Boondocking—dry camping with limited amenities—“does not mean doing without,” says experienced Airstreamer Jay Thompson. “It means adjusting the way we do things to extend and enjoy our stay.”

There are two main ways to dry camp: in a natural area, and “blacktop boondocking” in an urban setting. Thompson offers the following tips for boondocking anywhere.

Boondocking in the ‘boonies.

Scenic and wildnerness sites include National or State Parks or Forests, Bureau of Land Management or Corps of Engineers area, or any area where facilities (power, water, or sewer) aren’t provided. When camping in the “boonies”:

• Park in previously used parking spots; don’t create a new one.
• Place your rig away from others to give them and you room to enjoy the space.
• Respect quiet hours. (The reason most of us boondock is to enjoy the quiet and serenity of our surroundings.)
• Leave the area cleaner than when you arrived.

Blacktop Boondocking…

..has a specific set of guidelines and rules. You might be parked on the pavement at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta—or more likely, at a Wal-Mart in a city. Always:

• Ask permission.
• Purchase something—groceries, a meal, and/or fuel—from your retail host.
• Stay only one night.
• Do not put out your awning, barbecue, or tables.
• Leave the area cleaner than when you arrived.
• Do not put stabilizers or jacks down. Be prepared to move with little effort, if necessary.
• Park under the lights in the middle of the lot, with your doors facing the light.
• Talk with the security personnel to let them know you are onsite.

More safety measures—just in case.

“We have never had any security problems and have spent many nights at Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations,” said Thompson. “We have also parked at church parking lots, casinos, shopping malls, restaurants, and one time at a furniture store.”

Thompson recommends general good security practices, including:

• Don’t have your name or address on the outside of the rig.
• Don’t advertise that you are a full-timer, because all your possessions will be with you.
• Keep your cell phone charged and handy.
• As a general rule, “the further you are from civilization, the safer you are.”

Boondocking is easy, and possible to do in your new Airstream just as it comes from the factory, with only simple additions to your equipment.

Practice

Spend a day or two in your Airstream in your driveway or at a campground, and disconnect from the electric, water, and sewer. “This is a non-threatening way to learn to boondock and get a feel as to how the batteries and water last,” says Thompson.

“A good reference on boondocking with your Airstream may be found at wbccicaravan.wbcci.net,” he suggests. “That has several original and excerpted notes. Or enter “boondocking” on a Google search and many locations and ideas may be found.”

-By Jay Thompson