If you’ve been getting tired of the same old campground scenery, there’s another RVing option that you might want to consider. Dry camping, otherwise referred to as boondocking or dispersed camping, refers to the process of camping away from established campsites. The options are wide open for new sites and scenery to explore with your RV.
Learn the Local Regulations
It’s very important to learn local regulations before heading out on a dry camping permit because there are many rules governing where and how you can camp. Federal land that doesn’t belong to a National Park is often open for dry camping. Bureau of Land Management land and National Forest land are both good candidates as well. If the land is being used for resource extraction or some other purpose, it may be off-limits. Call your local ranger or BLM agent to make sure the land you’re looking to camp on is legal.
On top of choosing where you camp, there are several regulations governing what type of activities can be done on federal land. If a burn ban is in place, you won’t be able to have a fire pit. It’s usually mandated that all trash is packed out of the area and human waste is buried under at least six inches of soil. Some areas have firearm bans or alcohol bans, too, so once again, it’s worth it to make a call to your local ranger or BLM agent.
Choosing an Energy Source
Because dry camping is off-the-grid camping, you’ll need to figure out an energy source(unless you enjoy eating cold soup beans by candlelight.) The main options are propane, diesel, and solar energy. The benefit of solar energy is that you don’t have to worry about constantly refilling fuel tanks. While solar energy is sustainable, it isn’t always the most practical, especially here in Oregon where we sometimes get months of rainy days on end. Propane is a great option because it’s relatively inexpensive and many modern RV use appliances that run on propane, including the water heater, stove, and even the refrigerator. Diesel requires the use of a generator to create electricity, which is another appliance to maintain.
Helpful Appliances
A few appliances will make boondocking much easier. A tabletop water distiller will give you a consistent amount of pure drinking water for all your cooking and drinking needs. If you don’t want to use a distiller, a filtration system can be used to purify the local water sources. Since managing human waste can be a challenge, try using a composting toilet to take the blackwater tank out of the equation. If your RV doesn’t already have one, a propane-powered refrigerator can make it so you’re always able to keep your food cold.
Need more helpful boondocking tips? Then consider stopping by River City RV on your way to explore the great outdoors! Our expert staff here in Grants Pass, OR are always happy to serve clientele from the nearby city of Medford, OR, and will have no trouble offering advice, tips, and helpful product recommendations to ensure you have a successful boondocking trip.
