What You Need to Know for Boondocking in an RV vs Campgrounds

After more than six years of full-time RV living, we’ve camped just about every way you can imagine—campgrounds, RV resorts, national park sites, Walmart parking lots (yes, really), and plenty of time off-grid. About 30% of our RV life has been boondocking. Some of our favorite memories didn’t come from campgrounds. They came from boondocking in an RV and wide-open spaces under the stars.

In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, But Not Lost, we’re diving into the big debate: boondocking vs. campgrounds. Which is better? What are the pros and cons of each? And if you’re new to RV boondocking for beginners, how do you even get started?

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What is Boondocking, Anyway?

If you’re planning your first off-grid stay, this guide to RV boondocking for beginners will help you understand what to expect and how to get started safely.

You might be wondering what “boondocking” even means. Simply put, boondocking—also called dry camping, dispersed camping, or wild camping—is camping without hookups. No water. No electricity. No sewer. Just you, your rig, and the great outdoors.

Most of the time, boondocking occurs on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, national forests, state lands, or other public lands. In Canada, it’s often referred to as “random camping.” They all follow similar principles—find a legal spot, follow Leave No Trace and other rules for that spot, and enjoy the wilderness.

Campgrounds typically offer structured sites, usually with hookups, access to amenities, and sometimes even laundry facilities. You often need a reservation, and there are rules (lots of them).

Why We Love Boondocking: The Pros

There’s a reason we consistently choose boondocking over campgrounds whenever possible.

1. Solitude and Space

There’s truly nothing like waking up in the middle of nowhere with nobody else around. No RVs crammed next to you, no headlights flickering through your blinds, just the sounds of birds, the rustle of trees, and howls of coyotes.

The kids can run wild without worrying about campground rules or staying inside the lines of a tiny site. There’s always a perfect spot to string up the hammock, the dogs get to roam and sniff to their hearts’ content, and we get to enjoy the freedom to be as loud—or as quiet—as we want. Whether we’re cranking up music, laughing around a late-night fire, or simply soaking in the silence, the space and freedom of boondocking just can’t be beat.

2. Million-Dollar Views

Some of the most incredible campsites we’ve ever had were free boondocking spots. A few favorites:

• A cliffside view near Zion National Park
• Boondocking near every entrance to Yellowstone
• Desert boondocking in the south, pine forests in northern Arizona
• Peaceful lakeside spots in Canada
• Rolling hills and endless stars in Idaho
• Utah’s slickrock and off-road trails are right in our backyard
• Grand Teton right out our front window!

Most of the time, these spots are better than the paid campground down the road.

3. Cost Savings

One of the biggest perks of boondocking? It’s often completely free. That means more money stays in your pocket for things that really matter—like fuel, off-roading, local food stops, or that spontaneous adventure you didn’t plan for.

We’ve found some incredible spots with zero fees. But even when there is a cost, it’s usually minimal. In some areas, we’ve paid a small fee to stay on the Hoh River or obtain an annual permit in Canada.

Compared to the $35–$100 per night price tag at some campgrounds, boondocking can make a big difference in your travel budget.

4. Closer to Nature

Boondocking puts nature at your front door and off-road adventure just a few steps away. Wildlife wanders straight through camp—we’ve had elk grazing, deer, moose (which was so cool), and even wild horses.

And those sunsets? Uninterrupted, with no neighbors’ rigs or power lines in sight. Just you, the horizon, and that golden-hour glow.

Sometimes it’s dusty. Sometimes it’s buggy. And sometimes, it means troubleshooting your solar setup. Still, we wouldn’t trade that kind of freedom for anything.

The Cons of Boondocking

It’s also important to note that boondocking comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not always easy, and it requires some planning.

1. No Hookups = Self-Reliance

You’ll need to manage your water, power, and waste tanks. That means keeping an eye on tank levels – water, sewer, and grey. You may need to find ways to dump or add fresh water earlier than you think. It’s not necessarily hard work, but it does take attention.

2. Limited Access to Supplies

If you forget toilet paper, it can be a long drive back to town. You have to be strategic about resupplying, especially in remote areas. Additionally, many times, the closest grocery stores are smaller markets.

3. Road Conditions Can Be Rough

Some boondocking spots require high clearance, slow travel, or scouting ahead. We’ve backed out of some sketchy roads more times than we’d like to admit.

4. Pets Can Make Boondocking a Bit More Complicated

Our dogs are part of the family, and having them with us on the road is one of the best parts of RV life. But when it comes to boondocking, pets can make things a little more complicated. Unlike campgrounds, where people, staff, and services often surround you, boondocking usually means you’re off-grid and far from help.

We do everything we can to keep them safe: we use cameras and temperature monitors that alert us if the temperature inside the rig becomes too high while we’re away. That tech gives us peace of mind, but we’re still cautious. It’s one thing to leave your dog while you run to the store in town—it’s another to leave them alone in the wilderness.

When we boondock, we build our days around making sure the dogs are safe and comfortable. It’s doable—but it takes extra planning and flexibility.

5. Weather—Especially Heat—Can Be a Dealbreaker

Weather is always a factor in RV life, but when you’re boondocking, you feel it more. No hookups mean no shore power, which means you can’t just flip on the A/C and call it a day. If it’s hot, it’s hot.

One of our favorite boondocking in RV tips is to chase cooler temps—higher elevations are our best friend—and we always aim for nights cool enough to open the windows and let the fresh air in. However, there have been times when we’ve had to change plans at the last minute or leave early because it was just too warm to stay. We’ll never forget the time in Idaho when we poured out water, and it literally evaporated into steam right before our eyes.

Boondocking is all about freedom, but the weather can call the shots. When conditions are right, it’s magic. When they’re not, it’s a lesson in staying flexible.

🎧 Have a boondocking fail or a funny mishap? Send us your story at thefaiolas.com/message!

Why We Still Love Campgrounds

For all its freedom, boondocking isn’t always the right call. Sometimes, a campground makes more sense.

Comfort and Convenience

Campgrounds offer those everyday comforts that start to feel luxurious after a week off-grid—hot showers, laundry facilities, and a convenient dump station. Add in reliable cell service, and you’re feeling recharged in more ways than one. Sometimes, after days of dusty trails and managing sewer tanks, all you want is a long shower and strong internet.

Better for Families

If you have kids or you’re planning a longer stay, the structure and security of a campground can be a huge benefit. There are often other kids around to play with and plenty of built-in fun like pools, hot tubs, playgrounds, and game rooms—basically, a mini vacation village for families. Paved roads make it easy (and safer) for bike rides and scooter laps. While there are more rules, sometimes that’s what helps things run smoothly when you’ve got little ones in the mix.

Social Perks

Campgrounds come with a built-in sense of community. It’s easy to chat with the folks next door—maybe swap a few travel tips or share a laugh. We enjoy potlucks and group campfires. There’s just something about campground life that creates a little neighborhood on wheels, and it’s nice to know you’re not out there alone.

Some of our favorite campground stays:

• In Arizona, we love Encore Foothill Village during the winter season, and Thousand Trails Verde Valley is also an excellent park.
• Thousand Trails parks in Washington are great, like Thousand Trails Oceana or Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
• Heartland RV Park in the Black Hills area of South Dakota
• Lakeland RV Ranch in Texas
• Thousand Trails Lake Conroe is also a great family fun park in Texas.

When we head east of the Mississippi, expect to stay in more campgrounds because boondocking isn’t accessible in the eastern states.

Try both and find out what works for you

Whether you’re new to boondocking in an RV or looking to mix in more campground stays, both styles have something to offer. Boondocking and campgrounds each have their place in RV life. We recommend spending a few nights off-grid (maybe near Yellowstone or Grand Teton), then compare it to a well-equipped campground. You’ll learn what matters most to you, and that’s part of the fun.

We Want to Hear From You!

Have you tried boondocking in an RV? What worked? What didn’t? We’d love to hear from you! Head over to thefaiolas.com/message and leave us a voice message.

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FAQs: Boondocking in an RV