Stay on the road, Longer.

Discover the ultimate guide to boondocking with our top 10 essentials! We have gathered a list of must-have tools and gear that we consider the top 10 essential things to improve your boondocking experience. From reliable solar panels and water filtration to off-road tires and compact stoves, our list ensures a seamless off-grid adventure. Explore the freedom of nature like never before with the help of our guide.

What Is Boondocking?

If you’re on this page, you probably already know what boondocking is. But, in case you don’t, boondocking is also known as dry or dispersed camping. It offers a thrilling opportunity to get off the beaten path, reconnect with nature, and enjoy solitude away from crowded campgrounds.

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This may be obvious, but you need some form of a rig, whether it’s a regular trailer, motorhome, travel trailer, camper, truck camper, van, or car. This is how you can get around to your destinations and carry all your gear. It can be as small or large as you want.

MOTM // We pull a Cherokee Gray Wolf travel trailer with our Toyota Tundra.

Access to water may be limited, so carrying ample fresh water is crucial and less abundant while boondocking.

MOTM // We use the Big Berkey Water Filter System, a practical, freestanding water filter system designed to provide drinking water for everyday use. It’s the most powerful water filtering system available and doesn’t require electricity because it is gravity-fed. Ours holds 2.25 gallons of water that we fill every couple day or so, depending on our water consumption. It has a micro-carbon filter. In addition, we added fluoride and arsenic reduction filters, so our water is super clean.

Battery power is the lifeline that powers essential amenities. A reliable battery system enables boondockers to run lights, charge electronic devices, operate water pumps, and power small appliances for cooking or comfort. The more battery power you have, the longer you can go without charging them.

MOTM // Right now, we have 700 Ah of lithium-ion batteries. We have four 100Ah Battle Born batteries and one 300AH of Sun Fun Kits (SFK). We converted one of our outdoor storage units to a battery compartment. While the batteries are charging, they heat up, so we have to keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure it doesn’t overheat. Michael installed a vent so we can flip a switch to pull the hot air out.

You need a reliable power source while boondocking. A generator is one way you can power up your batteries to ensure you have power on the road. Look for generators specifically designed to be fuel-efficient, emit minimal noise, and adhere to low emission standards. We try to buy dual fuel in case you have a problem or run out of gas or propane. Hopefully, you still have one or the other on hand. This way, you can enjoy the harmony of nature without causing undue harm to the environment.

Another way to harness power is through solar panels. Choosing the correct type of solar panel is crucial to harness energy efficiently while off the grid. Two main types of solar panels are suitable for boondocking: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are known for their higher efficiency and space-saving design, making them ideal for limited rooftop space on recreational vehicles. On the other hand, polycrystalline panels are more affordable and perform well in lower light conditions. They are a popular choice for boondockers seeking a budget-friendly option.

MOTM // We have both.

We have 1200 watts of Renogy Monocrystalline Solar Panels installed on the roof of our rig. We also have a Champion Suitcase Generator with a 2,000-watt generator inverter. It’s one of the smallest generators you can get. Plus, it’s relatively quiet and easy to move around.

This may go without saying, but reliable tires are an underrated necessity. On day one of our first trip out west, we blew a camper tire within 2 miles of our first stop. Michael dug for tools in the truck bed on a busy highway at 9 p.m. Not fun. We ended up blowing another tire a couple months later, too. So don’t keep your stock tires they might end up costing you more money in the long run.

MOTM // We upgraded to Carlise Load Range D Tires on the camper. We also upgraded our truck tires to Falken Wild Peak AT3W Load Range E. While it’s never guaranteed that you’ll always avoid getting a flat, it helps knowing it’s at least more difficult to do. Always go with the highest load range available for your sized wheel.

Since boondocking often takes you into unfamiliar territory, reliable navigation tools are essential.

MOTM // The top apps we use are Campendium and Harvest Host/Boondockers Welcome.

Campendium features map overlays for cell coverage and public lands, so you can always find the perfect campsite. Campendium is free to use and will change how you find a place to call home for the night: National Parks, National Forests, BLM, State Parks, and County and City Park Campgrounds.

Harvest Hosts is a membership program that provides access to a network of wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and other unique attractions that invite self-contained RVers to visit and stay overnight. There is a yearly membership fee, and you can access hundreds of interesting locations around North America.

Boondockers Welcome is a sister company to Harvest Host that connects you to people who have offered up the driveway or land to spend the night for free or a small fee. It’s an incredible resource when you’re trying to get from Point A to Point B and need a place to stay for a night. We pay a discounted rate for having both Harvest Host and Boondockers Welcome.

Starlink is an internet satellite constellation operated by American aerospace company SpaceX that provides coverage to over 60 countries.

MOTM // This is our top priority because I need the internet to work my day job remotely. So far, it’s been incredibly reliable, allowing us access to the internet in the most remote places. We’ve only had one issue with tree coverage blocking our service, so be aware when choosing a boondock spot. It will not work if you have overhead obstructions.

A mini-split is a type of heating and cooling system that doesn’t require any ductwork. It moves heat energy around rather than producing it. The system has an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor units.

MOTM // Michael recently installed a mini split in our rig, and it has been an absolute game changer for temperature control. Not only does it use a fraction of the power of our overhead AC unit, but it’s incredibly quiet. It’s a heater, air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan all in one. We have been super impressed with the Pioneer Diamonate Series.

Since no sewer connections exist while boondocking, you need a self-contained waste management system. We ended up going with the Nature’s Head composting toilet.

MOTM // Our rig originally came with a water toilet that was swapped out for a composting toilet. Not only does it save us on water consumption, but we could also convert our black tank to a gray tank. This means more showers and clean dishes in between dumping times.

A person’s gotta eat, and if you’re not prone to eating room-temperature food out of a can every day, we recommend investing in some reliable cooking gear.

MOTM // Our go-to units include a single burner butane/propane stove and a Portable Weber Grill. What we like about them is they’re small and easy to store. Plus, they enable us to cook some pretty tasty meals.

Honorable Mentions

Though we wouldn’t call these items “essential,” they certainly bring their own level of comfort and improvement for life on the road.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Thanks for reading this far. Hopefully, you found this article helpful, and it sparked some inspiration for your own adventures. Do you think there’s something that could also improve our boondocking experience? Let us know in the comments below!