RV/Van Life Boondocking Cost Calculator
Created by: Sophia Bennett
Last updated:
Estimate the true cost of boondocking and free camping. While you save on campsite fees, expenses like fuel, propane, water, and services add up. Get a realistic budget and compare costs to traditional campground stays.
What is an RV/Van Life Boondocking Cost Calculator?
A Boondocking Cost Calculator helps RV and van owners estimate the true cost of dry camping and dispersed camping. While boondocking eliminates campsite fees, other expenses like fuel, propane, water, and services add up. Plan your budget realistically and compare costs to traditional campground stays.
Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or full-time nomadic living, this calculator takes into account all major expense categories to give you accurate monthly and daily cost estimates for life off the grid.
Understanding Boondocking Expenses
Fuel Costs: Based on daily miles driven and your vehicle's fuel economy
Propane: For cooking, heating, and hot water when off-grid
Water & Dump: Regular service stops for fresh water and waste disposal
Fixed Costs: Insurance, cell plans, and maintenance reserves
Frequently Asked Questions
What is boondocking and how much does it cost?
Boondocking (dry camping) means camping without hookups, often on public lands for free. While you save on campsite fees, you still have costs: fuel for travel and charging, propane, water, dump stations, and supplies. Most boondockers spend $500-1,500 per month depending on travel frequency, lifestyle, and location.
Is boondocking cheaper than staying at campgrounds?
Generally yes, boondocking saves significant money on accommodation costs. Campgrounds cost $25-75 per night ($750-2,250/month), while boondocking has no site fees. However, you'll have higher fuel costs, more frequent water and dump needs, and may spend more on propane for heating and cooking without hookups.
What are the main expenses when boondocking full-time?
Major boondocking expenses include: fuel (often the largest cost at $300-800/month), propane ($30-100/month), water ($10-50/month), dump stations ($10-40/month), cell/internet ($50-150/month), insurance ($100-300/month), maintenance ($100-300/month), groceries, and occasional supplies. Location and travel style greatly affect costs.
How much fuel will I use while boondocking?
Fuel usage depends on how often you move. Frequent travelers might drive 500-1,000 miles monthly, while slow travelers may only drive 200-400 miles. Additionally, running your engine or generator to charge batteries adds fuel consumption. Most boondockers budget $300-700 monthly for fuel depending on vehicle MPG and travel frequency.
How long does propane last when boondocking?
A 20lb propane tank lasts 2-4 weeks depending on usage. Heating uses the most propane - furnaces consume 1-3 gallons daily in cold weather. Cooking uses much less, about 1-2 gallons weekly. In moderate weather with cooking only, a 20lb tank can last 4+ weeks. Budget 2-4 tanks monthly in cold climates.
Where can I fill water and dump tanks while boondocking?
Water and dump options include: truck stops (often free with fuel purchase), RV dump stations ($5-15), transfer stations, some gas stations, National Forest dump stations (free with pass), and campgrounds (sometimes allow day-use for a fee). Apps like Sanidumps and iOverlander help locate facilities.
How can I reduce boondocking costs?
Save money by: moving less frequently (reduces fuel costs), using solar instead of generators (no fuel for charging), conserving water (extends time between fills), staying in free 14-day limit areas, cooking more meals (vs eating out), using library/coffee shop WiFi, and maintaining your vehicle to prevent costly repairs.
What hidden costs should boondockers expect?
Often overlooked costs include: annual passes (BLM, National Forest, state parks), emergency repairs, tire replacement, propane tank recertification, vehicle registration and inspections, health insurance, mail forwarding services, occasional hotel stays (for laundry, charging, showers), and gear replacement as items wear out.
Sources and References
- Bureau of Land Management - Camping Information
- FreeCampsites.net - Free Camping Locations
- iOverlander - Camping and Services Database
- Sanidumps - Dump Station Locator