No Hookups No Problem – Camping without Electricity

May 29, 2025 | 0 comments

Can’t find a campsite with hookups and not sure what to do next? Faced with this question, the Minnesota Girl Campers held a “No Hookups – No Problem” spring camp shakedown trip at the Crow Hassan Regional Park in Rogers to share tips and ideas for camping without electricity and water hookups.

What is Boondocking?

Whether you’re heading into the woods or just trying your hand at a rustic site, boondocking (also called dry camping or dispersed camping) is a great way to explore the outdoors with freedom and simplicity. Don’t worry—you don’t need a big RV or a complicated solar setup. You can absolutely do this—in a small camper, tent, or camping in the back of your car!

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Water & Waste Management

The majority of campgrounds will have a bath house or vault toilets, and even a water spigot nearby. If you don’t have access to those amenities, here are some helpful tips.

Water Conservation Tips

Bring plenty of water—1–3 gallons per person per day is a good rule of thumb. This should be plenty for drinking, cooking, washing dishes and yourself. Even if there is water at the campground, you may want to bring your own filtered drinking water. If you have a camper, fill up your water tank in advance.

Some helpful gear for water usage and conservation:

Water Jug with Spigot – Easy to store and refill.
Rechargeable Water Pump for pressurized water without plumbing
Spray bottles for washing dishes or hands while using less water.
Biodegradable Soap Campsuds is a favorite to clean hands, dishes, hair, pretty much anything!
Dry shampoo and body wipes for a quick clean up.

Waste Solutions

If there’s no bathhouse or you’re off-grid, you’ll need a bathroom setup:

Portable toilet or a 5 gallon bucket toilet with seat
Wag Bags or the double-bag method (pack it out!) – these can also be used to line a camper toilet
For gray water, strain out solids and dispose of it responsibly—never dump food scraps in nature. I like to use it to put out the campfire.
Pop-up shower tent. (Not all campgrounds allow a shower tent, check in advance).

Super Easy Solar Basics

You don’t need a roof full of panels or fancy wiring to power your off-grid adventures. Here’s how to keep your electronics and lights going without stress. Note: Things like A/C units, microwaves, and regular outlets usually won’t run off small solar setups—these will likely require a gas generator.

How Much Power Do You Need?

Most people want to power:

Phones and Tablets
USB Rechargeable Fans and Lights
Camera Batteries
Maybe a small 12V fridge

Power stations come in a variety of sizes, so it is good to estimate how much power you will need for a typical trip. For example my Goal Zero Yeti 500 power station does a great job of powering my Iceco Go20 12V refrigerator especially if I top off the charge with a solar panel.

Simple Solar Setups

If you have a solar panel in your camper, make sure you are parked in the sun and your battery should charge as long as it is getting sunlight. If you don’t have a camper, or want to conserve your camper battery, a portable power station is an easy way to charge your small electronics. To charge your power station, you can plug in a solar panel, or charge at home before your trip. Most power stations also have a 12V charger to charge the unit while driving, perfect for road trips.

Look for a power station with “pass through” charging, so you can charge your accessories at the same time the station is charging. .

For the most power, check out portable solar panel + power station kits from brands like:
Just need to charge your phone? You can buy a small battery pack for a reasonable price.

Lighting Options

There are many great solar and usb rechargeable lighting products in all price points. Here are some examples:

Solar Lantern – inflatable, waterproof, solar-powered
Solar String Lights – for a cozy camp feel
Rechargeable Lanterns – most last quite a while on a single charge

Power Conservation Tips

Use LED lights – they use less power and can last for several nights on a charge
Charge devices during the day
Avoid “vampire draw” electronics (unplug things when not in use)
Practice before your trip to know how long your power will last

Cooking Without Hookups

Camp cooking without electricity is just camp cooking! Here are some options to make it more convenient.

Butane or propane stove – don’t forget the fuel!
Fire-safe cooking (if fires are allowed): try pie irons, roasting sticks, or Dutch oven meals
12V Refrigerators Like the Alpicool Dual Zone 12V Fridge or the Iceco Go20 12V refrigerator– are very efficient and can be powered by your power station
Ice Coolers – simple, reliable, and easy to keep cold with ice packs or frozen jugs – stay away from electric coolers as they are not very efficient
Use low wattage appliances with your power station – such as a small coffee maker, electric kettle and mini Rice Cooker

Staying Cool (or Warm)

Boondocking comfort is all about temperature control and airflow — ventilation is still important in cold weather to avoid condensation and damp gear.

Staying Cool

Set up camp in shade or use tarps, reflectix window covers, or a pop-up canopy
Use a USB-powered Ceiling Fan or Light/Fan Combo
Crack windows or roof vents to allow airflow
Park with your windows shaded from the afternoon sun

Staying Warm

Dressing in layers and covering your neck and head will help keep you warm on those chilly camp nights, here are some other must- haves for staying warm while camping without electricity.

Wool blankets + quality sleeping bag
The Mr. Buddy Heater can be safely used indoors for short periods of time
12 V Heated Blanket such as the Sealy Heated 12v Car Blanket or Zonli Heated Blanket with Power Bank
Wool blend base layers, hat, gloves and socks

Final Tips Before You Go

Practice camping without electricity and water in your driveway or back yard
Keep track of how much water, power, and food you really use
Pack extra trash bags and always follow Leave No Trace
Take a mini overnight trip before going deep into the woods

Ready to Try Boondocking?

You don’t need a fancy setup for camping without electricity and water, just a little planning and the right gear. With a solar panel, some basic supplies, and the right mindset, you’ll discover the freedom and fun of camping without hookups. Look here for upcoming Minnesota Girl Camper Trips!