What Is Dry Camping?

For those seeking solitude and immersive adventures, dry camping allows enthusiasts to break free from traditional campgrounds and fully embrace nature. But what exactly is dry camping, and how is it different from other camping styles?

Read on to learn the ins and outs of this adventure and how to make the most of your experience with the right supplies.

The Definition of Dry Camping

Dry camping refers to camping outside of a campground without hookups for water, electricity, or sewage. Unlike traditional campground camping, where amenities like restrooms, showers, and electrical outlets are readily available, dry campers rely solely on the resources they bring. 

It’s a fully self-reliant type of camping often done in remote locations, such as national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, or even private properties with the owner’s permission. The draw of dry camping lies in its isolation, adventure, and opportunity to forge a deeper connection with the natural world.

What Is the Difference Between Boondocking and Dry Camping?

Boondocking and dry camping aren’t interchangeable terms, but they’re also not too far off from one another. Technically, dry camping is an umbrella term that boondocking falls under. Here’s what sets these two types of camping apart:

• Dry Camping: A broad term that encompasses any kind of camping that doesn’t include ready access to amenities, whether the camping takes place in areas of designated campgrounds without hookups or in more natural and off-the-grid locations. But dry camping doesn’t have to be in the wilderness. It can also be in parking lots, friends’ driveways, recreation areas, and other creative spaces.
• Boondocking: Boondocking refers to camping in undeveloped areas of wilderness. The further away from a campground and urban life, the better. Adventurers who seek to escape civilization and find space on public lands where they can truly be alone love boondocking.

There are apparent similarities, with both sharing the principle of self-sufficiency and little to no reliance on external amenities or facilities. Still, boondocking tends to take the experience further and more extreme, accessing the most remote, untouched, and unregulated environments.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dry Camping?

Dry camping has its benefits and drawbacks. It’s up to you to determine whether the pros outweigh the cons, leading you to choose dry camping for your next camping adventure.

Pros

• Free: Don’t want to pay for a campsite? Short on cash? One of the most significant advantages of dry camping is that it’s usually free. Most public lands allow camping without charge, making it an economical way to enjoy the outdoors. Other dry camping spots, such as parking lots, can sometimes be available for dry camping at no cost. Just check the laws in the area to ensure you don’t end up with a ticket or fine to pay, which defeats the purpose of a “free” spot.
• Flexibility: Dry campers aren’t bound by campground schedules and reservations, so they can choose their locations and stay within legal limits as long as they like. You don’t have to make plans in advance, and you don’t have to choose a campsite. Simply find the spot that feels best to you.
• Privacy: Dry camping often means fewer crowds and more privacy. The further you get from civil infrastructure and cities, the more space you’ll have to enjoy being a solo camper. You can enjoy the serenity and solitude of nature without the noise and interruptions common in busy campgrounds.

Cons

• Legal Gray Area: In some areas, the rules around dry camping can be unclear or restrictive. Researching and understanding local regulations is essential to avoid fines or being asked to move. It takes more work on your end in due diligence before your dry camping trip begins, but the effort is worth it to have peace of mind that you won’t be breaking any rules or laws while you explore.
• Less Grid Connection: Without hookups, you’ll need to be self-sufficient in power, water, and waste management, which requires more planning and preparation. This also means your dry camping trips may be shorter than you’d like because you’ll need to stock up on essential supplies at some point.
• More Cargo Needed: Dry camping requires bringing everything you need, from water and food to power sources and waste disposal solutions. You’ll likely need to pack more gear than you might for a campground stay. If you don’t have a large RV or van to pack all of your gear, you may feel overwhelmed and crowded by your supplies during your dry camping stay.

What to Pack for Dry Camping

Pack wisely when preparing for a dry camping trip to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and safe experience. Here’s a detailed packing list of the most important items any dry camper will need:

• Additional Fuel: Bringing extra fuel for your vehicle or generator ensures you won’t run out of power in a remote location. Access to fuel may be unreliable near where you set up camp, so bringing more than you think you’ll need acts as a safety backup in an emergency.
• Water Filter and Tank: Clean water is crucial. Bring a portable water filter and extra water storage tanks. This includes a gray and black water tank for storing wastewater from sinks, toilets, and showers. Some areas may have dumping sites for this kind of waste, but more natural areas may require storing it yourself until you return to a city.
• Outdoor Grill: An outdoor grill allows you to cook meals efficiently. It could be a grill grate that you set on top of a campfire or an electric stove that you can power with propane or solar energy to cook breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
• Camping Chairs and Table: Comfortable seating and a dining table enhance your outdoor living space. Plus, they’re essential for eating.
• Lights or Lanterns: Portable lighting ensures you can see after dark without draining your RV’s batteries. String lights or solar-powered lanterns are great options that add some ambiance to your experience.
• Emergency Kit: A well-stocked emergency kit with first aid supplies and tools is vital for safety. Ensure it has bandaids, rubbing alcohol, gauze, antibiotic ointment, and anything else you may need.
• Solar Generator: A solar generator like your pick from the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Solar Generators will provide a renewable energy source to keep your devices charged and power small appliances. To create one, combine an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Station with the appropriate EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels to ensure you’ll never run out of energy, no matter how long your dry camping trip is. The first in the series lineup, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station, has enough storage and output to charge your essential devices. Then, all you need to do is determine the correct number of solar panels for boondocking or dry camping, and you’ll be set.
• Portable Shower: A portable shower provides convenience and hygiene during extended stays. They can easily be connected to your water supply and used outside for a quick rinse to stay fresh.
• Refrigerator: The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator keeps food fresh from anywhere, with separate compartments for cooling, freezing, and even making ice. It’s a sustainable and multi-purpose piece of equipment you don’t want to forget.
• Food Supplies: Non-perishable food items and meal prep supplies are essential for sustenance. But you’ll also need cooking items, like oil, seasonings, and anything else to elevate your camping meals.

7 Dry Camping Tips

Before you embark on your first dry camping trip, follow these tips to ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency.

Arrive With a Full Fresh Water Tank

Ensure your fresh water tank is full before you leave to avoid running out. Bring more than you need; you may have to travel far to get new water.

Be Prepared to Store Your Own Trash

One thing campers forget about when dry camping is that there aren’t readily available trash cans like at campgrounds. Bring garbage bags and plan to pack out all your waste, as there won’t be trash facilities. The less waste you can use, the less you’ll have to store, so opt for things like beeswax wraps instead of plastic bags or aluminum foil, reusable cutlery instead of plastic forks and knives, and spray cleaner and microfiber towels instead of cleaning wipes.

Bring More Than One Power Option

Rely on multiple power sources like solar panels, generators, and portable power stations for versatility. Solar generators are some of the most reliable options, as you’ll always have power if the sun shines. But perhaps consider bringing some propane and a power source that can run on propane in case you get stuck during a stretch of gray and cloudy days.

Meal Prep or Use Disposable Plates to Minimize Power and Water Use

Plan meals that require minimal cooking and cleanup to conserve resources. If you can prepare it before you head out on your adventure, even better. Make things like sandwiches, muffins, quiches, and more to keep your utensil and kitchen needs to a minimum. Then, consider using disposable plates or just one reusable plate to save as much water as possible on dishwashing.

Share Your Plans and Location With a Loved One

For safety purposes, always inform someone of your itinerary and location. When dry camping in remote areas, it’s essential that someone knows where you’ll be in case of emergency. If you know you’ll have cellular access at your campsite, keep your phone charged so your loved ones can reach you if necessary. Your phone is another device you can keep powered on by bringing an EcoFlow Portable Power Station on your trip.

Know the Local Laws

Research local regulations and dry camping guidelines to ensure you comply with legal requirements. There are some gray areas in dry camping, such as setting up camp in parking lots or on city streets, so some research can save you from fines, tickets, and further legal trouble.

Always Put Out Campfires

Follow outdoor fire safety whenever you’re dry camping. Put out fires with water, and make sure you account for this when packing water for the journey. Never leave a fire burning to keep wildlife and plants safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Dry camping is a refreshing and self-sufficient way to experience the great outdoors, combining adventure, independence, and privacy. Before you set out on your first dry camping trip, ensure you understand the nuances of this type of camping, pack the right gear, research your planned camping spots, and always stay powered up.

To ensure you stay connected and energized throughout your dry camping travels, check out EcoFlow’s portable power stations, which provide everything from cooking to entertainment and communication.