best ones.
Campfire Cooking Equipment You Can’t Live Without
When you are boondocking, you won’t find much in the way of cooking grates or grills so you should be prepared to bring your favorite campfire cooking equipment with you.
Camping Safety Tips For Families
No matter where families decide to camp … at a full-service campground or in the middle of a remote area without another human being or building in sight … safety is always a top priority.
BUT, because dispersed camping areas may be out of cell phone range and can also be miles away from emergency services, you need to take extra precautions to keep your family safe while boondocking.
Our post has information to consider before your next trip.
Ultimate RV And Tent Camping Checklist
Boondocking is called wild camping for a reason … partially because you are out in the wild!
These are trips you really need to pack for because the nearest grocery and hardware stores are not conveniently accessible.
Use our FREE printable checklist as you pack for your dispersed camping experience.
RV Tool Kit Checklist
Many roads leading to the best boondocking locations are unpaved and can be a bit rough.
In addition to a normal tool set, we carry a few extra items we consider to be necessary for our dispersed camping trips … not necessarily for the rough roads … but more for our own peace of minds.
Our FREE printable RV tool kit checklist will help you determine which tools you need for your individual style of remote camping.
Fun Camping Signs To Mark Your Campsite
In the old classic, The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy needed to find the Wizard of Oz who was hanging out in the Emerald City so he could help her get back home.
But, Dorothy didn’t know how to find him so Glinda the Good Witch helped her by saying that she simply needed to follow the Yellow Brick Road.
We’re in similar situations when it comes to meeting friends when we are boondocking in a remote camp spot … we don’t know how to find them!
So, when we decide a campground with numbered spots is not out in the wilderness enough, we’re faced with the question, “So where should we meet you?”
And we create fun camping signs to lead the way!
Camping In Arizona
As a family of boondockers, we could not think of a place we would rather live … Arizona has the “Boondockers Welcome” sign hanging in every area of the state!
See some of our favorite places to go camping in Arizona and let us know if you have a spot you’d like to share!
There are so many names for boondocking … free camping, off-grid-camping, dispersed camping, dry camping, wild camping etc.
No matter what you call it, boondocking has fantastic advantages beyond just saving you money … the scenery in some of the areas available for boondocking is POST CARD PERFECT!
If you’re looking for awesome ideas for yummy camping food, you’re in the right place! Here’s our entire camping recipes list.
