This is the first of a series of messages I put into the Compuserve
RV Forum. This, and the rest of the messages give an idea of what
Boondocking is all about.
BoonDocking-1 Getting Started
As I promised (threatened) in my "Manifesto" I will try to share
my ideas for Boon-docking. These are my ideas and/observations and are
not THE WAY, or the ONLY WAY. Just my way. A brief comment on some of my
terminology. When I use the term Campground, I usually mean some type of
public campground, usually without hookups. Out here in the west there
are also lumber companies and Municipal Utility Districts that operate
campgrounds. We all know what RV Parks are (privately owned with all or
most of the amenities).
I will assume that most of the readers have done some RVing so some
of what I say may be repetitious to them but I notice quite a few cries
for help from those just starting out. The thought of boon-docking may
be intimidating to some although they have boondocked without realizing
it. For the purpose of this dissertation, I think anytime you stop overnight,
a weekend, or whatever without hookups, you are boondocking. Like all RVing,
boondockers come in all sizes and shapes. One of my co-workers has boondocked
all the way to Cabo San Lucas at the S. end of Baja towing his pop top
with a Jeep Cherokee. I met an elderly (74) gentleman in a campground that
was touring the US in his PU camper. One of my fishing buddies and wife
spend their 2-3 weeks in the CG in their 18 ft Chinook. When I was a CG
Host I had one couple boondocking in their 40 ft Bounder.
So much for the intro. Boondocking is not that much different from RV
Park-ing it, but some extra measures are needed. When getting ready for
a trip there are some things you may need over and above the regular RV
items. I carry a 5 gal bucket, useful for carrying black or gray water
to the pit toilets to dump. A long hose (2-50 ft sections) allow me to
dump gray water out in the woods. A dishpan or small washbasin for doing
dishes and washing up, then dumping the water in the bushes so I do not
fill up my gray water tank. Last but not least is a percolator type coffee
pot (no Mr Coffee without electricity)
This is getting rather lengthy so I will end this part and add
part 2 at a later date
TAHOEDON