Tips for Boondocking in a Travel Trailer

As much fun as it can be to head to a campsite and hook up your travel trailer, you might be weary of the same old routines and the crowded nature of many RV parks. Fear not! Another option for camping awaits you, and it’s one you might not have thought of. Dry camping or boondocking, is camping far from others, without any hookups or access to anything but the open nature around you. This can be a truly rewarding experience if done correctly. You just need to prepare a little more thoroughly before you go and take some safety precautions. We’ve created this guide to help you get started with boondocking in a travel trailer.

Observing Local Regulations

Wherever you choose to park your travel trailer, it’s important that you follow the local laws. Don’t ignore “no overnight camping” or “no trespassing” signs unless you want to incur a heavy fine. If there are fire bans where you’re camped, follow them and don’t set any fires. Use existing fire pits if you’re permitted to set fires instead of starting new ones. Pack out all the trash you bring in, and if you don’t use your blackwater tank, bury any waste at least six inches deep in the dirt. The area you’re in might have its own regulations, so be sure to look those up before you go.

Solar vs. Propane Fuel

You have two options to power your travel trailer’s electricity when you’re dry camping: propane and solar power. Propane is easily available, usable in all weather conditions and most travel trailers are already optimized to use it as a fuel source. However, if you take the time to install solar panels on your camper’s roof, you can use this as an additional, renewable power source that costs nothing to generate. Most boondockers switch between the two sources to maximize their time off the grid and make use of the best traits of each power source.

Installing Useful Appliances

There are a few appliances you can install on your rig to make it better suited to the dry camping lifestyle. One important asset is a composting toilet that allows you to reduce or eliminate the need to fill up your blackwater tank so you aren’t limited by its capacity when you camp. Another useful modification is installing LED lights that use less power. You can use a variety of water filters to get clean water for drinking and bathing, so that your water tank’s capacity isn’t a limiting factor on your trip.

If you’re looking to buy a new travel trailer that better facilitates the boondocking lifestyle, visit RV Land in Kyle, TX. to see the models we have in stock. If your current camper could use some repairs before it’s in good shape for dry camping, you can also contact us to schedule a service appointment. We proudly serve all those in Austin and San Antonio.