The Best of RV Life: How to Camp on Private Property with your Pet

In my humble opinion, camping on private property is the best way to enjoy the traveling life with your dog! Whether you pursue the van life, tiny home or RV lifestyle, I have loved staying on private property! After staying at a pretty much deserted campground in Hardwick, Minnesota one summer, I realized I loved the peaceful solitude and freedom that comes with not sharing tiny yard space at a campground. Campgrounds have their pros; but once you find some open space, you won’t care about driving 38 minutes to work everyday… it’s totally worth it! I have enjoyed over a year camping on private land; spending 300$ a month in rural South Carolina, to 650$ a month in Portland Oregon. I’ve loved every minute ♡

This post is primarily for those who are looking for camping spots for 3-6 month periods of time, for work, a fun summer vacation or other reasons. However, many of these options are also great for vacation or overnights. I have a previous post HERE describing overnights with a dog. Stay tuned this month; for more dog friendly adventure discussions!

Keep in Mind…

Often times private properties do not have sewer hookups! Most places have water hook ups, but homes typically have 12amp electric (instead of 30 or 50). You will need the 30amp (or 50amp) to 12amp converter with a surge protector to keep your traveling home and the electricity source safe! This may mean sacrifices like no air conditioning; but you’ll find most other appliances work! Often times you can use an RV generator for electricity if you are wanting air conditioning (like for summer in the Southern United States).
It is MUCH easier and less expensive to find parking spots on the off season. Winter in Maine or Oregon, summers in South Carolina- I prefer off seasons to hang out with more locals anyway!
Be helpful, resourceful and respectful! ♡ Sometimes you’ll find yourself on a working farm, or maybe you’ll have the opportunity to house sit an adorable cat 🙂 Just remember to savor the relationships you make along the way.
When you reach out via online resources, be sure to explain your temporary work in the area that is helping the community! Include information about having a pet with you, what hook ups you are hoping to have, and your approximate contract dates.
ALWAYS always always have a housing contract! I have uploaded an example of what renting from private property contract looks like HERE:

Blank-Property-Lease-Agreement Download

How to Find Private Property Rentals

I’ll share some of my secrets, but I want to know yours too! Have you struck gold searching for private property camping opportunities?

HipCamp

This app is one of my favorites by far! I found my very first private property home in South Carolina using hipcamp! I have also connected with so many properties using this app. Similar to airbnb, people will list their property for camping. They describe their property, if they have electric, sewer or water hook ups. Hipcamp typically hosts overnight or week- long guests, so be sure to send a message asking about longer term stays.

Airbnb

Another online resource, airbnb provides an option for “unique stays” which includes campgrounds, farm stays and ‘glamping’ experiences. Often times, I will reach out to inquire about longer term stays; even if it is a large farm that appears to have a lot of room! I’ll also do this using furnished finders; as they are used to longer term guests; however I have not had success with this strategy yet.

Facebook for the Win!

I’ve talked about this strategy in the past, but trust me, it works! Look into the Facebook groups called “Travel Nurse Housing- The Gypsy Nurse” or “Travel Nursing- Places, Rooms to Rent” and “Therapy Gypsy Housing” for traveling therapists. I just took a look and there is even a Facebook housing group for those looking for pet friendly housing. I just asked to join!

I usually complete a thorough search on these pages, and if I am not having any luck, I will put together a nice post about Chloe and I with some adorable photos. If you’re still having difficulty, try posting on the town’s Facebook group if they have one! I used Facebook to find an amazing spot in Portland, Oregon. The landowner was in the middle of renovating the place she usually puts traveling workers, and had a perfect spot next to a field for the camper. It was definitely a win, win win situation!

Find your Local Land Owners

This also works when using word of mouth! I was extremely fortunate in Oregon to have stumbled across an incredible organic working farm (shout out to RainShine Organic Farms in Kingsvalley Oregon), that had multiple orchards and plenty of space for a cute little camper. It did mean I had to drive about 20 minutes to dump my tanks one time per month; but I would often seize that opportunity to check the movability of the camper (check the tires, propane tanks, clean it, check the seals etc). It worked extremely well!

There are various ways to search for land owners, and one is as simple as using a platt book! You can also do a google search, ask the hospital or company you are going to help; or even search online for local farmers or wineries in the area. Feel free to send an email to your future coworkers or ask people at the local bar, cafe or coffee shop.

I personally find much satisfaction supporting local farmers. If this means I take up a little bit of space and maybe help out on occasion- that sounds like a win for me!

Chamber of Commerce

I’ve talked about this in the past too; but holy crow the Chamber of Commerce will have your back! Especially in small towns that have a lot of activity and community organizations; I have found the Chamber is greatly aware of their community, those who are able to house RV’s. I called Kennebunkport Maine’s Chamber of Commerce while searching for a parking spot from October – January. Most campgrounds would close come October or November and I was having difficulty finding a good spot! The Chamber offered multiple options and also offered her own daughter’s property to be a successful fit. I would have water and electricity all winter! Never neglect the power of the Chamber of Commerce; that is for sure.

Membership Options: Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome etc

Though I personally have never invested in these options, I have heard many positive experiences about using Harvest Hosts! Harvest Hosts is a membership opportunity; where someone has a winery or a farm and is willing to allow campers to spend the night on their winery for free after the person seeking a parking spot pays for a yearly membership. I chose to mention these options, as they are ideas for finding longer term spots; however they are typically for overnight guests.

The Best Dogfriendly Adventures

What makes the best adventure for you and your dog? Is it the spontaneous laughter, change of plans to find something that surprises you, or following a plan to enjoy some amazing hobbies? Is it hiking your favorite trail, or having a place to stay where your dog can roam and enjoy time just being a dog? There are a lot of ways to have the best dog friendly adventure; but on my opinion camping on private property is an incredible way to embrace the traveling lifestyle.

I hope you all enjoyed the read today! Have you ever had the opportunity to park on private property? What was your experience like? Have you used hipcamp or airbnb for your RV or vanlife adventures? I hope you all enjoyed the read! Happy Trails and Happy Tails to you all. Check out the other interesting blog posts about housing below!

Barking Embarkers