Boondocking In A Tent

Boondocking in a tent is kind of redundant.   Tent campers usually don't camp where there are hookups like there are for RVs.  For the most part tent camping is about the same no matter where you set up camp.  However, there can be a little difference between tent camping in developed campgrounds and venturing further into the wild.

Tent camping in a developed campground usually means you will have a nice, level, often grassy spot to set up your tent, a fire pit, and a picnic table.  Some more luxurious campgrounds may have individual canopies for shade and to get you out of the rain.  Developed campgrounds usually have bathrooms with flush toilet and even showers.  Many also have an outdoor sink where you can do your dishes.  Almost all developed campgrounds have water faucets located within a short walk of each campsite.  Fancier resort style facilities may have lots of amenities like swimming pools, gyms, sports courts, laundries, and even restaurants.

Boondocking in a tent occurs when you set up in a primitive campground or graduate to dispersed camping where you might be camping on pristine ground.  You may have to clear the ground of rocks and sticks to make a good place to set up your tent.  When boondocking in a tent you will most likely have to build your own fire ring unless you use an existing site or you use only a gas stove or portable BBQ.  You will have to provide for your own sanitation needs.  That might mean using a port-a-potty or a 5-gallon bucket or digging your own latrine.  If you dig a latrine, make sure you are at least 100 feet away from any water source (lake, pond, stream, spring, or well).  You will probably have to bring enough water with you to meet all your needs (drinking, cooking, cleaning) for your entire stay.  Water from lakes and streams, if available, may be of questionable quality.  When in doubt use proper water purification techniques before drinking or cooking with water of unknown purity. Boiling water will kill any harmful bacteria but it won't remove toxic chemicals.  Water near old mining activity is sometimes contaminated by cyanide, which is often fatal when ingested.

In even a primitive campground you may find an existing fire pit and a fairly level prepared site for your tent.  However, if you are dispersed camping you will have to prepare your own tent site and may have to build your own fire pit.  It is always a good idea to use dispersed camping sites previously used by someone else when possible.  Not only will it be less work for you, it is less damaging to the environment than intruding onto another pristine area.

Boondocking in a tent can be a lot of fun.  It often gets you away from light and noise pollution and gives you an opportunity to have a more pioneer like experience.

Enjoy the boonies!