What Is The Best RV For Boondocking? Here Are 10 Great Options!

Dry camping is a fun pastime and is the best way to enjoy remote areas that are off the beaten path. But, if off-grid adventures are something you are considering, you will want to do one of two things- add a few important features to your current camper, or find the best RV for boondocking that meets your needs while staying within your budget.

Table Of Contents

10 Best Boondocking RV Options
Best Class B RVs For Boondocking
Class C RVs
Best Truck Camper For Dispersed Camping
Fifth Wheels
Top Travel Trailer Picks For The Boondocking Lifestyle
What To Look For In An RV If You Want To Go Off-Grid Camping
FAQs About The Best RV For Boondocking
Last Thoughts About The Best RV For Boondocking
Related Articles

When you buy an RV that is specifically designed for boondocking, you’re getting a camper that has been built with features that make it more comfortable and convenient to camp in off-the-grid locations.

For example, many RVs that are made for boondocking come with solar panels and auxiliary batteries as standard features, which allow you to generate your own power and run all of your appliances without having to rely on hookups.

Additionally, the different floor plans used in dry camping-friendly RVs are designed to make the most use of every square inch of space, so you can comfortably live in them even when there is no hookup or water available.

So, read on to find out exactly what to look for when getting an RV that’s perfect for boondocking as well as some of my recommendations of the best ones on the market today.

10 Best Boondocking RV Options

While there are many RV manufacturers that offer a number of brands and models to choose from, this list of 10 best RVs and campers for boondocking made the list for good reason.

Check out the list below.

Class A RV’s and Campers

Boondocking in a class A RV is the most luxurious way to dry camp. They are the largest type of RV with a number of essential and comfortable features.

They can be great for boondocking if you want to do it in total comfort.

Thor Motorcoach Axis

The Thor Motorcoach Axis RV can sleep up to five people, has an Onan QG 4000 gas generator, a 30,000-BTU furnace, and a 40-pound propane tank built-in.

It also has a 100-watt solar panel, 63.5 cubic feet of exterior storage space, and a length of 25’6″ – making this a great choice if you want a truly comfortable boondocking experience.

As if that wasn’t enough, the large tanks (like its 42-gallon freshwater tank) make it possible for you to boondock for longer periods of time.

More Great Features Of The Thor Motorcoach Axis

Lighted steps for safety
3-burner cook top offers a good cooking space
Convection microwave oven for convenience and cooking
Outside shower is convenient for washing dogs, kids, feet, and not filling up the grey tank as fast!
Optional solar panel offers additional power source

Fleetwood Flair 28A

The Fleetwood Flair 28A is another option for boondocking in the most luxurious way.

It is 29’ 3” long and 12’ 4” high, can sleep up to six people, and has two slide-outs that provide a lot of space for sleeping and sitting.

It also has up to 70 cubic feet in its basement for storage, a king-sized bed, a full bath, and a beautiful interior.

Even better is its 350HP engine that provides 468 Lb/Ft of torque, and its 8000 lb towing capacity.

More Great Features Of The Fleetwood Flair 28A

Drop down queen hide-a-loft for out of the way sleeping space
Residential size refrigerator which is great for larger families or longer trips
Two slide outs for more space
King bed in the rear bedroom for sleeping space and comfort

Best Class B RVs For Boondocking

Class B RVs are great for boondocking thanks to their compact sizes and off-road features.

If you want to be able to boondock in more places and if adventure is more important to you than comfort, a Class B camper is a perfect choice.

Winnebago Revel

Coming in at 19’7″ long and weighing just 9,050 pounds, the Winnebago Revel is the perfect boondocking RV.

Its fresh and grey water tanks are 21 gallons and its cassette toilet holds up to 5 gallons.

Even more exciting is its ability to tow up to 5000 pounds and switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive with ease.

This is a great choice if you like to get out of the RV park and enjoy free camping in more remote locations like public lands or national forests.

Dirt roads and rough terrain aren’t going to be a problem with this RV!

More Great Features Of The Winnebago Revel

Hightened ground clearance which makes it perfect for off the beaten path camping
Roll up side and screen doors for extra air flow without the bugs
Metal roof rack and detachable ladder for extra equipment or luggage space and easy access to different roof locations

Storyteller Overland

The Storyteller Overland is just a bit longer at 21’ and weighs the same 9,050 pounds as the Winnebago Revel.

This is built with more features with its diesel-fired heating system, a 13,500-BTU air conditioner, and an off-road lighting package.

Its freshwater tank holds up to 21 gallons while the grey water tank has a capacity of 24 gallons.

More Great Features Of The Storyteller Overland

4 wheel drive that’s great for all terrain
An innovative indoor shower feature and outdoor rinse station
Internal water tanks to help avoid freezing in colder weather
Large storage space with tie downs

Class C RVs

Class C RVs can offer the best of both worlds, as they usually have bigger tanks and batteries while also having higher sleeping spaces than most campers.

If you’re new to boondocking and want a more familiar driving experience and more maneuverability, a Class C RV is a great option.

Winnebago Ekko

The Winnebago Ekko measures 23’ long and weighs around 11,000 pounds.

Its water tanks have an impressive capacity of 50 – 51 gallons, making it more convenient for long boondocking trips.

It can sleep up to four people, tow up to 5000 pounds, and has a brag-worthy electrical system that features a 320-amp-hour lithium-ion battery and two 170-watt solar panels.

More Great Features Of The Winnebago Ekko

Great for all weather due to all season insulation, dual pane windows, a heated holding tank compartment and more!
Fuel efficient Eco Boost V6 engine
Ford transit chassis offers enhanced safety
Standard and on demand AWD for better traction

Coachmen Prism

The Coachmen Prism is perfect for those who want a Class C RV but are on a budget and want a more minimalist interior.

It has an exterior length of 24′ 11″ and is 10′ 9″ high. Its freshwater tank is 29 gallons and the grey water tank is 32 gallons, which generally gives you a couple of days to boondock with.

It offers more home-like amenities with a full-sized fridge, large closets, and a conventional oven.

More Great Features Of The Coachmen Prism

Extra storage compartments with easy access
Exterior camp table (optional) that would be great addition to your outdoor kitchen
Lightweight, durable sidewalls that are moisture resistant
Color backup monitor to help you back up safely

Best Truck Camper For Dispersed Camping

As long as you have a truck to explore with, truck campers offer more off-road opportunities and are the most minimalist option when it comes to boondocking.

They go with you everywhere and simply popup when you need to use them, so they’re incredibly convenient if you care more about exploration than you do comfortable camping.

Host Mammoth

The Host Mammoth is one of the biggest truck campers on the market, with an 11’ floor plan, a dry weight of 4700 pounds, and three large slide-outs.

This is a truck camper that feels like home thanks to its large fridge, 6-gallon water heater, 25,000 BTU furnace, and three-burner cooktop.

Even better is the queen size bed, fireplace, and loveseat that it offers.

There’s more to love about this one, but be sure you have at least a 500/F-350 dual rear wheel truck with a 5,500-pound payload for hauling.

More Great Features Of The Host Mammoth

Enclosed and heated holding tanks and freeze resistant water lines
Winterization system for cold weather
Exterior shower to help keep water out of your tanks and dirt out of the RV
Solar panels and dual batteries (optional)

Lance Truck Camper

Quite the opposite of the Host Mammoth (but just as awesome for its own reasons) is the Lance 825.

It only weighs 1,832 pounds with an 8-foot 6-inch floor plan, making it more accessible and easier to haul than other truck campers.

It still features more than the essentials with its 30-gallon freshwater tank, 6-gallon water heater, 18,000 BTU furnace, two-burner cooktop – just to name a few.

You should only need a 3/4-ton truck to haul, and it’s one of the most budget-friendly truck campers on the market.

More Great Features Of The Lance Truck Camper

All weather package that is essential for camping in inclement weather
Keyless entry to easy access
Queen mattress with reading lights
Lithium battery and solar panel (optional)

Fifth Wheels

Fifth wheel campers are great for boondocking since they are pulled behind a truck and can be unhitched as needed.

They still offer many of the features but are much more convenient than other options.

You do need to have a truck that’s tough enough to hull one, so keep that in mind.

Forest River XLR Nitro

The Forest River XLR Nitro is a perfect fifth-wheel camper for those who want the most space possible and are looking to camp for long periods of time.

It can sleep up to eight people, has a 102-gallon freshwater tank, and a completely updated modern interior.

It measures 10,724 pounds when unloaded, a garage with 5,000-pound cargo tie-downs, and a 30-gallon fuel station.

This requires a large truck to haul with but is well worth it.

More Great Features Of The Forest River XLR Nitro

Heated holding tanks which is great for colder weather
King bed for plenty of sleeping space
Central vac to help keep your RV clean
Dual pane windows, solar package, and generator (optional)

Escape 5.0

The Escape 5.0 is a smaller (and thus more convenient) fifth-wheel camper, as it is only 21’2″ long and 5500 pounds.

It still offers a full kitchen, full bath, as well as separate living and sleeping spaces.

It has 28-gallon fresh water and grey water tanks and can fit a 5’6″ bed.

This is a more budget-friendly option and is much less luxurious than other options, but can be towed with a midsize truck.

More Great Features Of The Escape 5.0

Under seat and overhead storage compartments
Plush mattresses for great sleeping
Handy reading lights in the bedroom area
Many choices for optional upgrades

Top Travel Trailer Picks For The Boondocking Lifestyle

A travel trailer is the perfect way to boondock if you want a decent amount of space but don’t want something as big or heavy as fifth wheels.

They are lightweight and can be towed with small trucks or SUVs, and are often more affordable than other campers.

Here are a few of the best options so you can pick the best travel trailer for your needs.

Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK

The Jayco Jay Feather is only 13’4″ long and 2,795 pounds, making it easy to haul around.

It has a 22.5-gallon fresh water tank, sleeps up to two people, and has two outside storage compartments.

It’s one of the most affordable lightweight travel trailers with great features!

More Great Features Of The Jayco Jay Feather Micro

Off road tires for getting to your boondocking location
Tinted safety glass windows
A wardrobe and overhead shelf for storage
An outdoor camp kitchen with a Blackstone griddle

Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB

With an overall length of 19′ 4.5″ and a dry weight of 3,360 lbs, the Winnebago Micro Minnie is bigger than the Jayco above, but still definitely makes the list for best boondocking trailers.

It comes with the essentials such as a full bathroom, kitchenette, dinette, and full bed.

It also has a 31-gallon water tank, 25-gallon grey tank, and black water tanks, a water heater with a 6-gallon capacity, and an 18,000 BTU furnace.

More Great Features Of The Winnebago Micro Minnie

Heated and enclosed tanks to reduce the chances of freezing in cold weather
Winterization kit for all weather camping
Patio lights and speakers for outside enjoyment
A double door refrigerator

What To Look For In An RV If You Want To Go Off-Grid Camping

There are certain things to consider when you’re shopping for an RV that’s appropriate for off-grid camping.

Whether you plan to stay in a Walmart parking lot, state parks, BLM land, or on private land, you will need a few essentials if you plan to stay out a while.

Here are considerations to keep in mind:

Rv Size

When looking for the best camper for RV boondocking, size is an important consideration.

You want to make sure that if you have a tow vehicle it can handle the weight of the RV, so the size is important.

But, you also need to have enough space to store all your camping gear and still have enough living space.

If it’s your first time buying or towing a camper make sure you take time to really investigate each option.

The best choice is going to be one with enough interior space for your needs that is easy to maneuver.

Solar Ready

Another key consideration when choosing the best RV for boondocking is whether or not it is solar power ready or what you would have to do to add solar power.

Boondocking sites typically do not have a reliable power source so while solar power may not be essential for short trips, being able to generate your own electricity while camping will make for a more comfortable experience and allow you to stay off the grid for longer periods of time.

If you are looking for an RV that is ready to go solar, be sure to look for models that come with a solar prep kit.

Energy Efficient Appliances

When camping off the grid, it’s important that your RV has really efficient appliances.

This will allow you to run number of different appliances on multiple sources such as gas, electricity (from battery power), as well as 12 v power, and not have to give up conveniences in order to save power.

Large Tank Sizes With High Capacity

If you’re planning to go boondocking with your RV, it’s important that your vehicle has a large tank size with high capacity.

This includes your fresh, grey, and black water tanks.

Both running out of freshwater as well as filling up your waste tanks will mean you’ll have to cut your trip short or head out to fix these problems.

Boondocking RV Weight

There are a number of reasons it’s important for you to consider the weight of your RV if you’re going dry camping regularly.

First, heavier vehicles use more gas so you’ll need to refill tanks more often, whereas with lighter boondocking rigs it is possible to get better gas mileage and stretch your travel dollars even further!

Another point to consider with lightweight vehicles is that they are typically smaller on the inside so there are fewer amenities and less storage which is better if you plan on packing light, but may not be the best choice for bigger families or long trips.

Finally, make sure that you choose a travel trailer or truck camper you consider your tow vehicle’s capability.

It’s absolutely essential that you never tow a trailer or camper that is too big for your vehicle because that can cause extra wear and tear on truck and trailer parts, poor handling, and even accidents.

High Ground Clearance

When boondocking, it’s important that your RV has high ground clearance.

You will inevitably go a little off-road when dry camping so a high clearance will allow you to drive over uneven and off-road terrain without damaging the underside of your vehicle.

Propane Tank Size

When considering an RV for regular boondocking, it’s important to think about the propane tank size.

This is because you will be using a lot of propane when camping off the grid for heat and cooking, so you definitely don’t want to run out.

A good rule of thumb is to choose an RV that has a propane tank size that is at least half the size of your freshwater tank.

This will ensure that you have enough propane to last you for your trip.

Refrigerator/Freezer Capacity

The refrigerator/freezer size is important to consider when buying an RV for dry camping because you will need a lot of space to store your food.

You don’t want to run out of space or have to continuously restock your food supplies while on your trip – especially if you plan to camp far away from any stores.

A large refrigerator/freezer size will ensure that you have enough space to store all of your food.

But remember- look for the most energy efficient models available that fit your size requirements and budget.

Generator Availability/Size

One of the most important things to consider when buying an RV for boondocking is the availability of a generator and its size.

This is because you will likely need to use the generator to run your RV while camping off grid.

If you choose an RV that doesn’t have a generator, or if the generator is too small, you will not be able to run all of your appliances.

This can be inconvenient and frustrating, especially if you are trying to camp in a remote area.

But you also don’t want something that is too noisy, big or takes up more space than you can manage.

A good generator can make the difference between a great camping trip and a not so fun trip so be sure to really do your research on this and find the right one for your needs.

Cost

Cost is one of the biggest factors when considering buying an RV.

I’ll be honest, an RV with lots of features that is already set up for boondocking can cost a pretty penny.

If you think a new boondocking ready RV may be beyond your budget there are a few things you can do:

Think about which features are most important to you and find a good used RV that has already been outfitted with these options.
Buy a used camper and add the desired features yourself with a little RV DIY.
Choose a new, basic model RV and add solar panels, additional RV batteries, and other off-grid specific features as you can afford them.

FAQs About The Best RV For Boondocking

Looking for a great boondocking RV but still have a few questions before heading out for the next camping season? No problem!

I’ll try to answer a few of the most common questions related to the best boondocking RVs here 🙂

1.What RV size is best for boondocking?

People enjoy dry camping in every type and size of campers from a truck camper, camper van and small lightweight travel trailer to a huge toy hauler.

It really depends on your unique camping style, meaning the amount of living space and storage space you need as well as the boondocking locations you plan to visit.

2.Can you boondock in a 5th wheel?

Absolutely! A 5th wheel (or travel trailer) can definitely be used to stay in remote destinations.

There are a few things you need to consider if you’re thinking a 5th wheel might be the best RV for off-grid camping.

Is your pickup truck capable of hauling the fifth wheel, travel trailer, or toy haulers you are considering? Be sure to check the tow rating and gross vehicle weight rating numbers before purchase.
How many people will be staying in your camper? If you have kids, guests, or more than 2 people and plan on doing some extended boondocking (more than a weekend), it may be helpful to check into a 5th wheel that has a second bedroom or bunk beds.
Does this model come with any off-grid capabilities like an outdoor shower, solar panels, battery bank, or energy-efficient appliances, or would you need to add those yourself?

3.Can you boondock in a Class C RV?

Sure you can! Class C RVs can be a great choices for boondocking rigs.

It all depends on what you will need while you’re (hopefully!) enjoying your time off the beaten path.

Whether you’re planning on buying a used RV or a new one, it’s best to do a little research about RV boondocking beforehand, especially if you’ve never tried off-grid camping.

Then, make a list of the must-have features and amenities, and start shopping!

4.How long can you boondock in an RV?

The answer to this question depends on a few things.

First, the length of a your stay can greatly depend on where you’re staying. If you’re planning on staying in RV parks, state parks, or national forests there may be a time limit.

Many places have a 14 day limit but definitely check on that before heading out.

Other things to consider before you go off grid camping is how much water, food, and power you will need and your storage capacity of all of those elements.

Those with smaller camper vans, travel trailers, truck campers, or people with large families may have to find places to refill fresh water tanks or jugs, empty waste tanks, or stock up on supplies more often than people with smaller families or campers.

Last Thoughts About The Best RV For Boondocking

Boondocking is a great way to get away from daily life and retreat from the world. You don’t have to leave everything behind, though.

Many of the RVs can be just as comfortable to stay in as your own home while offering a much better view and plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Whether you want to boondock in a home-like luxurious RV or go the (usually) more affordable minimalist route with a small truck camper, there is a perfect camper for you.

So take the time to research the pros and cons of each type of RV for boondocking, consider your specific needs, make a list of the must-have features, set your budget and start shopping!

Looking for more RV-related info? Check out the RV Basics page as well as the related articles below!