RV Dry Camping: What You Need to Know

RVers who are looking for a more authentic experience in nature often turn to dry camping or boondocking. Choosing to camp without hook-ups allows you to find new locations to explore, provides increased privacy and seclusion, and can give you a deeper connection to the environment without distractions and crowds.

However, dry camping requires planning and self-reliance, meaning that you need to be prepared before heading out without amenities. In this guide we will be covering what dry camping is, how to prepare for dry camping, and what you can do to make dry camping a fun and rewarding adventure, rather than an uncomfortable, smelly, and exhausting mistake.

Key Points About Dry Camping in an RV

• Dry camping is when you camp in areas without access to amenities like electricity, water, and sewer hookups, while boondocking refers to dry camping in remote locations.
• Most RVers can safely dry camp for 3-7 days at a time before needing to refill vital resources like water and electricity, and find an appropriate dump station.
• The key to successful dry camping trips is adequate preparation. Planning ahead will keep you, your family, and your RV safe while out on the road.
• Avoid foul odors, clogs, and misreading sensors while dry camping by following The Unique Method, a tested system that ensures your black and gray holding tanks function properly when not on hook-ups.

What is Dry Camping in an RV?

Dry camping is when you camp in an RV, motorhome, or van in areas without access to amenities like water, electricity, and sewer hookups. This style of camping requires RVers to be self-sufficient, rather than relying on the infrastructure that can be found at more established campsites.

Dry campers set up camp on public lands or on private property (with permission), and are usually able to camp for a lower cost, or for free. The trade-off is that dry campers need to bring their own power and water, and manage their waste disposal by finding designated dump stations or other facilities.

Dry Camping vs. Boondocking

Many RVers use the terms dry camping and boondocking interchangeably, but the terms have slightly different meanings.

Dry camping is an all-encompassing term for camping without amenities and hook-ups, while boondocking usually refers to camping outside of designated campgrounds and in remote locations like national forests. Boondocking is also sometimes called primitive, wild, or dispersed camping.

How Long Can You Dry Camp in an RV?

Many RVers can dry camp for anywhere between 3 to 7 days. The length of your dry camping excursion depends on your resource management abilities and your setup.

Factors that affect how long you can comfortably dry camp include:

• Holding Tank Capacity: Black and grey water holding tanks.
• Power Resources: Generators, solar panels, and batteries.
• Fresh Water Supply: Freshwater tank and portable containers.

Depending on what resources you have available, increasing the size and capacity of these features can help you extend your stay while dry camping.

How to Prepare for Dry Camping in an RV or Travel Trailer

Preparation is key for successful dry camping trips. Next, we’ll dive into all the steps you should take ahead of time, and the best ways to set up once you arrive at a dry camping location.

Before heading out, it is important to check all of your RV’s key resources to ensure that you’ll have everything needed for a few days off the grid.

1. Check RV Propane Tanks

Confirm that the propane for your RV is topped off to 80% capacity, allowing space for the liquid propane to safely expand when it heats up. You’ll also want to make sure it is securely fastened to the RV with the service valve closed.

2. Fill RV Freshwater Holding Tank & Store Water

Fill the freshwater holding tank so that you have plenty of water with you while camping. Double check that the holding tank only contains potable water, and is free from winterization antifreeze, and has been rinsed free from the diluted bleach and other sanitizing additives used in that process.

While the freshwater holding tank is your primary water source, it is always recommended to bring more water with you. Water is heavy, approximately 8.35 lbs. per gallon, so we suggest storing auxiliary water in the tow vehicle, if using one, to avoid overloading the RV GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).

3. Prime RV Blackwater Holding Tank

While connected to a water supply at your home, the storage unit, or with the water pump turned on, you’ll want to prime your blackwater holding tank. Since water will not be available while dry camping, we recommend adding 3-5 gallons of fresh water to your black water holding tank before departing.

After adding fresh water to your black tank, add a dose of high-quality, bacteria- and enzyme-based holding tank treatment, like Unique RV Digest-It Plus Ultra.

Extra strength holding tank treatments that contain bacteria and enzymes are specifically designed to help liquefy all of the toilet paper and waste that enters your black tank, tackling odors at the source while preventing clogs and misreading sensors.

4. Charge RV Coach Battery

Check that the coach battery is completely charged, and the distilled water level (if your RV has lead acid batteries that are able to be topped off). If needed, refill with distilled water so that the plates are submerged, typically ¼ to ½ inches above them. However, it is important to note that most new lead acid batteries are sealed for safety purposes and to prevent excessive off-gassing, meaning that refilling is not possible.

5. Inspect RV Generator

All generators (like RVs), are a little different, and some require more maintenance than others. It’s important to confirm that your generator will work while out in the wilderness, so be sure to follow any manufacturer recommendations and checklists before leaving on your trip

If your RV has a generator with a separate fuel supply tank, make sure that it is full. You’ll also want to confirm that the oil levels have been checked to avoid low oil pressure lock-out (a safety feature that shuts the engine down to prevent damage when oil pressure drops below a safe level).

If your RV has a generator with a shared fuel tank (specifically motorhomes), we recommend planning the route to the campsite with fuel stop. This will ensure that you have enough fuel to run the generator, and make it back to a gas station after camping.

6. Complete RV Safety Check

Finally, do a thorough safety check of the RV and tow vehicle (if applicable). Make sure to check tires, fluids, lights, brakes, spare tires, emergency equipment, and the connecting points to the tow vehicle.

It is also important to confirm that all of the exterior panels, doors, and covers are closed and safely secured before driving.

Dry Camping Challenges: Clogs & Odors

It is common for dry campers to face certain challenges while camping without hook-ups and other amenities.

Dry camping problems are usually caused by several key factors:

• Not Using Enough Water: Water is one of the most important things to add to your holding tanks. While dry camping, many RVers avoid using enough water because of their limited resources, but this is the best way to cause clogs, foul odors, and misreading sensors. Learn: Why Using Lots of Water in Your RV Toilet and Holding Tanks is Crucial.
• Camping in Hot Weather: Camping in hot weather can cause the liquid inside your holding tanks to evaporate. Water is necessary for creating a vapor barrier that keeps odors under control, gives your bacteria- and enzyme-based tank treatments the ability to liquefy waste and toilet paper, and prevents clogs from forming. Learn: Controlling RV Holding Tank Odors in High Heat
• Dumping Tanks Infrequently: One of the main benefits of dry camping is exploring off the beaten path, but it can make finding designated dumping locations more difficult to access. As a result, dry campers don’t always dump their tanks as often as they should, and when coupled with low water usage, puts them at higher risk for frustrating odors and backups. Learn: Where to Dump Your RV Holding Tanks

While it seems that these dry camping problems are inevitable, there are some easy steps you can take to prevent them from affecting your next trip.

Caring for RV Holding Tanks While Dry Camping: The Unique Method

Enjoy your next dry camping trip without odors, clogs, and misreading sensors by implementing The Unique Method.

The core of The Unique Method is a 50/50 approach: 50% following the right process, and 50% using the right product.

Trusting The Unique Method is easy — all you have to do is make minor adjustments to your daily habits regarding RV holding tank care practices and treatment products to see the incredible results.

The Unique Method addresses the three most important factors in RV wastewater management:

1. Effective odor elimination
2. Efficient solid waste breakdown
3. Effortless sensor cleaning

We’re going to cover every step of The Unique Method, discuss the different methods for black and gray holding tanks, and provide special instructions tailored for dry campers/boondockers.

Dry Camping Rules for Black Tanks: The Unique Method

The Unique Method is a proven, science-backed, and easy-to-follow approach to treating your RV wastewater holding tanks that will help you prevent 99% of problems before they even occur. Follow the simple rules below to prevent clogs, foul odors, and misreading sensors in your black tank while dry camping.

1. Always keep your black tank valve closed, unless you’re dumping a full tank. Learn: Why It’s Crucial to Keep Your RV Black Water Valve Closed.
2. Only treat your black holding tank with a high-quality bacteria and enzyme treatment (such as RV Digest-It Plus Ultra).
3. Keep several inches of water in your toilet bowl (unless driving), which creates a water barrier, preventing foul smells from seeping into your RV living space.
4. Fill your toilet bowl with water before you use the toilet; this will help solid waste flow easily down the line, and deter any trapped odors from rising during the flush.
5. Use ample amounts of water each time you flush your toilet. Hold down the flush mechanism for at least 10 seconds each time you flush your toilet to continually add water to your black tank.
6. Try to keep your tank temperatures between 45-85°F [7-29°C]. When temps reach extreme highs and lows, holding tank treatments may not work as effectively. Additionally, as temperatures rise, so do odors.
7. Dump your tanks every 3-5 days for optimum odor control. If you extend the time between dumps (like when dry camping/boondocking), treat your tanks every 4 days with a bacteria and enzyme treatment and keep plenty of water in your holding tank.
8. Rinse your black tank every time you dump, by filling your tank to full capacity, and then dumping the contents. Waste collects and accumulates in the low spots and crevices of your holding tank; rinsing removes any lingering waste or toilet paper. Watch this video: How to Rinse an RV Black Water Holding Tank
9. Avoid cleaning your toilets with chemicals or bleach. Use RV toilet cleaners that will increase beneficial bacteria, like Unique Scrub-It RV toilet bowl cleaner.
10. Deep clean your black tank twice per year with Unique Clean-It (season beginning and end for weekend campers), or every 5-10 dumps (for full-time RVers). Deep cleaning fully resets your tank to a level of cleanliness that you cannot achieve on your own.

Dry Camping Rules for Gray Tanks: The Unique Method

Gray tanks also need to be cared for while dry camping, and The Unique Method offers easy-to-follow instructions that will help keep your gray tank fresh throughout your entire trip.

1. Dry campers & boondockers: Keep your gray tank valve closed and perform a deep clean the night before you return home from camping.
2. Minimize the amount of grease and debris that goes down your sinks and showers. Grease is the reason odors can develop inside your gray tank(s) and is the primary cause of misreading sensors and clogs in gray tanks.
3. Regularly deep clean your gray tanks with grease-eating cleaner like Dawn Ultra dish soap. Dry campers and boondockers should deep clean gray tanks on the last night of each trip before returning home (you do not need to dump first).
4. Use a high-quality grease-eating dish soap to wash your dishes. We specifically recommend Dawn Ultra over the cheaper options because it is a great grease-eater and will not leave soap residue in the tank that will only add to potential problems.
5. Avoid cleaning your sinks, tubs, or showers with chemical or antibacterial cleaners. Using these types of cleaners will kill the beneficial bacteria inside your tanks, and counteract the benefits you gain from using bacteria and enzyme treatments. They can also damage the rubber components of the toilet bowl.

RV Dry Camping Tips: Advice From Our Experts

Now that we’ve covered the basics of dry camping, we’re going to offer some additional tips from our experts to take your off-grid experience up a notch.

RV Power Saving Strategies for Dry Camping

If you’re struggling with power usage while dry camping, here are some things that can help.

Dry camping power-saving tips:

• Turn Off & Unplug: Make sure to turn off all lights and appliances in your RV when not in use, and unplug chargers and electronic devices to minimize parasitic draw (the continued draining of the battery after the engine is turned off).
• Energy-Efficient Devices: Opt for LED lightbulbs, appliances with energy-efficient ratings, or propane-powered appliances like refrigerators and water heaters that won’t draw from your RV’s 12-volt system.
• Battery Management: Limit the use of high-wattage appliances like furnaces and air conditioners in your RV. Use the furnace sparingly and bundle up accordingly when it’s cold, and utilize natural shade and reflective window coverings when it’s hot.
• Manual Alternatives: Opt for a stove and percolator instead of an electric coffee maker in your camper, or toast bread over a fire or propane flame instead of an electric toaster.
• Solar Panels: Portable or roof-mounted solar panels can continually charge your RV’s battery bank as long as there is sun.

Extra RV Supplies Recommended for Boondocking

Boondocking in remote locations can be an incredible way to experience everything that nature has to offer, but we recommend some additional gear that can help extend the length of time you can spend at camp.

Additional RV Water Supplies for Dry Camping & Boondocking

Portable RV Tote Tank

Investing in a portable RV tote tank can be very helpful when boondocking. It is a portable waste tank that allows you to empty your RV’s holding tanks into a temporary container until you can reach a designated dumping location. These auxiliary tanks may allow you to extend your trip a few more days.

As noted previously in this article, liquid is heavy, so make sure that when the tote is full it can be moved to a dump station. All of this effort will be wasted if you fill the portable tote tank but then can’t take it to a designated dumping location.

If you opt to use an auxiliary tank, make sure to fill it in a location where you will be able to move it when full, like the bed of the tow vehicle. This may require the use of a macerator pump, a device that grinds solid waste into a fine slurry, allowing it to flow through small-diameter pipes.

Backup Freshwater Holding Tank

Additional freshwater holding tanks are also beneficial for refilling the freshwater holding tank on your RV. You may also need a transfer pump to move the water from the storage tank to the RV’s freshwater holding tank.

Use caution if bringing additional water with you. Holding tanks have limited capacity, and RVs are often designed to split the freshwater capacity between the black and gray water holding tanks. Bringing more water with you may mean that you have nowhere to store it once it’s been used.

Important Note: Remember, dumping black, gray, and even freshwater is illegal in many states. If you’re boondocking, assume you need to contain and haul all of your gray water to a designated dump station.

Auxiliary RV Power Supplies for Dry Camping & Boondocking

Backup power sources are also extremely helpful when dry camping and boondocking.

Many RVers opt to purchase generators, lithium batteries, inverters, and solar panels that can keep you powered up without needing to be connected to the grid. It’s important to note that while these backup power sources are very helpful, they often require professional installation.

Portable heaters are also popular, because they typically include their own fuel source and can help you save propane. For safety reasons, we do not recommend plugging portable heaters into an extension cord or power strip, and recommend choosing one with tip-over protection.

Additional power options can also increase you and your family’s comfort by allowing you to use the air conditioner, microwave, and other high-draw appliances you may not be able to use otherwise.

Helpful RV Supplies to Have While Dry Camping & Boondocking

From our experience, there are some additional supplies that can make your dry camping and boondocking trips much more convenient.

• Wet Wipes: Wet wipes are lifesavers while boondocking. Using wipes can help you stay feeling fresh without the need for showers. Important note, never flush wet wipes down the RV toilet and into the black water holding tank, as they do not dissolve and can cause substantial tank clogs.
• Composting Toilets: If dry camping and boondocking are your preferred style of camping, consider replacing your toilet with a composting toilet. These toilets do not require water or holding tanks, making waste management easier while out in the wilderness.
• Paper Maps: While they may seem archaic, paper maps allow you to find your way without the need for cell phone signals or batteries.

Do you still have questions about dry camping? Well, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to the friendly and professional Customer Service Team at Unique Camping + Marine and they’ll be ready to help you prepare for your next dry camping or boondocking excursion.

RV Dry Camping Done Right: Prepare for Freedom

Dry camping is an incredible way to freely interact with nature, and can be enjoyed safely as long as you’re prepared. Make sure that you check your water, power, and holding tanks, complete a thorough safety check on your RV, and follow the simple and easy rules outlined in The Unique Method.

By taking these steps, you can be comfortable in your RV while camping off-grid, without dealing with clogs, foul odors, and misreading sensors. Whenever you’re dry camping, be mindful of all laws, rules, and regulations, take care to only dump holding tanks in designated locations, and follow Leave No Trace principles so that the natural beauty of nature can be preserved for all.