Typical boondocking road through a forest
Boondocking is essentially camping without hookups. You may also hear it referred to as ‘dry camping’. Often, dry camping means staying in a campground without hookups, whereas, boondocking typically means staying in a completely undeveloped area. You may also hear people talk about ‘dispersed camping’, which is the official term often used by government agencies.
BLM Desert Land
There are boondocking areas all across this great land, but the ones that most people are familiar with are on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land in the western part of the country. Arizona has millions of acres of BLM land in the Sonoran Desert in the south and the forest in the northern part of the state.
Looking for a place to boondock
Other states out west also have thousands upon thousands of acres of BLM land and most of it is free for our use, but there are some restrictions. If you’re considering boondocking on BLM land, you might want to read up on the land and restrictions, etc. You can find the BLM website at: www.BLM.gov.
If camping in this manner appeals to you, then boondock camping could indeed be for you, however, you must prepare yourself before embarking on such a camping trip. Again, keep in mind, there are no facilities; no water hookups, no electric hookups, no sewer hookups and no toilets.
Boondocking in a converted van
So how does one with no prior boondocking experience, prepare for such an adventure? Most of the people I meet when I’m out boondocking, are in camper vans, small rv’s and the like. I have met some folks in larger rv’s but they are limited as to how far they can go into the desert or forests. I’ve met some in tents, but most of them were of the hardy backpacking types.
Backpacking into the wilds
Converted vans or small rv’s seem to be the vehicle of choice for boondocking as these type vehicles can better traverse the desert and mountainous terrain where the large class C and Class A rv’s will have a difficult time in most places off-grid. A converted van can carry needed water, food, a porta-potti, perhaps a small generator and other needed essentials for boondocking.
Converted van for boondocking
I have a van that I converted and in addition to the aforementioned items, I also have portable solar panels and a deep cycle, AGM house battery for storing electricity. I also have an inverter. With this setup I have ample electricity to power my lights, my refrigerator and charge all batteries for my phone, camera and my laptop.
Since I am a solo traveler, boondock camping is perfect for me. I don’t have to worry about camping preferences if I had another person with me. I have a choice to live in the great outdoors in nature’s beauty at its finest or in downtown parking lots or even residential areas because of the stealth look of my van. I can access most desert areas as well as forest roads and park up close and personal with Mother Nature anytime I choose to. From the forests of the north to the deserts of the south, North America is mine to discover.
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