By Mandy Lea and Kendrick
RV camping comes in many forms. To us, one end of the spectrum is dry camping, and the other end is city camping. Whether you’re craving simplicity and solitude in nature or the hustle and bustle of city life, both will create lasting memories. Each presents its own challenges and rewards, but we find that alternating between the two helps us realize what we like and dislike about each one. Let’s break down what we enjoy about each style and some of our essential tips to make the most of your adventure.
Why We Love Dry Camping
Dry camping, also known as boondocking, means camping without hookups for water, electricity, or sewer. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature and truly disconnect from the chaos of everyday life. Here’s why we love it:
- Get Away from It All – One of the biggest draws of dry camping is the ability to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Ideally, you find a spot with no noisy neighbors and no traffic—just you and the great outdoors.
- You’re Usually in a Beautiful Place – Many dry camping spots are in or near stunning landscapes, like mountains, deserts, forests, or lakes. It’s hard not to enjoy yourself in places like these!
- Ease of Access to Outdoor Activities – With nature right at your doorstep, activities like hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and climbing are incredibly convenient.
- It’s a Great Way to Spend Time with Friends – Sitting around a campfire under the stars, sharing stories, playing music, cooking meals, and enjoying the quiet together creates wonderful memories.
- We Get Some Great Photos of the Camper! – Dry camping offers some amazing photo opportunities that are perfect for social media, personal keepsakes, or even nuCamp brochures!
Tips for Dry Camping
While dry camping is rewarding, it requires a bit of preparation. Here are some essential tips to ensure a successful trip:
- Research the Area First – Make sure you’re not on private property or in an area with restrictions. You also want to make sure you don’t travel down a road that’s inaccessible to your RV. Additionally, check the weather forecast since dry camping often takes you to remote places. Extreme weather conditions, such as unexpected rain, snow, or heat waves, could leave you stranded, very uncomfortable, or both.
- Stock Up on Supplies – Bring plenty of food and water so you can stay out longer without needing to resupply. If you’re using an RV, ensure your fresh water tank is full and your grey and black water tanks are empty.
- Plan for Activities – Research nearby hiking trails, bike routes, fishing spots, climbing areas, or unique photography locations to make the most of your adventure.
- Avoid Major Holidays – Popular dry camping areas can become crowded during holidays. If solitude is what you seek, pick less busy times to enjoy a quieter experience.
- Leave No Trace – Always clean up after yourself and pack out everything you bring. Respecting nature ensures that these beautiful places remain accessible to future campers.
Why We Love City Camping
City camping is quite the contrast to dry camping but just as enjoyable. It allows you to enjoy all the perks of urban life while minimizing costs. Here’s why we enjoy city camping:
- Full Hookups & Amenities – City campgrounds often provide luxuries like full hookups, hot showers, laundry, pools, and hot tubs—offering a mini vacation from dry camping. It’s a great way to refresh and reset before heading back into the wilderness.
- Save on Hotel Costs – Parking your RV in a city campground is an affordable alternative to expensive hotels, allowing you to explore cities without breaking the bank.
- Enjoy City Life – Explore museums, theaters, nightlife, historic sites, and other attractions. Also, take a break from camp-cooked meals and enjoy some fantastic local restaurants!
- Skip the Driving – With Uber, public transit, and walkable city streets, you can leave the driving to someone else and fully enjoy the city without worrying about parking or traffic.
- Prepare for More Dry Camping – City camping is a great way to restock on essentials. You can fill up fresh water, dump tanks, refill propane, and grocery shop before heading back into the wild.
Tips for City Camping
Here’s a few of our tips to make the most of your city camping experience:
- Check for Safety Concerns – Research the area to ensure the campground is in a safe location. Read reviews and look for places with good security.
- Choose the Right Campground – Make sure it offers the amenities you want or need, such as laundry, hot showers, propane refills, full hookups, a pool, or a hot tub.
- Look for Local Events – Cities have a lot to offer. Check for concerts, festivals, farmers’ markets, and other events or attractions happening while you’re there.
- Visit on the Right Days – Some cities have limited attractions on certain days. For example, in Louisville, KY, several distilleries close on Sundays through Tuesdays. Doing a little research can ensure you make the most of your trip.
- Don’t be Afraid to Extend Your Stay – If you fall in love with a city, don’t be afraid to stay a little longer and explore more! Who knows when you’ll be back?
Why Choose One Over the Other?
For us, there’s a time and place for both dry camping and city camping. Each offers a unique way to experience the world, and together, they create a perfect balance. Dry camping lets you appreciate the solitude and beauty of nature, allowing you to disconnect and relax in breathtaking locations. It pushes you to be self-sufficient, embrace adventure, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
City camping, on the other hand, provides comfort and convenience. It offers the chance to experience big city life, indulge in delicious food, and spoil yourself with modern amenities. It also serves as an essential pit stop, giving you time to restock, refresh, and reset before embarking on another dry camping adventure.
So why choose one when you can enjoy the best of both worlds? By balancing dry camping with city camping, you get to experience nature’s tranquility and the excitement of city life—all while making unforgettable memories along the way! So, get out there and start exploring with your nuCamp RV!
Don’t forget to follow Mandy and Kendrick on their journey! Follow @mandyleaphoto and @kendrickcallaway on Instagram. @MandyLea on YouTube, and Mandy Lea on Facebook.
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