The Narrows at Zion National Park

When it comes to boondocking, each person has his or her own individual style. They have specific things that they look forward to doing which is what brings them camping in the first place. They all have their own expectations for how they want their experience to go. One thing that they all share in common is they don’t want anybody else to interfere with their plans and ruin their trip. Nobody daydreams about inconsiderate neighbors, nor do they hope to find a spot that is full of trash or broken glass. So today we are going to talk about boondocking etiquette to ensure a pleasurable boondocking trip, and to make sure that we never give boondockers a bad name.

Show Some Respect

Practicing boondocking etiquette is neither difficult nor complex. It almost always boils down to courtesy and respect. By following an easy protocol you can have a great time and not spoil anyone else’s. Depending on if you are boondocking in nature or in an urban environment there are a few different rules to follow, but again, it comes back to consideration.

If you’re going to do some dispersed camping in a National Forest or on BLM land one of the first things you should think about is respecting the land. The whole reason you and many others are out in the wilderness is to experience nature. In order to help preserve the vegetation and ecosystems, you should only drive on existing roads. Similarly, unless otherwise permitted, only camp in existing campsites. This will prevent you from disturbing and trampling the flora. Outside of creating an eyesore for others who are looking out into the landscape, you would also be disturbing the wildlife.

Do Your Homework

In the years that I’ve have been boondocking, I’ve never had a bad experience with any of the law enforcement officers or rangers. They are there to help protect the land and to keep you safe. So show them respect, and they will almost always return it. Boondocking etiquette extends beyond other campers. It is your responsibility to learn the rules and laws of every area you are boondocking in. They aren’t always posted on-site. So sometimes it takes a little research. But ignorance of the law excuses no one. So take the time and do a little research before you get to your site.

Another gorgeous sunset from a boondocking campsite outside of Bryce National Park

Displaced Dispersed Campers

Last summer we found a boondocking spot just outside of Zion National Park and set up for the night. We were glad to be close to the park because we were going to hike The Narrows first thing in the morning. we set up and cooked dinner, and as the sun was setting a couple of police offers pulled up to our campsite. They explained to us that the boundary for boondocking was another mile or so up the road. It was an honest mistake and they were very cool about it. So we had to pack up and move to another campsite.

The issue with that was we didn’t have signal and didn’t have any other sites as a backup plan. They gave us directions to an area we could camp. It was a bummer we had to move, but overall it was an easy way to learn some lessons. First, make sure you know exactly where you can camp and where you are. Secondly, try to have a backup or two for campsites. You might find that all the spots are occupied. You may not be able to reach the location. Who knows when or why you’ll need it, but if there is no signal you’ll be happy you already have a few other sites in your back pocket.

Leave Some Room to Breathe

When you find an area where you want to boondock and there are other campers already set up, give them their space. Boondocking etiquette writes the unwritten rule, which is, don’t crowd other campers unnecessarily. There is nothing wrong with being near people, some people feel safer having others within earshot when they are camping. But a lot of boondockers head into the wilderness to get away from people and to have some solitude. So leave the space that you would hope others would leave you. This may be difficult in areas where there are lots of people set up. But if you have the option you should leave yourself and others some breathing room.

Not every area has designated quiet times. This does not mean it is a free-for-all when it comes to noise. You should still respect your neighbors and make sure that you’re not being disruptive. In most places, quiet time is generally from 10:00 pm – 6:00 am, so if you use that as a loose timeframe you shouldn’t have any issues. If you’re going to play music or have conversations in your camp, try to keep the noise within your campsite. If you or your music can be heard beyond your campsite, you’re wrong.

Noise and Light Pollution

Boondocking etiquette also encompasses light and noise pollution. If you plan on using a generator, try not to set up next to someone who isn’t going to be using one. Believe me, nobody wants to hear your generator running. Nothing can cut the peaceful silence of nature quite like a generator or motor running, especially in the morning or at night. Try to be aware of how long and often you’re running your generator, and try to limit your use so it isn’t running all day.

Also, be aware of your lighting. If you have big floodlights on your rig, they can be intrusive to other people. Try to keep your lighting modest. You can have some lights in your camp but not enough to force your neighbors to put on sunglasses. It gets frustrating when you’re stargazing and staring off into the Milky Way and a light from another camp keeps shining in your eyes.

What Would Smokey Say?

If you are allowed to have a campfire, only do so in a designated fire ring. Most places frown upon you building new fire rings. Not only does it change the landscape, but it also brings more campers to that spot. If they require their fire rings to be inspected, then this could be problematic. For more on campfire safety, check out Campfires: What to consider before lighting.

Many campsites haven’t been used in a while. So use your head and make smart decisions. If the fire ring is overgrown, clear it out and the area surrounding it. The last thing you want to do is start a wildfire. There are many stories out there of human-caused wildfires destroying vast areas of land, property, killing wildlife and people alike. So be careful and act responsibly. For information about current wildfires or to report a wildfire the United States Forest Service (USFS) recommends you contact the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).

Looking into Dead Horse State Park from our campsite in Moab, Utah

Take Care of the Land

Always leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Take all of your trash with you and also pick up trash that other people have left behind. Don’t forget to Pack Out One Piece (P.O.O.P.), this also applies when you are hiking or walking around. There is a saying that you will hear constantly in boondocking circles and the outdoor community in general. Take nothing but photographs, and leave nothing but footprints. We should all be taking care of the environment. If we destroy these beautiful lands where we can camp, then where will we go? Besides that, if these lands get destroyed, the governing organizations will likely refuse to allow people to use them. By applying these fundamentals of boondocking etiquette, we can continue to camp until our hearts are content.

Overnighting in an urban area is also known as blacktop boondocking and urban boondocking. While this isn’t nearly as romantic as dispersed camping, it is a necessity for many people and a convenience/luxury that helps make it possible for some people to live full-time on the road. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, and sometimes you may do it by design based on plans. Even when you are in a town or city, you should still follow some guidelines to be a respectful boondocker.

Urban Boondocking Etiquette

There are many businesses that allow people to boondock in their parking lot for a night. Before you just set up and hope for the best, you should call ahead or go inside and talk to a manager or security. Ask them if they allow overnight parking in their parking lot. Some times they may request that you park in a specific area, but if they don’t, have some consideration for their business. Don’t take up parking spaces that are close to the doors and would be in the way of their customers. Instead, park on the sides or back of the parking lot. Besides, it’ll make for a quieter night if you’re on the outskirts of the parking lot.

If you are in a truck stop, do not take up spaces designated for trucks. When you set up your rig, don’t set up chairs and hang outside. Don’t roll your awning out and cook a little dinner on your outdoor grill. Keep inside your rig and don’t draw any attention to yourself. As a thank you to the business for allowing you to stay there, give them some business. For instance, if you’re staying at a Wal-Mart, go in and get some supplies if you need any. Most places have a one-day-only-policy when it comes to people parking overnight in their parking lot, so respect their wishes and don’t push the boundaries.

Be Considerate & Have Fun

Overall, the biggest thing to keep in mind when it comes to boondocking etiquette is courtesy. If you have consideration and respect for others and your surroundings, you shouldn’t have a problem. Be friendly and sociable to other boondockers, but give them their space and privacy. Most boondockers like to keep to themselves. Although it is not uncommon to get a smile and a friendly wave from people. Be respectful to the area you are in and the people surrounding you, and you will find yourself having an uninterrupted night.

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