By Cheri Sicard
If you have a fear of boondocking, this video from Less Junk, More Journey is for you.
Here are the boondocking myths covered in the video
Myth #1: Boondocking is only for RVers who are too cheap to pay for campsites. Sure, boondocking can save you tons of money over staying at RV parks, but it is not the most important reason to do it. As the video shows, boondocking can offer locales, experiences, and scenery no RV park could ever compete with.
Myth #2: Boondocking requires expensive upgrades. Sure, you could get more expensive solar setups for boondocking, and you may want to at some point. But you can get started for less than $400.
Myth #3: The wild animals around boondocking sites make them dangerous. While it is possible to be attacked by wild animals, it’s highly unlikely and could just as easily happen in an RV park or designated campground.
Myth #4: You must have 4-wheel drive for boondocking. For some places, it is true you need a 4X4, but there are tons of great boondocking sites you can access without a 4-wheel drive and/or a lifted vehicle. The video will show you how to scout spots safe for your rig.
Myth #5: Real boondockers don’t take breaks. Nonsense. Just because you boondock tonight does not mean you can’t go to an RV park tomorrow.
Myth #6: Boondockers don’t take showers. You may take abbreviated military-type showers when boondocking, but a lack of hookups is no excuse for poor hygiene.
Myth #7: There’s nowhere to park. Not true! There are tons of boondocking opportunities everywhere and the video shows you how to go about finding them. They also talk about the ability to remain flexible and always have a backup plan.
Myth #8: Boondocking will wreck your rig. While boondocking can be dirtier and dustier than an RV park, the chances for damage are not much higher than pulling into and out of tight spots at campgrounds or fuel stations.
Myth #9: Boondocking is boring. There may not be the same things to do as at an RV resort, but there are plenty of different things to do while boondocking. The video shows some excellent examples.
Myth #10: There’s no cell or internet service while boondocking. Not true again. With today’s technologies, you can have reliable phone and internet service pretty much anywhere.
Do you have any additional boondocking myths or misconceptions to add to the list? Drop them in the comments below.
##RVT1113
This was a great video. These guys know how to make a video interesting. We watched it to the very end. Being boondockers ourselves, it’s always fun to see how others do it.
Great job, lots of memories for the kiddos. Any reason to get outdoors is a good one. Wow, I could hear the wildlife, the children giggling having a blast, so much nicer that an RV park with 1-4 dogs per RV barking constantly. Well done, enjoyed the video. Sorry, should have said “undisciplined fur babies”.
Ah!, the good old days. Well, the good younger days. 1963 VW camper van with one 6 volt battery to start the engine and operate the dome light. When the 6 volt battery went dead we just parked at the top of a hill. As time has crept upon us, Still in a van, but a full blown “B” with bath, kitchen and a house battery so we don’t have to park at the tip of a hill. Adventure is still there but the body requires a bit of TLC. Boondock while you can. I’m glad we did. Black Bear, spiders, snakes, jack rabbits, prairie dogs, my favorite animal – Bison, and trees, trees, trees, and Black Hills. Do it while you can. Wake up in the morning wondering where you are?
Thanks, Cheri! The best campground we stayed at in Alaska (Cripple Creek, $6/night) had two restrooms with vault toilets, a single spigot with potable water, no power, and no dump station. It is as close as I care to get to boondocking (other than tailgating at athletic events). I’ll not add to the congestion of public lands. 😉
Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) is reason enough to go boondocking. PINS is the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world and a top 5 best kept secret for off grid camping. Over 60 miles of nothing but beach, waves and nature. You don’t have to go too far south into the park to where the nearest person on your left or right is at least 100 yards away. Go a bit further south and you may not be able to see the closest people at all. It’s heavenly, but you do need a 4×4.
I think everyone should believe those statements, and not boondock.
That will leave more places for me.