How to Get Ready for Boondocking in 5 Steps

Boondocking—also known as dry camping, dispersed camping, and many other terms—means to camp in your RV without water and electric hookups. This can be a challenge but if you plan wisely, there’s no reason you can’t have a successful trip!

Here are five ways you can prepare for a boondocking trip in your rig: 

Power Up Your Batteries and Gadgets 

When you’re boondocking, you’ll be depending on your RV’s batteries and solar power to run some appliances, lights, and other things that need electricity. It’s a smart idea to power up your RV batteries at home or at a full-service campground before you go boondocking.

Also, charge all of your gadgets, such as phones, tablets, laptops, ebook readers, cameras—anything that you use often. Charging these gadgets beforehand will help you save battery or solar power once you’ve reached your campsite.

Clean Your Solar Panels

Solar panels can accumulate dirt and dust, which can lower their efficiency. So before a boondocking trip, thoroughly and gently clean your solar panels. Use only cleaning products and soft cloths that are suitable for solar panels.

Clean and Empty or Fill Your Tanks

One of the most crucial things to do before boondocking is to empty and clean your black and grey tanks, especially if you want to avoid a sudden trip to a dump station! And don’t forget to clean and fill up your water tank with clean, drinkable water.

Take a Shower or Bath

You’ll be trying to conserve water while you’re boondocking so it’s a good idea to take a nice, long bath or shower before you head out to your off-grid location. 

Prepare and Cook Meals

Running appliances in your rig can use up a lot of power when you’re boondocking. What’s more, cooking requires cleaning, and that can use a lot of water. To help conserve your power and water, you’ll want to plan for meals that are easy to make AND don’t require much heating or cooking. You can’t go wrong with options like sandwiches and chips, hotdogs or even pre-cooked foods like kebabs. If you use compostable plates and napkins, you can avoid washing dishes, too! In what ways do you prepare for boondocking? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!