Boondocking, Dry Camping, Dispersed Camping, Off the Grid--What's The Difference

"Boondocking is camping without any hookups outside developed campgrounds. Federal agencies refer to boondocking as dispersed camping. Other terms used to describe boondocking include dry camping and off-grid camping." Internet definition.--

I guess I could end the blog here because that is the bottom line. But there are some nuances we might want to talk about.

I got in the habit of saying I was boondocking so no matter which one of those I am doing I say I am boondocking. I never liked federal agencies very much.

These are my definitions. Others may disagree so please be kind.

Dispersed camping always includes a tent in my mind.

And a trail in the woods or up a mountain and someone backpacking. The only amenity is perhaps a rom stream for water. This to me is the highest level of boondocking

Dry camping is something I picture in an RV, van, or car. You can park on public land but you would also be considered dry camping if you parked in a paid campground with no amenities. There are lots of state campgrounds like this. I have found they are usually on a lake or some other reason to be in the area.

Off the grid refers to living in a house or a cabin in the woods and having no electricity. In the life of a vanlifer, when I refer to off the grid, I am referring to no cell phone service. You won't have any other amenities either. No cell phone service is the test for me.

Boondocking is a term that encompasses all of the above plus more.

If you spend the night in places like Walmart, Cracker Barrell, rest areas, truck stops, or any other public place that allows overnight parking, you a

re boondocking. If you stay on BLM land or private land (with permission) you are boondocking. If you stay with a friend's driveway and don't use hook-ups, you are boondocking.

Put another way, anywhere you stay without any kind of amenities (water and electricity) you are boondocking. Dispersed camping requires a tent (no Walmart parking). Dry camping typically refers to staying on public land or in paid campgrounds with no amenities. Off the grid is boondocking. In this case, you have no amenities and no cell phone service.

You don't have to be a full-time vanlifer to boondock. If you go out for a weekend you can boondock.

It's just that some of us do it full-time.

Pam and Coco

Boondock And Beyond

Off the Grid

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