By Jessica Palmer,
September 17, 2024
Free camping gives you a real sense of well …. freedom, but it’s important to be prepared with the essentials when you’re not relying on caravan parks or campgrounds. Whether you’re in the outback, the bush or by the coast, you’ll need to be self-sufficient, especially when there’s no access to power or water. Here are ten free camping essentials to keep you comfortable and safe while free camping in your RV.
#1. Water storage and filtration
Water is the most important free camping essential when you’re camping without facilities. Your RV’s water tank might get you through a couple of days, but extra reserves in a jerry cans or portable water tank will give you more breathing room. And if you’re drawing water from a creek or lake, a good filtration system is key for removing bacteria and other nasties.
#2. Power solutions
No mains power means you’ll need to sort your own juice. Most RVs come with solar setups, but it never hurts to have a solar generator portable power solution or a backup battery. This keeps the lights on and the fridge running just that little bit longer.
#3. Portable toilet or composting option
If your RV has a cassette toilet, you’re going to need to empty it every few days. Free camping regularly? You might want to switch to a compost toilet or carry an extra cassette tank. No in-built loo? Well, you’ll want to brush up on how to handle things when nature calls without the convenience of a toilet block. Regardless of how you do it, finding a toilet solution that will last longer than a couple of days is a free camping essential.
#4. Shower solutions
Even if your RV has a shower, water conservation becomes a real issue when free camping. A camping shower set up using water from a nearby stream can keep you clean without eating through your RV water supply. Sometimes, a bucket of river water and a face washer does the job just fine, too!
#5. Clothes washing
You can only turn your undies inside out and rewear them so many times, making clothes washing (eventually) a free camping essential. When you’re off-grid for a while, you’ll need a way to wash your clothes. There are plenty of portable washing solutions available, or you can go old school with a tub and some elbow grease.
#6. Communication and emergencies
Staying in touch isn’t always possible when you’re far from civilisation, but a UHF radio is a must for short-range communication. If you’re heading into really remote areas, a PLB or satellite communicator could be a lifesaver in an emergency. And, always let someone know your plans before you go.
#7. Recovery gear and emergency repairs
When you’re out in the sticks, there’s no one to give you a hand if you get stuck or your RV breaks down. Recovery gear is an off-grid free camping essential. Pack recovery gear suited to the terrain, and make sure you’ve got a decent repair kit on board. It’s better to be prepared than to be stranded.
#8. First aid kit
Don’t skimp on this one. A good first aid kit is essential, and in Australia, you’ll want one with provisions for a snake bite. Accidents happen, and being prepared can make all the difference when medical help is far away.
#9. Knowing where to go
Free camping doesn’t mean you have to wing it, but its essential to at least know where the free camps are and what’s allowed. Grab a guidebook or app, and scout out your spots beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises when you arrive.
#10. Cooking gear and long-life food
Whether you’re cooking on the fire (fire bans permitting), using a gas cooker, BBQing on a Weber/Ziggy, or relying on an induction setup, you’ll need food with a decent shelf life as a backup. Stock up on long-life milk, coffee, beans, and other pantry staples that won’t spoil if your fridge decides to call it quits.
Start small and close to home
Free camping and going off-grid in your RV might sound daunting, but you can start small and closer to home until you’ve perfected your essentials. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like knowing you can handle whatever comes your way, all while enjoying the freedom of the open road.
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