Boondocking 101 - A Guide to Free Camping in Your RV

Just getting started with boondocking and free camping? Not sure of where to go, if you can get there, or what to expect from wild camping and cheap rv living? We cover everything from safety to etiquette (and all things between).
To learn more check out our primer guide:
www.campendium.com/camping/bo...
Created by campers for campers, Campendium lists over twenty-eight thousand places to camp, from swanky RV parks to free camping and boondocking destinations, vetted by a team of full-time rvers and reviewed by over one hundred seventy thousand plus members. Our KZbin channel highlights the best places to camp and will change the way you find a place to call home for the night.
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Created by campers for campers, Campendium lists over twenty-eight thousand places to camp, from swanky RV parks to free camping and boondocking destinations, vetted by a team of full-time rvers and reviewed by over one hundred seventy thousand plus members. Our KZbin channel highlights the best places to camp and will change the way you find a place to call home for the night.
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[@dawsonsld]

Regarding campfires, it's not only important to put it out (and run you hand through the ashes to make sure they are cold) when you depart for the next campsite. But put it out any time you leave it unattended. Forest fires have been started by campers who left their campfire burning while out hiking, fishing, or chasing after butterflies! I watched one video where a hiking couple camp upon a campsite devoid of humans where the fire was built between two close trees. It was roaring and eating up the trees when they happened to pass this camp. Fortunately, they were able to put it out and save the forest, themselves, and the stupid campers.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

At about 4:35-5:00 you talk about putting out the fire and it reminded me of something I learned from an octogenarian years ago. When boondocking in an area that doesn’t have water like streams and ponds or lakes to use for dousing the fire pit he has a pretty smart way of putting the fire out. He uses water from his “grey” water tank to completely drown the fire pit. Since the “grey” water tank should only have drainage from the sinks and shower/tub which would be mainly water and a little soap it should be fine to use it for dousing the fire pit. He also pointed out that depending on how long you were there you potentially had anywhere from 5 gals up to the entire tank which could be 25, 30, 40, or even 50 gals. Definitely enough to drown the fire pit. Cheers mate and happy trails

[@mrdonigan]

That's what we do. We use eco friendly soap too.

[@daltonx6177]

@@stevensoutdoors Feel better now ? If you did not retain anything from the video, like the part about respecting nature and all, you should really think about your miserable and soul-less life on social networks ! 😡

[@RandisAdventures]

Nothing worse than people who pull up next to you and run their generator all day long! Great tips!

[@cmabbott315]

We have taken our TT on two longer trips away from home and because of the weather have had to stay in RV parks, instead of BLM. We found a good site outside of Bryce Canyon NP last year but it was a little muddy. I didn’t have a good feeling about staying there because our dog would have been a mess and I was afraid it would rain overnight and we would get stuck. So we moved on and got a partial hookup at a campground near the park. It probably would have been ok because the rain did not come overnight. My point is, trust your gut feeling-you’ll sleep better. 😊

[@BillSprague]

Having those black or blue puncture resistant gloves along is a good idea, if you’re going to pick up others’ trash. Just a thought from an old Civil Engineer.

[@Campendium]

Great suggestion! Thanks Bill.

[@waynek3366]

One thing he did leave out when boondocking be aware of different hunting season throughout the year you don't want to tick off a hunter and always leash your dogs you don't want too loose your dog to a wild animal. Be safe

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Good point about knowing the dates of hunting season in the area you want to boondock in. I’ve actually been out with some gentlemen that were hunting (I was there to photograph the trip) and we came over a low ridge and right in the middle of where the elk usually hangout were three motorhomes, 1/2 dozen kids, several dogs, and a couple of dirt bikes (motorcycles). These men turned more shades of red than a chameleon in a strawberry patch lol They had been scouting that area for two years prior to finally getting tags to hunt there. Luckily these hunters were mature adults and not a group of whiskey drinking hillbillies lol or it could have been a terrible encounter. Think about it, two groups of people that want the same piece of the forest and the only difference between them is one group have enough guns and ammo to overthrow a small country lol. Words were exchanged and the hunters explained to the campers where they would be hunting for the remainder of the season and to stay away from those places. Seriously, it could have been a tragedy worthy of Shakespeare. Since the area was so remote it had no cell service so there would be no calling 911 or any other form of help. You can get, for free, at Walmart and other places, the magazines that cover hunting regs and seasons with maps and explanations for everything. One magazine covers hunting big game the second one covers fishing and the third covers bird hunting. We have to share the federal lands and hunters are limited to very short hunting seasons in very specific areas so be cool and do your best to not camp in the places hunters will be using. Cheers mate

[@carpediem3044]

He obviously not got dogs, that's the first thing I'd be considering, keeping them safe form trigger happy hunters..

[@Thethriftpicker]

Great point!

[@harleyd500]

Amen on the good neighbor segment.

[@DurgaDas96]

Great video! I love the Boy Scouts Yes,I’m also an Eagle Scout,

[@StillThinking111]

You have me so hyped to do this. My family and I are planning on Rving/boon-docking starting next year and can't wait.

[@billybobjoe6180]

How did it go?

[@mobetravels5835]

Ohhhh, how I remember "water hours" (aka navy showers)... sometimes it was literally less than a gallon my friend! Great ideas you leave behind for those watching! Thank You.

[@Campendium]

🚿 You're welcome!

[@journey2fifty]

We use Campendium to plan most of our trips! Awesome job keep it up!

[@lizchilders4154]

Good tips. Cannot wait for our first Boondocking trip!

[@chuckgmanleyphotos7197]

Nicely done Jared!

[@andersonsoutdoors4873]

Since getting our pop up, we haven't done a lot of boondocking yet, but we have stayed at some campgrounds that had no hook ups. There are some challenges and things you have to think about for sure! Good tips here. Thanks y'all. Maybe we will hit up some remote spots with these tips in mind. See you out there!!!! AO

[@ransombaggins9301]

Great stuff! Thanks from a new guy. I think that having an adequate first aid kit/medications and knowing how to use them would be important. Of course, I’m sure everyone here knows that already. :)

[@miketomas8564]

Thanks Jerrod!

[@timmccarthy985]

Bundok a Philippine word meaning out in the jungle or forest the u.s. military could not say Bundok so they said boondocks just so ya know uss midway clark airbase

[@deborahcazalas297]

@Donald Allen , I just remember that song ....Down in the Boondocks. LOL

[@retiredandrollin]

Either way, to both of you @ Tim McCarthy and Donald Allen, thank you for your service to this Country and giving us all the opportunity to enjoy our freedom so that we can "boondock".

[@sharons.nichols5051]

@@retiredandrollin no

[@stevehobbs6686]

These are great tips to follow

[@larsturner310]

Good tips - thanks.

[@CasualGirlAdventures]

Thanks for the great tips, somethings people don't think about, take care my friend

[@Campendium]

Glad you found these tips helpful. Happy boondocking! - Liz

[@Thethriftpicker]

I love Campendium. Use it all the time. We’ve found some insane view points to stay at. 😍😍

[@Campendium]

YAY!! That's awesome! Thanks for the love. ❤️

[@cbryce9243]

Good advice.

[@LifeofKriswithVSG]

LOVED it

[@Campendium]

So good to hear! :)

[@foretravelman67]

Jared, it is always good to know what your capacities are, as everyone is different. We have 100 gals fresh, 75 grey and 50 black. Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

Very good! 🙋🏼

[@WeekendRVing]

Great information. Great channel

[@Campendium]

Thank you for the compliment! Happy camping! - Liz

[@WeekendRVing]

We use your app compendium.

[@Campendium]

That's great! In addition to the Campendium iOS app, the Campendium (www.campendium.com) website, allows you to utilize a few more features (and update your profile information too!) After a long time spent fundraising, we recently began building our Android app for any Android users out there. Enjoy the journey! - Liz

[@1stClassRVadventures]

We LOVE using campendium it’s also how I find dump stations 💩

[@truckerjake1]

Is this only for the USA or worldwide

[@marciannaprice1882]

We always have extra trash bags, so we can clean up trash left behind. Gloves & a "grabber" as well.

[@Campendium]

Awesome. We appreciate this! - Liz

[@RVingwiththeMoracas]

I will have to check out campendium so far I am happy with Florida state parks ;-)

[@lindaweekley2954]

Timucua Forest -my husband and I just got back from a 2 month trip in our RV. We used the Campendium site often and found some GREAT, beautiful sites which were recommended there. Our favorite was by a river (the Snake River, I believe) where fishermen were fly fishing at the base of the Grand Tetons. The view was gorgeous... and free!

[@RVingwiththeMoracas]

Thanks - I just signed up for the site and will use it. I live in Florida and am very new to RVing so am sticking close to home for a while

[@garstangterrier501]

Hey Timucua. Were heading to florida soon- starting and ending a 10 week trip there- what are your favourite florida state parks?

[@RVingwiththeMoracas]

Well .... Little Talbot Island & Fort Clinch are both great - long stretches of empty beach - they are on the Atlantic just north of Jacksonville. As you know Florida is a huge state ... much further south near Sarasota is Myakka River SP - it is really nice for birds / wildlife - but don't do the beaches near there (evil red tide). Steven Foster SP near where I75 & I10 intersect is good as are most of the parks that have "springs" in the name - beautiful clear cool water and rivers for boating. I have been to Florida Caverns SP and enjoyed that (didn't camp) I have reservations at St George Island and St Andrews SPs both are on the gulf in the panhandle. You can check out my youtube to see a few videos (I should have the little talbot one done later today) - i guess you can just click on the link in my icon / name - I am pretty new to doing this ;-) Enjoy

[@karisorrenti]

Smokey the Bear quote was better than I could do.

[@lorinevel4395]

Love the videos you do for Campendium Jared. 😊

[@JaredGillis]

Lori glad to see you on the Campendium channel!

[@lorinevel4395]

Jared Gillis , glad to be here! Very useful information!!!

[@WorstCowboyEver]

Having the right RV makes a world of difference. Example: we currently have a Salem 27DBK travel trailer with 30 gallon grey, black, and fresh. With two kids, we can boondock for like 3 or 4 days max. Now we are upgrading to a 5th wheel with a 60 grey, 60 black, and 115 fresh...massive difference. Also a built in generator. Do the research on the unit first 👌 also out west is way better than the eastcoast for boondocking

[@Campendium]

Happy RVing! :)

[@terrycheek4097]

My wife and I are new to boondocking. We are doing a cargo trailer to camper conversion. 2024 will be our kick-off year. We're familiar with camping but this will be a new world for us. As we get closer to retirement we hope to travel the country as a boondocker. Any insight will be appreciated.

[@tutttutt9558]

That’s My plan too. 6 years to go - I can’t wait!

[@gay-camodave2664]

Great video!

[@ellstackeradventures]

Thanks

[@Campendium]

Sure thing. Happy camping! - Liz

[@HikaYaker]

Thank you for mentioning generators! They have ruined more camping trips for me than anything else?

[@Campendium]

You're welcome. Happy camping! ☀️ - Liz

[@GaiaCarney]

🌲Thank you 🌲

[@Campendium]

You're welcome!

[@jameswkndmechanic174]

I saw you mentioned about campfires, and making sure they're out b4 you leave. Agreed. But where would you get wood? Can you bring your own? I'm sure we're not allowed to cut down trees, and bringing foreign wood to a park is usually frowned upon. Suggesstions?

[@Campendium]

You should buy it locally - we found this website useful: firewoodscout.org/ unfortunately they only have listings for a few states.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I can’t speak for all states but here in Oregon if the timber is already down it’s ok to use it for firewood. Everyone I know that boondocks here brings their chainsaw with them. There is never a shortage of downed timber to cut up into firewood due to storms blowing trees down and heavy snowfall will knock trees down. Areas that were logged 10,15,20 years ago have gazillions of small (12” or less) timber laying about everywhere. You aren’t allowed to cut down living trees without a permit but why would you want living “green” not dried out wood for your fire anyway? Cheers mate and happy trails

[@quigleymp]

I was looking for info on what your RV needs to boondock…i.e. batteries or propane amts?

[@tomaustin4526]

Great job Jared 👍😎🚌 🎥🎬🌎 very helpful information 😊 thanks for sharing and safe travels

[@billfrench7131]

anybody notice the online version of campendium has gotten more commercial? shows less "free" boondocking places and more paid parks. way less national forest info then a few months ago

[@FMTFXE22]

We heard that Campendium was going away, being g acquired by another campsite site search app. Is that true? Can you make an update video on this ? Thanks.

[@dralbertpakin8895]

How do you use a shower and toilet and sink? I'm new at RV's but looking to rent first but would like to Boone dock first.

[@Campendium]

Hey DrAlbert - most RV's have a fresh water tank, a grey water tank (for shower and sink water) and a black water tank for the toilet. If you're boondocking you'll arrive with a full fresh water tank, and then you'll need to conserve water. If you plan on renting, be sure to check the rental agreement before boondocking! Here's an article we did recently on renting: www.campendium.com/camping/rv-rentals/

[@donacardenasHomes]

Great tips and As a newbie I’m appreciative. But I was looking more for the how to’s. I like the idea but I’m just trying to figure out the logistics of the actual HOW. Like can you boondock with two teens and for how long? (Grey and black tank usuage) how do you wash dishes so the tank won’t fill up so fast? Like literally, how do you? I guess you are pretending you are in a tent??

[@Campendium]

Hey Dona! We're excited for you to start your boondocking adventures! We've got some articles with boondocking tips over on the blog, here: go.campendium.com/?s=boondocking - Liz

[@albion2742]

Can you tell us where to boon dock east of the Mississippi. I know there are many places in the west but no info in the east.

[@Campendium]

Hi George! We list free camping and boondocking sites on our website, for locations in the east, click on any of the states on the list on the left hand side of this page: www.campendium.com/free-camping

[@michellefields1]

Is there a list somewhere that shows all the Boondocking locations or at least most of them? Are there any RV or RV Boondocking groups anywhere to follow, etc. on social media or anywhere else, such as magazines, websites, etc.?

[@Campendium360]

Hi Michelle, Campendium is a website and an iOS app that lists all of the camping in the US, Canada, and Baja Mexico including free boondocking locations. The community contributes reviews and photos and it's a great resource for finding great places to camp. Go to www.campendium.com and search wherever you want to camp. Or go here for more info: www.campendium.com/free-camping

[@Campendium]

Hi Michelle - Campendium lists all of the boondocking in the US, Canada and Mexico on the website and iOS app. Go to www.campendium.com/ and search for a location and then filter by free, or go here for more information: www.campendium.com/free-camping

[@noahriding5780]

When you go to boondock on BLM, how do you make sure you actually land on BLM land with your phone mapping stuff? I'm not used to using a celll phone so I don't know how to do this... But when you go out of a cell coverage area, does your phone still be able to tell where you are on GPS so you don't go into a wrong area and get trespassed? How does this part work out? Thanks.

[@aoyama173]

Yeahhhhhh

[@Robert-yr6dd]

If in an area with no cell reception and a Class C with no tow vehicle, how do you get assistance if the RV breaks down?

[@Campendium360]

For that situation, you might want a Garmin InReach Mini: www.campendium.com/camping/gear/garmin-inreach-mini/

[@Campendium]

Hi Robert - it sounds like you might want a Garmin InReach Mini www.campendium.com/camping/gear/garmin-inreach-mini/ which allows for 2-way texting and also has an SOS function.

[@KirbyZhang]

so the limit is actually the gray water tank? you have to take the gray water out of the park with you?

[@Campendium]

Hi Kirby, yes your grey and black water tanks will limit how long you can boondock as well as the official stay limits that vary from place to place. You can learn more and find great places to camp for free here: www.campendium.com/free-camping

[@ricardoontiveros5801]

Found a place ot camp in the forest in new mexico but woried about bears can i have my food in my rv in my refrigerator ???

[@Campendium]

It's always a good idea to practice bear safety. While it's likely not too much of an issue to have food in your refrigerator in regard to attracting bears, it is always a good idea to contact local forest service to discuss current bear population activity. Happy camping - Liz

[@SolarSailor1967]

This is a reliable source, but every campsite I've used from this site has been very crowded.

[@Campendium360]

Hi Solar Sailor - you can tell what sites are more popular by the number of reviews. If you're trying to get away from people, try checking out locations that don't have any reviews yet!

[@TwinTurboPigeon]

What is your intro song?

[@jenniferwiltrout1975]

Our last night on our most recent boondocking in National Forest near Bryce Canyon NP, the campers in the same area were walking around firing guns. Not a pleasant experience.

[@larsturner310]

Yuck.

[@Campendium]

Ugh. Boondocking can certainly be hit or miss, hopefully hit more often than not. Reviews help especially if it's a common occurrence. I hope you shared your experience on Campendium (if we have the spot you're referring to).

[@jonclymer2572]

Well...if they are allowed to use firearms where you're at they have the right to use public lands for their target shooting or hunting. If they're being unsafe is one thing but if them having a weapon is the reason you didn't feel right that sounds like a personal problem.

[@scottbaker9066]

I keep the muffler guts out off my generator on weekends ... remote starter when they arrive ... calms the fools, they move allong in 10min, it's rediculosly loud.

[@Yukonjackman1]

Need to expand this to travel trailer like normal people do in early 60s not social people just enjoying their lives

[@dawsonsld]

What do you mean? I don't understand your references.

[@Yukonjackman1]

I always see you in a moterhome how about a trailer sometime, and how's about some talking related to the people that dont need group camping.

[@jerrybarger6427]

Got any shirts left?

[@Campendium]

Hey Jerry, unfortunately, we only produced the number of shirts that were ordered during the fundraiser. :(

[@jerrybarger6427]

Thanks for the info

[@annabelleromero6171]

Smokey Bear

[@annwinzer1173]

How do I clear my favourites

[@Campendium]

Hi Ann! You can clear a Favorite by tapping the heart on the campground page, returning it to an empty/clear status. If you have further questions or issues please email us at [e-mail] - we'd be happy to help you out!

[@web5271]

I'd add one. If you carry an AR, have it chambered in 300 blackout subsonic with a suppressor. That way when you go plinking at stuff or wildlife, you don't annoy your neighbor.

[@pearlcaster8287]

I submit do not plink...you never know (1) fellow homo sapiens wandering or living in your firing line (a 300? Are you expecting Ursa Terriblus to be there?) (2) whose free-range cattle, et al livestock, are. Plinking is .22 shorts hitting cans. Pick up your brass!

[@catoka]

Hope you are not....NOT... PLINKING.....at wildlife.....:( :( ....

[@medickdd]

personally i liked the Smokey the Bear imitation

[@Campendium]

🐻 😀

[@ndlz1]

There are those who will still remain clueless, and obnoxious-unfortunately! Tip #6 Leave when you see these types!

[@rachellel]

I looked for Android compendium app... no luck... help!

[@Campendium]

Great news! The Campendium Android app is now ready! Head to the Google Play store and search for Campendium to download the new app. Happy camping!

[@Kaitlin24247]

I changed my password to sign in and it says to verify my account how? It makes no sense very frustrating

[@Campendium]

Send us an email - [e-mail] - and we can verify it for you.

[@Kaitlin24247]

@@Campendium emailed

[@ronkisslingxie958]

Show some pictures. It will make your presentation live.

[@RoadPickle]

Have you done a video Boondocking 102? This is incredibly basic information. I forget people don't already know these points.

[@supernova_akm72]

Basically don't be a dick and ruin it for others people. It sucks that a video like this even needs to be made but sadly it's important to make sure people understand this. Great video.

[@Campendium]

Education is the first step :) Here is more information on conservation and sustainability: www.campendium.com/camping/category/sustainability/

[@ProLookout]

How do people make money for gas and other necessities while full-time RVing?

[@gisellegonzalez2628]

JOHN Teixido you’re on the wrong channel. Cheaprvliving can answer your question. Good luck

[@lctrail]

No android app wth 😣

[@Campendium]

Hi Leigh, we plan to develop the app for Android next, but in the meantime, here's how you can add Campendium to your home-screen: www.campendium.com/camping/campendium-on-android/

[@janetallison363]

I just downloaded it onto my android...🤷

[@janetallison363]

Maybe it was the web site and not the app😰

[@Campendium]

Great news! The Campendium Android app is now ready! Head to the Google Play store and search for Campendium to download the new app. Happy camping!

[@markreynolds9570]

Smokey Bear doesnt call them forrest fires anymore. Wildfires.

[@lepermessiah2011]

Hehehehehe "Huge tool."

[@Campendium]

🤦‍♀️

[@mikebenesh8637]

Do t forget medication and first aid kit

[@ronrowan4828]

Staying in a developed campground is NOT boondocking, even if there are no hookups. Developed campgrounds have facilities like restrooms, water, and trash bins. Boondocking means NO facilities whatsoever; no showers, no trashcans, no outhouses, or anything of that nature. NEVER dump your tanks on the ground period. Use only dump stations. There is one exception: use some of that gray water for extinguishing your campfire.

[@Campendium]

Agree! Boondocking is dispersed camping. 😊

[@pearlcaster8287]

My critique, not criticism, you could cover data info in 2 minutes. Data needs to be conveyed K.I.S.S. - Keep It Short & Simple! Thks. BTW, I submit to all you gadget-addicts...NO DRONES!!!!!

[@guyh.4553]

In other words, dry camping.

[@tefamilyadventures]

Awesome content! Keep up the great work. If you have a second go have a browse of my channel 😊✌️

[@Campendium]

Thanks for the positive feedback! - Liz

[@kennethmay9002]

Keep your dogs under control. Mine don't care for other dogs running up to them to sniff their weiners.

[@dalegribble60]

Thing that worries me the most are the humans....bring much weaponry...

[@susanhilla79]

Chicken

[@dalegribble60]

@@susanhilla79 chickens I can handle - a knock on the door at 3 am does not however.

[@grammahoneybunny1712]

who doesn't already know all this. Your giving rules. I wanted to know places to boondock.

[@Toolshedthewatchdog]

You got me on the axe 🪓 comment lmfao 🤣 I did this and yes the cops show up!