Hybris Campers: Dry Camping Explained

Dry camping, also known as boondocking, is camping without utility hookups. This means no electricity, water, or sewer connections. While it may seem daunting, dry camping can be a liberating and cost-saving experience that opens up a world of beautiful and remote camping opportunities. With some preparation and the right mindset, anyone can give it a try.

Dry camping typically involves staying in national forests, BLM land, parking lots, state parks, or even someone's driveway. It is essential to understand your RV's power system and practice good camping etiquette, such as conserving water and being mindful of generator use.

Many RVers choose dry camping for the proximity to nature, cost savings, and social opportunities. By understanding your RV's capabilities and experimenting with your water and power usage, you can determine how long you can comfortably dry camp.

So, can you dry camp with a hybrid camper? Absolutely! With the right preparations and mindset, you can enjoy the freedom and beauty of dry camping locations.

Dry camping without hookups

Planning and Preparation:

• Know your RV's limitations and advantages. Understand your RV's capacity for water, waste, and power.
• Find the right location: Dry camping is allowed on public lands, such as national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and private lands with the owner's permission.
• Pack wisely: Bring extra fuel, a water filter and bladder, an outdoor grill, camping chairs and tables, outdoor lights, and an emergency kit.
• Conserve water: Arrive at your campsite with a full fresh water tank and conserve water by taking shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, and using water-saving techniques for dishwashing.
• Manage waste: Familiarize yourself with the location of dump stations for grey and black water tanks.
• Power options: Bring extra batteries, consider solar power or a generator, and conserve energy by turning off appliances and lights when not in use.

Regulations and Safety:

• Check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before dry camping.
• Respect the environment: Follow the "Leave No Trace" principles, including taking only pictures and leaving only footprints.
• Be considerate: Maintain quiet hours, give your neighbours space, and ask permission before disposing of trash or using generators.
• Stay safe: Be aware of your surroundings, bring a first aid kit, and carry essential items like water and food.

Dry camping with solar power

Understanding Dry Camping

Dry camping, also known as boondocking, refers to camping outside of established campgrounds without any hookups such as water, power, or sewer. It can be done on public lands, private property with permission, or anywhere you can legally park. Dry camping is typically free or has a small fee, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.

Solar Power System for Dry Camping

To power your RV with solar energy, you will need solar panels, batteries, and an inverter. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in the batteries. The inverter takes the DC battery power and converts it into AC power for your electrical devices. It's important to calculate your power needs and choose a solar system that meets those needs.

Water Conservation

Conserving water is crucial when dry camping. Here are some tips to save water:

• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Use a solar shower, which can provide hot water for several showers.
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water usage.
• Go a day or two without showering and use body wipes for tidying up.
• Use a plastic dishpan to capture wasted water, which can be reused for flushing the toilet or washing dishes.
• Repurpose greywater by spraying it on plants or bushes, ensuring you use biodegradable soaps.

Wastewater and Trash Management

Properly managing wastewater and trash is essential for responsible dry camping:

• Never dump wastewater on the ground. Find a dump station to dispose of black water and greywater properly.
• Dispose of trash in designated trash cans or dumpsters, and always ask for permission before discarding trash.
• Store trash securely, especially in bear country, using well-sealed bags and sturdy containers.

Power Conservation

Conserving power is also important when dry camping:

• Use a generator to recharge your RV batteries and run appliances that require 120-volt power.
• Install more batteries to increase your power storage capacity.
• Switch your refrigerator and water heater to gas mode to reduce power consumption.
• Use LED light bulbs, which use less power and last longer.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and only use one light at a time.

Safety and Comfort

To ensure a safe and comfortable dry camping experience:

• Always put safety first and be aware of your surroundings.
• Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
• Observe quiet hours, especially at night, to be considerate of other campers.
• Choose your camping location based on the season to avoid extreme temperatures.
• Assess your RV's advantages and limitations, and plan accordingly.

Dry camping with a generator

Dry camping is camping in your RV or trailer without utilities. That means no electricity, water, or sewage connections. Dry camping is a more accurate term than boondocking, which refers to camping outside of campgrounds without any hookups.

Dry camping is a fun, safe, and pleasant activity that can also significantly reduce campground costs. There are numerous locations suitable for dry camping, including national forests, BLM land, and parking lots.

• Make sure you have enough water. Arrive at your campsite with a full fresh water tank and conserve water as much as possible.
• Manage your grey and black water tanks. Empty them before arriving at your campsite and monitor their levels during your stay.
• Bring extra fuel for your generator. Generators can be noisy, so be considerate of your neighbours and only run your generator during reasonable hours.
• Practice with shorter trips and extend your stays gradually as you become more comfortable with dry camping.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and follow local regulations. Respect the environment and leave no trace.
• Plan your meals ahead of time and bring non-perishable food items that don't require a lot of preparation.
• Bring extra batteries and power banks to charge your electronic devices.
• Bring a first aid kit and a tool kit in case of any emergencies.
• Stay safe and be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are camping alone.

Dry camping with a full tank of water

Dry camping, or boondocking, is a great way to experience nature and get away from the crowds at RV campgrounds. However, it requires careful planning and preparation, especially when it comes to managing your water supply. Here are some tips for dry camping with a full tank of water:

• Know your RV's water system: Understand the capacity of your fresh water tank and the ratio of fresh water to grey and black water tanks. This will help you plan your water usage and avoid overflowing your waste tanks.
• Identify potable water sources: Only fill your RV's fresh water tank with clean and safe water. Look for clearly labelled signs or indicators, such as red for non-potable and green or blue for potable water. If in doubt, ask or use a water filter to ensure the water is safe for drinking and cooking.
• Choose the right RV connection: There are two types of connections for getting water into RVs: threaded and non-threaded. Threaded ports allow you to thread on a drinking water hose and pressure-feed water into your RV. Non-threaded filler ports are used to pour water directly into your RV. Some RVs have both types of connections, while others have only one.
• Fill up your fresh water tank: You can fill your tank using city water sources, pumps, gravity, or siphoning. When using city water, connect your hose to a potable water spigot and then to your RV's water inlet port. If using a pump, you may need to use a short hose and a pump to transfer water from jugs into your tank. For gravity filling, place a funnel in your RV's water inlet port and slowly pour water from jugs into your tank. Siphoning involves submerging one end of a hose in a water jug and using a manual pump to start the flow of water into your tank.
• Conserve water: Reduce showers, take shorter showers, and wash dishes less frequently. Use disposable plates and cups, or pre-clean dishes with a paper towel before washing. Turn off the water while lathering or brushing your teeth.
• Sanitize your water system: Use household bleach to prevent bacteria growth in your water lines and tanks. A common recipe is to use 1/4 cup of bleach for every 16 gallons of water in your freshwater tank, but check your owner's manual for specific instructions.
• Find alternative water sources: In addition to campgrounds and public parks, you can find fresh water at truck stops, highway rest areas, big-box stores, and private properties with the owner's permission. Many businesses, such as casinos, grocery stores, and restaurants, may allow you to fill up with water if you ask politely and offer to pay.

Dry camping with an empty grey tank

Dry camping in an RV without an empty grey tank requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you manage your grey tank and have a smooth dry camping experience:

• Know your tank capacity: Determine the capacity of your grey tank, which is typically smaller than the fresh water tank. This information can be found in your RV user manual or on the tank itself. Understanding your tank capacity will help you manage your water usage effectively.
• Arrive with an empty grey tank: Before heading to your dry camping destination, ensure that your grey tank is empty. This will give you more capacity to hold wastewater during your stay.
• Conserve grey tank capacity: Be mindful of your water usage. Shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing teeth or washing dishes, and other water-saving practices will help slow down the filling of your grey tank.
• Monitor tank levels: Keep a close eye on your tank meters to know how much capacity you have left. Adjust your water usage accordingly to avoid overfilling your grey tank.
• Find dump stations: Identify places where you can empty your grey tank before arriving at your dry camping destination and before returning home. Gas stations, travel centers, state and national parks, and private campgrounds often have dump stations, some of which may charge a small fee.
• Practice and extend gradually: Start with short dry camping trips to get a hang of managing your grey tank and other utilities. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually extend the length of your dry camping stays.

By following these tips, you'll be able to effectively manage your grey tank and have a more enjoyable dry camping experience. Remember to always dispose of wastewater responsibly and follow the rules and guidelines of your camping locations.

Frequently asked questions