I’ve said it a gazillion times: the beauty of living on the road is that you get to choose where you go and how you spend your time. You get to camp like YOU. But, with the myriad of camping options available, it’s sometimes tricky to separate out the pros and cons of each so you can decide what style best suits you. Two common options are RV Parks and Boondocking. Is one better than the other? Maybe so. These are two very different styles of camping, each appealing in it’s own way. Today, I’ll break it down.
First, let’s define what each of these options are:
A RV Park is a place for recreational vehicles to stay overnight or longer in a designated space or campsite, for a fee. Most often you need to reserve these spaces before arrival to make sure there is a space for you, particularly in popular destinations. Most parks have amenities such as sewer and water hookups, cable, WIFI, showers and laundry facilities; some might also provide a store, pool, hot tub, game room, community room, and even more have regularly-scheduled community events.
Think of a RV Park as a small community where you can spend time with the same people for a longer period of time. Sure, you can roll in for one day, but some people choose to stay in a park for months and even years at a time.
Boondocking, which can also be called dry camping or dispersed camping is mostly FREE! No matter what you call it, that’s pretty cool. Before I explain, there are minor differences between these three terms for you to know:
Boondocking is camping in a remote place without any hookups or amenities.
Dry camping is camping in an area with limited or no amenities. For example, if you go to a National Forest campground with no hookups, you might find there are dumpsters and/or toilets. This would be considered dry camping (by the way, National Forest Campgrounds do usually charge a camping fee).
Dispersed camping is really just boondocking inside of a National Forest or on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. If you go to the USFS or BLM websites and look under recreation, you’ll see them use the term dispersed camping instead of boondocking.
These terms are largely interchangeable in the RVing community, but no matter what you call it know this: there is a TON of it out there for us to “recreate” on!
Thank You Teddy Roosevelt!
Below is a map of all of the public land available in the United States. All of the colors on that map are areas that indicate public land available to use for recreation (AKA Camping!). We have Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt to thank for that. He set aside this public land for our use, giving us the chance to drive into beautiful, quiet areas, set up camp and enjoy. Keep in mind most of these areas allow up to two weeks of camping in one spot, but rules vary; check the rules for each area by visiting BLM.gov
PublicLands.Org or the U.S. Forest Service.
The Pros and Cons of Each
These are my views on each camping option, so feel free to grab the list and adjust it to suit your needs and views. Consider these a starting point, come to your own conclusions, and CAMP LIKE YOU!
The Pros and Cons of a RV Park or Campground
| PROS | CONS | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Fixed cost per day or duration of stay | Can get expensive depending on where you are |
| Amenities | No searching for them! They’re right there and the cost is included in the fee | Amenities can sometimes be out of order…like showers, washers or dryers |
| Fellow Campers | It's great to meet new people and form new friendships | If you don’t like your neighbor, you may not be able to move |
| Length of Stay | Can purchase by the day, week or longer, depending on Park or Campground | Refunds are rarely given if you need to leave early |
| Safety | Often gated, safety in numbers, security staff | You never know what brings out the crazy in your neighbors... |
| Crowding | If you visit off season, there will be fewer RVers | Depending on the park or campground, most sites are fairly close together |
The Pros and Cons of Boondocking
| PROS | CONS | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Zero! It’s FREE | Some popular BLM or NF areas now charge a fee, due to rising maintenance costs. Check the rules before you go. |
| Amenities | Nature IS the amenity | No RV amenities. Must run to town to get propane, water, dump tanks and garbage |
| Fellow Campers | You can choose to camp totally alone or with other people of your choice | You can drive away if you don’t like your fellow campers |
| Length of Stay | 1 days to 14 days (check the rules in individual areas) | Always moving unless you want to take the chance of being fined. Violating camping restrictions in the National Forests is a class B misdemeanor, with penalties up to $5,000, six months in prison, or both. |
| Safety | Most boondocking areas are safe. See my book for stats and best practices. Of course, you are in nature, so beware of animals. If you see graffiti, broken glass or drug paraphernalia, I recommend moving on. | Trust your instincts: if you feel unsettled, leave. |
| Crowding | You can park as close to or as far away from people as you want | Some areas might see crowds at peak season |
How Do You Know What Type Of Land You’re Parked On?
If you’re not in a RV Park or Campground, the best way to know what type of land you’re parked on is to download an app I’ve found called US Public Lands. This app works with your cell phone GPS to tell you exactly what type of land you’re on. There are a ton of agencies that manage public lands, so if you find them on the app go to the agency website for information on rules and regulations.
You can even plan your travel route in the app by looking at the areas that you are considering. It’s a great app that every Nomad should have in their arsenal. And, no. I am not affiliated with this app; I just like it!
So What Option is BEST?
In some areas, a RV Park or Campground is the only option available. Out West, you’ll find all kinds of boondocking opportunities. Many full-timers incorporate the two! Honestly, I love both options, but tend to Boondock more than I stay in a RV Campground or Park. There is nothing like sitting by yourself in the great outdoors listening to the birds and coyotes while the clouds float by. But, there are those times that it feels like a total luxury to treat myself to a hookup and the amenities a Park offers. The only way to know what is best for you is to try each one and decide for yourself!
For more information on Boondocking and even MORE options for camping, check out these videos:
Boondocking Might Change Your Life! A Nomads Intro to Camping FREE!
How to CAMP on BLM: A Definite Guide to Why, How, Where
How to find a FREE campsite with a CELL SIGNAL
CAMP Overnight at FARMS, WINERIES, MUSEUMS AND MORE: Meet Joel of Harvest Hosts!
My big takeaway here is “CAMP LIKE YOU” 🙂 I happen to trend toward RV Park BUT I’ve travelled a lot in the west and have a lot of places that I know/like that are “low amenity”, in quiet spots … what I call “adult” parks as they do not have the things that attract families and kids (nothing against either! ). But, what I want in an RV park is good power, sewer hookup and decent water – that’s it. I am self contained and have my own wifi. This type of park tends to be less expensive. That said, I have a few “resort-type” parks that I enjoy also. And all of that balanced against, I have a stick house and travel Fall-Winter-Spring (4-8 weeks at a time) so options are fewer and park rates for open parks are less expensive.
I have travelled in the east which I did not enjoy that much because of more crowded everything, even “off” season. I am a Westerner and my experience is options are greater in the west for the big wide open. Still, to each their own – that is just my personal preference.
Finally, I look at all sprectrum of rvr youtube and blogs. Young … older … old. Minimalist to extravagant. There are things to learn from all but I find you and Creativity RV to resonate most with me. Thank you, Robin!
What I have found is that WA state has few boondocking places. I hope someone will prove me wrong. I stay in STATE parks because I travel with a dog. National PARKS allow dogs but only in the camping area itself–NOT on the trails. National FOREST campgrounds,allow dogs, but often can only accommodate rigs 21′ or under (my class C is 23′). If I travel a few hours, I need to know I have a place to stay. I travel alone, and my dog can’t drive. I see that Oregon has many boondocking places, and that would be my dream and is my goal going forward–but for now, I have to pay, because I prefer to know I’ve got a place, since I am by myself. I so admire those of you, who are fearless and go forth!
Hi Robin, Thank you so much for this information. I am a newbie to camping and due to family obligations, I can only stay out, right now, for 6-7 months. In a recent video of yours you mentioned the Clam enclosure. I think it would be good for me; however, I am curious if you’ve had any trouble with it being blown around. Someone mentioned the winds in the desert might cause some “issues.” Once again, I would be in your debt if you had a moment to give me some valued information based on your experience. You already have done so much for me with your helpful info; so, I was hesitant to ask. However, I know no one else whom I’d trust. I am a 74 year old just beginning this adventure so I’ve relayed heavily on your valued help. Also, I can’t remember the weather app you once discussed that would tell you how the weather is ahead of where you were. Thank you so very much and bless you for all you do. Jill