Camping
Boondocking 101: What to Know Before You Go
The essentials of camping without hookups — conserving resources and leaving no trace.
2 min readBy ViaPads Team
Table of contents
What is boondocking?
Boondocking — also called dry camping — means camping without water, sewer, or electrical hookups. It's about self-sufficiency and simplicity.
Before you go
Water
- Fill your fresh water tank before arriving
- Know your consumption rate (typically 5–10 gallons per day per person)
- Bring extra water jugs for drinking
Power
- Charge batteries before arriving
- Consider solar panels for longer stays
- Conserve power — turn off lights and devices when not in use
Waste
- Know where the nearest dump station is
- Never dump grey or black water on the ground
- Pack out all trash
During your stay
- Monitor your tanks — don't wait until they're full
- Conserve water — navy showers, turn off taps
- Be quiet — respect the peace of the location
- Leave no trace — the site should look untouched when you leave
Choosing a boondocking spot
ViaPads hosts who offer boondocking will note it in their listing. Look for:
- Level ground
- Safe access for your vehicle
- Clear departure route
- Distance from the host's home (for privacy)
Was this helpful?
Ready to begin your journey?
Find your perfect overnight stop, or open your space to Travelers.