One of the main element advantages of RV travel is that all it requires to technically start camping is to throw the motorhome or tow vehicle into "Park." With most vehicles being highly self-sufficient - even from the power grid and water hookups of one's average campground - any stretch of land can become an impromptu campsite for the night. A secluded spot next to a stream. An empty field or perhaps a deserted parking lot. Yes, even Aunt Edna's driveway, if you are so inclined.
Such features being an onboard generator and/or inverter, LP tank(s), fresh water supply, and holding tanks make this type of reality possible. That is, assuming you know what you're doing. Surely, the temptation to dry camp or boondock, where travelers camp in a single way or another away from standard campsites and hookups, attracts the gypsy spirit in lots of of us at some point and time. And there are other reasons, too.
Me, Myself, and I
A sense of community is definitely nice, but sometimes being thrown into the mix at the local campground isn't just what you are considering. Larger campgrounds may swell to a large number of campers on a busy weekend; poorly laid out parks stack RVs one directly on top of each other. Where did each one of these people result from? While no one can deny some great benefits of full hookups, hot showers, game room, and mini-mart, frankly, established campgrounds aren't for everybody. Even the five-star RV resorts that everything from back your RV to massage your feet might sometimes skip the point. You wish to get away from everything, and that means blazing your own trail. Setting up the travel trailer at the secluded fishing hole. Maneuvering the motorhome through the deepest reaches of the dense forest and soon you find the perfect spot. Ah, now that's similar to it. No sounds of idling diesels next-door, no kids playing Frisbee through your campsite. Just you, your crew, and nature. Isn't this the way it was supposed to be?
Location, Location, Location
An RV trip isn't always to popular destinations, where campsites are plentiful. Some people, who take the second-home concept seriously, elect to create their rig for an extended stay in a place where a recognised campground may not be found. For example, that fold-down camper of yours might work admirably in grandma's backyard during your lengthy visit. On top of that, the grandkids are nice and close. Or simply it's the part-time job that has you working at the Christmas tree lot, volunteering at that State Park, or selling your wares at a regional art show that will require on-site living sans hookups? Patient's families have been recognized to "camp out" at the hospital, in order to be close to a loved one throughout a time of crisis. Furthermore, those whose hobbies take them remote the highways - such as motor sports enthusiasts, rock climbers, or boaters - often won't find better nightly accommodations than their RVs. Different situations call for different accommodations, and your RV is ready for any of it.
Drastic Times Demand...
The couple was absolutely dumbfounded by the no vacancy signs up and down Pennsylvania's Interstate-80. They looked everywhere, by the end of the night time just hoping for any campsite, anywhere. Unfortunately, it had been fall foliage season and each and every place was booked. Sound familiar? It's getting late and everyone's exhausted? Somebody forgot to help make the reservations and things are looking a little grim. Any RV maverick who heads for a prime tourist spot in-season knows full well how quickly campgrounds can fill up, often forcing a decision of where to beach the rig for the night. Facts are, sometimes boondocking is really a necessity - although you may don't particularly just like the notion of bunking down in a Wal-Mart parking lot or deserted field. If you're not going to be a stickler about making reservations, it's best to work out dry camping skills in advance - before you must use them.
Money Woes
Compared to even a moderately priced motel, most RV parks, campgrounds - even plush RV resorts - are terrific deals. A night spent at circumstances or national park is cheaper still, bolstered by the kinds of bedazzling views one won't find just any old place. However, you can find those of the RVing sect who say hooey to the whole notion of paying to camp. In the end, they already ponied up $100,000 for the motorhome, that is the premier full-time camping machine. By their thinking, every night spent parked in the woods or at a friend's house or catching zzz's at the truck stop is money in the bank. Needless to say, campground owners don't much like this free-wheelin' philosophy, nevertheless, you can't beat the price of a nights dry camping.
The Can-Do Spirit
Many RVers started as tent campers, so we're used to the thought of roughin' it. And because we made the transformation from soggy sleeping bag to comfy digs doesn't mean we no more embrace - or at the very least pine for - the pioneering spirit. Many of us still cuddle our inner explorer and we get a thunderous sense of pride from camping out where few motorhome tires have tread before. We're talking about a spot so rustic that not even the pricey satellite dish works. Generating your personal power, carrying your personal water, feasting on fresh trout or perhaps a pantry full of canned goods is a sure-fire way to restore one's swagger - whether or not it's in a $5,000 truck camper or $500,000 diesel-pusher. Free camping can be found throughout lots of the million acres governed of the Bureau of Land Management and National Wildlife Refugees.
Before You Go...
However, contrary to popular belief, the world is not your oyster. One cannot simply park their vehicle anywhere they please and get rid of the welcome mat. You can find laws to take into account, etiquette to check out, and safety concerns to factor. Furthermore, different RVs offer different capabilities so far as boondocking is concerned. Many smaller towables lack the opportunity to generate their very own power, lacking an onboard generator, inverter, or even solar powered energy applications. Smaller fresh water tanks will limit the duration of the trip - and length of shower, for example - of any off-roading adventure. Is your RV up to the challenge? Are you? Here's a few points to consider before camping without a net.
Safety First
The issue with camping in Parts Unknown is merely that - you merely don't know. Is it safe or not? While every campground isn't necessarily Fort Knox, the reputable ones are well-lit, fenced-in, and offer the safety-in-numbers reassurance you won't get bunking at the truck stop or deepest, darkest woods. For me, every snap of a tree branch sends me right into a deep, paranoid panic when parked in isolation. For others, it's all area of the natural experience. Still, one must never compromise the safety factor. If it's only a matter of spending the night before moving on each morning, gravitate towards spots which are well-lit, fairly busy, and ideally located near the communal bond of another RV or two. Parked under a streetlight might not make for the best night's sleep you've ever had, but it does provide some assurances of safety. Moreover, make certain doors and windows are locked, possession brought inside for the night, and you know where in fact the keys are in the case of a much-needed quick getaway. That, and a Louisville Slugger in case things ever get, ahem, interesting.
Legal Matters
While Wal-Mart has made it well-known just how much they just love harboring RVers for the night, many potential landlords aren't so giving. Nor are some towns, which feel squatters may not be the best thing for the community - or the neighborhood businesses that profit from overnight guests. The truth is the land you're looking to camp on - be it in the rear of a mall lot or next to a woodland stream - belongs to somebody. And that somebody probably isn't you. At least, one should always make an effort to get the owner's okay before activating the slide-out and sending up it antennae for the big game. Otherwise, that tapping you hear on the side of the window at 4 a.m. could just be Officer Friendly looking to point you back on the highway. As a rule of etiquette, it's always nice to support a small business that has allowed one to camp over for the night.
Is Your Rig Worthy?
The axiom is painful yet true: The smaller the RV, the less stuff it offers. Smaller fresh water tanks mean less aqua for drinking and washing, while minuscule holding tanks dictate fewer days spent in the wild before having to purge. Keep this in mind before scheduling a two-week odyssey a long way away from civilization. Once we mentioned, your automobile may or may not have means to create electricity onboard, forcing owners to invest in a portable generator or inverter to do the work. On the other hand, a smaller unit is better when it comes to maneuvering you and your crew to more reclusive places. A camper van or truck camper is a superior off-road machine, with the capacity of squeezing through the tight passages a 40' motorhome or 60' worth of trailer and tow vehicle can only dream about. In short, don't write checks your RV can't cash. Know and respect your RV's limits, and plan accordingly. Moreover, what's the condition of the RV? Is everything working okay? Better be certain before you find yourself 20 miles from a paved road with a set tire or a dead battery. As you'll before any trip, fully inspect the machine and stick to top of any preventative maintenance and routine service.
Ready, Set, Camp
Even when you never intend to spend one single, solitary moment camping from full hookups and the predictable fun of a campground, it's still smart to at least understand how what your RV is with the capacity of - just in case. The best advice is to test your dry-camping skills in a safe environment. The smartest way is to get a no-hookup campsite (or get full hookups and do not use them the initial night or two) to see how you do. Or simply try things out in the driveway. You'll learn all-too-quickly you and your RV's learning curve. How fast does your family go through water? How much LP do you need for a weekend or more? How adept are you currently at cooking over a campfire if the LP gas runs out? Just how much can your generator handle at once - or how good are you currently at conserving electricity? Ah, yes, conservation, the backbone of the dry camping experience. Here's some methods for getting probably the most out of less.
Restore Power
If you go out of electricity, you go out of a lot. Fortunately, there are ways to keep that from happening, namely by using a generator or inverter to keep the batteries surging. Portable models aren't cheap, but are available to prolong your stays in the wild. Otherwise, you'll need to adopt an extremely disciplined method of squeeze just of juice out of your batteries. Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances you should definitely in use. Extra resources|Find more info are the water pump, electric step, or exterior lights, which all subtly eat up the amps. Forgo the blow dryer and air conditioner, which are big electricity-users. Park in the shade, on hot days, to help keep the refrigerator from overworking, but nonetheless keeping things cool onboard. Don't keep using the slide-outs or spend the whole afternoon watching TV. Monitor that monitor panel. You do not want the batteries to drain to zero. Remember: In a pinch, a decent-length drive can partially recharge your coach battery when readings commence to wane.
Water World
Not everyone has a 100-gallon water tank. For everybody who doesn't, it's time to conserve, due to the fact water is critical for cooking, cleaning, and hydrating the crew. How else will you make Kool-Aid? Thankfully, fresh water is pretty easy to maintain and re-supply if you should go out (Quick Mart, anyone?) Still, shorter showers (remember the in-and-out design of the "Navy" shower) and minimizing hand washing (use hand sanitizers when possible) should maintain water levels. Don't leave the water on when brushing teeth or washing dishes, either. If there are facilities nearby for showering and such, use them. And consider - the less water you use, the less goes into the holding tanks. It's a win-win. Your final thought: Just because no-one might be able to see you doesn't provide you with the right to dump the tanks during your boondocking adventures. We're on our best behavior, right? Fifty gallons worth of spewing gray and black water is not any way to repay someone for using her or his property.
Pro-Propane
LP gas is really a pretty hardy resource, meaning it's tough to perform out should you have any decent-size tanks. However, our conservative approach should be employed here as well. The easiest way to stretch the propane supply would be to cook outdoors. A campfire is still the most fun and flavorful way to prepare a meal, a method that simply can not be replicated in the RV's oven no matter the way you try. Snuffing out pilot light's you should definitely in use will stretch your supply even more. Otherwise, go easy on the furnace and water heater.
Provisions
Overloading the RV is a bad thing. Running out of Mac N' Cheese 30 miles from the nearest town isn't too good, either. Dry-campers must walk the line between loading up and overloading, that is hopefully something that comes with experience. Spare canned goods, firewood, and portable cooking devices can go a long way when roughin' it - provided they don't really tilt your vehicle into the overweight condition. If boondocking plans simply require a night here and a night there, you almost certainly won't go out of food or supplies. However, if the campout is of the epic variety, be realistic about how much of everything you may need and how easy it will be to obtain additional. Bring extra water and food, if you need to, since a hungry group quickly falls into mutiny mode. A few other possible what to include: portable grill/cooking grate, charcoal, fishing poles and tackle box, extra blankets, alkaline batteries, cell phone, medical kit, tool kits, hatchet/saw, manual can opener, cooking tools, and bug spray. And do not go to the woods with the fuel tank on "E." Chances are your generator will chew on a number of the fuel and dry camping is no time to go out of gas.