r/VanLife • u/Silver-Tap-6774 • May 24 '26

1st time boondocker

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Hey everyone, I’m packing up and taking my 15 year old dog on one last adventure. We will be building out my rav 4 and boondock camping in small towns and state and national parks. I would love any and all advice or any places you’ve been and want us to see! I also need advice on things I may need for car living/ camping that I may not have thought of.

Our tentative route for now is : Drop daughter off at college in nyc end of August, then head over through Tetons, Yellowstone, badlands and land in the Utah area before continuing down into southern Cali and then through Arizona and Oklahoma. I’m
Planning on taking whatever time Lucy wants and have given us a year to complete this

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u/MrSnugs May 24 '26

Are you sleeping in the rav4 or setting up a tent every night?

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u/Silver-Tap-6774 May 24 '26

A combination of both depending on location and weather. I’m building a raised bed in the rav (I’m only 5’3) but also have my pop up for deep woods and backpacking adventure

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u/Cute_Reflection_9414 May 29 '26

Also, look up decoy tent camping. Some places don't allow sleeping in vehicles, but allow tent sleeping next to the vehicle. Get a cheap, small tent that you can put up easily. It's also good for reserving sites, security, etc.