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  • Road Tripping

Boondocking Terms Defined

  • Ali
  • July 18, 2023
  • 3 minute read
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The Official Boondocking Definitions Guide

What is boondocking? How is it different from dry camping, free camping, moochdocking, and dispersed camping?

Facebook Person #1: Look at us boondocking at Cracker Barrel!
Facebook Person #2 [enraged]: HOW DARE YOU CALL THAT BOONDOCKING!!11!!!

People constantly argue about this in boondocking forums (it’s hilarious). But using words correctly is important so we made the definitive guide to the different free camping terms and their correct meanings.

Teardrop trailer in Sedona, surrounded by shrubs with towering red rock buttes backdrop
Teardrop trailer and camping chair with fire ring at boondocking spot in Canada
Boondocking with a teardrop camper against a backdrop of red rock hoodoos

Let’s Go Camping

First, let’s define “camping” shall we?

camping – (verb)

living temporarily outdoors, usually away from urban areas, in a tent or simple shelter

Merriam Webster, the best dictionary on instagram

Are you camping when you sleep in your camper in the driveway? Sure. But mostly you’re sleeping in your camper in the driveway.

Are you camping when you’re at a $150 a night KOA with full hookups in your 44′ fifth wheel with a dishwasher, AC and washing machine. Yes, even though the tent campers are going to disagree.

Boondocking vs Dry Camping vs Dispersed Camping

Here are the most common terms that you’ll hear and what they mean. Mostly we’re talking here about camping outside of designated campgrounds.

Free camping

Any camping that costs $0 including designated campgrounds

Dry Camping

RV camping without hookups (water, electric, etc) including in designated campgrounds and paid campgrounds. Almost always connotes RV camping. In some cases you may have access to amenities like trash and restrooms.

Primitive Camping

Tent camping with no access to amenities and in an area only accessible by hiking in. Some campgrounds use the term “primitive camping” to mean “dry camping” but they shouldn’t… The RV version of primitive camping is boondocking (see below).

Dispersed Camping

This is the term used by public land management agencies (USFS, BLM, etc). “Dispersed camping” describes camping on public land outside of a designated campground and without amenities. The term applies to tent campers, vanlifers and RVers equally. The RV-specific version of this is boondocking (see below).

Wild Camping

Mostly this is a term Europeans use to mean “dispersed camping.”

Boondocking

Dry camping, for $0, in an RV, outside of a designated campground in the woods or in the “boonies.” You’re not boondocking at Cracker Barrel – see “lotdocking” below.

Lotdocking

You’re not paying, but you’re also not really camping. You’re sleeping in your RV in a Walmart parking lot.

Moochdocking

If you’re sleeping in an RV in your friend’s driveway, you’re moochdocking. It still counts even if you’ve got a hose and extension cord hooked up – the point is that you’re mooching.

Stealth Camping

The only time this is relevant is when you’re trying to sleep in your truck or van without being noticed because it’s probably not allowed – most commonly in a city.

Sleeping in Your Vehicle/Parking Overnight

Sometimes you’re not camping, you’re just sleeping in your car wink wink.

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Teardrop camper perched overlooking the ocean as the sun sets purple

When is Camping Not Camping?

This gets complicated where you see “no camping” signs. Often “no camping” means you may not park overnight. Sometimes it means you may park overnight if you’re just resting for a few hours. But sometimes it means you may park overnight but don’t unhitch, don’t get out your camp chairs and definitely don’t grill outside.

Since we’re on the subject these are the most common “no camping” rules. If you see a “no camping” sign in these places, this is what it probably means…

Trailheads: You can only park here overnight if you’re sleeping in your vehicle and plan to leave for your hike at like 3:30am.

Public Lands: You can’t park overnight here and yes, we’ll come by and check.

Parking Lots: General rule of thumb for overnighting in Walmart/Cracker Barrel/etc parking lots (see “moochdocking” below) is you can sleep in your camper but don’t “set up camp.” Basically, don’t unhitch or take anything out of your camper.

Rest Stops: This varies DRASTICALLY by state. If you are allowed to park overnight then you’re likely required to not take anything out of your camper or vehicle. Rest stops are usually for sleeping only, but some states only allow a few hours.

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