Updated September 15, 2021
Boondocking, in a nutshell, is camping for free without any utility hookups or amenities. Boondocking can be done in remote places deep within a forest far from civilization or it can occur in a parking lot, although many call this dry camping. Dispersed camping is another term used and is often the official term used by public land agencies (think U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management).
Boondocking is becoming increasingly popular, in part, perhaps, because commercial RV parks and campgrounds are getting crowded. It’s not just commercial parks like KOA but state and national parks are becoming more crowded, too. In some cases, people are making campsite reservations a year in advance.
Boondocking Resources
Boondocking Database
- This website has been around a while. You can search for boondocking locations based on your current position or download the entire database for use in a GPS device. More than 1,100 locations are included in the database. Link to website.
Free Campsites Website
- Use this website to find free camping areas nationwide. Link to website.
RV Camping Website
- There is a nice article on this website that describes what boondocking is, how to do it, and where to camp and other helpful information. Link to website.