7 Best RVs for Boondocking

The best RVs for boondocking allow RVers to roam far and wide on roads less traveled and find seclusion, peace, and serenity without compromising on the comforts of home. These dry camping rigs are designed to hold as much fresh water and wastewater as possible and have huge battery capacities or solar to keep the rig powered for days on end.

Now, if you’re wondering what is the best RV for wilderness camping, this post has you covered. We will discuss 7 of the best campers for boondocking and highlight their best features, such as tank capacities, power systems, off-road capabilities, ground clearance, and weight.

Best Class B RV for Boondocking: Thor Gemini AWD 23TW

GVWR: 11,000 lbs.
Dimensions(LxWxH): 23’7”x876”x11’
Sleep Capacity: 3
Holding Tanks: 31 gals Fresh, 37 gals Gray, 19 gals Black Water Tank
MSRP: $162,300

If you want a capable van that can explore the corners of the countryside, the Thor Gemini AWD 23TW fits the bill as one of the best RVs for boondocking It’s a large camper van (Class B+) featuring a Ford Transit chassis and an all-wheel-drive system. When navigating winding roads, you’ll appreciate its roll stability control system, which identifies dangerous driving conditions that could lead to it rolling over.

You’ll also love the 100-watt solar panel with a power controller, hill start assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto headlights, and decent-size water tanks. Beyond the off-road features, this one-slide motorhome is equipped with a modern kitchen, a dream dinette, sleeping space for 3, a dry bathroom, 2 TVs, a huge skylight, and a 14’ awning.

Best Class C Motorhome for Boondocking: Thor Omni XG32

GVWR: 19,500 lbs.
Dimensions(LxWxH): 33’8”x8’3”x12’6”
Sleep Capacity: 4
Holding Tanks: 75 gals Fresh Water Tank, 47 gals Gray, 40 gals Black
MSRP: $285,750

If you’re ready for some serious adventure, the Thor Omni XG32 is one of the best RVs for dry camping in BLM land. It’s a workhorse under the hood, with 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo engine and a chassis based on the Ford 550 Super Duty truck. While this four-wheel-drive rig is lacking in ground clearance, it excels by having giant tanks for freshwater and waste.

On board is a 100-watt solar power panel, 1,800-watt inverter, and diesel-powered generator to keep you off the grid longer. There are plenty of other features to make your trip memorable, such as a Wi-Fi extender, water filtration system, driving safety tech, theater seating, and climate control. After a sweaty day outdoors, you can freshen up in the full bath or outdoor shower.

Best Travel Trailer for Boondocking: Airstream Basecamp 20X

GVWR: 4,300 lbs.
Dimensions(LxWxH): 20’2”x7’9”x9’1”
Sleep Capacity: 4
Holding Tanks: 23 gals Fresh, 28 gals Grey Water, 21 gals Black Water Tank
MSRP: $46,000

Want a small travel trailer RV for boondocking in public lands? The Airstream Basecamp 20X will help you get away from the lights and sounds of the big cities. It’s the perfect hub for all your dry camping pursuits thanks to features like aggressive off-road tires, aluminum rims, fantastic ground clearance, an excellent departure angle, and an optional 180-watt solar package.

This sleek and shiny trailer also comes with a resilient steel stone shield on the front body, window guards, and an underbody skid plate to offer maximum protection when navigating harsh terrain. Love winter camping? It has an insulated underbelly and heated tanks. Inside, you’ll love the homey interior, such as the functional galley, large picture window, flexible living area, wet bath, and ample storage space.

Best Pop-Up Camper for Boondocking: Taxa Mantis 5.1 Overland

GVWR: 5,000 lbs.
Dimensions(LxWxH): 19’x7’6”x7’
Sleep Capacity: 4+
Holding Tanks: 20 gals Fresh, 22 gals Gray, Black tank uses a cassette toilet
MSRP: $57,874

If you want a lightweight RV that is capable of boondocking? The Taxa Mantis 5.1 Overland is perfect for hard-core adventures. This nimble beast is the off-road version of the regular Mantis edition, and it’s outfitted with powerful capabilities like 14” ground clearance, progressive rubber springs for smoother rides, a lock and roll hitch, and all-terrain tires.

Fixing 5-star meals in the wild is easy in the full galley kitchen with a sink, 2-burner stove, cooler, and trash can. The adaptive cabin has features that can convert into a bed, dinette, or couch. Other exciting highlights are the wet bath with cassette toilet, 8k BTU AC, furnace, and solar prep. You’ll even have an outside hot shower to keep the dirt where it belongs.

Best Truck Camper for Boondocking: Lance 960

Dry Weight: 3,254 lbs.
Dimensions(LxWxH): 19’0”x8’”x9’
Sleep Capacity: 3
Holding Tanks: 45 gals Fresh Water Tank, 30 gals Gray, 28 gals Black
MSRP: $44,460

We can’t talk about the best RVs for boondocking and fail to mention truck campers. These versatile units are agile and can go anywhere that the truck can go. Our favorite pickup camper for exploring remote places is the Lance 960. This camping habitat doesn’t have a pop-up roof or slide-outs, which means it takes less time to set up and break down camp.

That also means reduced maintenance and better off-road durability. Step inside and you’ll find a dinette with two very comfortable chairs or theater-style seating, Euro-style cabinets, an equipped galley, a water heating system, and thermoplastic windows. Unlike many truck campers, it comes with a wet bath to start the mornings off clean and fresh, massive holding tanks, an optional roof rack, and dual solar panels.

Best Small Motorhome for Boondocking: Winnebago Ekko

GVWR: 11,000 lbs.
Dimensions(LxWxH): 23’x7’2.5”x10’6”
Sleep Capacity: 4
Holding Tanks: 50 gals Fresh, 51 gals Gray, cassette toilet with portable 5 gal black tank
MSRP: $188,017

One of the best smaller RVs for boondocking is the Winnebago Ekko. This rugged campervan has plenty to get boondockers excited. You’ll be delighted by the 455-watt solar panels and lithium-ion batteries that enable you to become self-sufficient for days. It’s built on a Ford Transit 350 CAB chassis and has enhanced capabilities due to the all-wheel drive.

Other campers will be envious when they learn your fresh tank can hold 50 gallons and see your huge roof rack. In addition, Winnebago prepped this coach for winter camping. All plumbing systems are above the floor, and it has insulation in the roof, walls, floor, and windows. Of course, it has all the amenities you need to sleep, cook and relax, as well as a pass-through gear garage that can fit bikes.

Best Toy Hauler for Boondocking: Northwood Desert Fox 27FS

Dry Weight: 8,942 lbs.
Dimensions(LxWxH): 32’7″x8’6”x13’0”
Sleep Capacity: 6
Holding Tanks: 100 gals Freshwater tank, 47 gals Gray, 50 gal black tank
MSRP: $64,995

The Northwood Desert Fox 27FS is hands down one of the best boondocking RV in the market. Its floor plan includes a walk-around queen-size bed at the front with a full bath, a mid kitchen, and a rear electric lift bed. The 16’1″ garage also doubles as a lounging space thanks to the sofa, euro chairs, and two tables. Add the optional ramp door patio kit for more living space.

Indeed, this toy hauler is built to navigate the roughest road conditions. Expect an extremely rugged chassis and frame, a fully welded & thick-wall aluminum frame, shocks on all wheels, and 16″ aluminum wheels. Other important features include 4-season insulation, 4.0 Onan generator, 40-gallon onboard fuel station, 13.5m BTU air conditioning, exterior shower, outside speakers, and satellite readiness.

RV Boondocking FAQs

Here are some some frequently asked questions about the best RVs for the boondocking lifestyle:

What are the Best Features of a Boondocking RV?

The best RV for boondocking adventures is equipped with solar power, a large battery bank, an onboard generator, higher capacity holding tanks, great insulation, and excellent ground clearance. They are also sturdier, which gives them the ability to tow heavy loads over rough terrain. Most also come with an efficient air conditioner, water heater, and lights.

What Are Some of the Best Places for Boondocking in an RV?

The best places for dispersed camping in nature include Bureau of Land Management areas, national forests, and some national parks and state parks. In urban areas, free camping is available in rest areas and some business parking lots like those owned by Walmart, Bass Pro, and Cracker Barrel.

Need Help? 9 Best Apps for Boondocking in Your RV

Camp in the Wilderness With These Boondocking RVs

There you have it: the top RVs for boondocking. Choose any of them, and you can enjoy off-grid camping for days. We love that manufacturers are recognizing that not every RVer wants to stay at a crowded campground, that’s why they are adding solar, bigger battery capacities, larger holding tanks, and some off-road capabilities.

If you want more informative RV posts, our blog section is frequently updated with helpful RV tips and content.

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Cynthia Measom

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Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.

The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.