Spring is here, and summer camping is upon us! Many people think boondocking (aka dry camping) means you’re out in the middle of nowhere with nothing. We are here to tell you this couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are 11 myths we know from experience are untrue!
Myth #1 – Boondocking is dangerous and unsafe
Boondocking is not unsafe at all. In 2018 we traveled the whole year and didn’t stay in one campground. We traveled through 19 states and over 25k miles, staying 365 days in unique and beautiful locations. However, if you feel unsafe in a location, another location is typically nearby. Tip: We always have a plan B location picked out, and also the nearest Walmart, Cabelas or Cracker Barrel in the area just in case.
Myth #2 – Boondocking sites are challenging to find and hard to access
Another false statement we’ve heard. We travel in a 40-foot Grand Design 5th Wheel, and as always, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes of research, using multiple websites and reading reviews to ensure we can fit. However, the solitude and views just can’t be beaten! You can check out our link here on what apps we use: Top 20 Phone Apps For RV Travel
Myth #3 – Boondocking is illegal in most places
Boondocking is illegal in “some” places. But not in “most” places. The public lands around the USA are incredible gifts to us. If taken care of, we can use these amazing places. In our years of traveling, we see more and more trash being dumped. This is when the states must get involved, as they do not have the manpower to clean up these areas. We always pick up trash wherever we are. We encourage you to help when and where you can!
Myth #4 – You need to be an experienced camper to boondock
You do not need to be an experienced camper to boondock. You should always do research and be aware of your surroundings, whether you’re boondocking or doing any other event in your life; however, you will learn as you go, and it becomes easier and more of a routine the more you do it.
Myth #5 – Boondocking is uncomfortable and lacking in amenities
Define “Amenities”. If you’re looking for a clubhouse full of bingo cards or a swimming pool full of waterfalls and kids, then this statement may be true. However, there is never a lack of any other amenities. Check out our blog here: Boondocking ~ How We Spent $48 on Camping Fees For the Whole Year
Myth #6 – Boondocking is only for people who want to “rough it”
Did I mention we live in a very nice Grand Design Solitude? This is our 7th year of living full-time in our RV. We have all the comforts of anyone else living in a regular home, only more! Our views change, and we can visit friends one day, swim in the ocean the next, and park near the mountains the next. In Colorado, we had so much sun coming into our solar panels that our batteries were full by noon, and we were making cobbler in the convection oven some days. Do you have to put the money upfront for solar and energy so you can “just live”? Yes! Nevertheless, with the cost of campgrounds being over $100 a night now, I can guarantee you that you’ll not spend $36,000 on an adequate system to be able to live quite amazingly in your RV. Need help with an RV solar quote for your RV? Check out Panels Up Solar!
Myth #7 – You can’t boondock if you have kids or pets
Both statements are again untrue. Kids and pets actually love boondocking. Fewer restrictions and more creativity and freedom for kids.
Myth #8 – Boondocking is only for hippies and free spirits
Well, if we live and travel in our RV, we are free spirits, so what’s wrong with that? I promise we take daily showers and vacuum our floors. Ha!
Myth #9 – Boondocking is only for retirees with no work or family obligations
During most of our seven years in our RV, Justin and I have both worked remotely, and Justin even attended college for 2 years. With RV life being increasingly popular, many young people are getting out there working, getting out of debt, and showing their kids that classrooms have more than four walls.
Myth #10 – If you sell everything and live in an RV, you can’t go back to a house
Wait – What? Do you know how many times I’ve heard people say this? If you sold your house and decided to go on a grand adventure, who says you can’t settle somewhere else again? Why is life one way or another? Guess what? You absolutely can go back to living in a house anytime you want. Perhaps back in the same city you left. Maybe clear across the country. Possibly you’ll move back into a house for 4 or 5 years and then repeat the cycle. Maybe you’ll rent. Maybe you’ll build a house. Possibly you’ll trade up or down in an RV. Maybe you’ll decide to live in a cabin off-grid or save money while traveling so that you buy a mansion. Why is it so badly looked upon to change your mind or experience different things throughout your life? You do you!!! Don’t try to impress people you don’t know or don’t care about. Life is too short. Be happy! If you’re not, change where you are until you are happy.
Myth #11 – It’s impossible to stay connected and maintain communication while boondocking
That is another completely false statement. I have rarely been in any boondocking situation where I didn’t have full connectivity to be able to work, make phone calls, search the internet or any other connection to the rest of the world. On the rare occasion, we were somewhere without cell/internet service, it was nice just to read a book, and a 5 or 10-minute drive to town could usually get me connected if needed. Check out our blog here: Full-Time RV Life ~ Working Remotely and Staying Connected
In conclusion, try it!! Don’t live your life campground hopping. Campgrounds have some great advantages; however, when you boondock, you’re less restricted, and the quiet and solitude may be just what you need once in a while.
You can read some more of our boondocking blogs here:
- Free Camping in Idaho ~ 5 Epic Boondocking Areas!
- Boondocking – Our Top 10 Tips on Free Camping
- Finding Resources While Boondocking
- Our Top 7 Free Camping Spots and Boondocking Tips
- 5 Epic Free Camping Spots
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