Last Updated on 11/22/2023 by Glynn Willard
From our perspective, moochdocking is a way to stay with and visit friends and family.
Moochdocking is one of our favorite aspects of fulltime RV living.
And I don’t mean moochdocking with strangers, such as Boondocker’s Welcome.
I mean staying with friends and family.
There’s a lot to love about moochdocking, but there are also some considerations that cannot be ignored.
What Is Moochdocking?
Moochdocking with friends in Wisconsin.
Some call it driveway surfing. But I believe driveway surfing makes it seem like you’re relying on friends and family for a place to stay.
To me, that sounds needy.
We like to think of moochdocking as a way to stay with and visit friends and family.
Nonetheless, you’re parking your RV on someone’s property (usually a driveway), sometimes using their resources.
Moochdocking Benefits
First and foremost, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the company of those you like and love for an extended period, while staying in your own space.
We’ve moochdocked with several different friends and it’s always the locations we look forward to the most.
That statement says a lot about moochdocking!
Aside from that the additional benefits are:
- It’s free or at least costs very little.
- There’s a source of water for your fresh water tank.
- You’ll have an easy place to dispose of your trash.
- They have a washer and dryer. This can be a huge benefit when fulltiming!
- You might be able to use the shower in the house. If you boondock fulltime, you know what I mean!
- There’s a good chance you’ll dine inside with your friends or family.
- At the end of the day, you get to sleep in your own bed.
- If you have mechanical work to do to your rig, you may be able to use their tools.
- If you need a break from family or your friends, you can spend time in your rig instead.
Considerations When Moochdocking
Doing some upgrades to the rig while moochdocking in Yuma.
Keep in mind, you’re basically boondocking. This means you’ll have to be conscious of your water usage.
More importantly, you should be aware of the local laws and HOA rules your host’s are subjected to.
Also, consider that you might be an eyesore to their neighbors.
Aside from that, you’re likely using their electricity and water. Do your best not to be wasteful with their resources.
All of these factors should weigh into your decision as to how long to stay.
Of course, the host has the final say.
We moochdocked in Ouray, CO, but could only stay for two nights because our host’s HOA only allowed an RV in the driveway for 72 hours.
Shout out and thank you to Alan and Heather!
Moochdocking at friends in Ouray, CO.
On the flip side, we stay in Maine with our great friends on their 10 acres every year for over a month.
And it’s become one of our favorite destinations!
Know Your Local Resources When Moochdocking
Again, since you’re most likely boondocking, you’ll have to live off your fresh water and waste tanks.
Albeit, if you’re sharp, you’ll use the bathrooms in your host’s house. If they don’t mind, of course.
Regardless, if you can’t dump your your tanks at their house, you have two options:
- You can use a septic macerator and a hose to transport “it” into one of their toilets. Yes, that’s an affiliate link to simplify the explanation.
- You’ll need to find the nearest public dump station or RV park to dump your tanks.
Knowing the location of dump stations in advance is the key to planning some logistics about moochdocking in that area.
If you already fulltime, you’ll be used to finding all the local resources of any new location.
Suggestions When Moochdocking
Our favorite place to moochdock is with our friends in Maine.
Most importantly, Give back!
There are always ways to assist and give back to your hosts for their hospitality.
You could:
- Chip in for electricity.
- Assist in the yard work.
- Help them do a home project they’ve been putting off.
- Clean their house for them.
- Take them to dinner.
- If they have kids, watch them for an evening to give the parents a night out. That in itself is priceless!
No doubt, you can come up with some additional ways to give back.
It’s also important to take into consideration their sleeping schedule.
If they’re early to bed, early to rise, be considerate and quiet so as to not disrupt their schedule.
Be mindful if they have kids and act in an appropriate manner whenever you’re within ear shot.
Don’t be cousin Eddie!
Our Favorite Aspect Of Moochdocking
Think of your best friend. Now imagine parking your house in their driveway for days or weeks of fun.
That’s the best part of moochdocking and our favorite part.
If you’re fortunate enough to have someone you like well enough to stay with (by), I think it will become your favorite way to camp too!
Where’s your favorite place to moochdock?
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