Dry camping travel trailers are perfect for anyone who really wants to get away from it all. Many boondockers prefer larger motorhomes or even 5th wheels, but trailers are more convenient, especially if you're going solo or in a small group.
Dry camping is a great way to spend time with nature and to relax, and get your mojo back after being surrounded by the stress of everyday life, with its fast pace and needing to meet deadlines all the time.
But with so many travel trailers on the market, which is best for dry camping? In this article, we look at the best models, the ones that offer everything you need to get close up to nature and absolutely get away from it all.
We also offer guidance on what to look for when shopping for a dry camping travel trailer and the pros and cons of using one for boondocking.
As with all our reviews we end with an FAQ section on all things dry camping in a trailer. So, by the time you're done, you'll be well equipped with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision.
What is Dry Camping?
Dry camping, colloquially known as boondocking, is basically choosing to spend time away from everyday distractions and becoming one with nature. It means getting away for a while in an RV, van, car, or vehicle to camp independently in the wild.
There are different levels of dry camping, but anyone serious will likely boycot all electronics such as smartphones, laptops, TVs, etc. and will likely forego any kind of piping for water, hook-ups for electronics of any kind, bathhouses or outhouses, or campground facilities.
People who regularly do this either like to find an isolated spot where they are completely surrounded by nature or join other people or communities that like to escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
What Makes a Travel Trailer Great For Dry Camping
Let's see what features make travel trailers perfect for dry camping...
Freshwater Tanks
While dry camping, you do not have a continuous supply of freshwater available whenever you want it. This is where freshwater tanks come in, which are probably a great facility in that situation. You can store water in them, and the storage capacity varies according to size, so your trailer can be fitted with the biggest one it can accommodate or more than 1 in case of an extended holiday.
Sewage Tanks
If you dry camp in a car, you do not have the facility of a bathroom for washing up or other bodily functions. Doing your business in the wild is definitely not an ideal situation, so trailers are great in the way that they come with bathrooms and storage tanks, which can store your grey and black water, (separately of course) so that they can be disposed of later on properly.
Room For Extra Batteries
In general, most dry campers don’t get away for too long, so they make do with one battery for electricity, heating, etc. in trailers. But if you are planning an extended stay, do keep extra batteries in case the first runs out. Also, you can’t get any of these facilities in a car or van.
Space For Generator
You can’t keep a backup power generator in a car or a van. It would be of no use there as there is no electricity or hookups for your electronics there. But in case of a trailer, you have all that and much more. And if you run out of battery power, since you are in a trailer, you probably have a backup generator for all your electricity.
Review of the Best Dry Camping Travel Trailers
Now that we have discussed some general features and points about dry camping and travel trailers, here are some of our own top picks of trailers for dry camping and why we believe they belong on this list.
Best Overall Dry Camping Travel Trailer:
Lance 1475
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 2 to 3
- Length: 19.8 ft.
- Width: 84.375 inches
- Weight: 2600 lbs.
Our Review
People who love dry camping but do not like to go to new places alone can really have fun with this trailer. It can sleep 2 to 3 people, so you can take along a friend or 2 with you, depending on the time you want because let’s face it, friends make everything better.
The interior design is gorgeous, looking very homey but chic at the same time. You can definitely chill in here if so inclined to.
It consists of a great bathroom, lounge, and bedroom inside, with a full bathroom consisting of a shower, a bedroom with a queen-sized mattress, and a lounge that has multiple connecting ports available for your electronics, plus much more.
It is also foam insulated, so it’s great for camping in any weather and has interior and exterior LED lighting so that you are able to see perfectly even into the night.
Runner-up:
Northwood Arctic Fox Camper 811
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 4
- Length: 16.8 ft.
- Width: 8.1 ft.
- Weight: 2873 lbs.
Our Review
For someone who wants to travel in a group on their adventure, this little 5th wheel trailer is perfect. It can sleep 4 people comfortably and is able to provide a comfortable space for all of them.
It's really well ventilated for a trailer, with a high-speed fan vent and arched ceilings helping immensely with the process.
While it is heavier than our previous option, it has less more length to it. Also, the colors of the interior are warmer in this one, giving a more cozy feel to the trailer overall.
It consists of a few special features other than the regular bathroom, lounge, and bedroom. This trailer has smoke and gas detectors, magnetic luggage door catches, an interior command center, a thermostat, a microwave, and much more...
Best Dry Camping Travel Trailer for the Money:
Jayco Baja Toy-Toting Camper
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 6 to 8
- Number of Floorplans: 2
- Length: 22.6 ft.
- Width: 85 inches
- Weight: 2910 lbs.
Our Review
We find this to be a great pick for someone with a lot of friends or a big family as this trailer can sleep from 6 to 8 people, which is quite impressive considering it's a trailer with only one proper bedroom.
It consists of actual furniture that has been made by the company itself, such as the dinette and the J-steel sofa, which also comes in multiple designs that you can choose from.
This one is a little different from the rest as it has an actual outside deck as well as a big water-resistant DuraTek tent that covers it as well as the back. The material is double stitched and is mildew, scratch, and crack resistant as well.
It's an ideal trailer for a group. it will be tight, but if you really want to get away from it all, and enjoy the great outdoors, the patio is perfect for stamping your presence with your flag and enjoying the setting sun with a fine barbecue every evening.
4. Taxa Outdoors Cricket Camper
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 4 (2 adults and 2 children)
- Length: 15 ft.
- Width: 6.7 ft.
- Weight: 1800 lbs.
Our Review
We absolutely love this dry camping travel this trailer. It can be marketed as the ideal family trailer, with room to sleep 2 adults and 2 kids, and the bedrooms for the adults and the bunk beds for the kids really back this up.
It is lighter in weight than the previous entries on our list and seems smaller as well, so it may really be able to easily fit in a standard garage.
It consists of a great ventilation feature, a pop-up roof as well as a roof exhaust fan, which is an important feature in a smaller trailer as it can very easily get cramped.
Features such as ports for USBs and devices, an external shower, water heating, and LED lighting plus more are present and make it better to stay in.
5. Black Series HQ19
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 2 to 3
- Length: 26.24 ft.
- Width: 7.54 ft.
- Weight: 6122 lbs.
Our Review
Though it only has the sleeping capacity of 2 to 3 people, this trailer is the heaviest one on our list. It also meets the criteria of “not wanting to camp alone, so I brought a friend or two along with me.”
It boasts a bedroom, a lounge area, a full-size bathroom with a shower, toilet. There bedroom has a queen-size bed, and the lounge table can be converted to a bed, along with different accessories and connective ports. In addition, there are drawers and cabinets made out of Malaysian honeycomb timber for a luxurious vibe.
The ventilation is great in this one, with 5 windows and a roof hatch to combat any stuffiness that may be felt.
Though it is larger in size, its freshwater tank capacity is the same as some of the smaller ones, which could possibly be problematic. However, the travel trailer still makes for a great option for anyone wanting to go dry camping.
Pros and Cons of Dry Camping in a Travel Trailer
We have established that dry camping can be entertaining. Getting away from all the hustle and bustle alone or with your loved ones should always be an enjoyable experience, but it is not all fun and games. Just like everything else in life, boondocking has its pros and cons. So below, we will be discussing some of the pros and cons of dry camping.
Pros
Better Facilities
A positive note is that dry camping is much easier in travel trailers than in cars or vans, as trailers have almost all or at least the main facilities of a working mini home. The water storage, toilet, kitchen, bedrooms, etc. are all facilities available in most trailers.
Easier Stay
It's obvious that staying in a trailer with facilities is better than staying in a car or a van for dry camping. Cars and vans are cramped and do not have much space or the same facilities a trailer has.
Companion Accommodation
Trailers are cheaper and cost less in comparison to staying in a hotel or a resort while on holiday or getaway, plus there is usually room for more than one person in a trailer, so you can travel with family or friends in case you do not like to go around alone. And it could be like an adventure of some sort.
Dry camping in summer with Lance 1475
Cons
Cramped Space
Beginners may feel that the space of a trailer is way too cramped to be comfortable, or that having family and friends with you may make you feel that way. It's true that they aren't as big as a 5th wheel or large motorhome, and you will have to give way to some luxuries and facilities. So, if you're not a seasoned boondocker, accustomed to camping in a smaller space, you could get fed up with the situation.
The Elements of Nature
Sometimes the elements are just against you. Nature may have a bone to pick with you, so your sudden lounge day in the sun can turn into a torrential rain shower or worse. All trailers offer a bit of protection against weather, but if the weather is persistently bad, life can be pretty monotonous in a small travel trailer.
People Also Ask - Dry Camping Travel Trailers FAQs
What is the Difference Between Boondocking and Dry Camping?
Dry camping and Boondocking are often called one and the same, but there is a slight difference. Boondocking is camping outside developed camping areas, while dry camping can be done at developed camping areas, too.
How Long Can You Dry Camp in a Travel Trailer?
People who are professional dry campers can go as long as 2 weeks or 14 days without any sort of problem, meaning without having to empty their grey and black water tanks or refilling their freshwater tanks. For a beginner and less experienced dry camper, it might only be 3-5 days.
How Long Will Battery Last Dry Camping?
On average, a battery will last for 2 to 3 days, but its use can be extended by limiting or completely not using heating or electricity.
What is the Best Size Travel Trailer For Dry Camping?
Smaller travel trailers that can hold 1 to 2 people are preferable because a really large trailer is limited to stay in certain areas as not all grounds are able to accommodate them. A smaller trailer is easier to drive around with, and you are able to go further into the wilderness to the best scenic spots.
Dry Camping Travel Trailers - Homes in The Wild
Whether you want to go dry camping or even boondocking a travel trailer will suit your needs. They're a good enough size to get you anywhere, while also giving you that bit of comfort that's nice while staying away from it all.
All the trailers listed here have been chosen by us. We took the information on them through personal experience, research and reviews. All of them are great whether you are a first-timer in the case of a dry camper or a professional or avid enthusiast.
However, this shouldn't be your only stop, and it's worth researching a fair bit before you make your decision. We're confident if you choose one of the above, you will have the perfect base for your future road trips.
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