• Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
  • Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
home/Knowledge Base/Getting Started With Boondocking/What is the Difference Between Dry Camping and Boondocking?
Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree

What is the Difference Between Dry Camping and Boondocking?

5447 views 17 November 11, 2019 Updated on July 15, 2022

Technically speaking, the word, “boondocking” makes reference to camping far away from civilization, “way out in the sticks”, or out in the boondocks. Whereas the term “dry camping” is not specific to a location nor how far away from civilization.

dry camping by a flying j
Dry camping (not boondocking) on an unused road in Indiana.

What is the Difference Between Dry Camping and Boondocking?

For all intents and purposes, they mean the same thing. That is, most RVers and campers use these terms interchangeably.

However, most people still see boondocking as a form of dry camping, but camping well away from developed areas. Meanwhile, dry camping is simply camping without being plugged into utilities. In that sense, the term “dry camping” is more of a general expression of camping without hookups, while “boondocking” is a subset of dry camping.

Some RVers have used the term “dry camping” even within developed campgrounds or RV Parks. In these cases, they drove into an RV Park to stay overnight, but because their RV is so self-sufficient they didn’t bother to hookup the electricity and water.

There are people who consider overnighting at Wal-Marts or Rest Areas as “dry camping” also. However technically, overnighting in these places is not actually camping because the goal is to just park overnight and continue driving the next morning.

The term “boondocking” generally means camping where there are no other people, and being further away from town or amenities. Boondockers are generally considered those who prefer self-sufficiency, privacy, and the enjoyment of natural settings.

See our other article, “What is Boondocking in an RV?“

Was this helpful?

17 Yes  1 No
Related Articles
  • Will a Larger Trailer Limit Our Boondocking Choices?
  • Is it Legal to Live in a Camper?
  • What is the Best State for Boondocking?
  • What is the Difference Between Dry Camping and Boondocking?
  • How Do You Prepare for Boondocking?
  • Basic Tools You Will Need for Boondocking

Didn't find your answer? Contact Us

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Getting Started With Boondocking
  • What is the Difference Between Dry Camping and Boondocking?
  • The Cost of RV Boondocking
  • Is It Cheaper to Boondock Than Staying in RV Parks?
  • Can I Still Shower Everyday When Boondocking?
  • The Difference Between Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation
  • What Types of BLM Lands Are There?
View All 17  
Popular Articles
  • Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard?
  • What Do the Different Colors Mean on Google Maps?
  • How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for Boondocking?
  • Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Battery Power?
  • Camping on Arizona State Trust Lands
KB Categories
  • Boondocking Water and Sewage
  • Kansas
  • Overnight Parking
  • California
  • Getting Started With Boondocking
  • Boondocking Electrical
  • Arkansas
  • Costs
  • Boondocking Tips
  • Montana
  • How to Find Boondocking Sites
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Colorado
  • Outfitting Your RV
  • Idaho Department of Transportation
  • Idaho
  • Boondocking Safety
  • Oregon
  • Boondocking Myths
  • Where to Find Boondocking
  • New Mexico
  • Boondocking in National Forests
  • Utah
  • Boondocking in National Parks
  • New York
  • Tennessee
  • Boondocking Etiquette
  • Washington
  • Connecticut
  • Boondocking Rules
  • Alabama
  • Delaware
  • Boondocking on BLM Land
  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Boondocking on National Wildlife Refuges
  • Arizona
  • Georgia
  • Boondocking on Bureau of Reclamation Lands
  • Michigan
  • Boondocking and Off-Road Vehicles
  • Massachusetts

boondocking trailers

  What is Boondocking in an RV?

Is the National Parks Pass Worth Buying for a Boondocker?  

boondockers bible logo

We answer your questions about Boondocking, Free Camping, and Overnight Parking using facts and actual experiences. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. Elevate your RVing and car-camping and become a boondocker!

Useful Help Links
  • Weekly Boondocking Series
  • About Us
  • Ask a Question
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • © 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree