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Boondocking in a Class A Motorhome

Mar. 23 2023 Class A motorhome By Independence RV

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Boondocking in a Class A motorhome is an exhilarating and liberating way to explore the outdoors while enjoying all the comforts of home. But finding a secure and legal place to park your RV overnight can be tricky. In this article, we'll look at some of the best ways to boondock in a self-contained Class A motorhome for “dry camping.” But first, find a new or used class A motorhome for sale at Independence RV to begin your boondocking journey and save money in the process!

How to Get Started

Safety should always be your number one concern when boondocking in a Class A motorhome. Start with boondocking somewhere that is familiar to you. That could even be campground you have stayed at before, but this time you want to use a site without hook ups so you can see what it’s like before you attempt doing it for real.

Here are some of the ways you can boondock an RV overnight.

Moochdocking: Moochdocking is parking your motorhome on the property of friends or family members. Be sure to check if there are any city ordinances or HOA restrictions for off street RV overnight parking. This is an excellent way to stay in town and not have to rely on campgrounds that are usually located on the outskirts of town.

Dispersed Camping: Dispersed camping is another excellent option for boondocking with a Class A motorhome. Dispersed camping refers to camping in areas not designated as campgrounds, like national forests, Bureau of Land Management -- BLM lands (camping passes required), or even some state parks that have sites with no hook-ups. Although these places typically lack amenities compared to traditional campgrounds, you'll experience more solitude and stunning natural sights. You can also sign up for a membership (for a fee) with online companies like Harvest Host and Boondockers Welcome which together have thousands of boondocking “host” locations throughout the United States that are free for members to use.  

Parking Lots: Many commercial businesses, such as major chain stores, offer overnight parking for RVs. Although these parking lots may not offer the same level of seclusion as dispersed camping, they are usually safe and convenient options for boondocking in a Class A motorhome. Before parking overnight at any establishment, be sure to ask permission and always adhere to their rules and regulations. Here are a few of the gracious companies who are known to allow overnight stays, usually in designated parking spaces away from daily customer parking spots.

  • Food Lion, Walmart and Sam’s Club
  • Cracker Barrel, Lowe’s and Home Depot
  • Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop and Gander Mountain
  • Some Rest Areas and Visitor Centers (along the Interstates)

Stealth Camping: Stealth camping refers to camping in urban or suburban areas without drawing attention. While this can be risky in terms of municipal parking regulations, it's also an economical way to explore cities and towns while traveling a Class A motorhome. Be respectful of private property and be aware of sketchy areas of town to avoid.  

Useful Tips While Boondocking

Now that you’ve found the right places to camp off the grid in a Class A motorhome, it’s time to learn a bit about how to extend your stay without running out of water and DC power. If you have auxiliary solar power, that’s even better for conserving and recharging the house batteries. Keep an eye on your battery levels and run the generator as needed. The last thing you want to happen is to have the food spoil if the refrigerator stops working.

Here are few basic helpful hints and techniques for successful boondocking.

Conserving Water: One of the biggest challenges when boondocking in a Class A motorhome is conserving water. While it's essential to ensure you have enough fresh water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning while boondocking, try to conserve whenever possible by taking fewer and shorter showers. Turn off the shower water when lathering up and shampooing hair. Use paper plates and cups instead of washing dishes. If you do have some pots and pans to wash, consider saving the dishwater (and shower water) to flush the toilet, instead of flushing perfectly clean freshwater down the toilet.

Camping Etiquette: Boondocking in a Class A motorhome can be an enjoyable way to escape the crowds and have some peace and quiet, but it's essential that you show respect towards other campers. There are certain unspoken rules when it comes to boondocking. As mentioned before, you will need to make sure you know you’re allowed to stay anywhere you set up camp. Secondly, you’ll need to be courteous of any neighbors you may have, ensuring you stay quiet late at night and early in the morning, and making sure you stay out of their space. Other rules include leaving your site cleaner than you found it, putting out campfires, and of course avoiding dumping tanks onto the ground.

Safety: Safety should always be the top priority when boondocking in a Class A motorhome. This can be ensured by locking all doors and windows, blocking the view into your motorhome, avoiding areas that feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and carrying emergency supplies like first aid kits, flashlights, extra food, and jugs water.

Independence RV

Are you searching for a Class A motorhome to purchase? Independence RV is an excellent place to begin your search for class A motorhomes for sale. As Orlando’s only Authorized Newmar dealer, we carry top of the line models including Dutch Stars, Ventanas, New Aires, Kountry Stars, Canyon Stars and Bay Stars – new and used.  Let our knowledgeable staff assist you in finding the ideal model to suit your needs and provide helpful information about boondocking, RVing clubs, campgrounds and other activities.