The RVing Life~ Good Boondocking Etiquette

Boondocking is a term used by RVers to mean camping in an area without services such as electric, water or sewer. Sometimes the term "boondocking" or "dry camping" also refers to camping without services in parking lots, rest areas or other unconventional places. In all cases, boondocking is either free or costs a very small fee.

Many RVers like to boondock for the obvious benefit — boondocking saves money on campground fees. But there are other aspects of boondocking that are even more attractive. When boondocking on public land in areas where dispersed camping is allowed, you can choose a quiet spot far from the noise and lights of other campers. You can enjoy the quiet of nature, the dark sky sprinkled with stars, the birds in the trees or the unobstructed views of sunsets and sunrises.

When enjoying the benefits of boodocking, there are certain rules of etiquette and consideration that should be followed.

By far, the most beautiful boondocking sites are on federal and public lands: BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, National Forests, State Forests, National Monuments and others. Inexperienced boondockers may be hesitant about camping in these areas, not knowing quite what to do. If your camping experience is limited to developed campgrounds, you may have questions about what is appropriate.

Here are a few tips on Boondocking Etiquette:

• Setting up your rig. Unless you are joining a club or group, you should allow as much space as possible between you and other rigs. If you have a generator, don't park near other rigs with solar panels if you can help it. Set up you seating and living area and try to keep your things neatly within that area.
  
• Approaching others. If you're walking by, wave or say hello. If people seem inclined to pass the time of day, it's great to have a chat. However, be sensitive to others. Some people camp in the desert or the forest for solitude and would prefer to watch birds or read their books rather than have a conversation with every passer-by. Don't be annoying!
  
  On the other hand, most RVers are very willing to help if you have a question or a problem. Don't be afraid to ask where they get their water, mail or groceries. They'll happily tell you.
  
• Lights. Shut off your porch light, your spot lights and your other outdoor lights at night when you aren't using them. One of the reasons people boondock is so that they can get away from the light pollution of towns and other campgrounds. Lights destroy enjoyment of the night sky. You may think that your solar powered blinking Christmas lights are cute, but don't count on everyone agreeing with you.
  
• Generator. Yes, you have a generator so that you can enjoy the comforts of home in your rig, but please be considerate of others who may be able to hear it running. Don't start it up too early in the morning or run it too late at night. Usually, running a generator for an hour or so in the morning and an hour or so in the evening is sufficient for doing your microwaving or vacuuming. Many areas have strict set hours when you can run a generator. Find out what they are and adhere to the rules.
• Noise. Sound carries. Keep voices down, especially at night. If you have a radio outdoors, no one outside your campsite should hear it. In spite of how much you might enjoy it, not everyone wants to listen to NPR all day or country music all evening.
• Pets. Clean up after them! Even on acres of BLM land, you should pick up after your dog, and never dump kitty litter on the ground. Control your barking dog and never leave it in a closed vehicle. Temperatures can change quickly, especially in the desert.  It would not be unusual for it to be 40° F in the morning and 80°F a few hours later. Keep your dog on a leash. It's also a good idea to keep your cat on a leash as many wild areas have coyotes who think cats and small dogs are a delicacy.
• Drive slowly past other campers.  One of the most fun things we do on BLM land is to explore the back roads and dirt tracks.  If you do this, remember that you are raising dust, even on a calm day.  Be considerate when driving past other people, campsites or vehicles and drive as slowly as possible to avoid sending up clouds of dust.
  
  
  

Respecting the environment is probably the most important thing you can do as a responsible citizen using public lands. As RVers use and enjoy public lands like National Parks and Seashores, BLM lands, National and State Forests and Wildlife Refuges more than many other people, it is our responsibility to do our part to preserve them for future generations. The very first rule is:

• Leave No Trace! Always leave your area cleaner than it was when you found it. Pick up litter, soda can tabs, and any plastic and dispose of it properly. Do not throw or burn trash in fireplaces. Do not throw cigarette butts on the ground anywhere! If you are a fisherman, never leave discarded fishing line on the stream banks or the beach as it is a danger to birds, fish and turtles.
• Park in areas that have been used before. By not creating new paths or roads or campsites, you will be preserving the natural areas and the native vegetation. What looks like an area of dirt and barren stones could blossom into a patch of wildflowers in the spring. 
  
• Firewood. Different places have different rules on collection of firewood. Some allow it and others do not. If you are in an area that does not allow firewood collection, don't do it. Dead and rotting wood provides a wildlife habitat and is often a source of food for wildlife that may be protected.
  
  There are also rules about bringing wood into certain states because of the possibility of spreading diseases. If you do bring wood in, burn it before you leave. Obey any regulations.
• Fire. Because of serious threat of forest fires or grass fires, many areas will have bans on open fires. Do obey them! When you are allowed to have a campfire, be sure you put it out with water before leaving it unattended. Do not throw cigarettes out of windows or on the ground as they are the start of many fires.
  
• Waste water. Dispose of waste water according to the rules of the area where you camp. Never dump sewage on the ground.
• Don't introduce invasive plants. Setting out bird feeders or scattering flower seeds around your long term campsite may seem like a cute idea, but it is a good way to introduce invasive plants that can cause damage or crowd out the native plants.
• Don't attract pests. Another problem with setting out bird feeders is that dropped seed will attract mice and other pests. This in turn can attract the snakes that feed on them. It's far better to enjoy the birds in their native habitat than to have to worry about snakes around your campsite!
  

Many RVers do not consider parking lot camping as "boondocking", but it is similar in that you will be without utilities, water or sewer hookups.  Generally referred to as "dry camping", most RVers will only park in a store or restaurant parking lot when they are en route to a destination and will only be sleeping in their rig for a night.  By observing some general rules of conduct, you will help preserve the good reputation of the RVing community.

There are several businesses that regularly welcome RVers who wish to park overnight in their parking lots, but there still may be city and county ordinances which prohibit overnight parking. Always read signs carefully and ask permission of the store manager before settling in for the night. Here are some other suggestions:

• Park in areas away from store customers or in areas designated for RV parking.
• Don't put out your slide, awning or set out chairs or grills. You are parking, not camping.
• Don't leave any litter around your rig, or leave on outdoor lights.
• Do give the store or restaurant your business.
  
• Don't put down jacks, especially in hot weather when they could damage a blacktop parking lot.
• Stay only one night.

• Whenever you are boondocking, it's wise to take sensible safety precautions. If you are dry camping in a parking lot, it's especially important to keep your doors locked, including those of your tow vehicle. Never leave valuables outside of your rig at night or when you are not around.
• Even when boondocking with many other RVers on BLM land, take reasonable precautions. While theft is unusual, it does happen occasionally. The most attractive items for theives are portable generators, so, if you use one, put it away at night.
• Don't leave garbage outdoors overnight. Depending on where you are, you could attract coyotes, bears, raccoons or other unwanted visitors to your campsite.
  
• While we do take reasonable safety measures, we have never had a problem with theft. In 8 years of RVing, there was only one instance where we felt unsafe in a place and that was a store parking lot late at night near a large city. We did leave it and spent the night in a truck stop instead.
• If, for any reason, you ever feel uncomfortable in an area, leave it!

With thought and consideration, boondocking will be a good experience for everyone involved. Whether you are camping on public lands or private property, you are enjoying a privilege that can be taken away if it is abused. Enjoy your time wherever you are, stay safe and

Happy Trails!

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Copyright ©2011 Stephanie Henkel