Moochdocking: What It Is, How to Get Started, and More!

RVing isn’t limited to traditional campgrounds and RV parks. We’ve often covered the joys of boondocking (camping off the grid – usually free) because it’s our favorite way to camp. In our post Can You Camp In Walmart Parking Lots? we talked about parking overnight to get some shut-eye when you’re in the middle of a long drive. But what about “Moochdocking?”

We’ve written about free overnight RV parking in a variety of areas, as well as the 7 best free camping apps for the avid boondocker. But there’s another type of camping known as RV moochdocking, (sometimes called RV driveway surfing), that’s become a popular trend.

In today’s post, we’re looking at moochdocking… a type of RV camping that’s great for both RVers and their hosts.

What Is Moochdocking?

Moochdocking is a coined term that combines “mooch” (someone who happily takes things for free) and “boondocking.” But what’s the exact moochdocking definition? Does it have the same negative meaning as being a “mooch?” (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.)

Moochdocking involves parking your RV on private property, usually in a driveway, backyard, or other open space. Most often, it’s when an RVer is invited, typically by a friend or family member, to stay on their property while visiting. Of course, that friend or family member has to have a large enough space for your rig.

Moochdocking can be for just a night or two while the RVer is en route to a particular destination, or it can involve a longer-term stay such as over the holidays or even for many weeks. There are benefits to moochdocking for the RVer and often for the host as well.

As the name implies, moochdocking is free. Considering the cost of most RV parks, camping for free is a big plus.

Moochdocking often comes about when planning to visit a friend or family member. But since RVers bring their own living quarters, the host doesn’t have to provide a place to stay inside the house. That can benefit to both parties, with everyone having their own private space.

For longer stays or when the RV is connected to the homeowner’s shore power and/or water supply, offering to pay for using these amenities makes sense. But that’s still a small cost compared to a campground or RV park.

Also, when you stay on someone’s property they can offer insight into the area’s best-kept secrets, from hidden gems to local restaurants and attractions. That can help an RVer travel more like a local, with inside information they might not have without that personal guidance.

For property owners who offer a place to park & stay for RVers who aren’t family or friends (like those in the Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts programs), there are benefits for them, too. That includes meeting new people, connecting with the RV community, and potentially forging lifelong friendships.

Some homeowners also like having other people on their property, either because they appreciate the company and added security, or possibly having someone they can ask for some help with a chore or project.

Tips for the Best Moochdocking Experience

To ensure a successful moochdocking experience, both RVers and homeowners should keep a few key points in mind.

Safety and Security

Safety and security should be priorities for both RVers and hosts. Guests (RVers or not) should be careful, thoughtful, and respectful. Homeowners who offer a boondocking experience on their property should ensure the safety of their property and visitors.

Unlike typical houseguests (who of course stay in the house), RV moochdockers are likely to stay on board their own rig. That can add an extra set of eyes and ears outside the host’s home at night, providing added security. That can also mean added security for the RV itself, since it may attract attention being parked in a driveway or backyard.

Good Communication

Clear communication between the RVer and the host ahead of the visit is key. RVers should contact the homeowner in advance to discuss expectations and agree on the duration of the stay and any amenities that will be provided.

That should include a discussion about what compensation will be provided for power usage (if any). Homeowners need to be upfront about any rules or guidelines they have for RV living on their property and any expectations they have of travelers. That’s extra important if kids and/or pets are involved.

Of course, communication when visiting family and friends in an RV will be similar to visiting without one, other than the logistics of where to park and possibly hook up.

Respect for the Property and the Owner

Even when visiting people you’re close with, RVers should always respect a host’s property. Be mindful of noise (generators, pets, kids, etc.), don’t leave trash or any other type of mess on the property, and follow all rules set by the homeowner. The best way to moochdock is to treat the property as if it were your own, or even better.

PRO TIP: Heavy weight can cause concrete to crack, or jacks to sink into asphalt. A big diesel pusher can easily break a concrete driveway, and the jacks on almost any rig can damage asphalt on a hot summer day. Keep these things in mind when planning to bring your rig to a private home, that may or may not be well set up to accommodate an RV.

Moochdocking Allows Self-Sufficiency. Use it!

RVers should aim to be as self-sufficient as possible during their moochdocking stay. Some homeowners offer access to utilities like water and/or electricity, but it’s important to be prepared to manage without them.

You may also be invited to stay in your host’s guest room. One of our favorite things about RVing is staying in our own bed, wherever we go. That doesn’t mean we can’t use a guest bedroom, but we prefer our own. And staying over without creating any extra linens for our host is a bonus!

If you’re staying on private property without access to power and you need to use a generator, clear it with your host first. Never use a generator too close to a building, where exhaust fumes might enter the house. And you don’t want to create a noisy environment that’s disruptive to the homeowner’s peace and quiet.

PRO TIP: Most electric outlets in the average home are rated at 15A. But outlets in the garage are often rated at 20A. (20A outlets are protected by 20A circuit breakers, so plugging into one will reduce the chance of tripping the breaker.) The fact that the garage is where you’ll often find a 20A outlet is perfect if you’re parked in the driveway.

If you are connected to shore power, you don’t want to trip the circuit breaker, so keep power usage to a bare minimum. Use your water heater in propane mode, and don’t try to run the microwave or air conditioner if at all possible. In the event that your host has a 30A (or 50A!) power hookup or a sewer connection (!!), you likely have a friend or relative who owns (or owned) their own rig or is just incredibly welcoming to RVers.

Gratitude

It’s important to show your appreciation to anyone who allows you to moochdock on their property. A small token of gratitude, like a gift or even a handwritten thank-you note, can go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship. We generally offer to take our hosts out to dinner.

How to Moochdock (Items Needed)

If you plan on moochdocking on the property of a friend, family member, or other acquaintance, you may want to have a few things on hand. This can help you to take advantage of any amenities they may be willing to provide to ensure the most comfortable moochdocking experience.

Extension Cords

Keep in mind that a private home is not an RV park, so a power pedestal will likely not be available alongside your rig.

Extension cords and adapters will ensure that you’ll be able to connect to power if the host offers it. Check out our post on RV extension cords to see what may be required, depending on your RV and the power available at the homeowner’s property.

PRO TIP: The longer an extension cord is, the thicker (heavier gauge) it needs to be. A very long extension cord that’s too thin can overheat more easily. We carry a long, highly-rated extension cord that allows us to safely reach power, even if our rig’s size keeps us from parking close to the garage. If any extension cord feels hot to the touch, it’s being overloaded, and could cause a fire.

The following are a few extension cords and adapters that will allow you to connect your 50- or 30-amp RV to your host’s home power outlet.

50-Amp Extension Cord

30-Amp Extension Cord

15-Amp Extension Cord

Dogbone Adapters

Next, we point you to our YouTube video on how to plug in an RV (Dogbones 101). This will familiarize you with a type of electrical adapter known as a “dogbone adapter”, and which one(s) you’ll need for your successful moochdocking experience.

Depending on your RV’s system (30- or 50-amp service), here are three different types of dogbone adapters that are useful for moochdocking, as well as at campgrounds and RV parks. The good news is that you likely already have some of them on board.

50A-30A Dogbone Adapter

30A-15A Dogbone Adapter

NOTE: If you plug your 50-amp RV into a 15-amp outlet on a regular basis, you may want to eliminate one connection by using the following adapter in place of the two above.

50A-15A Dogbone Adapter

PRO TIP: You can indeed connect a 30- or 50-amp RV to a regular household power outlet. You simply need to adapt down to the correct plug, and be sure to keep your power usage down to a bare minimum. That includes turing your battery charger down or off as needed.

Fresh Water Drinking Hoses

You’ll also want an extra freshwater hose (potable/drinking water safe) to fill your freshwater tank from your moochdocking host’s water supply, if available. As with power hookups, a hose connection along the left side of your RV is unlikely, so an extra drinking water hose can be very helpful.

Here are a couple of options for 25-foot and 50-foot hoses:

25′ Fresh Water Drinking Hose

50′ Fresh Water Drinking Hose

How to Locate Nearby Dump Stations Before or After Moochdocking

Finally, whether you’re camping in a friend’s driveway or boondocking on public land, it’s important to know where the nearest dump station is located so you can dump your gray and black water tanks when they’re full. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate dump stations near you.

For all the information you need on this topic, we suggest reading our post on how to locate RV dump stations near me.

It’s likely that by following the tips in our post, you’ll find a dump station near your moochdocking location. However, if you happen to be staying in an area where you know you’ll be far from a dump station for a long period of time, you do have the option to carry a portable dump tank. See our post on the 3 best portable RV dump tanks for more information.

Moochdocking is a great option for budget travel and for visiting family and friends along the way. It’s also a great way to spend the holidays with loved ones without imposing too much. With a few tools to help with power, water, and tank dumping, your hotel room-on-wheels may be the perfect option for RVers and hosts alike.

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