Forget the RV Park, Give Moochdocking An Old College Try

Camping at an RV park is so passé and moochdocking has become all the rage (especially during these stay-at-home times).

Today we’re excited to share all the moochdocking details. We’ll define it, encourage you to try it and give you the resources to make the best of it.

Even if you think moochdocking might not be for you, there are a few very cool membership programs that take it to the next level.

Let’s dive in!

What does Moochdocking mean?

The term moochdocking is derived from the words boondocking and moocher.

Boondocking means camping for free, on public land, out in the boonies. And, moocher… well it’s a shaded term that describes a beggar or scrounger.

Keep in mind, moochdocking can also be referred to as driveway surfing.

Moochdocking is generally known as camping on a friends or family members driveway. In many cases, an extension cord and hose are run from the home to connect make-shift hookups to the rig.

To be clear, moochdocking is an “invite only” situation. Camping at a private residence without permission is known as trespassing.

Benefits of Moochdocking

Moochdocking has many benefits.

First of all, its free! In many cases, it gives you access to amazing household amenities like hot showers, laundry machines and unlimited wifi. RV parks can be outrageously expensive in popular destinations.

Many RVers enjoy moochdocking at their family’s home because it lets them reconnect after long periods of being on the road. It allows RVers to have a cup of coffee with siblings and take part in family dinners.

Moochdocking can also be great for scoring the ideal urban camping location. We driveway surfed in Seattle at a perfect spot to easily explore nearby attractions.

Considerations Before Moochdocking

If you cherish your privacy, moochdocking might not be for you. Setting up camp in a driveway keeps your rig on constant display.

Also, if you’re staying at a friends place, there might be extra pressure to socialize. If you’re driveway surfing at a strangers – that can be interesting, too.

When moochdocking, even with a gracious invite, it can feel as though you’re imposing on the host’s personal space.

Good Practices for Moochdocking

Communication is key! Have a clear understanding of the stay-limits and don’t wear out your welcome. If you’re connected to electric, discuss what appliances you’ll be able to operate with the limited shore power.

Like any boondocking site, its good to leave the place cleaner than when you arrived.

Most importantly, show gratitude.

This by no means has to be monetary; offer to cook dinner, gift your craft or simply share in quality conversation and connection.

Moochdocking Resources

If you have no family or friends in a certain area, fear not! There are a few resources available to allow you to connect with thousands of driveways across the country.

Boondockers Welcome – this is a membership program ($44/year) that gives you access to a huge database of people willing to share their driveway. We’ve enjoyed our experience with this service and have friends who are both hosts & guests.

Harvest Hosts – this is a membership program (44/year) that also has a large, nationwide database. Unlike Boondockers Welcome, many Harvest Hosts locations are rural businesses (vineyards & farms). However, we have camped at some locations with HH that were residences.

We recommend both of these programs and have used them numerous times throughout our travels.

If Moochdocking or RV Parks Aren’t For You, Try Traditional Free Camping

We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Here’s our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.

If you haven’t tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! Simply enter your email below.