As more people hit the road every chance they get, questions arise about what is dry camping? Dry camping is the most adventurous way to camp, which allows you to experience the nature around you fully.
Dry camping is also known as boondocking or wild camping – No matter what name you give it, camping outside of the limitations of a campground can be a fun and liberating way to use your RV.
Camping in the wild without hook-ups doesn’t have to be as challenging as you might think. We’ve compiled for you some pro tips to ensure you have a successful dry camping experience.
What You’ll Need
Here is a list of the five most helpful dry camping essentials you should carry in your RV or van during a camping trip to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience.
Camping generator
Camping Grill
Camping Basin
Camping flashlight
Camping heater
Dry Camping: RV vs Travel Trailer
Any recreational vehicle without hook-ups is a good option when it comes to dry camping. Travel trailers are meant for camping with or without electrical and other hook-ups. Some travel trailers come ready with solar panels so that batteries work along with the sun.
It allows you to stay and camp wherever you like while keeping many of the luxuries of your home. RVs, in comparison, often require specific hook-ups to operate at total capacity; along with that, you have to pay a heavy fee.
Dry Camping Pro Tips
Even though dry camping means you’ll be without specific hook-ups, that in no way indicates that you can’t still have a relaxed stay. No matter where you are, these pro tips will help improve your overall experience.
Water
Undoubtedly an essential item you must keep a check on the water while dry camping. You may not have access to fresh water once you run out. So it’s best to save water by using less water while showers, switching to low-flow taps, and cleaning everything, including yourself, with wet wipes rather than body showers every day.
Bring with you extra water as a backup, so when you have a backup, you’re covered. Don’t sill up water till you’re near your destination. If your stay is more extended, make plans to arrange more water from a gas station or campsite.
Electricity
You’ll be needing electricity as the sun goes down, so it’s best to switch to a regular LED light that is longer lasting and require less power. If you genuinely wish to enjoy nature and save up on electricity, you need to switch off the ac and open the windows. Remember to switch off all the lights when they’re not required.
Unplug devices when charged or not is use as they tend to use up all your power. Bring a backup generator in case you run out of electricity and can’t find a hook-up nearby. It’s best to purchase a noise-free one so you can sleep peacefully if you use it at night.
Fuel and Propane
To maintain proper fuel and propane levels, be sure to pick foods that can last longer and don’t require intense cooking, and can quickly be heated over a fire.
An ideal that saves time, effort, and fuel is to pre-pack your meals. Make your favorite meals so that they only have to be mixed and not fully cooked.
Dry camping in winters will use up a lot of fuel, so carry extra blankets to avoid blazing the heat 24-7 and conserve power. You can heat a part of the RV at night to have a sound sleep.
Wastewater
Since there will be no sewage hook-ups, you will need to figure out when you need to empty your sewage tank. It is best if you start your dry camping trip with an empty tank to extend its use.
Make use of rest area toilets, gas stations, and campgrounds to conserve space in the tank. Keep a daily check on your wastewater tanks regularly to ensure they aren’t getting too full. You can throw your wastewater at an RV park or any appropriate place.
Solar Panels
If you are on the road for days, solar panels can help significantly with electricity. Driven by the sun, solar panels will keep your batteries re-energized all day long, regardless of the fact if you’re in your RV or not.
Signal Booster
Cell phone coverage can be weak in remote dry camping areas. By bringing a solar booster, you can ensure that you always stay connected.
Trash Disposal
Be responsible and abide by all the rules. Pick up your litter, tidy any place you visited and clean your RV after every visit. Dump out all the waste before going to another location. It’s best to pinpoint dump stations or gas stations that are close by.
Give Dry Camping A Try
We hope this article gives you a great insight into what is dry camping. Use these pro tips for a successful dry camping experience. From city campsites to the far into the wild and past, dry camping has become increasingly popular as it’s a secure, exciting, and pleasant experience for campers, along with providing them the liberty to travel anywhere they like. If you’re an RV owner and you’re looking for a new adventure, dry camping is what you need.
