You can use your recreational vehicle (RV) in so many ways. Whether you are looking for a fun, comfortable form of transportation for a long distance trip or weekend camping with friends, an RV, travel trailer or fifth wheel provides most of the luxuries of a home.
But imagine, for a moment, waking up to the pure sounds of nature far from cities and campgrounds and the bustle of other people. Camping outside of campgrounds, sometimes called boon docking, with your RV is a great way to experience this kind of nature. However, boon docking requires quite a lot more planning and preparation than more traditional RV camping involves.
Off the Grid
When you really want to get away from it all, boon docking in the wild can be a fabulous experience, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Away from campgrounds and towns, there generally aren’t any electric hook-ups, water supply or, in many cases, easy access to a store where you can pick up those small, forgotten items.
There are many things to consider when planning a “wild” camping trip. First, decide where to camp and second, determine what you need to bring. For most boon docking experiences, you’ll want to pick a spot not too far from a paved road and not too hilly. Once you’ve found a spot you like, be careful how you orient it on the lot.
Here are some basic tips you’ll need to know when boon docking with your RV.
Picking the Site
Once you’ve found the area you want, how you set up your camp can make a big difference. Sun – When you park your rig, think about how the sun will hit your windows. On chilly days, take advantage of the sun as much as possible by parking so it hits your largest windows. If you expect hot days, try to keep your windows on the shady side.
Wind – If you choose a windy site where the wind consistently comes from the same direction, park in such a way that the camper itself acts as a wind block for the communal gathering area.
Rain / Terrain – Of course you’ll want the actual camping site to be as flat as possible and bring all the tools you need to level your rig on site. Also consider what will happen to your campsite if it rains. Will water pool and turn into a mud bath or will it run off into another area? Remember that the site was not designed for RV camping so getting your rig in and out in wet weather may be a challenge. In addition, if you get stuck and need help, cell phone coverage may be spotty so getting help could be a hassle.
As we always say at Ketelsen RV, the best part of owning an RV is the freedom it provides. Campgrounds are great but sometimes you need to go wild. If you want to get off the grid, we’d love to help you get out of the campground and discover the beauty of the boon dock. If you have any questions, stop by Ketelsen RV today and talk to our camping experts camping in the wild.
