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.
Table of Contents
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
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: The Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station has been featured as the Best Portable Power Station for use in the outdoors by Digital Trends. A classic choice for your pick.
- EASY TO CARRY: This entry-level portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only at 6.6 pounds. The solid handle makes it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures such as Tent Camping, Road Trip, Backyard Camping, etc.
- VERSATILE POWER SOURCE: 1* Pure Sine Wave AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), 2* USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A), and 1* 12V DC car port to charge your road trip essentials such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, lights and so on. Pass-through charging is supported.
- GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station can be recharged by the Jackery SolarSaga 60 solar panel. Its built-in MPPT controller enables the solar panel to operate at its max power point for the power station to be recharged at its highest efficiency. TWO alternative ways to recharge: through the wall outlet or the car outlet.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station, 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide.
Camping Grill
- One Stainless Steel Burner Produces 8500 BTU-Per-Hour To Heat 189 Square-Inch Total Cooking Area
- Porcelain-Enameled Cast-Iron Cooking Grates And Cast Aluminum Lid And Body
- Built-in lid thermometer, folding side tables, glass-reinforced nylon frame and removable catch pan
- Dimensions - lid closed and tables out (inches): 15.5 H x 40.9 W x 16.5 D. Easy-Start Electronic Ignition And Infinite Control Burner Valve Settings
- Uses Disposable 14.1 Or 16.4 oz LP Cylinder (Sold Separately) and fully Assembled Out Of Box
- 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT a
Camping Basin
- BPA FREE and GREAT VALUE: Our collapsible sink is in thermoplastic rubber (TPR) construction that is BPA free and dishwasher safe. You only need to pay 1 but get TWO. Great value. With different color, you can distinguish which one is which easily. Imagine you are camping, you can use one to wash dishes, the other is to put clean dishes.
- VERSATILITY: This collapsible bin is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. It can be used as a wash basin for dishes or hands, ice bucket for drinks, storage container for your items for camping, hiking, boating, and more!
- DURABLE: Sturdy, plastic rim and base provide for additional stability. Dual carrying handles make it easy to move when filled.
- FOLDABLE and SPACE-SAVING - This unique portable pop-up design is suitable to to keep in your home, garage, or packed in the car with your camping gear. Dimensions: 15.2” L x 11.4” W x 5.9” H, Collapsed: 2” H. 8.5 L capacity.
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE: We are so confident in the quality of our collapsible sink that we offer you a lifetime guarantee. Reach out to us if there’s ever anything you need; we are dedicated to your satisfacti
Camping flashlight
- BRIGHT - The S1000 easily lights up an entire room and its narrow beam makes it the perfect all-around flash light for everyday use and outdoor activities
- DURABLE - This tactical flashlight is virtually indestructible. Made from military-grade aluminum, its also water-resistant and strong enough to survive a 10-foot drop.
- COMPACT - Easily fit this small flashlight in your pocket, backpack or purse for easy storage and quick access. Ideal for use around the house, dog walking, or camping.
- VALUE - This high lumen flashlight set includes (2) S1000 flashlights, (2) AAA battery holders (batteries not included), (2) 18650 battery tubes, (2) lanyards, (2) holsters, and (1) user manual.
- SIZE - Measuring 6.1 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches, these small flashlights are outdoor, camping and hiking essentials. They also work great as an everyday or emergency lig
Camping heater
- DUAL FUNCTION CAMPING GEAR: Take the load off on your next outdoor adventure and use our portable Campy Gear 2-in-1 Heater & Stove! Cook meals during the day and stay warm at night with just the click of a button.
- FAST HEATING: With a max output up to 9,000 BTU and a unique 360° radiant heating design, our compact heater will keep you and your family warm during cold winter days/nights. Stay warm and enjoy the outdoors!
- PRECISE COOKING: The heater & stove is equipped with adjustable flame control to satisfy various cooking purposes and a sturdy stand that supports up to 12 inches pans and pots.
- CLEAN-BURNING: The Campy Gear 2-in-1 Heater & Stove is compatible with 110g & 230g butane / isobutane / propane fuel canisters that can be nested inside the stove, or to connect with the 1 lb propane cylinder for a longer usage by an extension hose or adapter.（To purchase extension hoses or adapter, please search B08KSYT2SW, B095S9LZZ1, B095S9TGXK, B095S9XP7Y.）
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Campy Gear offers you a 2-in-1 heater/stove that keeps you fueled and warm during backpacking, camping, ice fishing and hunting. We pride ourselves in quality products and proudly offer a 1-year warranty along with 24-hour world class customer service to ensure all your needs are m
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.
