Mobile Internet & RV Boondocking or Boat Anchoring Out (Off Grid Connectivity)

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Boondocking Mobile Internet Connectivity for RVs and Boats

Being off the grid doesn't mean you have to be offline. In fact, some of the best internet can be found while boondocking in an RV or anchored out in a boat. 

Finding that secluded boondocking spot with no one else around, no sounds, no traffic, no neighbors, endless beautiful views and fast mobile internet views is an experience like no other. 

Getting out in the middle of nowhere is one of the pure joys of RVing or boating. The electrons cranking out over solars, wind or generator; you're a self-sustained entity.

And that self-sufficiency also applies to your mobile internet connection while boondocking - you need to bring your own, usually with cellular data or satellite. 

The freedom gained by boondocking or anchoring out in a dispersed location with ample internet connectivity can be addictive. Many nomads, after a successful stay in a secluded area of the desert or an out of sight cove, find themselves scouting out their next off-grid location soon thereafter. 

Boondocking involves the art of living for short or long stints in your nomadic rig off the grid. You supply your own power, water, and waste storage - and your own mobile internet connection. 

Not all boondocking spots are quiet or secluded; some present other perks, like being low or no cost, having proximity to an area that you desire to explore further, or presenting the opportunity to overnight when no other options are available. 

Boondocking Internet Challenges & Joys

Being off-grid is often accompanied by many joys - small and large.

While not always the case, many boondocking or anchoring spots are free of charge or cost very little. 

Some boondocking or anchoring spots provide solitude and/or amazing views. Others, like Walmart of Cracker Barrel parking lots, provide a spot to refuel and restock on sundries. Or you might find a free camping situation while visiting a Harvest Host or Boondockers Welcome location. 

Still others, like the tourist parks that dot areas in Idaho, provide quick access to small-town laundromats and bakeries for a few days. 

Often, if a boondocking or anchoring spot is actually 'out in the boonies,' it will provide you access to a cellular tower with less congestion than the tower in town. If you're boondocking outside of a business - like Walmart or in a plaza with a Starbucks, you might even get a bit of access to free Wi-Fi (It's always a good practice to patronize the place if you use their Wi-Fi!).

But, there are also challenges that come with boondocking or anchoring out and maintaining connectivity. 

You'll need to be extra cautious of your power levels, monitoring battery charge on smaller devices, and making sure the power source that is supplying any larger devices - like routers - is in a condition to maintain their function. 

While the dramatic terrain that sometimes accompanies some of the 'wild' boondocking or anchoring spots is a delight for the eyes, it can be an impedance to the signals that we rely on for connectivity. 

And then there are those spots that are wild in both natural features and lack of cellular towers altogether. 

How We Stay Connected at Harvest Hosts

In 2022, we wrote an article for our friends at Harvest Hosts that discusses the different methods we use to stay connected while staying at their locations.

We discuss using Wi-Fi, Cellular, and even Starlink. And we even included some pictures from some of our favorite Harvest Hosts stays.

You can read the article here: How We Stay Connected at Our Favorite Harvest Hosts Locations

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Mobile Internet Options for Boondocking

There are three primary ways nomadic RVers and cruisers successfully maintain mobile internet connectivity: cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite. 

We have a fully fleshed out resource section on mobile internet options for those who are just getting started with the possibilities, which we recommend exploring further here:

Getting Started with Mobile Internet Resource Center

Each way of connecting will have different applications, advantages, and challenges while off-grid camping that we dive into deeper below. 

Cellular Data for Boondocking Internet

Cellular data is currently the best option for getting connected while boondocking or anchoring out near land. This is especially true for those who are looking to explore off the beaten path - but not too far off the beaten path.

If you're dreaming of spending some time out amongst the wild horses of Wyoming, or on the shore visiting dolphin pods in the Intracoastal Waterways, you'll likely want to create plan incorporating cellular data. 

There are three primary components to a cellular data setup:

• devices 
• data plans
• signal enhancing strategy

All these facets of a cellular data arsenal will come into play when making plans to boondock or anchor out, and will likely be the main components of your mobile internet system if you rely on mobile internet while traveling via RV or boat between boondocking and anchoring spots. 

Because cellular data is the most likely system you'll use to get connected while off-grid, we have the most information to share about this. 

Choosing Cellular Carriers for Boondocking

There simply is no single network that works best everywhere; a hang-up for those that truly desire to go everywhere with internet access. 

All of the nationwide carriers have strengths and weaknesses in various locations across the country. And each offers different plans & policies that make them more or less suitable as a mobile internet solution for boondocking.

As a boondocker or an anchor-outer, you need to consider what carrier - or, more than likely, what combination of carriers - will give you coverage and data in the places you want to visit with internet connectivity.

Satellite and Starlink for Boondocking

Low earth orbit satellite internet, currently dominated by Starlink, is a very popular option for boondockers on land or water. Starlink has rapidly evolved its plans and gear, and offers lots of features that appeal to nomads and boondockers.  But there are trade offs to consider - like powering the equipment, mounting, and storage when traveling or not using it - that may make it impractical for some boondockers.  

Be sure to explore our Starlink resources to learn about the latest plans and equipment options to help you decide if Starlink would make sense for your own boondocking needs.

 

There are also other satellite based solutions, like handheld satellite communicators. The handheld communicator  world is facing disruption by satellite connectivity being offered directly to cellular phones; however these services are not going to meet high data needs in the near future. Similarly, most basic satellite communicators are best for very low data communications, like text messaging. 

For more details on Satellite Communicators and other Satellite Internet Services beyond Starlink, see our guide:

Mobile Satellite Internet & Communication Options for RVers and Boaters

 

Pros and Cons of Starlink as an Internet Option

In August 2023 we were interviewed by Mike and Jennifer at RV Lifestyle about the pros and cons of Starlink as an internet solution. We discussed it as a primary internet and also while boondocking. Also options you can get with Starlink.

You can get all the info here: RV Lifestyle Starlink for RV

The challenges of finding the right cellular and satellite internet data solutions when coupled with roaming lifestyle really add up to our number one recommendation:

Redundancy.

For anyone venturing out of main thoroughfares on occasion - or frequently - the best line of defense against the dreaded inability to get connected is creating a redundant mobile internet arsenal - including when it comes to the plans you carry on board. We recommend having plans on multiple carriers if cellular data is your main source of connectivity. Satellite may be part of your solution also.

Our full guide on the strategy of Redundancy:

The Importance of Redundancy

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Cellular Internet for Boondocking

From choosing cellular carriers to planning your boondocking locations around the carriers you have onboard, cellular is the most popular option for mobile internet- even among those who seek out areas off the beaten path. With the help of signal enhancement - and some research on what to expect and how to react, cellular can often keep you connected. 

Wi-Fi Internet for Boondocking

Wi-Fi might not be an option when you're way off the grid, but for those evenings spent in urban locations - having Wi-Fi extending gear onboard your vessel is a consideration to reach public sources. 

Satellite Internet for Boondocking

Those who dream of anchoring out or boondocking way out off the grid may consider satellite internet. 

Power Consumption for Internet while Boondocking

Off-grid living - even for short periods - requires consideration for your power system, and whether it is ample to support not only your everyday power needs - but also that of your mobile internet system. This section dives into considerations for picking your gear to match your boondocking power setup. 

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Internet Access while Boondocking Summary

Being off the grid of public amenities presents both joys and challenges, including in the realm of internet connectivity. 

The good news: in many places that nomads choose to anchor out or boondock - including those that are truly out of the way - maintaining a solid mobile internet connection is achievable.

With initial and ongoing research, and a willingness to learn and test systems that may be novel to you, you are likely to find yourself streaming and conferencing - or at least emailing and route planning - out in the boondocks.