What Is Dry Camping With A Rv

So, you’ve heard the term and you’re wondering, what is dry camping with a RV? Simply put, it’s camping in your recreational vehicle without any hookups to water, sewer, or electrical services. You’re relying entirely on the self-contained systems within your RV. This style of camping is also widely known as boondocking, and it opens up a world of freedom, from remote public lands to a quiet overnight stop in a parking lot.

It means you manage your own power, water, and waste. This might sound intimidating at first, but it’s a skill any RVer can learn. The reward is incredible solitude and access to places that traditional campgrounds can’t offer. Let’s break down everything you need to know to get started confidently.

To truly understand dry camping, it’s helpful to know what you’re not connected to. In a full-hookup campground, you plug into shore power, connect a fresh water hose, and attach a sewer hose. Dry camping means you have none of those luxuries. Your RV’s batteries power the lights and fans, your fresh water tank supplies the sinks and shower, and your waste tanks hold everything until you can dump them.

This self-sufficiency is the core of the experience. It’s about making conscious choices with your resources. Every gallon of water and every amp-hour of battery power counts. Mastering this turns your RV from a vehicle that needs a specific campground into a true home-on-wheels capable of going almost anywhere.

Why Would You Want to Dry Camp?

People choose to dry camp for several compelling reasons:

Cost Savings: It’s often free or very low-cost, especially on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or National Forest lands.
Freedom and Solitude: You can camp away from crowded campgrounds, enjoying peace, quiet, and stunning natural views right outside your door.
Access to Unique Locations: It allows you to stay in places where established campgrounds simply don’t exist, like near a favorite trailhead or a remote lake.
Adventure and Challenge: Many RVers find great satisfaction in successfully managing their systems and thriving off the grid.

The Essential Systems for Dry Camping Success

Your RV has three critical systems you must manage: power, water, and waste. Let’s look at each one.

1. Power Management (The Electrical System)

Your RV’s battery bank is the heart of your off-grid power. Most stock RVs come with one or two basic 12-volt batteries. These run your lights, water pump, and fans. For anything more—like charging laptops or running a CPAP machine—you’ll need to recharge them.

Recharging Methods: You can recharge via your vehicle’s alternator while driving, a generator, or solar panels. Solar power is the quietest and most popular long-term solution for boondockers.
Power Consumption: Know your usage. LED lights use very little power, while appliances like microwaves and air conditioners require a massive inverter and large battery bank (often lithium) to run off-grid.
Inverter: This device converts 12V battery power to 120V household power. A small inverter can charge small devices; a large one is needed for appliances.

2. Water Management (The Fresh & Waste Water Systems)

Water is your most precious resource. You have a finite amount in your fresh tank.

Conservation is Key: Take navy showers (wet down, turn off water, soap up, rinse quickly). Use biodegradable soap and wipe dishes before washing. Use hand sanitizer.
Monitoring Tanks: Always know your tank levels. Start your trip with a full fresh water tank and empty waste tanks.
Grey Water: This is water from sinks and shower. Some campers use a portable grey water tank to extend their stay, but always follow local regulations for disposal.

3. Waste Management (The Black Tank System)

This is the system that often worries newbies the most, but it’s straightforward.

Use Plenty of Water: Always add enough water to the black tank at the start. Use RV-specific toilet paper and consider a tank treatment to break down waste and control odor.
Monitor the Level Gauge: Never let the black tank get completely full. Plan your dump station visit well before it reaches capacity.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Dry Camping Trip

Ready to try it? Follow these steps for a smooth first experience.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Start easy. For your first time, don’t drive 50 miles down a rugged forest road. Pick a well-known boondocking spot that’s easy to access. Websites like Campendium and iOverlander are fantastic resources for finding vetted locations with recent reviews.

Step 2: Prepare Your RV

Fill Your Fresh Water Tank: Completely.
Charge Your Batteries: Make sure they’re at 100% before you leave.
Empty All Waste Tanks: Start with them completely empty.
Stock Up on Food & Supplies: Minimize the need to drive back to town.
Check Your Propane: This fuels your fridge, furnace, and stove, which are essential for off-grid comfort.

Step 3: Set Up Camp Efficiently

Once you’ve found your spot, level your RV. Then, think about resource conservation immediately. Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth. Use natural light during the day. If you have solar, angle the panels toward the sun.

Step 4: Monitor and Conserve During Your Stay

Check your battery voltage and tank levels each morning. This daily habit helps you plan. If your batteries are getting low, you might run a generator for an hour or two to top them up. If your fresh water is at 50%, start being even more conservative.

Step 5: Break Camp and Dump Responsibly

When it’s time to leave, ensure your black and grey tanks are ready to travel. Locate the nearest dump station (many gas stations, campgrounds, and RV stores have them). Dump the black tank first, then the grey tank to help rinse out the hose.

Must-Have Gear for Extended Dry Camping

While you can try it with a stock RV, this gear will extend your stays and increase comfort.

Solar Panel Kit: For sustainable battery charging.
Portable Power Station: A great supplement for small electronics.
Water Jug & Siphon Pump: For bringing extra water without moving your RV.
LED Lights: Replace any old incandescent bulbs to save power.
Leveling Blocks: Essential for getting your RV flat on uneven ground.
First Aid Kit & Tools: You’re further from help, so be prepared for minor repairs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others so you don’t make these errors!

Not Practicing at Home: Try living on your RV systems in your driveway for a weekend first.
Running Out of Power: This is the quickest way to end a trip early. Know your battery’s capacity.
Wasting Water: A long, hot shower can use a surprising amount of your fresh water supply.
Ignoring Leave No Trace: Always pack out all your trash. Never dump waste water on the ground.
Overestimating Your Mobility: A big Class A motorhome can’t go the same places as a small van. Know your vehicle’s limits.

Finding Legal and Safe Places to Dry Camp

This is crucial. You can’t just park anywhere.

Public Lands (USA): BLM land and National Forests often allow dispersed camping for up to 14 days. Always check the specific district’s rules.
State Trust Lands: Some states allow camping, usually requiring a permit.
Parking Lots (Overnighting): Some businesses like Cabela’s, Cracker Barrel, and certain casinos allow overnight parking with permission. Always ask management first.
Apps and Websites: Use the resources mentioned earlier (Campendium) to find legal spots. Never rely solely on a random pin on Google Maps.

FAQ: Your Dry Camping Questions Answered

How long can you typically dry camp in an RV?

It depends entirely on your rig and consumption. With careful management, a typical RV with standard tanks and batteries can last 2-4 days. With upgrades like large solar arrays, extra water tanks, and lithium batteries, some RVers can stay off-grid for weeks or even months.

What’s the difference between boondocking and dry camping?

In practical use, they are almost interchangable. Some purists say boondocking implies camping for free in remote, dispersed areas on public land, while dry camping can include overnighting in a parking lot. But most RVers use the terms to mean the same thing: camping without hookups.

Can you run air conditioning while dry camping?

It’s very challenging. A standard RV air conditioner requires a lot of power. To run it off-grid, you typically need a very large lithium battery bank, a powerful inverter, and substantial solar or a generator. Most boondockers use fans and seek higher elevations for natural cooling instead.

Is dry camping safe?

Generally, yes. Use common sense like you would anywhere. Choose well-reviewed, popular spots at first. Let someone know where you are. Be aware of your surroundings. Most public land areas have very friendly communities of campers looking out for each other.

How do you handle internet and cell service?

This requires planning. Use coverage maps from your provider. Many serious boondockers use cellular signal boosters and mobile hotspot plans from multiple carriers to stay connected. For truly remote areas, satellite internet is an option, though it’s more expensive.

What if I have a medical device that needs power?

This requires careful planning. Calculate the device’s power draw and ensure your battery and recharging system can handle it with a large safety margin. Always have a backup plan, such as a generator that you can run if solar isn’t enough. Consult with your doctor and an RV electrician.

Dry camping with an RV is a skill that deepens your connection to the RV lifestyle and the natural world. It teaches resourcefulness and rewards you with unforgettable experiences. Start small, learn your systems, and you’ll soon discover why so many RVers prefer the freedom of life off the grid. The open road and a beautiful, quiet spot are waiting for you.