The Hotel Industry Has a Gen Z Problem (And Campgrounds Are the Beneficiary)

Something remarkable is happening in the world of outdoor travel. Gen Z — the generation raised on Instagram aesthetics, sustainability TikToks, and a healthy skepticism of overpriced everything — is bypassing the hotel lobby entirely and heading straight for the campground. And not just any campground. Many of these first-time outdoor adventurers are diving headfirst into boondocking: camping without hookups, without amenities, and without a hefty nightly fee.

If you're a millennial or Gen X camper watching this unfold, you might be surprised. Boondocking — also called dry camping or dispersed camping — used to be the domain of seasoned RV veterans with years of backcountry experience. Now 22-year-olds with cargo vans are figuring it out on the fly, and honestly? They're doing great. Here's everything you need to know to join them.

What Exactly Is Boondocking?

Boondocking simply means camping outside of a traditional campground, without electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Think Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, National Forest dispersed sites, remote state lands, and even legal overnight parking spots. You're self-sufficient, off the beaten path, and — crucially — usually camping for free or nearly free.

For a generation that watched housing costs spiral out of control and student debt become a generational crisis, free camping isn't just appealing — it's a revelation.

Why Gen Z Is Naturally Wired for This Lifestyle

  • Digital discovery skills: Gen Z knows how to research. Apps, Reddit threads, satellite maps, and yes — platforms like CampgroundViews.com make finding dispersed camping spots and remote campgrounds easier than ever before.
  • Sustainability values: Leave No Trace principles align perfectly with Gen Z's environmental consciousness. Boondocking, done right, has a minimal footprint.
  • Budget-first mindset: Why pay $60/night for a crowded campground when public lands offer stunning scenery for zero dollars? The math is simple.
  • Van life and overlanding aesthetics: Social media has made sleeping under the Milky Way genuinely aspirational — and boondocking delivers those shots every single night.

Your First Boondocking Trip: A Practical Starter Guide

1. Find Your Spot Before You Leave Home

Never show up to a dispersed camping area blind. Use CampgroundViews.com to browse campgrounds near your target region, check out 360-degree virtual tours to get a feel for the terrain, and read reviews from campers who've been there. Cross-reference with the BLM's interactive map and Google Earth to scout road conditions and spot accessibility.

2. Master Your Water and Power Situation

This is the #1 challenge for boondocking beginners. A general rule of thumb: carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, plus extra for cooking and sanitation. For power, a quality portable solar panel setup and a lithium battery bank will cover phone charging, LED lighting, and small appliances. Many van lifers start with a single 200-watt panel and scale up from there.

3. Know the Rules of the Land

BLM land typically allows free dispersed camping for up to 14 consecutive days in one location. National Forests have similar rules, though they vary by forest. Always check with the local ranger district before your trip, and look for any posted fire restrictions or seasonal closures.

4. Pack Your Leave No Trace Kit

Pack out everything you pack in — no exceptions. Bring a trowel for cat holes if you're far from facilities, use biodegradable soap, and camp at least 200 feet from water sources. The land stays beautiful because campers protect it.

5. Tell Someone Your Plans

Cell service in boondocking spots is often nonexistent. Share your GPS coordinates, planned route, and expected return date with a trusted friend or family member. A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach is a worthwhile investment for remote adventures.

The Bottom Line

Gen Z didn't discover boondocking — but they're democratizing it, making it feel accessible, stylish, and completely achievable for first-timers. Whether you're 22 or 62, the open land is waiting. Start your search on CampgroundViews.com, find a region that calls to you, and go sleep somewhere extraordinary tonight.