Otis Singleton
Dry camping in an RV without electricity, water, or sewer connections is a great way to escape the crowds and experience nature. It can be intimidating for beginners, but with some preparation, the right mindset, and a few tips and tricks, it's much easier than you think! From checking if your RV's heat is gas-powered to using solar panels or portable generators for power, there are many ways to make your off-the-grid camping trip comfortable and enjoyable.
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What You'll Learn
Dry camping: no electricity, water, or sewage connections
Dry camping, also known as boondocking, refers to RV camping without any hookups for electricity, water, or sewage. It is a great way to save money and enjoy nature without modern conveniences. Here are some tips for dry camping:
Location
Dry camping can be done on public or private lands with the landowner's permission and is sometimes free. Ideal locations include national forests, BLM land, and parking lots. Harvest Hosts, for example, offers camping at wineries, breweries, and farms, though electric hookups are rare. National and state parks are also options, but electric hookups are not guaranteed.
Electricity
Electricity is one of the biggest challenges of dry camping. Ensure your RV's batteries are fully charged before your trip. A portable rechargeable generator or solar generator is essential for longer trips. Jackery Solar Generators are a recommended option, powering 99% of outdoor appliances.
Water
Fill your fresh water tank before arriving at your campsite. A hose designed for RV hookups is necessary to connect to a water source. A 25-foot hose is typically sufficient, but having an additional hose allows access to group hookup stations. Consider purchasing a water filter and pressure regulator to ensure clean water at a safe PSI.
Sewage
RV black water (sewage) and grey water (used water) are stored in separate holding tanks. Without sewer hookups, use public bathrooms and showers whenever possible to conserve your water supply. When you have access to a dump station, remember to empty the black water tank before the grey water tank to flush out all the pipes.
Other Considerations
Make sure your campsite can accommodate your RV's length and that it is level when parked. Set your fridge to AUTO so it can run on propane or electricity. Plan for entertainment without electricity, such as board games and outdoor sports. For lighting, use dimmable LEDs, lanterns, or string lights.
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Preparing for weather: check for gas-powered heating
Preparing for cold weather is essential when RV camping with no electricity. One of the first things to check is whether your RV's heating system runs on gas or electricity. Many modern RVs are equipped with gas-powered heating, so there's a good chance you won't need electricity to keep your camper warm.
Gas-powered heating systems in RVs typically use propane burners to generate heat. Basic RV heating systems with a gas furnace provide forced air heating. A DC ignition source sparks the propane burner, and a 12V fan distributes the heated air throughout the RV. Some systems use a boiler fuelled by gas to heat a mixture of water and glycol, which circulates within the heating system. This type of system requires regular maintenance.
If your RV has a gas-powered heating system, you'll need to ensure you have an adequate supply of propane or whichever gas your system uses. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the correct type of gas and the appropriate tank or cylinder. It's also important to ensure your heating system is properly maintained. For furnaces, this may require a qualified RV technician.
In addition to gas-powered heating, some RVs use catalytic heaters, which are safe to use indoors as they don't produce carbon monoxide. These heaters typically have automatic shut-off valves to prevent fire hazards and should still be used in well-ventilated areas. For colder climates, furnaces may be a better option as they provide more heat, and newer models have improved thermal efficiency.
By checking your RV's heating system and ensuring you have the necessary fuel and maintenance, you can effectively prepare for cold weather when RV camping without electricity. Remember to also consider other weather-related preparations, such as lighting and entertainment options, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
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Lighting options: headlamps, string lights, lanterns
When RV camping without electricity, it's important to consider lighting options to illuminate your space after dark. Here are some lighting options to consider:
Headlamps
Headlamps are a great hands-free option that allows you to move around and multi-task with ease. They are especially useful when you need to set up camp or cook in low-light conditions. Headlamps are often enjoyed by children as well, making them a fun and functional choice for family camping trips.
String Lights
String lights are perfect for illuminating a larger area, such as the interior of your RV or an outdoor seating area. You can purchase camping-specific string lights, or you can opt for regular string lights or even Christmas lights. String lights create a cozy atmosphere and are a simple solution for adding light to your campsite.
Lanterns
Lanterns are a versatile lighting option that can be hung, placed on a table, or carried around. They are an effective source of light and can be powered by batteries or solar energy. Solar-powered lanterns are a renewable and environmentally friendly option that eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements.
By combining these lighting options, you can create a well-lit and functional space to enjoy your RV camping experience, even without electricity. These lighting choices offer safety, convenience, and a pleasant ambiance for your outdoor adventure.
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Campsite locations: national parks, forests, driveways
Campsite locations: national parks, forests, and driveways
National Parks
The National Park System has 130 destinations with overnight camping options. The vast majority of these campgrounds have no hookups, and of the few that do, many only offer partial hookups. Only 13 parks have full or partial utility connections for RVs. Some of the national parks with full hookups include:
- Hot Springs: This urban national park has 40 full-hookup sites.
- Mesa Verde National Park, Morefield Campground: This park has 15 full-hookup RV sites that require reservations.
- Death Valley: This park has three full-hookup campgrounds: Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs.
- Yellowstone: The Fishing Bridge campground has 310 full-hookup sites.
If you can't find a campground with hookups in the national park you want to visit, you can try private campgrounds located just outside the park gates.
National Forests
Boondocking, or camping without hookups, can be done in national forests. This option usually provides an abundance of space and scenic vistas. However, some remote locations or forest roads may not be accessible for larger RVs.
Driveways
Moochdocking is the practice of camping in the driveways of family and friends. This can be a convenient option for those with friends or family who live in desirable locations.
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Power sources: solar panels, generators, shore power
When RV camping off the grid, there are a few options for power sources to keep your trip running smoothly. Solar panels, generators, and shore power are three ways to power your RV and keep your appliances running.
Solar panels are a sustainable and reliable way to power your RV. Solar panels can be used to generate electricity and store energy in a portable power station. Solar-powered generators are a great way to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and your carbon footprint. Solar panels can be used to charge your RV's batteries, and some RVs come with solar panels already installed. Solar panels are also easy to install yourself and are built to last.
Generators are another popular option for RV power. Generators can be portable or built-in, and they come in various fuel types, including solar-powered, gas, diesel, and propane. Portable generators are easy to work on and can be used for backup power, but they require more frequent refueling. Built-in generators often come pre-installed and can run for 10-15 hours on a full tank of liquid propane. They can power all the 120-volt plugs in your RV, allowing you to use appliances like air conditioners and microwaves.
Shore power is a convenient option if you're camping at an RV park with electrical hookups. It provides access to a stable electrical source and can power larger appliances without needing to run a generator. Shore power typically uses 30 amps, but adapters are available for 50-amp or 110V outlets.
When choosing a power source for your RV, consider your energy requirements, budget, and environmental impact. Solar panels and shore power are more sustainable options, while generators may be more suitable if you need to power multiple appliances and have access to fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Dry camping is RV camping without electricity, water, or sewage connections. It is a great way to escape campground crowds and experience nature.
If your RV has a propane-operated generator, you can use that to power your appliances. Alternatively, you can use solar panels or a portable rechargeable generator.
Check if your RV's heat is gas-powered. If so, you won't need electricity to keep warm. If not, you may need to use propane to stay warm.
There are plenty of lighting options that don't require electricity. Headlamps are great for multitasking, and string lights can illuminate a larger area. Solar or battery-powered lanterns are effective for lighting up the inside of an RV or a tent.
Dry camping is a great opportunity to unplug and enjoy nature. You can bring board games to play in case of rainy days, or outdoor sports equipment like frisbees, balls, etc.
