In the modern age, outdoor adventurous activities have become very easy as creative ideas have resolved many issues. While you’re planning a long trip, the major problem you may face will be where to stay. However, modern inventions have made it possible to stay outside the home overnight in camps.
Camping has further different categories. The two most commonly used and beneficial categories of camping are dry camping and wet camping. So, dry camping vs. wet camping: what are the main differences?
Dry camping (AKA boondocking) means camping outside a traditional campground in an RV, van, or motorhome with no hookups, no electricity, or water. On the other hand, wet camping involves camping at an established campground where your RV, van, or motorhome has hookup access to water and sewage.
Read on to find out more about dry camping and wet camping and how to plan a successful camping trip. You might also enjoy reading: Top Must Know For RV Boondocking For Beginners.
What is Wet and Dry Camping?
1- What Is Wet Camping?
Wet camping means camping at a campground where you or your RV can have hook-up access to electricity, water, and sewage; therefore, you manage to prevent rain and other environmental issues.
Sometimes, you set out on a journey, and suddenly, weather conditions change. You may face rain and have to stop. In such a condition, you’ll have to manage some camping to stay safe. If you know how to camp effectively in this type of situation, camping is quite easy and simple for you.
Tips for Effective Wet Camping:
- Make the Camp WaterProof: Sometimes, too much rain can affect your health. A waterproof tent for camping will be the best choice for you in such a situation.
- Make Double Floors: As in wet situations, the floor becomes very wet, which may create an irritating situation for you. When this happens, try doubling the floor of the sheet or tent. Use one sheet or layer of the tent to make the campground and the other to make your beds.
- Keep Your Camp Ventilated: The sealed camp may result in respiratory troubles. Keep your camp ventilated. Proper ventilation is also necessary to avoid damping.
- Keep Track Of The Weather Changes: If you’re staying in an outdoor wet camp, you should keep track of the weather conditions. In some situations, you may have to move as per weather conditions. So, never ignore notice the weather changes.
- Keep Plastic Bags With You: You know that wet weather results in moisturizing of shoes and clothes. However, it’s you who can prevent them from getting moisture. Plastic bags are the best option to avoid dampness and moisture. So, keep such bags with you in a wet camping situation.
- Choose a Plain Place for Camp: If you choose an uneven place for your camp, it may cause trouble due to static water. So, try to select a place that is even and plain. Such a place will be effective for a peaceful stay.
- Keep Raincoat With You: Make sure that you and your camping group have raincoats. Such outfits will help you to travel in the rain. If you have to move on in the rain, such a waterproof coat will greatly bless you.
- Blankets and Dry Towels: Dry towels are necessary to keep your belongings and yourself dry. If you’ve got wet in the rain, towels will help you to dry your body and even your luggage. Also, keep extra blankets with you to avoid any tension in emergencies.
See also: Top 5 Essential Tools For A Successful Off-Grid Living.
2- Dry Camping
Like wet camping, dry camping also refers to staying outside the home in an RV or simple camp. Most such camps are held by the tourers who set out for a long tour. Mostly, dry camps refer to residing in camping areas with no basic facilities like electricity and water. You’ll have to manage yourself in such camps.
You can camp anywhere in public or private places after taking permission. Besides such lands, one can also reside in national parks or forests. If you’re going for such an activity in a park or forest, this is referred to as “dispersed camping.”
What are the Requirements for Dry Camping?
Here are the basics of dry camping.
- A Vehicle: Try to have a vehicle that will act as a shelter for you in case of any bad weather situation.
- Eatables: Food is an inevitable thing in camping. So, try to keep extra food with you. Different vehicles have different capacities to store food. Store as much food as your RV can store.
- Extensive Water: Water is necessary for different purposes. Keep fresh water for drinking and bathing while storing water for toilets uses. So, make sure that your RV has extensive capacity to store the water.
- Power Source: Though it’s possible to sustain without a power supply, however, solar power sources have made our lives easy. Try to use any solar power supply for this purpose.
See also: Propane vs Solar: Which One Should You Choose?
Where Can You Dry Camp?
National forests and parks are ideal for boondockers since you can almost pull over anywhere within the boundaries and camp. Check the following locations:
- The United States Forest Service has a wealth of information on dry camping locations.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Website also includes maps of available public lands in the United States.
- Campendium website and app offer overnight dry camping spots outside of public lands across the United States.
- On Camping Road Trip, you can find and chat about campgrounds, RV parks, and RV resorts.
- US Public Lands App (IOS or Android) provides map overlays of numerous public land borders and who owns that land. With this app, you can discover where you can camp or not.
Is Dry Camping Safe?
Generally, dry camping is totally safe. Most campers share their pleasant moments spent during dry camping. Ensure you are well prepared before setting for dry camping.
You can stay overnight in your car or RV without hookups, but for a more extended stay, you will need to plan in advance. If you plan to dry camp, you need to learn how to dig a cathole latrine. And to protect yourself from the weather, ensure you carry tarps and bungee cords to secure them. Remember, when you leave your camping site, make your leave no trace.
What Are The Differences Between Boondocking and Dry Camping?
There is no difference between boondocking and dry camping. Dry camping is another name used to describe boondocking.
See also: Differences Between Dry Camping And Boondocking.
What Does a Dry Campsite Mean?
A dry campsite refers to the place used to establish the camp. This can be a public or government place that can be used for camping after permission.
Final Thoughts
Camping offers a chance to experience different adventurous activities. Those fond of tours may choose any of the dry or go camping. Both these camps are helpful in different weather conditions.
If you’re new to camping, a thorough understanding of dry camping and wet camping would be helpful to you.