Boondocking Basics
Learn the core concepts of off-grid camping, boondocking, and overnight parking
Can You Cook Food Outdoors at a Rest Area?
The simple answer is "yes", you can cook food outdoors at a rest area in most states. The only exception is Tennessee, which specifically bans grilling and open flames at its rest areas. In addition, there are other states...
Is it Safe to Camp With Cows?
Yes, it's generally safe to camp with cows in the area. As long you refrain from following them, touching them, or provoking them in any way, they'll leave you alone. Problems usually occur when people try to shoo cattle...
30 Tips to Make Your RV’s Water Tank Last for a Month
We've assembled 30 tips on how to make your RV's water supply last for a month, or maybe even longer. If your goal is to boondock in the same place for as long as possible, and save money from having to burn fuel moving your RV to a new site, then read on...
Are RVs Required to Use Truck Parking at Rest Areas?
From a legal standpoint, no, RVs are not required to use truck parking at rest areas. Even though most rest areas do have signs directing trucks, RVs, and cars towards different parking areas, these are only meant to aid visitors, not to require them. However...
10 Tips for Boondocking at High Altitude
As summer temperatures reach triple digits in the plains and valleys, you'll want to set up camp in the mountains to find cooler weather. But camping in high altitude brings with it other challenges for RVers, van-dwellers, and car campers. We have assembled 10 tips for boondocking at high altitude...
Where to Park Overnight with a Rooftop Tent?
Finding out where to park overnight with a rooftop tent can be difficult because your choices are much more limited than with an RV, van, or pickup truck camper. However, there are still many people making sleepover stops with...
8 Stargazing Tips While Camping
Camping and stargazing go hand-in-hand. We've accumulated some stargazing tips while camping over the years. Most of these we've just figured out on our own as full time boondockers. You don't need a telescope or a set of binoculars, though they do help...
Are There Campgrounds With Showers and Electricity Where I Can Pitch a Wall Tent and Live for a Few Months?
Yes, there actually are campgrounds with showers and electricity where you can pitch a wall tent and live for a few months! However, they are not free. You will be expected to pay a monthly rate for the space. You will very likely have to pay for the electricity too. But these campgrounds do exist.
How to Power a CPAP When Tent Camping
Most tent campers who use a CPAP use a "portable power station" (also referred to as a battery generator) to power their sleep. They also rely on a fold-up solar-panel to recharge the power station. The two together can be expensive...
The 200 Feet Water Setback Rule for Camping, Explained
You may have heard that there is a rule prohibiting camping within 200 feet from a body of water. This rule has been printed in camping guidelines issued by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park...
